Gaming laptops have come a long way in terms of affordability and performance, making it easier for gamers on a budget to find suitable options. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best budget gaming laptops for the end of 2023 and going into 2024. We’ll cover various price ranges and specs, helping you make an informed decision without breaking the bank.
Entry-Level APUs
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly gaming laptop that won’t compromise on performance, consider laptops equipped with Accelerated Processing Units (APUs). These laptops typically fall in the $300 to $500 price range, making them an excellent choice for gamers on a tight budget. The Ryzen 5500U APU is a solid choice, offering a 6-core, 12-thread processor with integrated graphics that can handle esports titles like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Valorant. While these laptops may lack gaming aesthetics, they provide a cost-effective entry point into gaming.
Budget-Friendly Dedicated GPUs
Stepping up to the $500 to $700 range, you’ll find laptops with dedicated graphics cards that can deliver a more immersive gaming experience. One notable option is the Asus TUF Gaming F-15, featuring the RTX 2050 and an Intel i5-11400H processor. While the i5-11400H is a 4-core, 8-thread processor, the RTX 2050 offers improved gaming performance compared to integrated graphics. These laptops often feature 1080p displays with high refresh rates, providing smoother gameplay.
The features of budget gaming laptops
| Category | Laptop Model | Price Range | Processor | Graphics | Display | RAM | Storage | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level APUs | Ryzen 5500U APU Laptop | $300-$500 | Ryzen 5500U APU | Integrated Graphics | Varies | 8GB RAM | 512GB SSD | Affordable, suitable for esports titles |
| Budget-Friendly Dedicated GPUs | Asus TUF Gaming F-15 | $500-$700 | Intel i5-11400H | RTX 2050 | 1080p high refresh rate | 8GB RAM | 512GB NVMe SSD | Improved gaming performance, 1080p display |
| Mid-Range RTX 3050 Laptops | Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Series | $700+ | AMD Ryzen/Intel | RTX 3050 | High-refresh-rate 1080p | 16 GB | 512GB | Solid gaming performance, options for upgrades |
| RTX 4060 Laptops | Gigabyte Laptop | $900-$1,000 | Intel i5-12500H | RTX 4060 | 1080p 144Hz | 8GB DDR4 RAM | 512GB Gen 4 SSD | High gaming performance, Gen 4 SSD |
| Micro Center Specials | MSI Katana Series | Under $1,000 | Intel i7-13620H | Dedicated GPU | High-refresh-rate display, dual-channel DDR5 RAM, Gen 4 SSD | 16GB | 1TB NVMe SSD |
These laptops cater to various budget ranges and offer different levels of gaming performance, making them suitable for gamers with different preferences and financial constraints.
Mid-Range RTX 3050 Laptops
For those willing to spend a bit more, the $700+ range offers laptops with RTX 3050 GPUs, providing a significant boost in gaming performance. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Series is an excellent choice, offering a range of configurations with options for AMD Ryzen processors and RTX 3050 graphics. These laptops typically come with high-refresh-rate displays and can handle modern games at 1080p resolution. However, some may come with single-channel RAM, which is worth upgrading for better performance.
RTX 4060 Laptops
If you’re aiming for a gaming laptop with even more power, the $900 to $1,000 range introduces laptops equipped with RTX 4060 GPUs. One such model is the Gigabyte laptop with an Intel i5-12500H processor and a 1080p 144Hz display. These laptops provide solid gaming performance and are equipped with Gen 4 SSDs for fast storage. Keep in mind that some of these laptops may come with single-channel RAM, which should be upgraded for optimal performance.
Micro Center Specials
Lastly, for those looking for exceptional value, consider laptops available at Micro Center. The MSI Katana series, priced under $1,000, features an Intel i7-13620H processor, a high-refresh-rate display, dual-channel DDR5 RAM, and a Gen 4 SSD. These laptops offer an excellent balance of performance and affordability, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Gaming laptops have become increasingly affordable, allowing gamers to find suitable options without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level APU laptop or a mid-range gaming machine with dedicated graphics, there are budget-friendly options available. Consider your gaming needs and budget when choosing the right laptop for you, and don’t forget to check for deals and upgrades to make the most of your gaming experience.
