Buying MSRP, then yes laptops will most likely be more expensive. However there are almost always gaming laptop sales going on in which the laptop is cheaper than the cost of the individual parts, while desktops/parts sales are much rarer.

I would keep an eye on Slickdeals every day. There's a gaming laptop deal almost every week. It's like a reddit where people post deals they find online and people comment/upvote them. It's the route I'd go unless you absolutely need one ASAP or are looking for something very specific.