In a world that’s becoming more digital by the day, gaming notebooks have become a must-have item for both casual and hardcore gamers alike. However, not everyone can afford to splurge on the latest, most advanced models. So, how does one go about finding a budget-friendly option without compromising on performance? This article is here to guide you through the top 6 best budget gaming notebooks currently available on the market. We will evaluate their performance, compare their features, and help you choose the one that suits your needs best.
Contents
What Makes a Good Budget Gaming Notebook
Performance Factors
When it comes to gaming notebooks, performance is paramount. The hardware of your gaming notebook should be capable of running your preferred games smoothly. Here are the most critical performance factors to consider when purchasing a gaming notebook:
- Processor (CPU): This is the brain of the computer, and its performance directly influences the gaming experience. For gaming, you generally want to aim for at least a quad-core processor, although newer games might require more.
- Graphics Card (GPU): The graphics card handles rendering the images you see on the screen. For games with high-quality graphics, a superior GPU is necessary to avoid lag and glitches.
- Memory (RAM): RAM temporarily stores data that the CPU can access quickly. Having enough RAM can significantly impact game load times and overall performance.
- Storage: This affects how many games you can store on your notebook. There are two types of storage: Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD). SSDs are much faster, so they’re better for gaming.
| Performance Factor | Minimum Recommended | Ideal |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core | 6-core or more |
| GPU | GTX 1650 or equivalent | GTX 1660 Ti or higher |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB or more |
| Storage | 500GB HDD | 500GB or larger SSD |
Non-performance Factors
While performance is key, several non-performance factors also contribute to a good gaming experience.
- Display: For a visually immersive gaming experience, a good display is critical. Consider the screen resolution, refresh rate, and size.
- Keyboard: A responsive keyboard can drastically improve your gaming experience. Look for keyboards with key travel (the distance keys move when pressed) of at least 1.5mm and actuation (the force required to press a key) of 60 grams or more.
- Sound: Good sound quality can enhance the gaming experience, especially for games where audio cues are important. If the built-in speakers aren’t up to par, make sure there’s an option to connect external speakers or headphones.
- Battery Life: While gaming often demands the notebook to be plugged in for maximum performance, a good battery life can be beneficial for lighter tasks on the go.
- Build Quality and Design: Good build quality ensures your notebook can withstand some wear and tear, and an appealing design can enhance your overall satisfaction.
| Non-performance Factor | Points to Consider |
|---|---|
| Display | Screen resolution, Refresh rate, Size |
| Keyboard | Key travel, Actuation |
| Sound | Built-in speaker quality, External speaker/headphone compatibility |
| Battery Life | Lifespan under normal and gaming conditions |
Top 6 Best Budget Gaming Notebooks
Gaming notebooks that combine power, performance, and an affordable price tag can seem elusive. However, we have identified six gaming notebooks that can offer a robust gaming experience without breaking the bank.
1. Acer Nitro 5
The Acer Nitro 5 stands out for its exceptional value and performance.
Performance Factors:
| Performance Factor | Acer Nitro 5 Specifications |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-10300H |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB NVMe SSD |
Non-performance Factors:
| Non-performance Factor | Acer Nitro 5 Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD IPS |
| Keyboard | Backlit, with a dedicated NitroSense Key |
| Sound | Acer TrueHarmony Technology |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours |
| Build Quality and Design | Red-backlit keyboard, black metal chassis |
2. HP Pavilion Gaming 15
HP Pavilion Gaming 15 is a perfect example of an economical gaming notebook, providing impressive performance at a pocket-friendly price.
Performance Factors:
| Performance Factor | HP Pavilion Gaming 15 Specifications |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 4600H |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB NVMe SSD |
Non-performance Factors:
| Non-performance Factor | HP Pavilion Gaming 15 Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD IPS anti-glare |
| Keyboard | Full-size, island-style, backlit, with numeric keypad |
| Sound | Audio by B&O with dual speakers |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 hours |
| Build Quality and Design | Micro-edge bezel design, ultra-thin and light |
3. Dell G3 15
Dell G3 15 offers an optimal blend of portability, durability, and performance, catering to gamers who are often on the move.
