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Finding The Best Gaming Laptops At A Great Price – We List 10
Choosing a Gaming Laptop That’s Best For You
What is a gaming laptop?
A gaming laptop is a mobile gaming PC that is specifically designed to give gamers the power and hardware to play their favourite gaming titles on a portable device as opposed to a stationary desktop.
Typically, gamers will choose to buy or build their own gaming computer/desktop with high-performance hardware such as powerful video cards, greater memory, and cooling systems.
As technology improves, manufacturers are finding ways to design and fit smaller components that make up a gaming computer onto gaming laptops which are increasing their popularity.
Depending on your budget, they tend to be a bit bulkier and heavier than your typical laptop. But the fact that these are tailored more towards gaming rather than just everyday use, makes them more appealing.
Components that make up a good gaming laptop include:
- Screen/Display – keep in mind things like monitor size and resolution. Can you run full HD or 4K UHD, or connect a VR headset? Many choose matte over a glossy display for less glare.
- Graphics card – find a graphics card that is able to play the latest and most demanding games in high resolutions and full detail settings with onboard GPU using GDDR (SDRAM).
- Keyboard function – Does it have an anti-ghosting feature, backlit keys, or any customizable options for remapping keys, or creating macros?
- Connectivity – Having ample ports for a card reader, USB 3, video display, or other peripheral devices like a gaming mouse.
- GPU – also known as a Graphics Processing Unit, is a programmable processor dedicated to the systems display functions. Usually integrated right onto most high-end video cards
- CPU – On the technical side, you want to watch for things like the number of cores, threads, base clock speed and whether there is much potential for overclocking.
- RAM – Make sure to have a minimum of 8G of RAM. Even though the GPU will normally have built-in VRAM for video processing, having extra RAM for the CPU will allow other computations to run much smoother.
- SSD or HDD? – SSDs will typically use less power and create less heat than hard drives because they don’t have to power any moving parts. But HDDs have much greater storage capacity. As technology improves, many are choosing SSDs over HDDs.
- Cooling system – Despite the lack of space for air movement, things like improved ventilation and the type of chassis are considered in their design. Some manufacturers have incorporated copper and liquid cooling.
- Battery Life – Unfortunately, due to the amount of power required for gaming laptops running an i7 quad with a decent GPU for example, will likely give you 4-5 hours of light use.
- Audio – If a top quality sound experience is what you are after, there are some great systems that include Dolby Digital Live for compelling 7.1 surround sound.
- Viewing angle – look for a laptop with a screen that has a wide viewing angle when positioning to avoid wash out.
Gaming Laptops vs Other Types Of Computers
Gaming Laptop vs Desktop
When comparing a gaming desktop PC to a gaming laptop, the desktop still reigns supreme. This is due to the abundance of room under the hood for upgrades, a greater power supply, easily accessible plug n play devices as well as having more space for air movement.
Developers of gaming laptops are definitely working on closing the gap between the two. But for now, desktop gaming computers are mainly leading the way when it comes to the essential components that make a good gaming computer like the CPU, GPU, storage, better cooling, easily replaceable video cards.
But, who wants to drag all that gear around with you? A PC gaming laptop wins hands down in the category of portability. Thus, giving you the ability to pack up your system to play at a friends house, in the hallway, at the coffee shop, or anywhere for that matter.
What’s the difference between a gaming laptop and a standard laptop?
Some will argue that the configuration between the two are similar, claiming that a regular laptop has the ability to run certain games with relative quality.
For hardcore gamers, there are obvious limitations to such a device when it comes to playing games with a higher demand for graphics, frame rate, overclocking, and speed. Like smoothly running 4K games or supporting a virtual reality (VR) platform. All of these factors create heat, which gaming laptops are also better equipped to withstand.
Not only the hardware but also the layout of a gaming laptop with gaming in mind. Things like the keyboard keys are designed to give the user more precise feedback while playing games with backlighting, programmable macros, and other unique features that only a gamer would expect to find a standard gaming PC.
Gaming laptops are generally equipped with larger batteries to combat the extra power consuming GPU. However, depending on the game and settings, the battery life can be as little as 1-2 hours, compared to a longer 3-5 hour standard laptop battery life. Plus the fact that the larger battery makes them heavier when compared to its non-gamer centric counterpart.
