Best Budget Gaming Laptops 2020: Value-Packed Cheap Gaming Notebooks
Best Budget Gaming Laptops 2020: Value-Packed Cheap Gaming Notebooks
Afew years ago you had to spend at least a couple of grand to get a gaming laptop powerful enough for even 1080p gaming and at 60 frame per second if you were lucky. Today things have changed thanks to the latest 10th Generation H-Series processors and Nvidia GTX graphics coming to mobile. Better yet, AMD is offering even more affordable mobile CPUs and GPUs to the portable gaming space and they've proven to be great heavy duty tasks and long battery life to boot. No matter which silicon camp you go with finding a capable budget gaming laptop for under $1,000 isn't very hard.
All budget gaming laptops do not necessarily come with the most entry-level components either. A fair number of affordable machines might feature large 17-inch screens, a higher-end Intel Core i7 processor, and let you play with ray tracing. We've picked out a wide range of gaming laptops that deliver solid performance on a modest budget. Most of them manage to fit within a sub-$1,000 price range, though prices can vary a bit depending on frequent deals available. And if you don't like any of the models we've recommended below, we've put together a shopping guide that highlights every spec and component you should think about when selecting the right machine for you.
These are the Best Budget Gaming Laptops:
-
MSI GF63 Thin
-
HP Pavilion Gaming
-
Asus TUF Gaming A15
-
HP Omen 15t
-
Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming
-
Acer Nitro 7
-
Asus ROG Zephyrus G GA502
-
Dell G3 15 Gaming Laptop
-
Acer Predator Helios 300
1. MSI GF63 Thin
Best Budget Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 120Hz ● CPU: Intel Core i5-9300H ● GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q (4GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 8GB DDR4 (2,666MHz) ● Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD ● Weight: 4.10 pounds ● Size: 14.13" x 9.99" x 0.85"
The Turing-based GTX 1650 debuted as a low price yet high-performance mobile GPU, and MSI's GF63 Thin delivers on that promise. Priced at about $800, the GF63 Thin comes with an Intel Core i5-8300H, GTX 1650, 8GB of memory, 256GB SSD, and a 15.6-inch 1080p display. Naturally, the MSI GF63 Thin has the same tried-and-true look that MSI's gaming laptops are known for: A black housing, sharp edges, bright red highlights, and a bright red keyboard. Oh, and this one weighs in at a fairly light 4.1 pounds.
2. HP Pavilion Gaming
Best Ultra Cheap Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 60Hz ● CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H ● GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 8GB DDR4 (2,666MHz) ● Storage: 256GB SSD ● Weight: 4.92 pounds ● Size: 14.4” x 10.1” x 0.92”
f you're looking to save every dollar you can, you should check out the HP Pavilion Gaming. It almost $100 less than our top pick, and yet it features an even faster Intel Core i7 processor, plus the same Nvidia GTX 1650 graphics. The only real difference you'll notice about this cheap gaming laptop is it's slightly larger and heavier, so it won't be near as portable.
With all that money you've saved, you can buy yourself a great gaming mouse or a bushel of indie games. This is the lowest priced budget gaming laptop we've found that's still seaworthy and it's a looker too thanks to its a jet black paint scheme and sharp, aggressive angles.
3. Asus TUF Gaming A15
Best Budget AMD-Powered Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 144Hz ● CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 4800H ● GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 1660 Ti (6GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 16GB DDR4 (3,200MHz) ● Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD ● Weight: 5.07 pounds ● Size: 14.52" x 10.07" x 0.98"
As with gaming PCs, going with an AMD processor is a great way of getting a powerful rig at a discount. Nothing sums up this up better than the Asus TUF Gaming A15 that comes with Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti graphics for under a grand. This is pretty much the cheapest Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti-powered gaming laptop you're going to find.
What's more, this is a very well rounded machine with an octa-core AMD Ryzen R7 4800H processor. You'll also be able to download a sizable library of PC games with 512GB of storage. Meanwhile, 16GB of 3,200MHz memory gives the Asus TUF Gaming A15 a strong foundation for video editing that's sure to attract creatives.
4. HP Omen 15t
Best Budget 15-inch Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 60Hz ● CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H ● GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (6GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 8GB DDR4 (2,666MHz) ● Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD ● Weight: 4.92 pounds ● Size: 14.17” x 10.24” x 0.78”
Another gaming laptop with a GTX 1650 is the HP Omen 15t. It's not the cheapest, at a bit over $1,000, but it checks off all the boxes to make our list. There's an Intel Core i7-9750H inside powering 8GB of memory, a 256GB SSD, and a 15.6-inch 1080p display.
