What Is a Good Cheap Laptop for Gaming?
Gaming is an exciting way to relieve stress and bond with friends. However, not everyone has the budget to buy an expensive gaming laptop. Luckily, there are several good cheap laptops for gaming available on the market. In this article, we will explore the minimum requirements for a good cheap gaming laptop, the top 5 best cheap gaming laptops in the market, a comparison of the 5, factors to consider when buying a cheap gaming laptop, and frequently asked questions.
Definition of Gaming Laptops
Gaming laptops are specifically designed for playing computer games. They have powerful hardware specifications to ensure that they can handle demanding games. They have bigger and better screens with high resolution, good sound systems, ergonomic keyboards, and sufficient storage capacity.
Importance of Having a Good Laptop for Gaming
Gaming requires hardware that can process complex algorithms and data at high speeds. Without a good laptop for gaming, users will experience slow rendering, lags, and crashes while playing games. A good gaming laptop is essential for enhancing the gaming experience.
Benefits of Owning a Cheap Gaming Laptop
A cheap gaming laptop is affordable, yet it still has sufficient specifications to handle most computer games. It is a cost-effective alternative to an expensive gaming laptop. It can also be used for other computer-related tasks, such as photo editing, web browsing, and word processing.
Minimum Requirements for a Good Cheap Gaming Laptop
Processor
The processor is the brain of a computer. It is responsible for executing commands and functions. For a good cheap gaming laptop, a quad-core processor is recommended. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 are reliable processors for a good gaming laptop.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is responsible for rendering the graphics and images of a game. A dedicated graphics card is recommended for a good gaming laptop. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 560X are reliable graphics cards for a good gaming laptop.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is responsible for running multiple applications at the same time. For a good gaming laptop, at least 8GB of RAM is recommended. A higher RAM capacity of 16GB or 32GB is ideal for running heavy games.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity is essential for storing game files and other data. For a good gaming laptop, at least 256GB of storage capacity is recommended. However, a higher capacity of 512GB or 1TB is ideal for storing multiple games and other media files.
Screen Size and Display
The screen size and display quality are important for an immersive gaming experience. For a good gaming laptop, a screen size of 15.6 inches or larger is recommended. A resolution of 1920×1080 pixels or higher is ideal for high-quality visual display.
Top 5 Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the Market
Dell G3 15
The Dell G3 15 is a reliable gaming laptop with a 10th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 15.6-inch screen display, and up to 7 hours of battery life. It is priced at around $800.
Acer Nitro 5
The Acer Nitro 5 is a popular gaming laptop with a 9th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 15.6-inch screen display, and up to 8 hours of battery life. It is priced at around $700.
HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop
The HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop is a reliable gaming laptop with a 9th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 15.6-inch screen display, and up to 8 hours of battery life. It is priced at around $700.
Lenovo Legion Y540
The Lenovo Legion Y540 is a professional gaming laptop with a 9th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 15.6-inch screen display, and up to 5 hours of battery life. It is priced at around $800.
ASUS TUF Gaming A15
The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is a compact gaming laptop with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 15.6-inch screen display, and up to 8 hours of battery life. It is priced at around $900.
Comparison of the 5 Best Cheap Gaming Laptops
| Laptop Brand and Model | Price | Processor | Graphics Card | RAM | Storage Capacity | Screen Size and Display | Battery Life | Portability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell G3 15 | $800 | 10th Generation Intel Core i5 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 15.6-inch screen display | Up to 7 hours | 5.18 pounds |
| Acer Nitro 5 | $700 | 9th Generation Intel Core i5 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | 8GB | 256GB SSD | 15.6-inch screen display | Up to 8 hours | 5.07 pounds |
| HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop | $700 | 9th Generation Intel Core i5 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | 8GB | 256GB SSD | 15.6-inch screen display | Up to 8 hours | 5.18 pounds |
| Lenovo Legion Y540 | $800 | 9th Generation Intel Core i5 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 15.6-inch screen display | Up to 5 hours | 5.1 pounds |
| ASUS TUF Gaming A15 | $900 | AMD Ryzen 5 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 15.6-inch screen display | Up to 8 hours | 5.07 pounds |
Factors to Consider When Buying a Cheap Gaming Laptop
Budget
The budget should be the primary factor when buying a cheap gaming laptop. The user should set a reasonable budget and look for laptops that offer the best value for money.
Usage
The user should consider the intended usage of the laptop. If the laptop will be used exclusively for gaming, then a powerful gaming laptop with high specifications should be selected.
Brand Reputation
The user should consider purchasing a gaming laptop from a reputable brand. Well-known brands typically produce higher quality and more reliable laptops.
Upgrading Options
The user should consider the upgrading options of the gaming laptop. A good gaming laptop should allow for easy upgrading of hardware components, such as RAM or storage capacity.
Warranty and Customer Service
The user should also consider the warranty and customer service provided by the laptop manufacturer. A good warranty and reliable customer service can help in case the laptop develops any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a Cheap Gaming Laptop Run High-End Games?
Yes, a cheap gaming laptop can run high-end games. However, the laptop’s specifications should meet the minimum requirements of the game.
Which Is Better for Gaming, SSD or HDD?
SSD is better for gaming than HDD. SSD has faster read and write speeds, which results in faster boot times, game load times, and data transfer rates.
What Should Be The Minimum Battery Life for a Gaming Laptop?
The minimum battery life for a gaming laptop should be 5 to 6 hours. However, gaming laptops typically have shorter battery life due to the intensive hardware usage.
How Often Should I Upgrade My Cheap Gaming Laptop?
The frequency of upgrading a cheap gaming laptop depends on the user’s usage and requirements. Normally, a user should consider upgrading after 2 to 3 years when the laptop starts to feel slow or outdated.
Are Cheap Gaming Laptops Reliable for Long-Term Use?
Yes, cheap gaming laptops can be reliable for long-term use. However, the user should choose a reputable brand and maintain the laptop properly to ensure its longevity.
Conclusion
A good cheap gaming laptop is essential for immersive gaming experiences. When looking for a good cheap gaming laptop, it is important to consider the processor, graphics card, RAM, storage capacity, screen size and display, battery life, and portability. It is also important to consider factors such as budget, usage, brand reputation, upgrading options, and warranty and customer service. The recommended best cheap gaming laptop from the top 5 listed is the Acer Nitro 5. Finally, when buying a cheap gaming laptop, remember to take time to research, compare, and purchase the right laptop for you.