Gaming computers used to only be available to very wealthy users, but now pretty much anyone can buy one. Today, you can find game computers that won’t break the bank and will give you a great gaming experience. But how do you pick the best and least expensive game laptop that still does what you need it to do? The following article will tell you what to look for and suggest some of the best cheap game computers on the market.
Affordable gaming laptops are now within reach of many. Affordable, powerful PCs that can compete with high-end versions in terms of gaming performance are available. Discover the greatest cheap gaming laptops, learn which features are most important, and get the most out of your money with our comprehensive guide.
Since gaming is getting easier to get into and more popular, brands are working hard to offer cheap options for gamers. If you want to find the best cheap game laptop, you should look at specs like the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage. Here are the most important things to look for and the top picks for the best cheap game computers in 2024.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat to Expect from a Budget Gaming Laptop
Performance:
Performance is the most important thing to think about when looking for cheap game computers. The speed of cheap computers won’t be the best, but they should still be able to run most current games at medium to high levels. You can expect a good mix between price and power, but don’t expect AAA games to have very high frame rates.
Build Quality:
In order to save money, a lot of cheap game computers are made with plastic bodies. That doesn’t mean they won’t last, though. While shopping for a laptop, make sure it feels solid and that the keys and screen don’t bend too much. If your laptop is built well, it will last longer, even if it isn’t very expensive.
Cooling System:
Gaming computers get hot quickly, especially when you play games for a long time. Even though cheap laptops might not have the most modern cooling systems, make sure it has enough airflow and fans to keep it from getting too hot. Overheating can slow things down, so cooling is very important.
Display:
A good screen is important for games. There is a 60Hz frame rate on most cheap game computers, which is fine for casual gaming. It’s great if you can find a laptop that has a frame rate of 120 Hz or better, though.
Essential Features for Gaming Laptops
Graphics Card (GPU):
In a game machine, the GPU is what makes it work. For a low price, you can often find GPUs like the AMD Radeon line or the NVIDIA GTX 1650 or 1660. These are powerful enough to run most games at medium to high levels, which is fine for average players.
Processor (CPU):
A powerful processor is essential for both gaming and multitasking. Intel’s Core i5 or AMD’s Ryzen 5 are commonly found in affordable gaming laptops. These CPUs provide enough power to run most games smoothly without bottlenecking the GPU.
RAM and Storage:
When you play games, you should have at least 8GB of RAM, but 16GB is better for faster speed. A mix of SSD (Solid State Drive) and HDD (Hard Drive) is the best way to store things. SSDs speed up opening times, and HDDs can store bigger game files without costing a lot of money.
Battery Life:
People often say that gaming computers’ batteries don’t last long. When you play games, most cheap gaming computers won’t last more than 4 to 5 hours on a single charge. If you want to play games while you’re on the go, keep this in mind.
Can a Cheap Laptop Run Games?
While there are some restrictions, it is possible for a low-cost laptop to run games. There are a lot of budget gaming laptops that are suitable for easily handling popular games like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Apex Legends. However, it is possible that you will not be able to play the most recent AAA games on the highest settings. In the event that you are ready to make adjustments with regard to the settings, even low-cost laptops are capable of delivering great gaming experiences.
Some games will not work on a cheap laptop, but yes, they can be played. Budget gaming computers can run most new games at lower levels if they have the right specs. Laptops with mid-range GPUs like the GTX 1650 or even Intel Iris or AMD Vega graphics built in can run popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and League of Legends.
A cheap laptop might not be able to run games on ultra-high settings, but it can still run games well on medium or low settings. It’s important to make sure that your goals are in line with what the machine can do.
What is the Minimum Laptop for Gaming?
The following are some of the most significant factors to take into consideration when determining the minimum specifications for a gaming laptop:
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CPU: At least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
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GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1650 or equivalent AMD GPU
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RAM: 8GB (preferably upgradeable to 16GB)
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Storage: 256GB SSD
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Display: 1080p resolution at 60Hz
These factors ought to represent the modest minimum requirements for casual gaming. With this configuration, you will be able to play a broad variety of games, but in order to play games that need greater graphical power, you may need to adjust some of the settings.
