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Buying Guides For The Best Cheap Gaming Laptops
If you’re looking for a gaming laptop on a budget, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you need something that can accompany your avid gaming activity or just handle basic tasks with reasonable efficiency, there are plenty of cheap laptops available.
To help narrow down the selection and choose the best option for your needs, we have gathered some tips and identified five of this year’s top low-priced gaming laptops. Read on to find out which one suits you best in terms of performance, price range, and design.
What are Gaming Laptops?
Gaming laptops are power-packed computing machines that are designed to provide a higher level of performance than regular laptops and notebooks. They come with powerful processors, high-end graphics cards, plenty of memory, and other advanced features that make them perfect for hardcore gamers. Laptops can be used for gaming purposes in several ways – from playing games locally on the device itself to streaming games online.
Benefits of Cheap Gaming Laptops
Cheap gaming laptops are an excellent choice for those looking to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to gaming. Not only are they affordable, but they also provide a great way to stay on the cutting edge of technology and performance. Here are some of the specific benefits of investing in a good cheap gaming laptop:
- Affordable: One of the greatest benefits of investing in a cheap gaming laptop is that you can often find one at an incredibly reasonable price. This means that you don’t have to break the bank or go into debt just to enjoy your favorite video games.
- Portable: Another benefit to owning a cheap gaming laptop is its portability. These laptops weigh just a few pounds, can easily fit in a backpack, and can be taken with you wherever you go. This makes them great for gamers who travel or those who often take their gaming on the road.
- Upgradeable: Though they come at an affordable price, many cheap gaming laptops are surprisingly upgradeable. This means that you can increase its performance by adding additional RAM, hard drive space, or other components whenever needed.
- High Performance: Despite their low cost, many cheap gaming laptop models still offer excellent performance when it comes to graphics and processing power. You may have to make a few sacrifices here and there depending on your budget but overall these laptops provide excellent performance at a low price point.
- Long Lasting: Cheap gaming laptops are also built to last. Generally, manufacturers use higher quality materials when constructing these models which means that you shouldn’t have any issues with them for years down the road. This makes investing in a cheap gaming laptop a great investment for anyone looking to save money long-term.
Pros and Cons of Cheap Gaming Laptops
Pros:
- Cost-Effective – Cheap gaming laptops are a great option for budget-conscious gamers, as they tend to be more affordable compared to pricier models. This makes them great for those who don’t have a huge budget but still want to enjoy their favorite games and experience the latest technologies.
- Portable – Unlike desktop computers, which can be bulky and difficult to transport, cheap gaming laptops are highly portable and easy to move around with you wherever you go. This makes them ideal for gamers who love playing on the go or need a laptop that they can take with them when traveling.
- Latest Technologies – Many cheap gaming laptops come with all of the latest technologies such as graphics cards, processors, and RAM. This makes them great for gamers who want to get the most out of their laptop without breaking the bank.
Cons:
- Limited Upgradability – One of the drawbacks of cheap gaming laptops is that they often have limited upgradeability options. This means that you may not be able to upgrade your laptop with additional components, such as graphics cards or additional RAM, once you’ve purchased it.
- Shorter Lifespan – Cheap gaming laptops tend to have a shorter lifespan than more expensive models because the components used are often not as high-quality and may wear out faster over time.
- Subpar Performance – While cheap gaming laptops can provide decent gaming experiences, they are not as powerful or reliable as more expensive models. This can lead to a subpar performance in high-end games and limit the overall gaming experience.
How to use Gaming Laptops?
Gaming laptops are becoming increasingly popular because of their portability and high-performance capabilities. Whether you’re a serious gamer or just looking to do some casual gaming on the go, it’s important to know how to use gaming laptops in order to get the most out of them. Here are some tips for getting started:
- Familiarize yourself with the laptop’s specifications. Gaming laptops usually come with high-end hardware such as powerful processors, graphics cards, and RAM so that it can run the latest games without lag or stuttering. Knowing what kind of specs your laptop has will help you decide which games and settings you should use.
- Optimize the laptop for gaming. Many gaming laptops come preloaded with software designed to optimize performance for specific games or settings. Make sure you take advantage of these programs by running tests and tuning game settings in order to get the best performance out of your laptop while playing.
