So, you’ve taken the plunge and invested in a high-end gaming laptop; congratulations! With all the power and precision packed into that sleek design, it’s only natural to want to make sure it lasts for as long as possible. After all, laptops are expensive, and gaming laptops are even more so. In the spirit of making sure you get the most out of this investment, let’s explore some strategies to prolong the life of your precious device.
Keep it Cool and Clean
One of the quickest ways to degrade your laptop’s performance is to let it overheat. You see, gaming laptops are potent machines, often stuffed with powerful processors and graphics cards. These components generate heat, and if that heat isn’t managed effectively, it can impact the laptop’s lifespan. And reduce its performance to boot.
So, how can you help keep things cool? One simple yet effective way is to use a laptop cooling pad. These devices are inexpensive and help to improve airflow, reducing the strain on the laptop’s internal cooling system. Remember to keep your laptop on a hard surface, as using it on a bed or a couch can block the vents, leading to increased temperatures.
Keep an eye on the cooling system for dust build-up as well and clean it accordingly. Doing so will keep it running cool but more importantly, it will also prolong the lifespan of the cooling solution and in turn the laptop itself. Be careful when you clean the laptop though, as some models will require you to pop the lid open. Doing so may also void your warranty and if it will, best have it checked from where you purchased the unit.
You’ll want to read your laptop’s manual as well. It should have info on temperature management and tolerances for your device; some are designed to run hotter than others.
Maintain the Battery
Your gaming laptop’s battery life is another critical component that can dramatically influence the device’s lifespan. It’s tempting to keep your laptop plugged in all the time, but that can hurt the battery’s longevity. Instead, try to keep your laptop’s charge between 20% and 80%.
Regularly draining the battery to zero or keeping it at 100% can lead to faster wear and tear. So when possible, you should remove the charger once the battery reaches 80% and only plug it back in when it drops below 20%.
Again, read the manual. The manufacturer will likely have instructions on how to manage the battery. And if you expect to use this laptop for five years or more, you may want to buy one or two spare batteries sooner rather than later. Gaming laptops are niche, and the supply of spare parts often dries up as the years go by.
Keep the Screen Safe
Your laptop’s screen is one of its most vital and expensive parts. A high-quality display can provide the immersive experience that gamers crave, but it also requires special care. Gaming laptops often come equipped with OLED screens and high refresh rates, making them a significant part of the overall cost. These screens are worth the cost, but they’re expensive and difficult to replace.
To keep your screen in top condition, clean it regularly using a microfiber cloth and a solution designed for screens. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or rough cloths, as these can scratch the delicate surface. Furthermore, when you close your laptop, make sure there’s nothing left on the keyboard. Even a small object can cause pressure that leads to a cracked screen.
For extra safety, get a screen protector. As this website shows, there are plenty of laptop screen protectors out there, so tracking down a Lenovo screen protector for your device won’t be difficult.
Regular Software Updates and Disk Cleanups
While hardware care is vital, don’t overlook the importance of regular software maintenance. Updating your software can help keep your laptop running smoothly, while regular disk cleanups can prevent unnecessary clutter from slowing down your system.
Remember, a clean system runs faster and lasts longer. And even high-end devices can begin to chug if they’re filled with bloatware.
