When last year GPU price hike started due to supply issues then tech experts predicted that it would be solved with new launch of graphics cards. But all new launches were affected by scalpers and miners worldwide. When the cryptocurrencies crashed a few months ago, gamers got some hope. But it soon turned into despair when cryptocurrencies boomed again.
Conditions are worse in India, even certified sellers are selling them for more than twice the normal price(for example, RTX 3090 is usually listed for ₹2-2.5lakh in India, which is roughly $3000). Even founder editions are more expensive than US listing on Nvidia website. A GTX 1660 Ti costs more than an average "middle-class" family's monthly income these days.
Which raises the question, are gaming laptops better deal than desktops in India?
Before we answer that, let's address the elephant in the room. Whenever there is a debate of Laptop vs Desktop, there is always a discussion of 'portability vs upgradability'. That point will always be there and it will always be crucial for making the decision.
However, I'm talking about Indian budget gamers here. A market where a price difference of mere ₹10,000(approx $135) has a huge impact on buying decision. That ₹10,000 buys whole month's ration for an average Indian middle class family.
So let's find out the cost of an entry level gaming PC(Desktop) in India.
As you can see in the picture above, you are getting a quad core processor, 8GB RAM and GTX 1050 Ti for roughly ₹60k with current prices in India.
Now let's find a gaming laptop with "comparable" specs:
As you can see, that laptop has a quad core processor, 8GB RAM and GTX 1650. On top of that, you save about ₹5000 with it.
Not only that, if you add that ₹5000, you get a laptop with 6 core processor:
That continues with higher price point as well. You can get a Laptop with RTX 3060 and 144Hz display for around ₹95k.
But a RTX 3060 costs around ₹60k on average and a 144Hz monitor around ₹17k. GPU and monitor alone will set you back for about ₹75-80k. Can you get remaining components under ₹20k? Nope.
That's why getting a gaming laptop seems like a better deal than getting a desktop for Indian budget gamers in 2021.
However, if you can wait out the GPU shortage, getting a gaming desktop would definitely be better.
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