Labtop or desktop for gaming ?

[Landawash]

Hi all
Im looking to buy another pc. What is best labtop or desktop? If I buy a desktop and use my tv as a monitor would there be any lag. Im using Acer right now and Im getting alot of lag when playing AO Tennis. My player dont move so fast when Im playing with my brother online. When we play together at my place we are very competitive but online I dont stand a chance. This is my specs.
Processor Intel(R) Core (TM) i5-9300H CPU2.40GHz (2.40 GHz)
RAM 16 GB 15.8 useable
So I would really like your feedback guys. I have no knowledge about computers just love playing the games.

 

[Colif]

If it was a normal year I would suggest a desktop, but with ram prices being so high, a laptop might be a better choice. I don't know what ones would be a good choice now though, I mostly do desktops.

Your CPU only just 7 years old.

Intel® Core™ i5-9300H Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.10 GHz) - Product Specifications | Intel

Intel® Core™ i5-9300H Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.10 GHz) quick reference with specifications, features, and technologies.

www.intel.com

16gb of ram is still the best amount to have
the lag most likely caused by the CPU, most new ones have more cores and can deal with more things happening at once. Your current one only has 4.
Might also be GPU or Internet connection.

Would help to know what games you want to play, apart from the game you mentioned.

is it number 1 or 2?

AO International Tennis – Big Ant Studios

www.bigant.com

AO Tennis 2 on Steam

AO Tennis 2 is the only tennis experience designed for and by its community. Create your own players, stadiums and legendary matches. Enter the competition to reach the top of world tennis in Career Mode.

store.steampowered.com

Both should run smoothly on a new PC.

 

[Zed Clampet]

Hi all
Im looking to buy another pc. What is best labtop or desktop? If I buy a desktop and use my tv as a monitor would there be any lag. Im using Acer right now and Im getting alot of lag when playing AO Tennis. My player dont move so fast when Im playing with my brother online. When we play together at my place we are very competitive but online I dont stand a chance. This is my specs.
Processor Intel(R) Core (TM) i5-9300H CPU2.40GHz (2.40 GHz)
RAM 16 GB 15.8 useable
So I would really like your feedback guys. I have no knowledge about computers just love playing the games.

If the game only lags when you are online, then your connection is likely the problem. Or you are doing peer to peer and running it on your PC, which can't handle it. Next time you play, make sure that your brother is the one who sets up the game, and you join him instead of the other way around, and see if that helps. Your mobile chip may just not be able to handle being the host.

As for desktop versus laptop, both should be able to play this game without lag, but you typically need to have a GPU, which you didn't list in your specs.

 

[Colif]

Can you tell us which model Acer it is? We can work out the internals from there, or might unless Acer have lots of choices.

 

[Landawash]

Can you tell us which model Acer it is? We can work out the internals from there, or might unless Acer have lots of choices.

Ping
14 ms
Download
446.41 Mb/s
Upload
17.14 Mb/s This is my speed test with ethernet cable connected. It should be 1500 mbs according to Eastlink. AO Tennis is the only game that I play online. Acer Nitro 5 is the model that Im using. My brother is using Lenovo. What is a good price range$1100-1300 or 1700-2000. I only need a small hard drive. The other games that I play is CueClub snooker, golf, and Dig Dug. Yes I still love that game from 1982. BTW Rogers and Bell is not available in my area. I think Eastlink is the fastest thats available.

 

[Landawash]

If the game only lags when you are online, then your connection is likely the problem. Or you are doing peer to peer and running it on your PC, which can't handle it. Next time you play, make sure that your brother is the one who sets up the game, and you join him instead of the other way around, and see if that helps. Your mobile chip may just not be able to handle being the host.

As for desktop versus laptop, both should be able to play this game without lag, but you typically need to have a GPU, which you didn't list in your specs.

