The 5 Best Cheap Gaming Laptops Worth Buying

Are you searching for an affordable gaming laptop that won’t break the bank but will still provide an immersive gaming experience? Look no further than this list of the 5 best cheap gaming laptops worth buying! These laptops have powerful processors, high-quality displays, and discrete graphics cards to run your favorite games smoothly without any lag.

Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, these laptops provide performance at a price tag you can afford. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at these top 5 cheap gaming laptops worth considering.

Top Picks: Best Cheap Gaming Laptops

Best Overall: Dell G5 15 SE (2020)

For gamers on a budget, the Dell G5 15 SE (2020) is an affordable gaming laptop worth considering. This laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 6-core processor and AMD Radeon RX graphics card, providing outstanding performance. It also comes with 16GB RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD, providing plenty of storage space and smooth multitasking capabilities.

The backlit keyboard provides comfortable typing even in dim lighting conditions. The 15.6″ FHD IPS display also delivers vibrant colors and sharp details for an enhanced gaming experience.

Additionally, the laptop runs on Windows 10, providing a user-friendly interface and quick access to numerous applications and software programs.

One of the greatest features of this laptop is its cooling system, which ensures it doesn’t overheat even during intense gaming sessions. The dual-fan cooling system helps maintain a stable temperature, eliminating any lag or performance issues.

Best Value for Money: Acer Nitro 5

For those on a tight budget that still want an impressive gaming experience, the Acer Nitro 5 laptop is worth considering. This laptop features a Core i5 processor, a 15.6-inch Full HD display, 8GB RAM, 1TB hard drive, and an Nvidia 1050 4GB graphics card.

The Acer Nitro 5 boasts impressive hardware, making it a great option for gamers who want to save money without compromising on performance. Its Full HD IPS display provides sharp and vivid visuals, immersing your gaming experience.

The laptop’s 8GB of RAM ensures you can run multiple applications at once without any lag. Furthermore, its 1TB hard drive offers plenty of space for games, documents, and media files.

The Nvidia 4GB graphics card is capable of providing smooth and high-quality visuals, even for demanding games. This guarantees that you can play your favorite titles without experiencing any lag or stuttering.

Best Battery Life: Asus TUF Gaming FX705

The Asus Gaming FX705 is a cheap gaming laptop with an impressive battery life. It has a 17.3-inch Full HD display, powered by a Ryzen 5 processor and Radeon RX graphics card. The laptop comes with 8GB of RAM and a 1TB HDD, providing ample storage for gaming files and software.

One of the standout features of the Asus TUF Gaming FX705 is its battery life. With a battery that lasts up to 7 hours on a single charge, this laptop is perfect for gamers who want to play on the go without worrying about running out of power. Whether you’re traveling, at a LAN party, or just using the laptop around the house, the long battery life will give you peace of mind.

The laptop’s design is also worth noting, with a sleek and sturdy build that can withstand the rigors of gaming. The keyboard is backlit, making it easy to use in low-light environments, and the touchpad is responsive and accurate.

In terms of performance, the Asus TUF Gaming FX705 is more than capable of handling modern games. The AMD Ryzen 5 processor and Radeon RX 560X graphics card provide smooth gameplay and high frame rates, even with demanding games like Fortnite and Apex Legends.

The Asus TUF Gaming FX705 is a great choice for budget-conscious gamers who don’t want to sacrifice performance or battery life. Its impressive specs, long battery life, and durable design make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a cheap gaming laptop that can keep up with their gaming needs.

Best Performance: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3

This Lenovo gaming laptop, coupled with an IdeaPad Gaming Backpack, is an affordable gaming laptop that is worth considering. Thanks to its impressive specs and price point, this laptop has gained a lot of interest among budget-minded gamers.

The IdeaPad Gaming 3 stands out due to its powerful Ryzen 4600H processor, which delivers excellent performance — especially when gaming. Paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD, this laptop can operate most modern games effortlessly. Furthermore, the GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card provides smooth and immersive gaming experiences.

The IdeaPad Gaming 3’s 15.6 inch HD display is impressive, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and 250 nits of brightness for stunning visuals that can handle fast action and vibrant colors. Furthermore, dual Dolby Audio speakers deliver exceptional sound quality that immerses you in your games.

The laptop’s design is worth noting; it’s sleek and modern with subtle blue trim and a backlit keyboard, adding a touch of flair to its overall look. The IdeaPad Gaming Backpack makes an excellent accompaniment to the laptop, providing comfortable transportation for gaming gear.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is an impressive budget gaming laptop boasting impressive specs and features at its price point. Boasting a powerful processor, stunning graphics card, stunning display, and stylish design, this laptop should definitely be taken into consideration by those seeking an affordable gaming machine.

Solid All-Rounder: MSI GF63 Thin (2022)

The MSI GF63 Thin is an affordable gaming laptop that’s worth considering for those on a budget. Boasting a 15.6″ 144Hz display, an Intel Core i7 processor, and an Nvidia graphics card, this laptop packs plenty of performance into its small body.

One of the standout features of the MSI GF63 Thin is its fast refresh rate. At 144Hz, you’ll enjoy a fluid and enjoyable gaming experience without any noticeable lag or stuttering. This is especially important when playing fast-paced games where quick reactions could mean the difference between winning and losing.

The Intel Core i7 processor is an impressive feature of the MSI GF63 Thin. This powerful chip offers enough power for running games and other demanding applications like video editing software. This makes it a versatile option for those requiring gaming and productivity capabilities.

The laptop’s GTX 1650 graphics card is another standout feature. It provides stunning visuals and smooth frame rates even for demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. This makes it a great option for gamers who want to stay current on their titles without breaking the bank.

