Unleashing the Power: Top 10 Gaming Laptops That Won't Break the Bank in 2023
Discover the top budget gaming laptops of 2023 and level up your gaming experience without breaking the bank Learn what to look for in a gaming laptop and get answers to FAQs about gaming laptops Perfect for students or anyone on a tight budget
When purchasing a gaming laptop, price is a key factor to consider, especially if it's your first time. You'll need to pay close attention to the value for money to ensure you make the right tradeoffs if you're on a budget. This may involve sacrificing storage space to get a better GPU or opting for a screen with higher visual fidelity rather than a high refresh rate. The cost of a budget gaming laptop can range from $600 to $2000 depending on your expectations and what you consider a budget gaming laptop to be.
The main compromises you'll need to make when buying a budget gaming laptop are often related to aesthetics. Thinner, slimmer laptops with the latest features like vapor chambers tend to cost more. Additionally, gaming laptops typically have a low battery run time due to thermal restrictions and battery limitations, making them intended for use while plugged in.
When it comes to purchasing a gaming laptop on a budget, it's important to find a balance between meeting your specific requirements and not compromising on the overall functionality of the device. Our top pick for the best budget gaming laptop is the MSI Thin GF63 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop, available for $1287 at Newegg.
But if you're willing to spend a bit more for even better performance, consider the Lenovo Legion 5. This mid-range budget gaming laptop is available for $748 on Amazon, and offers a range of impressive features including a powerful processor, high-quality graphics, and a comfortable keyboard that's perfect for long gaming sessions.
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Lenovo Legion 5 17.3" 144Hz Gaming Laptop The Best Budget 17-Inch Gaming Laptop $800 at Best Buy
Looking for an affordable gaming laptop that doesn't compromise on performance? Look no further than the MSI Thin GF63 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop. Packed with a 12th generation Intel Core i7 processor and the new RTX 4050 GPU, this laptop delivers top-notch power and efficiency. Plus, with a one terabyte PCI-E 4.0 SSD, you'll have plenty of storage space for all your games and files. And at a price of just $1329 (save $70!), it's a steal. Other features include USB Type-C connectors, Cooler Boost 5 cooling system, and a genuine pre-installed Windows 11 operating system.
with this model
Offers a spacious 512GB PCI-E 4.0 NVMe SSD for fast storage and quick boot times
Features an Intel Core i7-12650H 10 Core Processor and 16GB DDR4 memory for smooth performance
Comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed for a modern and streamlined user experience
Equipped with a 720p HD Webcam and 2 x 2W speakers for video conferencing and media consumption
Boasts a slim and lightweight design at just 4.10 lbs and 0.85" thickness
Includes a Gigabit Ethernet port, LAN, USB, HDMI, and Audio ports for versatile connectivity options
Comes with a 3 cell, 51Whr Li-Polymer battery for all-day productivity on-the-go
Comes with a 120W AC Power Adapter for quick and efficient charging
Overall, the MSIColor Black laptop model 12VE-066US is a high-performance device that combines power, speed, and style. Its latest Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU offers top-notch graphics performance, while its spacious storage, fast processor, and ample memory ensure smooth multitasking. The laptop's slim and lightweight design, along with its versatile connectivity options and long battery life, make it an ideal choice for professionals and students alike. Additionally, its well-built construction and premium feel make it a great investment for anyone who values quality and durability.
Has an excellent, capable Intel CPU to handle most games at a high present
Comes with fast PCI-E 4.0 NVME storage that allows it to boot up and load games quite fast
Cons Screen brightness is somewhat limited
Runs hot when gaming, should be paired with a laptop cooler for longer sessions
The display screen is not intended for art or design-related work; it is a fast, gaming-centric display and does not have great color reproduction
$1329 at Amazon $1287 at Newegg
Nowadays, owning a high-quality laptop like the MSI Thin GF63 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop is no longer a pipe dream for most people. With the advancements made in the industry, you can now get your hands on a gaming laptop that also doubles as a powerful work computer for just $1200, without compromising on performance, storage options, or build quality. Personally, I am a big fan of the MSI Thin GF63 and use it as my daily driver, albeit in a higher spec than the one we are currently recommending. Despite its somewhat average display and sub-par battery life, this laptop stands out as one of the most capable budget-centric performers available on the market in 2023. However, it may not be the best choice for those who need to carry their laptop around for extended periods of time.
Looking for an entry-level budget gaming laptop that won't break the bank? Look no further than the MSI GV15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop. Its powerful Core i5-11400H processor ensures speedy processing while its 256 GB NVMe SSD allows for lightning-fast load times and smooth multitasking. And with a precise gaming display, you can enjoy your favorite games with crystal-clear graphics and minimal lag, even during online play. At just $684, the MSI GV15 Gaming Laptop is an affordable option for gamers on a strict budget. Save $66 today and level up your gaming experience.
