Gaming laptops are laptops that are designed and optimized for playing video games, featuring powerful hardware, high-quality displays, and advanced cooling systems. But how much should you spend on a gaming laptop? What are the best budget gaming laptops for 2023?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more, and help you find the best gaming laptop for your budget and needs.
How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming Laptop?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as your gaming preferences, expectations, and goals. Generally speaking, the more you spend on a gaming laptop, the better the performance, the design, and the quality you will get. However, this does not mean that you have to break the bank to get a good gaming laptop. There are many gaming laptops that offer great value for money and can run most games smoothly and at high settings.
To help you decide how much to spend on a gaming laptop, you can use the following guidelines:
1. Casual/Light Gaming ($700 – $1,000)
- Target Audience:
- Casual or light gamers
- Games:
- Minecraft, Fortnite, League of Legends
- Performance:
- Decent processor, graphics card, memory, and storage
- Expectations:
- Handles games without trouble
- Good battery life
- Nice design and reliable quality
2. Hardcore/Competitive Gaming ($1,500 – $2,000)
- Target Audience:
- Hardcore or competitive gamers
- Games:
- Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty: Warzone, Red Dead Redemption 2
- Performance:
- Powerful processor, graphics card, memory, and storage
- Expectations:
- Smooth gameplay at high settings
- Fast refresh rate, low response time, adaptive sync technology
3. Professional/Enthusiast Gaming ($2,000 and above)
- Target Audience:
- Professional or enthusiast gamers
- Performance:
- Latest and most powerful processor, graphics card, memory, and storage
- Expectations:
- Handles any game or application with ease
- Stunning display, sleek design, premium quality
4. Considerations
- Additional Factors:
- Portability
- Other features specific to individual models and configurations
- Customization options
- Brand reputation and customer support
What Are the Best Budget Gaming Laptops for 2023?
If you are looking for the best budget gaming laptops for 2023, you can check out the following list.
1. Gigabyte Aorus 15 BMF
Price: Around $1,500
Processor: 13th-Gen Intel processor
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060
Display: Stunning QHD display
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Thunderbolt 4
Operating System: Windows 11 Home pre-installed
Additional Features: Sleek design, high performance, reliable quality.
The Gigabyte Aorus 15 BMF is a standout budget gaming laptop, priced at around $1,500. It combines high performance with a sleek design and reliable quality. Featuring a 13th-Gen Intel processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU, it ensures smooth gameplay. The stunning QHD display, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and Thunderbolt 4 support enhance its appeal, while the sleek design and reliable build quality make it an attractive package for gamers seeking value.
2. Asus TUF Gaming A15
Price: Around $1,000
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4050
Display: Fast FHD display
Durability: Military-grade toughness, self-cleaning cooling system
Battery Life: Long battery life
Keyboard: Backlit keyboard
Priced under $1,500, the Asus TUF Gaming A15 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. It boasts solid performance with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, an NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU, and a fast FHD display. Durable design elements, military-grade toughness, a self-cleaning cooling system, and a backlit keyboard contribute to its reliability. With a price of around $1,000, it also provides a long battery life, making it suitable for on-the-go gaming.
Here is How to Upgrade the Asus TUF Gaming Laptop – A Step-by-Step Guide 2023
3. Lenovo LOQ 15
Price: Around $650
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5
GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
Display: Bright FHD display
Technology: Fast charging technology, Dolby Audio, webcam privacy shutter
Design: Sleek design, good quality
For those on the tightest budgets, the Lenovo LOQ 15 offers a compelling option at around $650. It provides decent performance with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and AMD Radeon Graphics. The bright FHD display, coupled with features like fast charging technology, a Dolby Audio system, and a webcam privacy shutter, enhances its overall value.
4. Acer Predator Helios Neo 16
Price: Around $800
Processor: Intel Core i5
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4050
Display: Gorgeous QHD display
Features: 4-zone RGB keyboard, dual-fan cooling system
Connectivity: Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i
Design: Stylish design, premium quality
Priced at around $800, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 caters to gamers seeking a larger screen. Featuring an Intel Core i5 processor, an NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU, and a gorgeous QHD display, it delivers a great gaming experience. Additional features include a 4-zone RGB keyboard, a dual-fan cooling system, and Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i.
5. Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8
Price: Around $1,600
Processor: Intel Core i7
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060
Display: Stunning QHD display
Keyboard: TrueStrike keyboard
Cooling: Coldfront 3.0 cooling system
Audio: Nahimic 3D audio system
For a price of around $1,600, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 serves as a solid alternative with an Intel Core i7 processor, an NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU, and a stunning QHD display. Features like the TrueStrike keyboard, Coldfront 3.0 cooling system, and Nahimic 3D audio system ensure a premium gaming experience.
6. Asus TUF Gaming F17
Price: Around $900
Processor: Intel Core i5
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050
Display: Large FHD display
Durability: Military-grade durability
Battery Life: Long battery life
Keyboard: Backlit keyboard
Priced at approximately $900, the Asus TUF Gaming F17 is an ideal choice for those desiring a gaming laptop with a giant screen. With an Intel Core i5 processor, an NVIDIA RTX 3050 GPU, and a large FHD display, it offers powerful performance. The military-grade durability, dual-fan cooling system, and a backlit keyboard make it a durable and practical choice for gamers.
Here is Are Asus Gaming Laptops Good?
7. MSI Katana 15
Price: Around $1,200
Processor: Intel Core i7
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050
Display: Fast FHD display
Keyboard: Per-key RGB keyboard
Cooling: Dual-fan cooling system
Software: Dragon Center software
Priced around $1,200, the MSI Katana 15 stands out as the best configurable budget gaming laptop. Offering customizable performance with an Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA RTX 3050 GPU, it caters to users who value flexibility. Features like the per-key RGB keyboard, dual-fan cooling system, and Dragon Center software contribute to its appeal.
8. Acer Chromebook 516 GE
Price: Around $450
Processor: Intel Core i3
GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Display: Bright FHD display
Battery Life: Long battery life
Keyboard: Comfortable keyboard
Features: Google Play Store access, affordable price
As the best gaming Chromebook priced at around $450, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE offers a smooth performance with an Intel Core i3 processor and Intel Iris Xe Graphics. The bright FHD display, long battery life, comfortable keyboard, and access to the Google Play Store make it an affordable and versatile choice for users prioritizing simplicity and value in their gaming experience.
Here is the Best Gaming Laptop Under 800$ – How to Find the Perfect One for Your Needs
The Bottom Line!
Gaming laptops are laptops that are designed and optimized for playing video games, but they can also be used for school. Gaming laptops have some benefits for school, such as performance, design, and quality, but they also have some drawbacks, such as battery life, compatibility, and price. How much you should spend on a gaming laptop depends on your gaming preferences, expectations, and goals.
You can use the guidelines and the list we have provided in this article to find the best gaming laptop for your budget and needs. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
FAQs – How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming Laptop
The amount you need to spend on a gaming laptop depends on your gaming preferences and performance requirements. For casual or light gaming, a budget of $700 to $1,000 is generally sufficient. Hardcore or competitive gamers may opt for laptops in the $1,500 to $2,000 range for more powerful components. Enthusiasts looking for top-tier performance and features might consider spending over $2,000.
Absolutely, gaming laptops can serve as versatile devices for everyday use. Modern gaming laptops often have powerful processors, ample storage, and high-quality displays, making them suitable for tasks beyond gaming. You can use them for work, content consumption, and general productivity. However, keep in mind that gaming laptops may be heavier and have shorter battery life compared to traditional laptops.
The lifespan of a gaming laptop depends on various factors, including the initial build quality, usage patterns, and technological advancements. On average, you can expect a gaming laptop to last around 3 to 5 years before you notice a decline in performance for the latest and most demanding games. Regular maintenance, proper cooling, and careful handling can extend the lifespan of your gaming laptop.
The frequency of upgrading your gaming laptop depends on your gaming needs and the rate of technological advancements. Casual gamers may find a laptop suitable for several years, while enthusiasts who demand the latest and greatest may upgrade more frequently. As a general guideline, consider upgrading every 3 to 5 years for optimal performance with newer games and technologies. Regularly assessing your gaming requirements will help determine when it’s time for an upgrade.