The MSI GF63 Thin boasts 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage, offering plenty of room for games and other files. In addition, this laptop runs on Windows 11, an optimized operating system designed specifically for gaming that offers an optimized user experience.

How to Pick the Best Cheap Gaming Laptop: Step by Step

Finding the best cheap gaming laptops can be an overwhelming task. But, with our step-by-step process, you’ll make an informed decision without breaking the bank. Below, we’ll offer practical advice on selecting the ideal gaming laptop for your requirements.

Check Specs Carefully

When selecting the best cheap gaming laptop to buy, it is essential to assess its specifications carefully. By doing so, you can guarantee that the laptop can meet all your gaming requirements.

When purchasing a laptop, you should look for one with an impressive processor and graphics card. These components are essential for running games smoothly. In addition, make sure your laptop has plenty of RAM and storage capacity, as these factors can significantly impact its performance and speed.

Furthermore, it’s essential to take into account the display quality, screen size, and resolution of a laptop. A high-resolution display with an expansive viewing area can significantly improve your gaming experience.

Look for Discounts

You can save substantial money on your purchase by actively searching for discounts. You can do this by visiting various websites and retailers, subscribing to newsletters, and following tech companies’ and stores’ social media accounts.

Another efficient way to find discounts is to compare the prices of gaming laptops across various online retailers. Doing this may lead you to deals and promotions exclusive to certain merchants. Furthermore, look into refurbished or open-box options, as these may be cheaper than purchasing a brand-new laptop.

Searching for discounts can help you locate the most economical gaming laptop that meets both your needs and budget, giving you maximum value for your money.

Choose Dedicated Graphics

Another important tip is to opt for dedicated graphics. Dedicated graphics refer to a separate graphics processing unit (GPU) that handles all the visual requirements of a game instead of depending on integrated graphics from your laptop’s central processing unit (CPU).

Opting for a laptop with dedicated graphics allows you to expect better performance and smoother gameplay, as the GPU has been optimized specifically for gaming tasks. This is especially beneficial when playing more demanding games that necessitate high-end visuals.

Furthermore, dedicated graphics offer better visual quality and allow for more customization when it comes to adjusting settings – leading to an all-around more immersive gaming experience.

Therefore, when searching for a budget-friendly gaming laptop, it’s essential to prioritize models with dedicated graphics for optimal performance and experience.

Prioritize CPU Power

You can also consider factoring CPU power into your considerations. This means selecting laptops with powerful and efficient central processing units (CPUs) that can handle demanding gaming applications and software.

When considering CPU power, look for laptops with the latest and most powerful processors within your budget range. This will guarantee that the laptop can smoothly run high-end games and applications without experiencing lags or delays.

Additionally, consider the number of cores and threads your processor has and its clock speed. A higher number of cores and threads will enable your laptop to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, while a faster clock speed translates to the quicker processing of information.

Prioritizing CPU power when selecting the best cheap gaming laptops is an essential tip. Look for laptops with the latest and most powerful processors within your budget range, as well as high core and thread counts and fast clock speeds.

Consider Storage Options

It’s essential to take into account storage options when selecting a cheap gaming laptop. This involves carefully evaluating the amount and type of storage available on the laptop and its capacity for upgrades or external drives.

By doing this, you can avoid future frustration due to insufficient capacity, slow loading times, or limited application runtimes. Making an informed decision will provide you with a satisfying gaming experience on a budget-friendly laptop. So, make sure you prioritize storage when selecting one for your needs.

Look for Upgrade Potential

When selecting the ideal cheap gaming laptop to buy, looking for upgrade potential is essential. This means actively searching out laptops that can have their components upgraded — RAM, storage, and graphics card — in order to boost their performance over time.

By looking for upgrade potential in a laptop, you can invest in one that may not be top of the line right now, but has the potential to become one. This saves money over time since replacing your laptop will only happen sometimes.

Additionally, it allows you to gradually improve its performance without buying an entirely new model outright. When shopping for a budget gaming laptop, always factor in its upgrade potential to get the most value for your money.

What to Know Before Buying a Cheap Gaming Laptop

Before purchasing a budget gaming laptop, there are some essential factors to take into account. Start by checking the specifications of the machine; look for a powerful processor, dedicated graphics card, and enough RAM.

This will guarantee smooth gameplay without any lagging issues. With these specifications in place, you can rest easy knowing your laptop will run games optimally without any compromises.

Secondly, take into account the display of your laptop. A high refresh rate with excellent resolution is ideal for gaming on a laptop; ensure it has at least a 120Hz refresh rate to provide an uninterrupted gaming experience.

Thirdly, search for a laptop with superior cooling capabilities. Gaming laptops generate considerable heat, so an efficient cooling system is essential to avoid overheating.

Fourthly, check the battery life of the laptop. Gaming laptops tend to have shorter battery lives compared to regular laptops. Look for a laptop that offers at least 4-5 hours of continuous usage time.

Do your due diligence and thoroughly research the brand before purchasing. Cheap gaming laptops from unknown brands may need more quality components and will last only a short time.

Using Cheap Gaming Laptops: What it’s Like

Gaming on a budget with cheap gaming laptops can be better than some might think. While these devices may not be as powerful as more expensive options, they still provide an enjoyable gaming experience. One major benefit of using a budget gaming laptop is its affordability — you don’t need to shell out thousands of dollars to enjoy gaming on one.

However, using a cheap gaming laptop has some drawbacks. One major issue is performance; these laptops may struggle to run games with high graphics settings, and you may experience lag or low frame rates. Additionally, cheaper gaming laptops tend to have lower-quality materials and components, which means they may last less time than more expensive models.

Despite these limitations, there are ways to enhance your gaming laptop experience. Optimizing settings will reduce strain on hardware, and external cooling devices can prevent overheating. Furthermore, upgrading certain components, such as RAM or storage, will increase performance.