Best Cheap Gaming Laptop (Lenovo LOQ 15)
This is a strong entry-level game PC from Lenovo. It has an Intel Core i7-13700H processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, and up to 32GB of 5600MHz DDR RAM. It has a separate MUX switch with NVIDIA Advanced Optimus and Lenovo AI Engine+ speed tuning. The game keyboard has a 165Hz 15.6″ WQHD 350-nit display and keys that move 1.5 mm. With smaller side walls and high-performance back I/O, the durable frame is made to be simple and useful. Two 85mm 12V high-speed fans and bigger vents make sure that cooling is strong and quiet.
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GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU
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CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
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RAM: up to 32GB of 5600MHz DDR RAM
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Storage: 512GB SSD
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Display: 165Hz 15.6" WQHD 350-nit display
The Lenovo LOQ 15 has great cooling, so it doesn't get too hot while you're gaming for long periods of time. Besides that, it has a clean, simple look that makes it great for both work and games.
Alienware m16 R2 Gaming Laptop
The Alienware M16 is a gaming laptop with a legendary design, powerful Intel Core i9 13900HX processor, and NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card. It features a 16-inch QXGA display, a sleek magnesium alloy chassis, enhanced cooling with Alienware Cryo-Tech, and customisable RGB lighting with AlienFX. The laptop offers excellent connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 ports and SSD options, making it a true gaming powerhouse.
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GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060
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CPU: Intel Core i7-13700HX
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RAM: 64GB DDRS, 2TB SSD
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Storage: 2TB SSD
The Alienware m16 R2 isn't the cheapest, but it has high-end features like a high-refresh-rate QHD display that make it great for players who want to play competitively and enjoy stunning visuals. If you want results without spending a lot of money, this is something to think about.
Cheap Gaming Laptop with Best Design
Design is an important factor for a lot of gamers, particularly those who want their laptops to look as nice as they function with their gaming hardware. The HP Omen 15 is a laptop that is considered to be among the most competitive in terms of design among affordable gaming laptops. The fact that it has a clean and modern look, in addition to having good specifications, is something that a lot of gamers find attractive.
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GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti
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CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
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RAM: 8GB
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Storage: 512GB SSD
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Display: 15.6" Full HD with 144Hz refresh rate
Sharp angles and a clean matte finish are two features that enhance the quality look of the HP Omen 15, which is comparable to that of more costly laptops. One of the most popular features among gamers is the RGB keyboard, which allows them to add a touch of customisation to their gaming setup.
Asus ROG Ally
When it comes to low-cost gaming laptops, the Asus ROG Ally is yet another strong competitor and contender. For gamers who are looking for a laptop that is dependable and comes at an inexpensive price, the ROG Ally is an excellent option to consider. It is well-known for its durability and performance.
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GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050
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CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
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RAM: 16GB
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Storage: 512GB SSD
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Display: 14" Full HD with 120Hz refresh rate
The Asus ROG Ally is an excellent choice for gamers who are always on the go since it combines accessibility and power in a single package. The small size of the display has no impact on its performance, and the 120Hz refresh rate ensures a fluid gaming experience.
Acer Predator Triton 300
It is one of the best cheap gaming laptops, and it delivers a powerful punch in terms of both its performance and its design. The Acer Predator Triton 300. Many people believe that it is one of the most affordable versions in the Predator series, which is well-known for the gaming-oriented features it has.
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GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060
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CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H
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RAM: 16GB
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Storage: 512GB SSD
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Display: 15.6" Full HD with 144Hz refresh rate
The Triton 300 stands out because of its display that has a high refresh rate and its outstanding cooling system, which makes it ideal for competitive gaming. It is a good solution for gamers who are trying to future-proof their setup since it provides premium abilities such as ray tracing at a price that is very affordable.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best and Cheapest Gaming Laptop
When it comes to 2024, there are many great choices for the best and least expensive gaming laptop. The Acer Nitro 5, Lenovo Legion 5, Dell G15, and HP Pavillion Gaming 15 are all great laptops that don’t cost too much. You can find a gaming laptop that fits your needs without breaking the bank, whether you want a faster frame rate, more storage space, or a strong GPU.
Finding the perfect balance between cost and performance may be done by first gaining an understanding of your individual gaming needs and then keeping a close watch on the features that are most important to you. With a suitable laptop, you can enjoy hours of challenging games without emptying your wallet. Gaming does not have to be costly, and if you have the correct laptop, you can enjoy it.