Most Popular Gaming Laptop Brands
- Alienware – Founded in 1996, Alienware is a subsidiary of the Dell computers corporation with a long history of producing both high-end desktop, hybrid, and laptop gaming computers. Offering a wide range of architecture and screen sizes for every gaming need.
- Asus – Leading the way since it was founded in 1989, Asus is the world’s 4th largest PC vendor. Producing a long list of electronic devices from smart phones to gaming notebooks, made with the most current and cutting hardware offering game dominating performance.
- MSI – also known as Micro-Star International. Proudly involved in and sponsor of a number of eSports teams dating back to 2010. Highly recognised by gaming professionals worldwide. Their notebooks must pass over 1900 strict tests in order to provide gamers with the ultimate experience.
- Lenovo – Founded in Beijing in 1984. Since 2013, Lenovo is the world’s largest personal computer vendor by unit sales. As one of the most respected technology companies in the world. They have the greatest track record for innovation in the PC industry, consistently winning awards and receiving rave reviews.
- HP – better known as Hewlett Packard is a long time pioneer and innovator in technology – hardware, software, solutions. Proving a variety of decently designed game ready laptops at a lower cost without sacrificing quality.
- Acer – Well known for their cutting edge architecture and reliability, Acer has been specialising in the production of highly advanced electronic technology including laptops for gaming, desktop PCs, tablets, smartphones, monitors, and more.
- Razer – Founded back in 1998, Razer is the absolute world leader when it comes to high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems. Committing to delivering gamers a mobile system that combines the power of a desktop, with the conveniences of a true laptop. The gold standard for gaming technology, portability, and performance.
- AMD – also known as Advanced Micro Devices. It’s no surprise that a company like AMD would produce a high-performance gaming lap, considering they are one of the world’s largest suppliers of microprocessors, motherboard chipsets, embedded processors and graphics processors.
- Origin – a company that delivers only the best parts and technology for today’s gaming demands. Priding itself on it’s 30 plus years of experience in the computer gaming industry. Origin understands and specialises in customization, service, gaming, and technology.
Commonly Asked Questions About Gaming Laptops
Before purchasing a new gaming laptop, you may like to have the following questions answered:
Why gaming laptops seem so expensive?
They are expensive in comparison to purchasing or building a gaming tower. Finding a way to shrink and compress the parts that make up a computer with the kind of output required to run today’s games in such a small space. Plus, coming up with a way to keep it all cool. There’s gonna be a price tag attached.
Can you upgrade a gaming laptop?
Like any standard laptop, generally, the HDD and the RAM can be swapped out by opening the case (at your own discretion). With some, the CPU, GPU, and wireless are also modular and interchangeable. The 2 biggest disadvantages to the more upgradable models are: they are bulkier and much more expensive.
Are gaming laptops good for everyday use? Such as using standard applications, photo editing, music production, or graphic design?
The answer is a simple yes. Due to the fact that a gaming laptop is still a laptop. Which means you can have the best of both worlds with a slight advantage. You can use it for any other application that is compatible with your Windows operating system. But it will be much faster than a typical notebook. Just remember to have plenty of storage or even having a separate storage for your gaming from your other uses.
Which gaming laptop has the best screen?
Today’s gaming titles require you to use at least a full HD (1,920-by-1,080-resolution) screen. If money is no object perhaps a QHD+ (3,200-by-1,800) resolution or 4K (3,840-by-2,160-resolution). For the best graphical display, look for a rig with a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080,1070, 1060, or 1050 video card, Link Interface (SLI) configuration, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display, and G-Sync or FreeSync. High-end producers like Alienware, MSI, and Razer back this kind of quality.
5 Gaming laptops under $1000
Below we list 5 popular gaming notebooks under or near the 1000 dollar range. All of these get decent fps and have a great graphical display.
Most are equipped with the affordable GeForce GTX 960M video card. decent performance graphics cards that will allow you to game with 1080p gameplay at high settings while preserving battery life with its power-efficient microarchitecture.
These will also come with either a single SSD drive or a combination including 1 TB HDD for your operating system and general storage. Carrying between 8 to 16 GB DDR4 RAM on board.
Perfect for a student who’s looking to buy a laptop for schooling and gaming on about a thousand dollar budget or less.
1. ASUS ZX53VW 15.6″ Gaming Laptop
When you combine gaming power and slim portability and style at an affordable price, you get the ASUS ZX53VW.