This model is fairly customizable as well, so if you can spare the extra money, you can bump up to a 144Hz or even a 240Hz display panel. You can start gaming on this laptop right away, as HP is including a free copy of Red Dead Redemption 2 with this laptop.
5. Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming
Best Budget 17-inch Gaming Laptop
Display: 17.3” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 60Hz ● CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H ● GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 8GB DDR4 ● Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD, 1TB HDD (5,400rpm) ● Weight: 6.16 pounds ● Size: 16.26" x 11.21" x 1.00"
Lenovo's Ideapad L340 Gaming was recently upgraded to include an Nvidia GTX 1650 alongside an up to 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor. Like most gaming laptops you can find the L340 gaming in 15- and 17-inch models, however, it won’t cost you a single extra dime to get the big version of this machine.
In fact, this 17-incher only costs $920, making it as more affordable than some of our 15-inch gaming laptop picks. So, if a little extra screen real estate without the guilt is what you're looking for, the 17-inch Ideapad L340 might just be what you're looking for.
6. Acer Nitro 7
Best 15-inch Budget Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 60Hz ● CPU: Intel Core i5-9750H ● GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 8GB DDR4 ● Storage: 512GB SSD ● Weight: 5.51 pounds ● Size: 14.3” x 10.2” x 0.91”
The Acer Nitro 7 is configurable with AMD and Intel processors, but we really like the Intel variants. Specifically, the (normally) $990 model strikes a good balance of affordability and performance. At that price you get an i5-9750H, a GTX 1650, 8GB of memory, and 512GB SSD in a housing that fits a 15.6-inch display. It's just over 5.5 pounds, so it's not the most portable laptop on this list, but you're still able to throw it in a bag and take it wherever you go.
7. Asus ROG Zephyrus G GA502
Best Budget Everday Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 120Hz ● CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3750H ● GPU: Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti (6GB GDDR6 VRAM) ● RAM: 16GB DDR4 (2,666MHz) ● Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD ● Weight: 4.63 pounds ● Size: 14.2” x 9.9” x 0.8”
Okay, I’m might be breaking my own rule here by picking out this $1,199 gaming laptop, but it’s still on helluva machine even if it costs over a grand. For your money, you’re getting a machine with a high-end AMD Ryzen 7 3750H CPU, Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti graphics, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
With these specs it blows any other budget gaming laptop on this out of the water—as well it should for the $200-400 premium you’re paying here. Best of all, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G GA502 has a rated 7 hours of battery life to get you through school and your other everyday tasks when you’re not gaming.
8. Dell G3 15 Gaming
Best Budget Thin Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) VA 60Hz ● CPU: Core i5-9300H● GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (6GB GDDR6 VRAM) ● RAM: 8GB DDR4 (2,666MHz) ● Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD ● Weight: 5.18 pounds ● Size: 14.4" x 10” x 0.85”
Dell has been building up a strong fleeting of affordable gaming laptops and it's latest G3 15 Gaming laptop is one of the best it has ever made. It's thinner and lighter than ever at just 0.85-inches thick and 5.18 pounds. At the same time, this 15-inch gaming laptop comes packing the latest components with the combination of an i5-9300H and a GTX 1650. The base 128GB SSD is a little bit on the small side, but that's nothing you can't fix by selecting a larger drive at checkout or installing an inexpensive aftermarket SSD yourself.
The Dell G3 15 should also be of interest to those looking for a sleeper gaming laptop. Nothing about this machine screams the fact that your living the gamer life. If anything this machine's sleek blue lines make it look more like a budget school laptop, which can be a good thing if you plan to take it out every day.
9. Acer Predator Helios 300
Best Budget 144Hz Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 144Hz ● CPU: Intel Core i9-9750H ● GPU: Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti (6GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 16GB DDR4 ● Storage: 512GB NVMe SDD ● Weight: 5.29 pounds ● Size: 14.2" x 10” x 0.9”
Arguably, Acer’s Predator Helios 300 (read our review) is a little pricier than most of the gaming laptops on this list, but wow is it worth it. It's headlining feature is a Full HD monitor gives you a 144Hz high-frame rate experience and great colors that only an IPS panel such as this can provide. The Helios 300 also comes loaded with a 9th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and the latest Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti, two specs that honestly should demand a higher price.
With an ample 16GB of memory and a 512GB SDD, this budget gaming laptop offers a lot at a low price. It also helps this machine was built for gaming from the ground up with one of the industry's most competent cooling systems and an easy, one-button overclocking model.
What's next?
The field of budget and high-end gaming laptops is going to continue changing, especially as all the major players behind core components have new hardware on the way. AMD's Ryzen 4000-series mobile processors are starting to show up in laptops, and they aren't going unanswered.