- Get a good cooling system in place. Gaming laptops tend to run hotter than regular machines due to their higher processing power and intensive graphics requirements, so it’s important to invest in a good cooling solution like additional fans in order to keep your laptop running smoothly during long gaming sessions.
- Make sure all drivers are updated regularly. Drivers are small pieces of software that help different parts of your computer communicate with each other properly, so they should be kept up-to-date in order for everything from your mouse and keyboard inputs to your graphics card outputting correctly when playing games on your machine.
- Protect your laptop from malware/viruses/hackers etc. Gaming laptops usually come with built-in security features such as antivirus protection, but it’s always wise to have an extra layer of defense from malware, viruses, and hackers who might be able to gain access to personal information stored on the machine without proper protection measures in place – there are plenty of free anti-malware solutions available online if needed!
- Take care when traveling with your laptop – even though gaming laptops are highly portable, they don’t typically fare well when exposed to too much jostling around during transit so it’s important to make sure they’re packaged securely when traveling (a good carrying case is recommended). Also, if possible try not exposing them to too much direct sunlight while they’re being transported as this could cause the internal components (CPUs, GPUs, etc) to overheat quickly leading to potentially disastrous results!
Common mistakes when using Cheap Gaming Laptops
- Not Checking System Requirements: Many games require specific hardware and software specifications, so it’s important to check the system requirements of any game that you plan on playing before investing in a laptop. If your laptop doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, you may find yourself unable to play the game or suffering from poor performance.
- Ignoring Battery Life: It’s easy to get caught up in finding a cheap gaming laptop with great specs, but don’t forget about battery life! Gamers need laptops that can last for hours without needing to be plugged into an outlet, so make sure to pay attention to the battery life when making your purchase.
- Skimping on RAM: RAM is one of the most important components of a gaming laptop and it’s easy to skimp on this if you’re trying to find an inexpensive laptop. Aim for 8GB at minimum, but it’s best to get 16GB or more if your budget allows.
- Overlooking Heat Management: Many low-cost gaming laptops have inadequate cooling solutions that lead to overheating during extended gaming sessions. Look for models that offer good thermal design so you can play without worrying about the laptop getting too hot.
- Poor Display Quality: Don’t be fooled by cheap displays! Make sure the display has a high resolution and offers good color accuracy before buying any laptop–you don’t want to end up with a laptop that has washed-out colors or blurry graphics.
- Buying an Outdated Model: Technology moves quickly in the world of gaming, so buying an outdated model may leave you behind in terms of performance and features. Look for laptops that are no more than a few years old when shopping for a cheap gaming laptop.
- Skipping the Warranty: Many manufacturers offer warranties on their laptops and it’s important to take advantage of them if possible. It may be tempting to skip out on the warranty in order to save a few dollars, but this could end up costing you more in the long run if something goes wrong with your laptop.
- Not Checking User Reviews: Finally, don’t forget to read user reviews before making any purchase! Reading what other people have experienced with certain models can help you make an informed decision and avoid any potential headaches down the road.
Factors to consider before buying Cheap Gaming Laptops
Processor: The processor of the laptop is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a gaming laptop. Look for laptops with powerful processors such as Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 that can handle the demands of gaming without any lag.
RAM: Random Access Memory (RAM) is another crucial factor to take into consideration when buying an affordable gaming laptop. Aim for at least 8GB RAM, but you may need more depending on what type of games you play and how many programs you will be running simultaneously on your laptop.
Graphics Card: You should also ensure that the graphics card in your cheap gaming laptop is capable enough to render high-resolution textures and graphics in your favorite games. Look for Nvidia or AMD GPUs that can provide a smooth gaming experience without any issues.
Screen Size: The screen size of the laptop is also important, especially if you plan on playing first-person shooter games and other titles that require precise aiming and movement. Aim for at least 15 inches, but larger sizes such as 17 inches will give you more room to maneuver in your game.
Battery Life: You should consider the battery life of the laptop. If you are going to be gaming on the go then make sure that you get a laptop with a long lasting battery so that you don’t have to worry about running out of power in the middle of your gaming session.
Resolution: The resolution of the laptop is also important, as higher resolutions can enable you to see more details in your game. Look for laptops with HD or even 4K displays that will allow you to get a more immersive experience when gaming.