Beautifully designed. It has been said that this machine is the most inexpensive solution to outperforming a gaming console.
Amazing colour and visual display but not 4K compatible.
Specifications include:
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2.3 GHz None |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11 A/C |
This budget friendly gaming laptop has been rated 4.4 stars out of 5. Find it on Amazon.
2. Acer Aspire VX 15 Gaming Laptop
If you’re looking for an all around great gaming notebook featuring an attractive 15-inch screen, a crisp keyboard, decent performance, and better than average sound quality.
It might be worth checking out the Acer Aspire VX 15.
Specifications include:
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-7700HQ (Up to 3.8GHz) |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Hard Drive | 256GB SSD |
| Graphics processor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti |
| Chipset Brand | Intel Core i7-7700HQ |
| WIRELESS TYPE | 802.11 A/C |
| Sound | Acer TrueHarmony and Dolby Audio Premium Sound |
This Acer gaming notebook has been rated 4.0 out of 5 stars for overall user satisfaction.
See if it’s cheaper to buy on Amazon by following the link provided.
3. Lenovo Y700 Full HD Gaming Laptop
Do you need a laptop that is powerful, 21st-century cutting-edge? This is the best way to describe the Lenovo Y700 mobile gaming computer.
Not only does it deliver serious firepower, awesome graphics, and performance-boosting options. Concerned about overheating?
It has integrated thermal fans to keep things cool under the hood.
Specifications include:
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|---|---|
| Processor | 6th Generation Intel Quad Core 7 (2.6 GHz) |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB HDD 5400 rpm |
| Graphics processor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M |
| Chipset Brand | Intel Core i7 |
| WIRELESS TYPE | 802.11 A/C |
| Sound | JBL speakers and Dolby Home Theater, |
Rated 3.9 out of 5 stars. Follow the link to read more customer reviews on Amazon.
4. MSI GL62 6QD-018CA Gaming Laptop
Specially designed for the needs of professional gamers, experience this desktop-class gaming on a notebook with the latest in game computing architecture including
Bonus features of this mobile PC gaming system:
Efficient Cooling system: Cooler Boost 4 dedicated thermal solutions for both the CPU and GPU with a total of 6 heat pipes ensure maximum performance under extreme gaming conditions.
Nahimic Audio Enhancer: Nahimic audio software offers high definition sound technology which boosts the audio and voice performance of your gaming computer. Offering virtual 7.1 surround sound in immersive HD.
Steel Series Engine 3: During gameplay, SteelSeries Engine 3 serves as your firearm. With SSE3, customise your lighting with multiple backlit colours, program personalised macros, and sync it all through the cloud.
True Color Technology: MSI’s exclusive True Color Technology is precisely calibrated to deliver vibrant colours, stunning details, and sharp images. True Color Technology brings the colours of the world right to your display.
Specifications include:
| Max Screen Resolution | eDP Vivid Color 1920×1080 |
|---|---|
| Processor | intel Core i7-7700HQ (2.8-3.8GHz) |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 2400MHz |
| Hard Drive | 1TB HDD (7200RPM) |
| Graphics processor | NVIDIA GTX 960M 2G GDDR5 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel Core i7 |
| WIRELESS TYPE | 802.11 A/C |
| Sound | Nahimic Audio Enhancer |
The MSI gaming laptop has been rated 3.9 out of 5 stars for overall experience. To read actual customer reviews or on Amazon or to purchase, follow the preceding link.
5. Dell Inspiron 15 7000 series Gaming Laptop
If you need a business mixed with pleasure kind of laptop that gives you the power for gaming and getting your work assignment completed, this could be the one.
A perfect blend of rich media, an excellent battery life, a revolutionary thermal cooling design, SSD, and a sleek & light design.
Specifications include:
| Max Screen Resolution | FHD anti-glare IPS wide angle display (1920×1080) |
|---|---|
| Processor | 6th Generation Intel Core i5-6300HQ (6M Cache, up to 3.2 GHz) |
| RAM | 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz |
| Hard Drive | 256GB SSD |
| Graphics processor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M 4GB GDDR5 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| WIRELESS TYPE | 802.11 A/C |
| Sound | MaxxAudio Pro |
This Dell gaming notebook has been rated 4.1 out of 5 stars for overall customer satisfaction.
