The Best Budget Gaming Laptops Under £1000 for 2024
Finding the best gaming laptop that won’t break the bank can be a challenge. With so many options on the market, it’s difficult to know which budget gaming laptop offers the best value for your money. As an avid gamer myself, I’ve tested and reviewed many affordable gaming laptops over the years. Based on my extensive research and hands-on testing, here are my top picks for the best budget gaming laptops under £1000 for 2024.
What to Look for in a Budget Gaming Laptop
When shopping for an affordable gaming laptop, there are a few key factors to consider:
Processor (CPU)
The CPU is essentially the brain of a gaming laptop and can significantly impact gaming performance. For under £1000, aim for a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 processor or AMD Ryzen 5. More powerful CPUs like i7 or i9 will offer better performance but cost more.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The GPU is also crucial for gaming as it handles rendering graphics. For the best value, look for a gaming laptop with at least an NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 5600M GPU. The more powerful RTX 2060 or RX 5700M are ideal but will raise the price.
Display Resolution
Most budget gaming laptops will have a 1920 x 1080 resolution display. A 1080p screen is fine for gaming within this budget. Higher resolutions like QHD or 4K cost more and require a more powerful GPU.
RAM
8GB of RAM is sufficient for most games today, but 16GB gives you more headroom for multitasking and running demanding games. Upgradable RAM is ideal for future upgrades.
Storage
SSDs load games and files much faster than traditional hard drives. Look for at least a 256GB SSD. Larger SSDs, or a smaller SSD paired with a HDD offer more storage.
My Top Picks
Based on the criteria above, these are my top recommendations for budget gaming laptops under £1000:
Acer Nitro 5
The Acer Nitro 5 offers excellent value with capable gaming performance. Here are the specs for a model under £1000:
- Intel Core i5-11400H CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU
- 15.6” 1080p 144Hz display
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
With its 11th gen Intel processor and RTX 3050 graphics, it can run modern AAA games at medium-high settings. The 144Hz screen provides smooth gameplay. There’s plenty of RAM and fast SSD storage. I’ve used the Acer Nitro 5 myself and been impressed with its performance and quality for the price.
Lenovo Legion 5
Lenovo’s Legion gaming laptops offer powerful performance on a budget. A model with these specs comes in just under £1000:
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800H CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU
- 15.6” 1080p 120Hz display
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
The Ryzen 7 processor and RTX 3050 Ti graphics supply great gaming power for the money. The 120Hz screen, 16GB RAM, and large 512GB SSD make it a well-rounded package. Lenovo’s Legion laptops also have a subtle gaming aesthetic compared to flashier rivals.
HP Victus 16
The new HP Victus 16 brings excellent 16-inch budget gaming:
- Intel Core i7-12700H CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU
- 16.1” 1080p 144Hz display
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
With the latest 12th gen Intel Core i7 processor and RTX 3050 Ti graphics, it delivers speedy performance for the price. The 16-inch 144Hz screen is immersive, while 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD provide smooth multitasking. The Victus 16 packs a lot of value into a stylish design.
Dell G15 5515
Dell’s affordable G15 gaming laptop includes:
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800H CPU
- AMD Radeon RX 6500M GPU
- 15.6” 1080p 120Hz display
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
The Ryzen 7 chip and Radeon RX 6500M graphics deliver solid 1080p gaming speed. The 120Hz screen, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD make it capable for gaming, content creation, and productivity. Dell G15 models also offer understated looks for work or school.
The Bottom Line
Finding a gaming laptop with strong performance and build quality for under £1000 is achievable in 2024. The Acer Nitro 5, Lenovo Legion 5, HP Victus 16, and Dell G15 5515 stand out as excellent options that balance price, specs, and performance. Focus on a laptop with at least a GTX 1660 Ti or RTX 3050 GPU, 1080p display with high refresh rate, an Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5 CPU or better, and at least 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. With the right choice, you can enjoy playing the latest games without overspending. Let me know if you have any other questions!
