Choosing the right gaming laptop can be tricky with so many options available at different price points. As an avid gamer myself, I’ve learned that the ideal gaming laptop varies based on your budget and the types of games you want to play. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to pick the best gaming laptop for your needs at various budgets.
Cheap Gaming Laptops Under $800
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still get a capable gaming laptop for under $800. Here’s what to look for in this price range:
Prioritize the GPU
The graphics processing unit (GPU) is the most important component for gaming. Aim for at least an NVIDIA GTX 1650 or GTX 1660 Ti GPU. Avoid laptops with only integrated graphics.
Get at Least 8GB RAM
8GB of RAM is the sweet spot for most games. You can get by with 4GB for lighter titles, but 8GB gives you breathing room.
Choose an SSD
Get a laptop with a solid state drive (SSD) over a traditional hard disk drive (HDD). SSDs load games and files much faster. A 128GB SSD is a good starting point.
Pick a 60Hz Display
60Hz displays are standard in this range. Higher refresh rates for smoother gameplay come at a premium. A 1080p screen is fine for budget gaming.
Examples
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Dell G3 15 – GTX 1650, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 60Hz 1080p display
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Acer Nitro 5 – GTX 1650 Ti, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 60Hz 1080p display
Mid-Range Gaming Laptops $800 – $1,200
With a budget between $800 and $1,200, you can get a more powerful gaming laptop. Here are the key upgrades to look for:
Upgrade the GPU
Aim for at least an RTX 2060 or GTX 1660 Ti. The RTX 2060 can handle AAA games at high settings in 1080p.
Get More RAM
16GB of RAM allows you to run more programs and tabs alongside your games. 8GB may be limiting for more demanding games.
Add Storage
Consider a 512GB SSD for more game storage. Or get a smaller SSD paired with a 1TB HDD for extra space.
Better Display
120Hz or 144Hz displays become viable in this range for smoother gameplay. 1080p resolution is still standard.
Examples
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Acer Predator Helios 300 – RTX 2060, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 144Hz 1080p display
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Lenovo Legion 5 – GTX 1660 Ti, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 120Hz 1080p display
High-End Gaming Laptops $1,200 – $2,000
With a generous budget, you can get a top-of-the-line gaming powerhouse:
Latest GPUs
RTX 2070 or RTX 2080 GPUs deliver max settings in 1440p or 4K gaming. The RTX 3060 or 3070 are also great options.
More RAM
32GB of RAM lets you run games smoothly alongside streaming, recording, and multitasking.
Large SSDs
1TB NVMe SSDs offer ample high-speed storage for your game library and media files.
Higher Resolution Displays
1440p displays at 144Hz-240Hz are the ideal pairing of sharpness and high refresh rates. 4K is also possible.
Advanced Features
Expect better build quality, RGB lighting, and features like G-Sync or Advanced Optimus for top performance.
Examples
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Razer Blade 15 – RTX 2070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 240Hz 1440p display
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Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 – RTX 3070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 165Hz 1440p display
Final Tips for Picking a Gaming Laptop
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Prioritize the GPU first, then get as much RAM as you can afford. Storage and displays can be upgraded later.
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Build quality and heat management are important. Look for sturdy chassis with good ventilation.
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Try to future proof your purchase by getting the best GPU you’re able to. Mid-range models can often be upgraded later.
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Research reviews and benchmarks for the specific models you’re considering to compare real-world gaming performance.
No matter your budget, there is a gaming laptop that’s right for you. Follow these guidelines and you’ll end up with a capable portable powerhouse for all your gaming needs. Let me know if you have any other questions!