My gpu is showing 1807 in nitro sense when I checked it now. Sorry I dont have much knowledge of computers. But yes its peer to peer and my brother always request for me to join. But thanks for the info I didnt know it mattered.
Ping
14 ms
Download
446.41 Mb/s
Upload
17.14 Mb/s
Internet speed according to oopla

 

[Colif]

Possibly this one:

Key Specifications (Typical Configuration):

Processor: Intel Core i5-9300H (9th Gen, 4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.1 GHz)
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB GDDR5/GDDR6) or GTX 1660 Ti
Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080) IPS, usually with 60Hz or 144Hz refresh rates
RAM: Typically 8GB or 16GB DDR4 2666MHz (upgradeable up to 32GB)
Storage: 256GB/512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, with additional1TB HDD options and empty slots for expansion
Battery: 55Wh to 58.75Wh Lithium-ion battery (approx. 7–8 hours of light use, though much less while gaming)
Weight: Approx. 2.2 kg to 2.5 kg (4.85 - 5.5 lbs)

It should be 1500 mbs according to Eastlink

looks like its your connection speed then if you only getting

Ping 14 ms
Download 446.41 Mb/s
Upload 17.14 Mb/s

Download speed should be higher than it is.
note: doesn't appear to be the megabit/megabyte difference that ISP like to play with

Do you have Acer Care Centre installed? Have you run it to check for driver updates?

https://www.acer.com/au-en/support/product-support/Nitro_AN515-54

its on this page under applications. That appears to be your model. I may be wrong but the app is for all their PC and will work out what you have.

 

[Landawash]

If it was a normal year I would suggest a desktop, but with ram prices being so high, a laptop might be a better choice. I don't know what ones would be a good choice now though, I mostly do desktops.

Your CPU only just 7 years old.

Intel® Core™ i5-9300H Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.10 GHz) - Product Specifications | Intel

Intel® Core™ i5-9300H Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.10 GHz) quick reference with specifications, features, and technologies.

www.intel.com

16gb of ram is still the best amount to have
the lag most likely caused by the CPU, most new ones have more cores and can deal with more things happening at once. Your current one only has 4.
Might also be GPU or Internet connection.

Would help to know what games you want to play, apart from the game you mentioned.

is it number 1 or 2?

AO International Tennis – Big Ant Studios

www.bigant.com

AO Tennis 2 on Steam

AO Tennis 2 is the only tennis experience designed for and by its community. Create your own players, stadiums and legendary matches. Enter the competition to reach the top of world tennis in Career Mode.

store.steampowered.com

Both should run smoothly on a new PC.

Possibly this one:

Key Specifications (Typical Configuration):

Processor: Intel Core i5-9300H (9th Gen, 4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.1 GHz)
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB GDDR5/GDDR6) or GTX 1660 Ti
Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080) IPS, usually with 60Hz or 144Hz refresh rates
RAM: Typically 8GB or 16GB DDR4 2666MHz (upgradeable up to 32GB)
Storage: 256GB/512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, with additional1TB HDD options and empty slots for expansion
Battery: 55Wh to 58.75Wh Lithium-ion battery (approx. 7–8 hours of light use, though much less while gaming)
Weight: Approx. 2.2 kg to 2.5 kg (4.85 - 5.5 lbs)



looks like its your connection speed then if you only getting

Download speed should be higher than it is.
note: doesn't appear to be the megabit/megabyte difference that ISP like to play with

Do you have Acer Care Centre installed? Have you run it to check for driver updates?

https://www.acer.com/au-en/support/product-support/Nitro_AN515-54

its on this page under applications. That appears to be your model. I may be wrong but the app is for all their PC and will work out what you have.

Only update i see is for BIOs.

 

[Colif]

I doubt that would help

you could try restarting router to see if it increases your download speed. Anyone else using network?

Do you use Wifi or Ethernet cable?

The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-54 features a Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45) port supporting speeds up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps). It utilizes Realtek RTL8118ASA-CG

The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-54 typically features Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (802.11ax) technology, capable of delivering theoretical speeds up to 2.4gbs. In real-world scenarios, users report high-performance wireless speeds ranging from 256 to 480mb/s

Your speed is about right for Wifi but low for Ethernet cable.
If you can I would suggest Ethernet cable unless you already are.
If you are on ethernet cable now, it could be the cable needs replacing.

 

[Zed Clampet]

My gpu is showing 1807 in nitro sense when I checked it now. Sorry I dont have much knowledge of computers. But yes its peer to peer and my brother always request for me to join. But thanks for the info I didnt know it mattered.
Ping
14 ms
Download
446.41 Mb/s
Upload
17.14 Mb/s
Internet speed according to oopla

That's fine.

