Two laptops with the same "RTX 4060" can differ a lot in FPS because of these.
Step 1: the basics
Follow How to check your PC specs to note your processor, graphics card, RAM and storage. On laptops you will usually see two GPUs in Task Manager: an integrated one (Intel UHD / Iris Xe / Arc, or AMD Radeon Graphics) and, on gaming laptops, a dedicated one (NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon RX). The dedicated one is your gaming GPU.
Step 2: find the exact model
The fastest way to get every spec is the model number:
- Look for the sticker under the laptop, or open Settings → System → About (the device name and model are at the top).
- Search the manufacturer's website for that exact model. The spec page lists the processor, GPU, RAM and often the GPU wattage.
Step 3: check the GPU's power limit (wattage)
Laptop GPUs with the same name come in very different power levels. A low-power version can be much slower than a high-power one.
- NVIDIA: open NVIDIA Control Panel, click System Information (bottom-left), and look for Maximum Graphics Power in the details for your GPU. Laptops do not always reach this number in practice, especially thin ones.
- If NVIDIA Control Panel is missing, you can install it free from the Microsoft Store, or check the GPU power on your laptop's spec page or in a review of your exact model.
- AMD and others: check the laptop's spec page or a review of your exact model.
| Laptop GPU power | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Low (thin and light laptops) | Noticeably slower than the name suggests |
| Middle | Typical gaming laptop performance |
| High (thick gaming laptops) | Closest to desktop-like performance for that GPU |
FPSVibe's estimates use the desktop version of each card, so a laptop GPU will usually land 10-30% lower, and low-power versions can fall further.
Step 4: make games use the dedicated GPU
Most laptops switch GPUs automatically, but sometimes a game starts on the integrated chip and runs badly.
Windows 11 (24H2 and newer):
- Open Settings → System → Display → Graphics.
- Click Add desktop app, choose the game's
.exefile (or Add Microsoft Store app). - Click the game in the list, and under GPU preference choose High performance.
- Restart the game.
Older Windows 11 / Windows 10: in Settings → System → Display → Graphics, add the app with Browse, click Options, choose High performance and Save.
Some gaming laptops also have a MUX switch or "dGPU only / Ultimate" mode in the manufacturer's app (for example Armoury Crate, Legion Space, Omen Gaming Hub). It connects the screen straight to the dedicated GPU and can raise FPS.
Step 5: plug in and pick the right power mode
- On battery, laptops cut GPU and CPU power to save energy. Always game plugged in.
- In Settings → System → Power & battery, set Power mode to Best performance while gaming.
- Use the manufacturer's performance or turbo mode for the best FPS (it is louder).
Step 6: check RAM and whether you can upgrade it
In Task Manager → Performance → Memory, check Slots used. If it says "1 of 2", adding a second matching stick enables dual channel, which helps FPS, especially on integrated graphics. If the slot count is missing or the laptop is very thin, the RAM may be soldered and not upgradeable; the spec page or manual will say.
Quick laptop checklist
| Check | Where | Good for gaming |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated GPU present | Task Manager → Performance | NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon RX listed |
| Game uses it | Settings → Display → Graphics | GPU preference: High performance |
| GPU wattage | NVIDIA Control Panel → System Information | Higher is faster |
| Plugged in | Charger | Always while gaming |
| Power mode | Settings → Power & battery | Best performance |
| RAM | Task Manager → Memory | 16 GB, two sticks |
Now check your games
Pick your laptop's processor and graphics card in Can I Run It? or the FPS calculator. If you use Detect my PC, FPSVibe recognises laptop GPUs and lists the closest desktop card first, but leaves the choice to you, because laptop chips are usually slower than the desktop card of the same name.
