Best Gaming Laptops Under $700: Your Budget-Friendly Guide

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Best Gaming Laptops Under $700: Your Budget-Friendly Guide

Hey gaming enthusiasts! Are you on the hunt for a gaming laptop without breaking the bank? Well, you've landed in the right spot! We're diving deep into the world of gaming laptops under $700, showing you the best options that pack a punch without emptying your wallet. Finding a capable gaming laptop at this price point might seem like a challenge, but trust me, it's totally doable! We’ll explore what to look for, the best brands, and models that deliver impressive performance for your favorite games. Get ready to level up your gaming experience without maxing out your credit card. Let’s get started, shall we?

This guide is designed for gamers of all types – from casual players to those who enjoy more demanding titles. I will provide you with all the necessary information to make the best choice, by considering several factors. So, grab your favorite snack, and let's unravel the secrets of budget-friendly gaming laptops!

What to Look for in a Gaming Laptop Under $700

Alright, let’s talk specs, guys! When you're searching for gaming laptops under $700, you have to know where to focus your attention. You can’t expect to get the absolute top-of-the-line components, but you can certainly find laptops that offer a solid gaming experience if you know what to prioritize. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and features to keep an eye on:

  • CPU (Central Processing Unit): The CPU is the brain of your laptop. For gaming, you'll want at least an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor. These processors provide enough power to handle most games and other tasks without bottlenecks. The newer the generation, the better, as they typically offer improved performance and efficiency. Make sure to check the clock speed, as higher clock speeds generally mean better performance.
  • GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): The GPU is the heart of your gaming experience. This is where you'll want to focus most of your attention. Look for a dedicated graphics card from NVIDIA or AMD. At this price point, you might find laptops with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or an AMD Radeon RX 6500M. These GPUs can handle many modern games at 1080p resolution with decent frame rates. The higher the number, the more powerful the GPU. It is worth noting the current availability of used models on the market that will give you a better performance to price ratio.
  • RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is crucial for multitasking and running games smoothly. Aim for at least 8GB of RAM. Ideally, if you can find a laptop with 16GB, you'll see a noticeable improvement, especially if you plan on running multiple applications while gaming. Most games require a minimum of 8 GB, so this should be the very least you consider.
  • Storage: The storage type and capacity matter. An SSD (Solid State Drive) is a must-have for fast boot times, quick game loading, and overall system responsiveness. Try to find a laptop with at least a 256GB SSD, but 512GB is much better if your budget allows. Games take up a lot of space these days, so more storage means you can install more games and don’t have to constantly uninstall and reinstall them. Avoid HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) for your primary drive, as they're significantly slower.
  • Display: The display is your window into the game. Look for a 15.6-inch display with a resolution of at least 1920x1080 (1080p). A higher refresh rate (like 120Hz or 144Hz) is a major bonus, as it makes gameplay look smoother, especially in fast-paced games. The higher the refresh rate, the better, but it may come at the expense of other features. Color accuracy isn’t as important on this budget. But look for decent brightness so you can use it in various lighting conditions.
  • Ports: Consider the available ports for your peripherals. You'll want at least one USB 3.0 port, a USB-C port (for newer accessories and charging), an HDMI port (for connecting to an external display), and an audio jack. Make sure it has an ethernet port, in case you need a more stable internet connection.
  • Build Quality and Battery Life: On a budget, you may have to sacrifice a bit on build quality. Try to find a laptop that feels sturdy and well-built, even if it's made of plastic. Battery life is not a priority for gaming laptops, but it's still good to get a few hours of use for everyday tasks. Keep in mind that gaming will drain the battery much faster.

By focusing on these features, you can find a gaming laptop under $700 that provides a great gaming experience. Don’t be afraid to compare specs, read reviews, and watch videos before making a decision. Remember, finding the right gaming laptop is all about balancing the features you need with your budget!

Top Gaming Laptop Recommendations Under $700

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. Based on the specs we discussed, here are some of the best gaming laptop recommendations under $700. Keep in mind that prices fluctuate, so always check the latest prices and availability before making a purchase. I'll include a range of laptops that consistently offer a great price-to-performance ratio:

  • Acer Nitro 5: The Acer Nitro 5 is a popular choice and is known for delivering solid gaming performance for the price. You can often find configurations with an Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or RTX 3050 graphics card, 8GB to 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB or 512GB SSD. The Nitro 5 typically features a 15.6-inch 1080p display with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth gaming experience. Acer has a reputation for offering good value, so the Nitro 5 often comes in under budget.

  • ASUS TUF Gaming Series: ASUS’s TUF series offers a balance of durability and performance. You might find models with an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or RTX 3050, 8GB to 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB or 512GB SSD. The TUF laptops are known for their sturdy build and often have a 15.6-inch 1080p display with a 144Hz refresh rate. ASUS usually provides excellent build quality and design in this price range, making the TUF series a great contender.

  • Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Series: The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming series is another excellent option. You can frequently find configurations featuring AMD Ryzen 5 processors, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or RTX 3050 graphics cards, 8GB to 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB or 512GB SSD. These laptops usually come with a 15.6-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate. Lenovo tends to provide a great balance of performance and features at an affordable price, which makes the IdeaPad a solid option.