(Nearing 100 percent confidence) This has nothing to do with your laptop. If this is the only reason you are wanting a new PC, then you might want to reconsider.

(Nearing 100 percent confidence) The two things that most commonly cause your problem are 1) the game's netcode is poor or 2) One of you has an Internet issue, like your brother's ISP is using Carrier‑Grade NAT.

Based upon my research, your game is generally considered to be very playable online, so I think we can rule out the netcode. Your problem is probably something to do with you or your brother's Internet, specifically one or more of the items in this list:

• NAT type mismatch
• UPnP disabled
• Wi‑Fi instability
• ISP routing between you and your brother's homes
• One of you is behind CGNAT

Random suggestion once we get this solved:

Tennis Elbow 4 on Steam

Created by and for tennis fans, Tennis Elbow 4 is a true tennis simulation built around anticipation, positioning and risk management. Easy to start, demanding to master, it delivers exceptional gameplay depth and long-term progression.

store.steampowered.com

 

[Landawash]

That's fine.

(Nearing 100 percent confidence) This has nothing to do with your laptop. If this is the only reason you are wanting a new PC, then you might want to reconsider.

(Nearing 100 percent confidence) The two things that most commonly cause your problem are 1) the game's netcode is poor or 2) One of you has an Internet issue, like your brother's ISP is using Carrier‑Grade NAT.

Based upon my research, your game is generally considered to be very playable online, so I think we can rule out the netcode. Your problem is probably something to do with you or your brother's Internet, specifically one or more of the items in this list:

• NAT type mismatch
• UPnP disabled
• Wi‑Fi instability
• ISP routing between you and your brother's homes
• One of you is behind CGNAT

Random suggestion once we get this solved:

Tennis Elbow 4 on Steam

Created by and for tennis fans, Tennis Elbow 4 is a true tennis simulation built around anticipation, positioning and risk management. Easy to start, demanding to master, it delivers exceptional gameplay depth and long-term progression.

store.steampowered.com

Download Mbps
629.80
Upload Mbps
16.98
Ethernet cable connected. Little bit better than in the morning. My brother has good internet. Bell 2000 I think. Sorry Zed Nat type mismatch and those other suggestions are like another language to me and I dont really want the headache. Thank you guys for your help.

 

[Zed Clampet]

Download Mbps
629.80
Upload Mbps
16.98
Ethernet cable connected. Little bit better than in the morning. My brother has good internet. Bell 2000 I think. Sorry Zed Nat type mismatch and those other suggestions are like another language to me and I dont really want the headache. Thank you guys for your help.

I understand. The best way for you to try to figure this out is via CoPilot. Describe the problem, and just do what it tells you. That's a lot more immediate and easier than a forum. Tell it you aren't very familiar with this sort of thing, and it should go easier on you 🙂

 

[inmedia]

Hi Landawash,

From what you described, I would first check if the lag happens only when playing online. If the game runs fine offline or when playing locally with your brother, then the problem may be more related to the internet connection, the game’s online mode, or who is hosting the match, rather than the PC itself.

Your Acer Nitro 5 with an i5-9300H and 16 GB RAM is not terrible for light games, but it is getting older now. The missing detail is the GPU, because that matters a lot for gaming performance.

About laptop vs desktop: if you do not need to move the PC around, I would personally choose a desktop. You usually get better performance, better cooling, easier upgrades, and better value over time. A laptop is better only if you really need portability.

Using a TV as a monitor can work, but make sure the TV has a “Game Mode.” Without Game Mode, some TVs add input lag, which can make the controls feel slower.

For your games, especially AO Tennis, CueClub, golf games, and older classics like Dig Dug, you probably do not need a very expensive machine. A good mid-range desktop or laptop should be more than enough. I would spend more only if you plan to play heavier modern games later.

So my suggestion would be:

• Test online hosting with your brother first.
• Check your Acer Nitro 5 GPU.
• Use Ethernet, which you already do.
• If buying new and portability is not important, go desktop.
• If using a TV, enable Game Mode.

Hope that helps!