Refresh Rate: Refresh rate is another essential factor to consider when buying an affordable gaming laptop. Look for laptops with high refresh rates such as 120Hz or 144Hz, as they can help you get smoother and faster movement in your favorite games.
Security and Connectivity: It’s also important that your cheap gaming laptop offers good levels of security and connectivity. Look out for features like built-in antivirus protection, firewalls, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0 so that you can ensure your laptop is secure and connected to the internet.
Keyboard: The keyboard on a cheap gaming laptop should be comfortable, responsive, and durable enough to withstand hours of gaming without any problems. Look for laptops with backlit keyboards, ergonomic designs, and mechanical switches that will give you an edge when playing games.
Brand: Look out for reputable brands that offer reliable customer service and good warranties when buying a cheap gaming laptop. Brands like Dell, ASUS, MSI, and Acer are known for providing quality products at affordable prices so these should be your top choices when shopping for an inexpensive gaming machine.
Price: Price is also an important factor to consider before buying a budget gaming laptop as it determines what type of features and components you can get. Look for laptops with good specs that are still within your budget so that you can get the most out of your purchase without breaking the bank.
Design: The design of a gaming laptop is also important, as it should look cool and stylish even if it is on a tight budget. Look for sleek designs that feature RGB lighting and customizable features that make your laptop stand out from other machines.
Warranty: Make sure to check the warranty of the laptop before buying as this will give you peace of mind in case any problems arise with the device. Look for warranties that offer good coverage such as parts and labor, so that you can be sure your laptop is covered in case of any issues.
Customer Service: Finally, look out for brands that offer reliable customer service when purchasing a gaming laptop on a budget. Good customer service should include live chat support or phone support so that any technical problems or inquiries can be answered swiftly.
Tips to use Gaming Laptops
Tips to use Gaming Laptops: Gaming laptops offer an exciting and immersive experience for gamers. Whether you are a casual gamer or a professional esports player, there are several ways to maximize the performance of your gaming laptop.
- Make sure you have the most up-to-date components. A good gaming laptop should be equipped with a high-end processor, enough RAM (Random Access Memory) to support your games, and a dedicated graphics card that can handle all the latest releases. Keeping up with these components is essential for running games at maximum settings.
- Invest in a cooling system. Gamers often push their systems to their limits by running the highest settings possible, which can cause laptops to overheat very quickly. Investing in an external cooling pad will help reduce temperatures and ensure your performance stays consistent during longer sessions.
- Purchase accessories that make gaming more comfortable. There are several options on the market ranging from ergonomic keyboards and mouse pads to headset stand adapters and lap desks specifically designed for gaming laptops. These products will not only enhance your comfort level but also eliminate some of the stress from long gaming sessions by providing better support for wrists and arms.
- Regularly updates your drivers and software. Many drivers can become outdated quickly as new games are released so make sure you download any available updates to keep your hardware running correctly and consistently. Additionally, be sure to keep all software such as graphics drivers updated so you get the best performance from your games as well as enjoy any additional features that may be included with newer versions of those programs.
- Take care of your hardware properly by ensuring it is clean and dust free at all times since overheating can be caused by clogged vents or fan blades covered in dust or debris. Cleaning out internals should only be done if you feel confident doing it safely, otherwise, find someone who can do it professionally; this way you can avoid damaging any important components inside while still enjoying optimal performance whenever you’re ready to game!
FAQs
How much RAM do I need in a gaming laptop?
Upgrade your gaming performance with a laptop boasting at least 16GB of Random Access Memory (RAM). Doing so will enable you to take on more tasks simultaneously, providing an enhanced and smoother experience. For the ultimate in responsiveness when it comes to playing games, don’t settle for anything less than that minimum RAM requirement.
Does Apple make a gaming laptop?
As Apple continues to gain traction among serious gamers with its macOS games, the platform still lacks a laptop specifically tailored for gaming.
However, unlocking an average level of performance is possible through an Apple laptop’s competent GPU capabilities. But if you’re looking to experience top-tier PC exclusives in their full glory then it’s best to stick with Windows – after all, that’s why they call them “PC Gamers”!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a laptop that will let you enjoy your favorite games without breaking the bank, any of the laptops on our list would be a great option.
Whether you’re looking for something with top-of-the-line specs or basic features that won’t break the bank, there’s sure to be an option that fits your needs and budget. So what are you waiting for? Start browsing and see which one is right for you!
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