Video memory: We also consider a graphics processor’s dedicated video memory, or VRAM.For our latest round of testing, we evaluated laptops built with the newest generation of Nvidia’s 40-series GPUs and AMD’s 6000-series GPUs. You can’t upgrade your laptop’s GPU, and if you cut corners at the time of purchase, you’ll have to shell out for a new computer sooner to play new games in the future. Graphics card: The graphics processing unit, or GPU, has the biggest influence on what games you can play and at which settings you can play them.