See if it’s You can likely find it on Amazon by following the link provided.
6. Dell Inspiron 7567 (BONUS)
As a bonus, we added another Dell Inspiron to our list of gaming laptops under a $1000 budget.
It comes loaded with plenty of RAM, storage, and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050. Check out the video below for more details.
Learn more about this cheap gaming laptop by viewing on Amazon here.
5 Gaming laptops under $2000
Below are listed some of the best gaming laptops under $2000. A few of these high-performance gaming laptops are even under $1500.
1. Gigabyte P55Wr7-KL3 15.6″ Notebook
You can count on Gigabyte to deliver a gaming notebook with the latest and most powerful hardware for the ultimate gaming experience.
Excellent build quality. Performs extremely well for all applications, while staying cool and quiet.
- Powerful video card: Nvidia GTX 1060 GPU can be used for 1080P Games and/or VR (virtual reality) games perfectly at very high-quality settings (HIGH or ULTRA depending on game). 6 GB RAM for GPU so you can run games at High or Ultra graphics settings
- Excellent build quality: Performs extremely well for all applications, while staying cool and quiet.
- Intel 8260 WiFi dual band networking: (supports 802.11 AC as well as 802.11 N or G connections)
- High-Quality: IPS colour screen that has great viewing angles and high brightness.
- Performs extremely well for all applications: including Photoshop, Premiere Pro and other 3D & compositing programs.
Specifications include:
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|---|---|
| Processor | 3.8 GHz |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Hard Drive | 256GB M.2 SATA SSD + 1TB 7200rpm HDD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 GDDR5 6GB |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| CARD DESCRIPTION | Dedicated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11 A/C |
This ultra-powerful Gigabyte gaming laptop had been rated 4.8 stars out of 5.
Get it at a great price on Amazon by following the link provided.
2. Eluktronics P650HP6 15.6″ FHD 1080p IPS
Powered by Intel’s 7th gen Kaby Lake CPU & NVIDIA’s latest Pascal™
Are you seeking a high performance yet thin and mobile laptop with a crisp and vibrant IPS display? Ideal for the graphic designer by day and a PC enthusiast by night.
Specifications include:
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2.8 GHz |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Hard Drive | 256GB M.2 SATA III SSD +1TB 7200RPM SATA III Hard Drive (secondary) |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 1060 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11 A/C |
Rated 4.7 stars out 5 for performance and versatility. Read more reviews on Amazon.
3. ASUS ROG GL702VM-DS74 17.3″ Traditional Laptop
Lightweight and slim with a sharp metallic design. If you’re looking for an outstanding all-around portable gaming laptop, the Asus ROG packs a decent punch.
Get the kind of stability required for intense gaming marathons, through the support of its cooling system which uses heat pipes and a dual fan system to cool the CPU and GPU independently.
Specifications include:
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels with G-SYNC Display |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2.8 GHz |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Hard Drive | 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD (secondary) |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GTX 1060 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11 A/C |
4. MSI GE72VR Apache 17.3-inch Notebook
Get your hands on the preferred weapon of choice by professional gaming teams like Cloud 9.
Enjoy a smooth gaming experience with the freedom of mobility. Built with ultra-fast FinFET, the latest high-bandwidth memory technologies, and support for DirectX 12.
Specifications include:
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2.6-3.5GHz |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Hard Drive | 256GB M.2 SATA SSD + 1TB (7200RPM) |
| Graphics Coprocessor | GeForce GTX 1060 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11 A/C |
5. HP Pavilion 17t Touch 17.3″ IPS Touchscreen
Are you a student who’s looking for a decent gaming laptop with a 17 inch and a built-in touch screen, all for under $1500 dollars?
Included with all the great features in a high-quality notebook like webcam, DVD burner, a dual digital microphone, 2 USB 3.0 ports, with an Intel® Core i7-7700HQ and NVIDIA GeForce 940MX.
Specifications include:
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2.5 GHz, up to 3.1 GHz |
| RAM | 32GB RAM |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA® GeForce 940MX |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11 A/C |
Conclusion
We have briefly discussed some things to look out for when on the hunt for a new gaming laptop. Hopefully, by identifying the key qualities like a quality video card and cooling system along with knowledge of some of your choices available, you ca narrow down your search for the best laptop for your gaming needs.