The MSIColor laptop boasts a sleek black design and impressive specs, including a 256 GB NVMe SSD, Core i5-11400H CPU, and 8 GB DDR4 3200 MHz memory. It also comes equipped with Windows 11 and a 51Wh battery. With 2 USB Type-C ports, 3 USB Type-A ports, Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, and a 720p camera, this laptop offers plenty of I/O options. The 15.6" 1080p display with a 144 Hz refresh rate is a standout feature at an introductory price, making it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option with a high-quality display. Plus, the entry-level processor is a nice bonus for those who don't need a top-of-the-line CPU.
Has upgradeable ram based on your needs
Cons The GTX 1650 is an underwhelming GPU by today's standards and will be a limiting factor for gaming past medium settings on most games
8GB of ram is a bottleneck that would probably require an upgrade to get any decent gaming done
$660 at Newegg $684 at Amazon
With 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, the MSI GV15 Gaming Laptop strikes a balance between work and play. Its Intel Core i5-11400H processor may not be the most robust, but it can handle day-to-day tasks and even light gaming. The laptop's GTX 1650 MaxQ GPU with 4GB VRAM, while not top-of-the-line, provides acceptable performance in productivity apps and eSports titles. The 15.6' FHD 'IPS-like' display is a nice touch, and the inclusion of Windows 11 out of the box saves you from having to upgrade software in the near future. Overall, the MSI GV15 Gaming Laptop is a reasonable choice for those seeking an affordable gaming laptop.
Looking for a well-balanced gaming laptop that won't break the bank? Look no further than the Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop. With its impressive gaming performance, energy-efficient CPU, and ample storage, this laptop is a top choice for gamers on a budget. While the RAM specs may not be the most impressive, the fact that it is user-upgradeable makes it a smart investment for the long haul.
The Lenovo laptop in Phantom Blue boasts a 512GB NVMe SSD (TLC), AMD Ryzen 5 5600H CPU, and 8GB DDR4 RAM (upgradeable). It runs on Windows 11 Home and features a 4-cell Li-ion Polymer battery. The laptop comes equipped with Ethernet, USB A, USB C, and headphone/microphone ports, as well as a FHD (1920x1080), 120Hz display. Weighing in at 5.28 lbs, it features an RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GPU and a 15.6' form factor with dimensions of 14.27' x 0.89' x 10.26'. Additional features include Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, and speakers. The laptop model is 82JW00BHUS and comes with a 230W AC adapter. The Lenovo laptop offers an excellent and well-balanced combination of CPU and GPU, and arguably better build quality than most laptops in its price range.
The Legion 5 offers unbeatable value at under $750. However, users who aren't comfortable upgrading their own RAM may find the included 8GB insufficient for modern gaming.
Runs slightly hot while gaming; requires adequate 3rd party cooler for longer sessions
$896 at Walmart $748 at Amazon
The Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop is a budget-friendly option that boasts a Ryzen 5 5600H plus RTX 3050 TI configuration. While it may not be the most cutting-edge of setups, it still has the capability to handle most modern games with ease. Additionally, it can push up to 120Hz on esports titles such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, League of Legends, and Valorant, making it a solid choice for gamers on a budget.
Despite being on the heavier side of gaming laptops, the Lenovo Legion 5's build quality is noteworthy and complements its performance capabilities well. While it may not be the most powerful option available, it still offers adequate power at an excellent price point. However, it's worth noting that the on-board memory is quite low for a mid-range gaming laptop, with most modern game titles requiring at least 16GB of DDR4 or equivalent memory to run smoothly.
The MSI Katana 15 gaming laptop packs a powerful punch with its Intel® Core™ i7-13620H CPU, 16GB DDR5 5200Mhz memory, and GeForce RTX 4070 8GB GDDR6 GPU. Its 15.6" FHD IPS-Level 144Hz display is perfect for gamers who demand high refresh rates and crystal-clear visuals. With a 1TB PCI-E 4.0 SSD for lightning-fast storage and Wi-Fi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet for speedy connectivity, this laptop is a steal for its price point. Plus, it's lightweight and portable, making it easy to take on-the-go.