Intel and Nvidia have both recently announced the latest hardware they have coming to power laptops. Nvidia is upping the power of its mobile graphics processors by bringing the Super variants of its GeForce RTX 2070 and 2080 to mobile devices. These new mobile GPUs will also be Max-Q parts, so they won't be as power hungry as the desktop variants. Nvidia's Dynamic Boost technology will also come into play, shifting power delivery between the CPU and GPU to improve performance.
Intel is also bringing more power to laptops with new, 10th Generation Intel Core H-Series processors. Intel has seen AMD bumping up its core counts, and it's coming to the table with an eight-core, 16-thread processor. It's also offering at least 5.0GHz single-core boost clocks on all Core i7 and Core i9 models, while Core i5's will get at least 4.5GHz on a single core.
These new parts are definitely going to show up more in high-end, and therefore expensive, gaming laptops, but there's a strong likelihood that the lower-end products will see their prices fall as a result.
What to Look for in a Budget Gaming Laptop
Below I've sketched out which graphics card and what other specs you need in a cheap gaming laptop. I also go over the main features to consider when shopping for a cheap gaming notebook.
For screen resolution, a 1080p display hits the sweet spot between price and required GPU beefiness. It is really the only option for a value-oriented gaming laptop. Even if you could score a cheap laptop with a high-resolution 4K panel, the GPU inside won't be able to run games at that resolution, so prepare yourself for 1080p gaming.
When it comes to storage, try to steer clear of laptops with a lone solid-state drive. Heck, even a model with a 256GB SSD offers barely enough space to keep multiple games installed and at the ready, so you might be stuck getting a system with a slower, yet much more spacious, spinning hard drive.
You can also get a sweet deal by going with something older sporting previous generation processors, as they are usually available at fire-sale prices and there's not a huge difference in performance between 8th Gen Coffee Lake and 9th Gen Coffee Lake Refresh for gaming. You won't be quite as future-proof down the line, but you'll still enjoy several years of solid 1080p gaming at a low price.
One more thing: just because it's a laptop doesn't mean you need to take its name literally. The best experience with a laptop usually isn't on your lap but a desk. Do yourself a favor and check out my guide to the best computer desks to find one to suit your needs—and perhaps a laptop cooling pad to boost your performance—and don't forget to check out the best gaming chairs to sit in with your new laptop.
Afew years ago you had to spend at least a couple of grand to get a gaming laptop powerful enough for even 1080p gaming and at 60 frame per second if you were lucky. Today things have changed thanks to the latest 10th Generation H-Series processors and Nvidia GTX graphics coming to mobile. Better yet, AMD is offering even more affordable mobile CPUs and GPUs to the portable gaming space and they've proven to be great heavy duty tasks and long battery life to boot. No matter which silicon camp you go with finding a capable budget gaming laptop for under $1,000 isn't very hard.
All budget gaming laptops do not necessarily come with the most entry-level components either. A fair number of affordable machines might feature large 17-inch screens, a higher-end Intel Core i7 processor, and let you play with ray tracing. We've picked out a wide range of gaming laptops that deliver solid performance on a modest budget. Most of them manage to fit within a sub-$1,000 price range, though prices can vary a bit depending on frequent deals available. And if you don't like any of the models we've recommended below, we've put together a shopping guide that highlights every spec and component you should think about when selecting the right machine for you.
These are the Best Budget Gaming Laptops:
- MSI GF63 Thin
- HP Pavilion Gaming
- Asus TUF Gaming A15
- HP Omen 15t
- Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming
- Acer Nitro 7
- Asus ROG Zephyrus G GA502
- Dell G3 15 Gaming Laptop
- Acer Predator Helios 300
1. MSI GF63 Thin
Best Budget Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 120Hz ● CPU: Intel Core i5-9300H ● GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q (4GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 8GB DDR4 (2,666MHz) ● Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD ● Weight: 4.10 pounds ● Size: 14.13" x 9.99" x 0.85"
The Turing-based GTX 1650 debuted as a low price yet high-performance mobile GPU, and MSI's GF63 Thin delivers on that promise. Priced at about $800, the GF63 Thin comes with an Intel Core i5-8300H, GTX 1650, 8GB of memory, 256GB SSD, and a 15.6-inch 1080p display. Naturally, the MSI GF63 Thin has the same tried-and-true look that MSI's gaming laptops are known for: A black housing, sharp edges, bright red highlights, and a bright red keyboard. Oh, and this one weighs in at a fairly light 4.1 pounds.
