Key takeaways
- Plug in, use the highest performance mode and make sure games run on the dedicated GPU (enable the MUX switch if available).
- Update GPU drivers, enable DLSS or FSR, cap frame rates and keep the laptop cool.
- Upgrading to dual-channel 32GB RAM and a fast SSD helps on many gaming laptops.
In this article
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Learning how to improve laptop performance for gaming can add significant frame rates without spending much money. Gaming laptops are powerful, but settings, drivers, heat and memory configuration all affect how well they perform. Here is a step-by-step guide for 2026.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each product opens the current price on Amazon.
1. Always game plugged in
Most gaming laptops limit GPU and CPU power on battery. Plug in for full performance.
2. Use the highest performance mode
Use manufacturer software such as Lenovo Legion Space or Vantage, ASUS Armoury Crate, MSI Center, HP OMEN Gaming Hub, Alienware Command Center or Acer PredatorSense to select Performance or Turbo mode when gaming.
3. Enable the MUX switch or dGPU mode
If your laptop has a MUX switch or Advanced Optimus, set it to use the dedicated GPU directly. This can boost frame rates in many games.
4. Update GPU drivers
Install the latest Nvidia Game Ready or AMD Adrenalin drivers. New drivers often include game-specific optimizations.
5. Use upscaling and frame generation
Enable DLSS 4 on RTX 50-series laptops, or FSR and XeSS where supported. These technologies increase frame rates significantly with minimal visual loss.
6. Optimize in-game settings
Lower shadows, volumetric effects and ray tracing first, as they have the biggest performance cost. Cap frame rates near your display’s refresh rate to reduce heat and noise.
7. Keep the laptop cool
Clean vents, use a hard surface and consider a cooling pad. Lower temperatures mean higher sustained boost clocks. Read why is my laptop overheating.
8. Check memory configuration
Single-channel memory (one stick) can reduce gaming performance. Dual-channel 16GB or 32GB is ideal. Many gaming laptops have SODIMM slots for easy upgrades.
9. Use a fast SSD
Install games on a fast NVMe SSD for quicker loading and less stutter in open-world games. Add a second SSD if your laptop has a spare M.2 slot.
10. Reduce background apps
Close browsers, launchers and overlays you do not need. Windows Game Mode helps prioritize your game.
11. Connect to a better setup at home
An external high-refresh monitor, wired Ethernet, and a quality mouse and keyboard improve both performance and comfort.
Upgrades and accessories that help
Upgrades and accessories that help
llano V10 Laptop Cooling Pad
Best cooling pad for gaming · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.4/10 · Typical price: $110 – $140
Key specs: Turbo blower fan with sealed foam, up to 17.3 inches, adjustable speed
Why we picked it: Big temperature drops help sustain boost clocks.
Pros: Very strong cooling for gaming laptops · Sealed design forces air into intakes · Adjustable · Sturdy
Cons: Expensive · Loud at high speed · Large
Buy it if you want the biggest temperature drop for a hot gaming laptop.
Skip it if you want a quiet office setup.
KLIM Wind Laptop Cooling Pad
Best budget cooling pad · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.3/10 · Typical price: $30 – $40
Key specs: Four fans, adjustable height, fits up to 17 inches, USB powered
Why we picked it: Noticeable cooling for little money.
Pros: Strong airflow for the price · Adjustable angles · Fits gaming laptops · Affordable
Cons: Noisy at full speed · Plastic build · Takes a USB port
Buy it if you want cheap, noticeable cooling for a gaming laptop.
Skip it if you need silence.
Crucial 32GB DDR5 SODIMM Laptop RAM Kit
Best RAM upgrade · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $120 – $220
Key specs: 2 x 16GB DDR5-5600 SODIMM
Why we picked it: Dual-channel 32GB for smoother gaming and streaming.
Pros: Simple upgrade for supported laptops · Trusted brand · Big multitasking boost · Lifetime warranty
Cons: Prices rose sharply in 2026 · Only for laptops with removable memory · Check speed compatibility
Buy it if your laptop has SODIMM slots and you need more memory.
Skip it if your memory is soldered.
WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD
Best gaming SSD upgrade · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $90 – $190
Key specs: PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, 1TB–4TB, up to 7,300MB/s
Why we picked it: Fast load times and room for more games.
Pros: Excellent gaming load speeds · Reliable · Large capacities · Good heat handling
Cons: Pricier than budget drives · No heatsink for laptops · Needs 2280 slot
Buy it if you want to upgrade a gaming laptop’s storage.
Skip it if your laptop takes 2230 drives.
Logitech G502 X Lightspeed Gaming Mouse
Best gaming mouse · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $99 – $139
Key specs: Wireless, HERO 25K sensor, 13 programmable controls
Why we picked it: Precise aim beats any touchpad.
Pros: Precise sensor · Comfortable shape · Great battery · Programmable
Cons: Heavy for some · Pricey · Large
Buy it if you want a top wireless gaming mouse for a gaming laptop.
Skip it if you want an ultralight mouse.
Dell UltraSharp 27 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2724DE)
Best monitor for desk gaming · Verdict: Consider · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $449 – $579
Key specs: 27-inch QHD 120Hz IPS Black, USB-C with 90W charging, Ethernet, KVM
Why we picked it: A bigger 120Hz screen at home.
Pros: One-cable laptop setup · Excellent contrast for IPS · 120Hz · Built-in hub and Ethernet
Cons: QHD not 4K · Pricey · Plain speakers absent
Buy it if you want a one-cable office monitor for a laptop.
Skip it if you want 4K sharpness for photo work.
Logitech MX Keys S
Best keyboard for desk gaming setups · Verdict: Consider · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $99 – $109
Key specs: Full-size wireless keyboard, backlit, three-device switching, USB-C rechargeable
Why we picked it: A comfortable full-size keyboard for long sessions at a desk.
Pros: Excellent typing feel · Switches between three devices · Smart backlight · Works with Mac and Windows
Cons: Pricey · Not mechanical · Large footprint
Buy it if you want the best all-round wireless keyboard for a laptop desk setup.
Skip it if you want a compact or mechanical keyboard.
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI
Best upgrade if your laptop is too old · Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.7/10 · Typical price: $1,499 – $1,899
Key specs: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia RTX 5070 or RTX 5070 Ti, 16-inch WQXGA 240Hz display
Why we picked it: If tuning is not enough, an RTX 5070 laptop is a big leap.
Pros: Great value at RTX 5070 Ti · Fast 240Hz screen · Strong cooling · Easy upgrades
Cons: Heavy · Loud under load · Gamer styling
Buy it if you want strong 1440p gaming without paying flagship prices.
Skip it if you want a slim or quiet laptop.
Common mistakes
- Gaming on battery and wondering why performance is low.
- Leaving the GPU in hybrid mode without Advanced Optimus.
- Running single-channel memory on a gaming laptop.
For more options, see our best gaming laptops with RTX graphics.
Compare more options
Search gaming laptop accessories on Amazon See top-rated gaming laptop accessories on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How can I make my gaming laptop faster?
Play plugged in, use performance mode, enable the MUX switch or dGPU mode, update drivers, use DLSS and keep the laptop cool.
Does a cooling pad improve gaming performance?
It can reduce temperatures and throttling, especially on laptops with bottom intakes, leading to steadier frame rates.
What is a MUX switch?
A hardware switch that lets the dedicated GPU connect directly to the display, improving frame rates in many games.
Will more RAM improve gaming?
Moving from 8GB to 16GB, or from single-channel to dual-channel memory, can improve frame rates and reduce stutter.