Comes with the latest 10-core Intel Core i7 processor that can handle gaming and productivity well
Uses DDR5 memory out of the box, allowing future-proof memory upgrades
Excellent value for money; one of the best configurations money can buy at the sub $1500 range for a gaming laptop
Cons Has quite low battery life while gaming, even when compared to its peers
The MSI Katana 15 15.6" 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop is a great choice for gamers who have a larger budget. Despite being priced at $1524 on Amazon, it offers top-notch specifications that can easily compete with laptops that cost almost $500 more. This laptop stays relatively cool and boasts the latest Intel Core i7 processor, DDR5, and an RTX 4070, making it a powerful machine capable of handling modern games with ease.
For those looking for a high-end gaming laptop without breaking the bank, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus is a solid choice. While the battery life and screen quality could use some improvement, the Katana focuses on delivering top-notch performance at a competitive price point.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus 14' WQXGA Gaming Laptop boasts top-of-the-line technology in a compact 14-inch form factor. Its powerful 8-Core AMD 6000 series Laptop CPU and RX 6700S GPU make it ideal for both gaming and complex productivity tasks, while its 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD and 16GB DDR5 memory provide ample storage and speed. Additionally, its 14' 2560x1600, 120Hz display and 4-speaker system with 3-mic array offer a top-notch audio-visual experience.
The RX6700S may not be the top-performing mobile GPU available in the market, but it manages to deliver impressive results considering the G14's form factor and thermal constraints. Additionally, the gaming laptop boasts a remarkably high-resolution display that outshines many of its rivals, providing a fantastic viewing experience.
The device impressively packs advanced technology into its compact size, including HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6E, and a WQXGA display. However, due to its AMD GPU, it may struggle to keep up with Nvidia GPUs when handling RT-focused content.
Runs somewhat loud during gaming sessions with potentially audible coil whine at higher fan speeds
$1650 at Best Buy $1398 at Amazon
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14' WQXGA Gaming Laptop reigns supreme as our top pick for a compact gaming laptop, boasting unmatched price-to-performance ratios that outshine all competitors. Its current sale prices make it an irresistible choice for gamers seeking a powerful yet compact device.
Equipped with a robust Radeon 6700S GPU, this laptop can easily handle all non-ray tracing gaming requirements, performing just as well as the last generation's RTX 3070 and 3060 or even the current generation's RTX 4050 in terms of rasterization performance. To top it off, the laptop comes with a high-end 1TB PCI-E 4.0 SSD and one of the best mobile CPUs, the AMD R9 6900HS, providing not only top-notch gaming performance but also exceptional productivity performance.
ASUS has equipped the Zephyrus G14 with a top-tier display, boasting a WQXGA screen that is capable of producing 500 Nits of brightness and supports Dolby Vision HDR technology. The display also boasts a refresh rate of 120Hz, making it an exceptional feature that truly sets the Zephyrus laptop apart from its competitors. In fact, the high-quality display alone makes the Zephyrus G14 one of the best deals that can be found at sub $1000 price points, currently available for purchase at Best Buy.
Lenovo Legion 5 17.3" 144Hz Gaming Laptop The Best Budget 17-Inch Gaming LaptopLarge Form Factor For Less
The Lenovo Legion 5 17.3" 144Hz Gaming Laptop is a great option for gamers on a budget, offering impressive performance at a reasonable price. With its powerful Ryzen 5000 Series processor, 512GB SSD, and 144Hz 17 inch screen, this laptop is perfect for those looking for a larger gaming screen. Additionally, the laptop comes equipped with Wi-Fi 6, ethernet, and a variety of ports including USB A, USB C, Ethernet, HDMI, Headphone Jack, and SD Card Adapter, making it highly versatile. The laptop also features a 720P Webcam, 2 x 2W Speakers, and a 4-cell Li-On Polymer battery. Overall, the Lenovo Legion 5 17.3" is a great choice for anyone looking for a capable gaming laptop.
Has a decent-sized SSD when you consider its selling price
Has plenty of I/O options for an entry level laptop
The weight of the Legion 5 is on the heavier side for a 17 inch laptop, which could be attributed to its form factor and replicated design in comparison to newer models. Additionally, the entry-level specs may not be sufficient for certain games, as the laptop only comes with 8GB of RAM.
If you're looking for a gaming laptop with a large screen and solid specifications that won't break the bank, the Lenovo Legion 5 17.3" 144Hz Gaming Laptop is a great option. Equipped with a powerful 8-core Ryzen 7 5800H processor and a capable 3050 GPU, you'll be able to enjoy FHD gaming with ease using decent quality presets for most games. Keep in mind that while the RTX 3050 may not be as strong as some of the other budget-centric options out there, you may need to make some visual sacrifices in exchange for higher FPS for smoother gameplay.