2. HP Pavilion Gaming
Best Ultra Cheap Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 60Hz ● CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H ● GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 8GB DDR4 (2,666MHz) ● Storage: 256GB SSD ● Weight: 4.92 pounds ● Size: 14.4” x 10.1” x 0.92”
f you're looking to save every dollar you can, you should check out the HP Pavilion Gaming. It almost $100 less than our top pick, and yet it features an even faster Intel Core i7 processor, plus the same Nvidia GTX 1650 graphics. The only real difference you'll notice about this cheap gaming laptop is it's slightly larger and heavier, so it won't be near as portable.
With all that money you've saved, you can buy yourself a great gaming mouse or a bushel of indie games. This is the lowest priced budget gaming laptop we've found that's still seaworthy and it's a looker too thanks to its a jet black paint scheme and sharp, aggressive angles.
3. Asus TUF Gaming A15
Best Budget AMD-Powered Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 144Hz ● CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 4800H ● GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 1660 Ti (6GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 16GB DDR4 (3,200MHz) ● Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD ● Weight: 5.07 pounds ● Size: 14.52" x 10.07" x 0.98"
As with gaming PCs, going with an AMD processor is a great way of getting a powerful rig at a discount. Nothing sums up this up better than the Asus TUF Gaming A15 that comes with Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti graphics for under a grand. This is pretty much the cheapest Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti-powered gaming laptop you're going to find.
What's more, this is a very well rounded machine with an octa-core AMD Ryzen R7 4800H processor. You'll also be able to download a sizable library of PC games with 512GB of storage. Meanwhile, 16GB of 3,200MHz memory gives the Asus TUF Gaming A15 a strong foundation for video editing that's sure to attract creatives.
4. HP Omen 15t
Best Budget 15-inch Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 60Hz ● CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H ● GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (6GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 8GB DDR4 (2,666MHz) ● Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD ● Weight: 4.92 pounds ● Size: 14.17” x 10.24” x 0.78”
Another gaming laptop with a GTX 1650 is the HP Omen 15t. It's not the cheapest, at a bit over $1,000, but it checks off all the boxes to make our list. There's an Intel Core i7-9750H inside powering 8GB of memory, a 256GB SSD, and a 15.6-inch 1080p display.
This model is fairly customizable as well, so if you can spare the extra money, you can bump up to a 144Hz or even a 240Hz display panel. You can start gaming on this laptop right away, as HP is including a free copy of Red Dead Redemption 2 with this laptop.
5. Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming
Best Budget 17-inch Gaming Laptop
Display: 17.3” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 60Hz ● CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H ● GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 8GB DDR4 ● Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD, 1TB HDD (5,400rpm) ● Weight: 6.16 pounds ● Size: 16.26" x 11.21" x 1.00"
Lenovo's Ideapad L340 Gaming was recently upgraded to include an Nvidia GTX 1650 alongside an up to 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor. Like most gaming laptops you can find the L340 gaming in 15- and 17-inch models, however, it won’t cost you a single extra dime to get the big version of this machine.
In fact, this 17-incher only costs $920, making it as more affordable than some of our 15-inch gaming laptop picks. So, if a little extra screen real estate without the guilt is what you're looking for, the 17-inch Ideapad L340 might just be what you're looking for.
6. Acer Nitro 7
Best 15-inch Budget Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 60Hz ● CPU: Intel Core i5-9750H ● GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 8GB DDR4 ● Storage: 512GB SSD ● Weight: 5.51 pounds ● Size: 14.3” x 10.2” x 0.91”
The Acer Nitro 7 is configurable with AMD and Intel processors, but we really like the Intel variants. Specifically, the (normally) $990 model strikes a good balance of affordability and performance. At that price you get an i5-9750H, a GTX 1650, 8GB of memory, and 512GB SSD in a housing that fits a 15.6-inch display. It's just over 5.5 pounds, so it's not the most portable laptop on this list, but you're still able to throw it in a bag and take it wherever you go.
7. Asus ROG Zephyrus G GA502
Best Budget Everday Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 120Hz ● CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3750H ● GPU: Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti (6GB GDDR6 VRAM) ● RAM: 16GB DDR4 (2,666MHz) ● Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD ● Weight: 4.63 pounds ● Size: 14.2” x 9.9” x 0.8”
Okay, I’m might be breaking my own rule here by picking out this $1,199 gaming laptop, but it’s still on helluva machine even if it costs over a grand. For your money, you’re getting a machine with a high-end AMD Ryzen 7 3750H CPU, Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti graphics, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
With these specs it blows any other budget gaming laptop on this out of the water—as well it should for the $200-400 premium you’re paying here. Best of all, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G GA502 has a rated 7 hours of battery life to get you through school and your other everyday tasks when you’re not gaming.