  • HP Victus: The HP Victus is a newer line that has quickly become a favorite. This laptop usually comes with AMD Ryzen 5 processors, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or RTX 3050 graphics cards, 8GB to 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB or 512GB SSD. HP Victus laptops often have a 15.6-inch 1080p display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The Victus stands out for its sleek design and decent performance, which makes it a stylish and effective choice.

  • Used or Refurbished Options: Don’t completely disregard the used or refurbished market. You can sometimes find higher-spec laptops (like those with an RTX 3050 or better) within your budget if you are willing to consider a used or refurbished model. Just make sure to buy from a reputable seller with a warranty. This is how you can stretch your budget to new extremes, potentially getting a laptop much better than the ones that are new on the market.

Remember to research the specific configuration before purchasing, as specs can vary. These recommendations are based on typical configurations that you can find within your budget. Make sure you read reviews from various sources to see what users think about the machine, and whether it’s prone to overheating or other issues.

Where to Buy Gaming Laptops Under $700

So, you’ve picked out your ideal laptop? Great! Now, where do you buy it? Finding the best deals is just as important as choosing the right specs. Here's where you can start your search for gaming laptops under $700:

  • Major Retailers: Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart are excellent starting points. These stores offer a wide selection of gaming laptops, often with competitive prices and frequent sales. They also have user reviews, which are incredibly useful for making an informed decision. Check their websites regularly, as deals change frequently.
  • Online Retailers: Online retailers like Newegg and B&H Photo Video can also provide great deals, sometimes offering better prices than the major retailers. Newegg, in particular, often has exclusive deals and promotions on gaming laptops. Make sure to check their sites regularly, since the deals change frequently.
  • Manufacturer Websites: Directly visiting the websites of the manufacturers, such as Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, and HP, can also be beneficial. Sometimes, they offer discounts, promotions, or refurbished models at reduced prices. This is also a good way to see the full range of options available.
  • Refurbished and Used Marketplaces: As mentioned earlier, consider used or refurbished models. Check out websites like eBay, Amazon Renewed, and other dedicated marketplaces for used electronics. Make sure the seller is reputable and offers a warranty. You can get a lot of value for your money by going this route.
  • Check for Sales and Promotions: Always be on the lookout for sales, holiday promotions, and bundle deals. Retailers frequently discount gaming laptops, especially during events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to maximize your savings.

Shop around, compare prices, and read reviews before making a purchase. Remember to factor in shipping costs and return policies. By being a savvy shopper, you can find the perfect gaming laptop at an amazing price.

Tips for Maximizing Your Gaming Experience on a Budget

Alright, you've got your new gaming laptop. Congrats! Now, how do you get the most out of your investment? Here are some tips to maximize your gaming experience on a budget, making sure you get the best performance from your gaming laptops under $700:

  • Optimize Game Settings: Don’t be afraid to adjust your game settings. Most games allow you to customize graphics settings like resolution, texture quality, shadows, and anti-aliasing. Start by lowering these settings to find a balance between visual quality and performance. Experiment with different settings until you find what looks good and delivers a smooth frame rate. You may need to compromise, but it is better to have stable frame rates.
  • Keep Drivers Updated: Always keep your graphics card drivers up-to-date. NVIDIA and AMD regularly release new drivers that optimize performance and fix bugs for the latest games. You can download these drivers from the manufacturer’s website or through their software.
  • Monitor Temperatures: Gaming laptops can get hot, which can affect performance. Monitor your laptop's temperature using software like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor. If your laptop gets too hot, consider using a cooling pad or adjusting your environment to improve airflow.
  • Close Unnecessary Programs: Before you start gaming, close any programs that are running in the background, like web browsers, streaming services, and other resource-intensive applications. This frees up resources for your game, improving performance.
  • Consider External Peripherals: Think about investing in external peripherals like a mouse, keyboard, and headset. While the built-in components are fine, external peripherals can enhance your gaming experience. A good mouse and keyboard can improve your accuracy and comfort, while a quality headset can immerse you further in the game.
  • Manage Storage: Keep your storage in check. Delete old files and uninstall games you're not playing to free up space. A full hard drive can slow down your system. Also, ensure you have the game installed on the faster SSD drive.
  • Clean Your Laptop: Regularly clean the vents of your laptop to prevent dust buildup, which can cause overheating. Use compressed air to blow out the dust, and make sure to do so with the laptop turned off and unplugged.

By following these tips, you can extend the life of your laptop and get the best performance out of your games. You can often make small tweaks to squeeze out that extra bit of performance and enjoyment.

Conclusion: Gaming on a Budget is Totally Possible!

So, there you have it, folks! Gaming laptops under $700 are a reality, and with a little research and savvy shopping, you can find a machine that delivers a great gaming experience. Remember to prioritize the essential components like the CPU, GPU, RAM, and SSD. Also, don’t forget to consider factors like the display and ports. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your favorite games without breaking the bank.

Enjoy your new gaming laptop, and happy gaming! I hope this guide helps you find the perfect laptop. Remember to have fun, experiment with settings, and enjoy your gaming experience. There are a lot of amazing titles to choose from, and having a great gaming experience should be accessible to everyone, and finding a gaming laptop under $700 is a great step.