However, the drawback of larger-screen laptops is their limited portability, as they tend to be more like desktop replacements. The Legion 5, for instance, comes with only 8GB of RAM, which may not be sufficient for intensive tasks in the future, necessitating an upgrade. Despite these flaws, the Legion 5 is still an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly 17-inch laptop, and the RAM upgrade can easily address its shortcomings in the long run.
What To Look For In A Gaming Laptop?
The Processor is the heart of any modern computer, including laptops. Cheaper desktop-level CPUs have brought significant benefits to the portable market, with newer laptop processors being more powerful and efficient than their predecessors. Thanks to advancements in manufacturing processes, they also run cooler. For gaming, it's best to have at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, while low-end laptop options can benefit from AMD's APUs.
Consider opting for Intel's H-series CPUs or AMD's HS and HX offerings, with a preference for Zen 4 based CPUs, as they typically have more cores and relaxed power limits, resulting in better thermals, efficiency, and overall performance. The GPU is also a critical component in modern gaming laptops, and both Nvidia and AMD have made significant strides in improving their architectures to provide more efficient gaming experiences on the go.
In contrast to AMD's focus on mid-range gaming laptops with only 2 GPU offerings in the RX7000 mobility series, Nvidia has shown a commitment to mobile gaming by deploying more mobile GPU variants than desktop variants. This emphasis on mobile gaming is further demonstrated by Nvidia's development of technologies such as DLSS and FSR, which have improved over time. For optimal performance and compatibility with these technologies, it is advisable to choose a current-generation GPU like the RTX 4000 series, which can handle optimizations better than prior generations. However, when choosing a laptop for gaming, it is important to consider the memory capacity and whether upgrades and repairs will be easily accessible, as some smaller laptops have soldered-on memory that can pose challenges for users in the long run.
When buying a laptop for gaming, it's essential to know the memory capacity of the device and the possible upgrades available in the future. It's crucial to conduct thorough research, particularly when purchasing a budget gaming laptop, to avoid any surprises. Some laptops may not support certain memory modules or have insufficient expansion slots, so it's always better to be prepared.
In general, it's recommended to opt for a gaming laptop with a minimum of 16GB of memory (preferably 32GB) or at least the ability to upgrade to this capacity or higher. This will ensure smooth gameplay, especially as modern games are becoming increasingly demanding.
When it comes to gaming laptops, storage capacity is crucial due to the increasing size of modern games, some of which can take up over 200GB. While budget gaming laptops often come with limited storage capacity of 256GB or 512GB, upgrading to better and larger SSDs is becoming increasingly affordable. As for the display, it's important to look for a decent viewing angle, good peak brightness, and a high refresh rate. While IPS panels are preferred, budget constraints may lead to opting for VA or 'IPS-like' variants marketed by certain manufacturers, which are usually slightly improved VA or TN panels.
When it comes to laptops, the display is a crucial component and should not be compromised on in terms of resolution and quality, unless you plan on using an external monitor. In addition, modern laptops can be categorized into two camps based on their cooling capabilities - those designed for peak performance with adequate thermal cooling and those with top-of-the-line specs but inadequate cooling, which can result in significant performance losses.
When it comes to lower-end laptops or budget offerings, an external thermal solution like a cooling pad may be necessary to improve performance, as they often lack vapor chambers, excellent fans, and custom thermal paste applications found in higher-end laptops. However, relying solely on a cooling pad may not be sufficient and could potentially lead to thermal issues that negatively impact the laptop's performance and lifespan. It's important to read reviews and choose a laptop with a well-designed cooling system. Additionally, if gaming on the go is a priority, battery life should also be considered. While most laptops throttle their CPU and GPU in battery mode, a gaming laptop may require a strong battery to sustain full power while on the go.
Ensure that your laptop's battery life lasts longer than the duration of your intended gaming sessions while on the go. If you plan on using your laptop for other purposes besides gaming, it's important to research whether its battery life is sufficient for your everyday computing needs. However, if you're one of the many gamers who use their laptop as a desktop replacement, then this step may not be necessary.
FAQ
Q: Are gaming laptops good to bring to school?
Gaming laptops are not just limited to gaming. They can also be utilized for schoolwork due to their impressive battery life. This feature enables students to carry the laptop to various classes for note-taking, assignments, and lectures comfortably.
Q: What's the price range for a gaming laptop?
Gaming laptops have a wide range of prices. Many laptops can go for as high as $1,500 or even $3000 at the high end, while more budget laptops may be as cheap as less than $400.
Q: What makes gaming laptops different from standard laptops?
Gaming laptops have distinct features that set them apart from regular laptops. The CPU and graphics card of a gaming laptop are more robust than that of an average laptop. While gaming laptops may be bulkier than standard laptops, there are also slim and portable options available for those looking to purchase their first gaming laptop.