8. Dell G3 15 Gaming
Best Budget Thin Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) VA 60Hz ● CPU: Core i5-9300H● GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (6GB GDDR6 VRAM) ● RAM: 8GB DDR4 (2,666MHz) ● Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD ● Weight: 5.18 pounds ● Size: 14.4" x 10” x 0.85”
Dell has been building up a strong fleeting of affordable gaming laptops and it's latest G3 15 Gaming laptop is one of the best it has ever made. It's thinner and lighter than ever at just 0.85-inches thick and 5.18 pounds. At the same time, this 15-inch gaming laptop comes packing the latest components with the combination of an i5-9300H and a GTX 1650. The base 128GB SSD is a little bit on the small side, but that's nothing you can't fix by selecting a larger drive at checkout or installing an inexpensive aftermarket SSD yourself.
The Dell G3 15 should also be of interest to those looking for a sleeper gaming laptop. Nothing about this machine screams the fact that your living the gamer life. If anything this machine's sleek blue lines make it look more like a budget school laptop, which can be a good thing if you plan to take it out every day.
9. Acer Predator Helios 300
Best Budget 144Hz Gaming Laptop
Display: 15.6” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS 144Hz ● CPU: Intel Core i9-9750H ● GPU: Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti (6GB GDDR5 VRAM) ● RAM: 16GB DDR4 ● Storage: 512GB NVMe SDD ● Weight: 5.29 pounds ● Size: 14.2" x 10” x 0.9”
Arguably, Acer’s Predator Helios 300 (read our review) is a little pricier than most of the gaming laptops on this list, but wow is it worth it. It's headlining feature is a Full HD monitor gives you a 144Hz high-frame rate experience and great colors that only an IPS panel such as this can provide. The Helios 300 also comes loaded with a 9th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and the latest Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti, two specs that honestly should demand a higher price.
With an ample 16GB of memory and a 512GB SDD, this budget gaming laptop offers a lot at a low price. It also helps this machine was built for gaming from the ground up with one of the industry's most competent cooling systems and an easy, one-button overclocking model.
What's next?
The field of budget and high-end gaming laptops is going to continue changing, especially as all the major players behind core components have new hardware on the way. AMD's Ryzen 4000-series mobile processors are starting to show up in laptops, and they aren't going unanswered.
Intel and Nvidia have both recently announced the latest hardware they have coming to power laptops. Nvidia is upping the power of its mobile graphics processors by bringing the Super variants of its GeForce RTX 2070 and 2080 to mobile devices. These new mobile GPUs will also be Max-Q parts, so they won't be as power hungry as the desktop variants. Nvidia's Dynamic Boost technology will also come into play, shifting power delivery between the CPU and GPU to improve performance.
Intel is also bringing more power to laptops with new, 10th Generation Intel Core H-Series processors. Intel has seen AMD bumping up its core counts, and it's coming to the table with an eight-core, 16-thread processor. It's also offering at least 5.0GHz single-core boost clocks on all Core i7 and Core i9 models, while Core i5's will get at least 4.5GHz on a single core.
These new parts are definitely going to show up more in high-end, and therefore expensive, gaming laptops, but there's a strong likelihood that the lower-end products will see their prices fall as a result.
What to Look for in a Budget Gaming Laptop
Below I've sketched out which graphics card and what other specs you need in a cheap gaming laptop. I also go over the main features to consider when shopping for a cheap gaming notebook.
For screen resolution, a 1080p display hits the sweet spot between price and required GPU beefiness. It is really the only option for a value-oriented gaming laptop. Even if you could score a cheap laptop with a high-resolution 4K panel, the GPU inside won't be able to run games at that resolution, so prepare yourself for 1080p gaming.
When it comes to storage, try to steer clear of laptops with a lone solid-state drive. Heck, even a model with a 256GB SSD offers barely enough space to keep multiple games installed and at the ready, so you might be stuck getting a system with a slower, yet much more spacious, spinning hard drive.
You can also get a sweet deal by going with something older sporting previous generation processors, as they are usually available at fire-sale prices and there's not a huge difference in performance between 8th Gen Coffee Lake and 9th Gen Coffee Lake Refresh for gaming. You won't be quite as future-proof down the line, but you'll still enjoy several years of solid 1080p gaming at a low price.
One more thing: just because it's a laptop doesn't mean you need to take its name literally. The best experience with a laptop usually isn't on your lap but a desk. Do yourself a favor and check out my guide to the best computer desks to find one to suit your needs—and perhaps a laptop cooling pad to boost your performance—and don't forget to check out the best gaming chairs to sit in with your new laptop.
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