Performance Factors:
| Performance Factor | Dell G3 15 Specifications |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-10300H |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD |
Non-performance Factors:
| Non-performance Factor | Dell G3 15 Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD with 120Hz refresh rate |
| Keyboard | Blue backlit, spill-resistant |
| Sound | Two tuned speakers with Nahimic 3D Audio |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours |
| Build Quality and Design | Robust design, available in different colors |
4. Lenovo Legion Y545
The Lenovo Legion Y545 is praised for its clean design and high-quality build, making it an excellent choice for budget gamers who do not want to compromise on aesthetics.
Performance Factors:
| Performance Factor | Lenovo Legion Y545 Specifications |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-9300H |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 128GB NVMe SSD + 1TB HDD |
Non-performance Factors:
| Non-performance Factor | Lenovo Legion Y545 Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD IPS anti-glare |
| Keyboard | White backlit, with less than 1 ms response time |
| Sound | Harman speakers with Dolby Atmos for Gaming |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours |
| Build Quality and Design | Aluminum build, refined design with thin bezels |
5. ASUS TUF Gaming F15
ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is a solid entry into the budget gaming notebook market, offering durable build quality and a respectable gaming performance.
Performance Factors:
| Performance Factor | ASUS TUF Gaming F15 Specifications |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-10300H |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD |
Non-performance Factors:
| Non-performance Factor | ASUS TUF Gaming F15 Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD IPS with 144Hz refresh rate |
| Keyboard | RGB backlit, with Overstroke technology |
| Sound | DTS:X Ultra technology |
| Battery Life | Up to 5.5 hours |
| Build Quality and Design | Military-grade durability, sleek Fortress Gray design |
6. MSI GF63 Thin
The MSI GF63 Thin is a lightweight and powerful gaming notebook, offering premium features at a budget price.
Performance Factors:
| Performance Factor | MSI GF63 Thin Specifications |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-9300H |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB NVMe SSD |
Non-performance Factors:
| Non-performance Factor | MSI GF63 Thin Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD IPS-Level with 60Hz refresh rate |
| Keyboard | Red backlit, with Silver Lining Print |
| Sound | Audio Boost technology |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 hours |
| Build Quality and Design | Brushed aluminum design, thin bezels |
These six models, in no particular order, represent some of the best budget gaming notebooks currently available. The optimal choice for you would depend on your individual gaming needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing the best budget gaming notebook requires careful consideration of several factors, both in terms of performance and non-performance attributes. Your personal preferences and gaming habits also play a significant role in your choice.
The Acer Nitro 5, HP Pavilion Gaming 15, Dell G3 15, Lenovo Legion Y545, ASUS TUF Gaming F15, and MSI GF63 Thin all offer a compelling balance of performance and price.
While all the notebooks discussed in this article are excellent choices for budget-conscious gamers, they cater to different types of users:
- Acer Nitro 5 and HP Pavilion Gaming 15 are excellent all-rounders, offering strong performance and good build quality at an affordable price.
- Dell G3 15 caters to those who are frequently on the go. It offers a good blend of portability and performance.
- Lenovo Legion Y545 appeals to those who prefer a stylish and sleek design without compromising on performance.
- ASUS TUF Gaming F15 stands out for its durability and high refresh rate display, a boon for competitive gamers.
- MSI GF63 Thin offers a lightweight and premium design, coupled with commendable performance.
Remember, the best gaming notebook for you is the one that meets your specific gaming needs. It’s important to consider what kind of games you play, what performance level you need, and what features matter the most to you. By keeping these points in mind while making your decision, you can find a budget gaming notebook that offers an immersive gaming experience without draining your wallet.
