Are you looking for budget gaming laptops under $500? If yes, then here’s an article on the best cheap gaming laptops under $500. These are laptops that will serve you better for your gaming needs and they’re not as expensive as you might think.
Gaming laptops are known to be quite expensive and that’s due to how strong they are and their performance rate when it comes to playing modern high-end games. The need for a gaming laptop already makes gaming consoles like PS3, PS4 and PS5 less important. Most times people have feelings that there are no cheap gaming laptops, well that’s totally untrue.
There are quite a number of cheap gaming laptops and even with as low as $500, you can get one. In this article on Lotus Computers, we’ve handpicked the best cheap gaming laptops under $500 for you. With these budget-friendly PCs, you’ll be able to enjoy high-end games without hassles. Before buying, kindly read the factors to consider when buying a gaming laptop.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Gaming Laptop
Below are some of the factors you should consider when buying a new gaming laptop under $500. While the prime might be the main concern, other aspects of the laptop are also essential and should be cross-checked.
- GPU Performance: The graphics processing unit (GPU) is crucial for gaming. Look for laptops with dedicated graphics cards, such as NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon, for smoother gameplay and better graphics rendering.
- Processor: A powerful CPU is essential for running games smoothly. Aim for laptops with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor.
- RAM and Storage: Opt for laptops with a minimum of 8GB RAM to handle modern games efficiently. Additionally, consider laptops with SSD storage for faster loading times.
- Display and Refresh Rate: A good display with a high refresh rate can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Look for laptops with at least a Full HD (1920×1080) resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate.
List of The Best Cheap Gaming Laptops Under $500
1. HP – 15.6″ Touch-Screen Laptop
One of the best cheap gaming laptops you can spend your money on is the HP 15.6″ Touch-Screen Laptop. With a budget not exceeding $500, this might just be the perfect gaming machine for you. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 processor and integrated Radeon Graphics, this laptop can handle casual gaming and multimedia tasks with ease. Whether you want to indulge in some casual gaming sessions or stream your favourite movies, this laptop has got you covered. The 15.6-inch HD touch-screen display provides crisp and vibrant visuals, making your gaming experience all the more enjoyable.
The touch-screen feature also allows for intuitive navigation, giving you more control over your gaming and computing activities. In terms of memory and storage, the HP 15.6″ Touch-Screen Laptop comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking without any lags. The 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD provides ample storage space for your games, files, and media. Additionally, the laptop runs on Windows 10 Home, offering a familiar and user-friendly interface for seamless operations.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 3
- Graphics: Integrated Radeon Graphics
- Display: 15.6-inch HD Touch-Screen
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
2. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that delivers impressive performance without compromising on portability. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics, it offers smooth gameplay for less demanding titles. The laptop’s slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, making it an ideal choice for gaming on the go. One of the unique features is the 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display which ensures sharp and vibrant visuals.
This makes gaming and multimedia activities more enjoyable than ever. The narrow bezels further enhance the display’s immersive feel, allowing you to get lost in your favourite games. With 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB NVMe SSD, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop delivers snappy performance and fast boot times. You can easily switch between tasks and open multiple applications without any slowdowns.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
3. HP Pavilion Laptop (2022 Model)
HP Pavilion Laptop also leads the way as one of the best cheap gaming laptops under $500 and it’s a device that caters for all purposes. With 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, the HP Pavilion Laptop ensures smooth multitasking and quick boot times. You can effortlessly switch between applications and load your favourite games without any delays. Running on Windows 10 Home, the laptop provides a familiar and user-friendly interface for a seamless computing experience.
The 15.6-inch Full HD display with micro-edge design offers an immersive visual experience, allowing you to get lost in the world of gaming or enjoy your favourite movies in stunning clarity. The backlit keyboard further enhances the gaming experience, providing comfortable typing even in dimly lit environments. It is powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and Intel Iris Xe Graphics, making it one of the best cheap gaming laptops under $500.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i5
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
4. HP Notebook 15-dy1008CA
HP Notebook 15-dy1008CA is an affordable laptop that performs well for both work and play. While the processor might not be that high compared to other recommended laptops, it still makes an excellent choice for under $500. This laptop comes with an Intel Core i3 processor and Intel UHD Graphics, so it can handle light gaming and everyday computing tasks with ease. If you’re considering the display, it has a 15.6-inch HD display that gives nice visuals.
Why HP Notebook 15-dy1008CA is considered one of the best cheap gaming laptops under $500 is due to its smooth performance. This laptop comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, the HP Notebook 15-dy1008CA ensures smooth multitasking and fast data access. Additionally, the HP Notebook 15-dy1008CA features an HP TrueVision HD Camera, allowing for clear video calls and streaming. Whether you’re gaming, video conferencing, or watching videos, this laptop has the performance and features to meet your needs.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i3
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
- Display: 15.6-inch HD
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
5. Dell Newest Inspiron 15 3511 Laptop
Looking for a budget-friendly gaming laptop that you can buy without spending anything less than $500? Well, look no further because Dell Newest Inspiron 15 3511 Laptop has got you covered. Due to its Intel-powered core i3 processor, this laptop might not be well suited to handle high-end games with high requirements, But it can play low-end games without any issues. It comes with an Intel UHD Graphics, you should expect less graphics quality while gaming.
Running on Windows 10 Home, the laptop offers a familiar interface and access to a wide range of software and games from the Microsoft Store. With 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, the Dell Newest Inspiron 15 3511 Laptop ensures smooth multitasking and quick data access. You’ll surely love this laptop for its portability, it is one of the best cheap gaming laptops under $500 for lightweight gaming purposes.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i3
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
- Display: 15.6-inch HD
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
6. Lenovo – 2022 – IdeaPad 3i
Another budget-friendly laptop on the list is Lenovo 2022 IdeaPad 3i and it is a machine that is perfect for light gaming purposes. Using the Lenovo 2022 IdeaPad 3i simply means you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth gaming experience when playing lightweight games. The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i3 processor and Intel UHD Graphics. You’ll get a reliable performance when playing games and also multitasking.
Its 14-inch HD display with narrow bezels delivers immersive visuals, and the laptop’s slim design adds to its portability. The 8GB of DDR4 RAM and 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD provide ample space for multitasking and quick data access. Whether you’re switching between applications or loading your favourite games, this laptop ensures smooth operations. Furthermore, the designs of Lenovo 2022 IdeaPad 3i make a lot of sense, making it one of the best cheap gaming laptops under $500.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i3
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
- Display: 14-inch HD
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
7. ASUS – Vivobook 14″ Laptop
Rounding up the list of the best cheap gaming laptops under $500, another laptop to look at is the Asus Vivobook 14″ Laptop which makes sense for hardcore gaming purposes. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics, it offers decent gaming performance for casual gamers. Its 14-inch Full HD display with NanoEdge bezels provides an immersive visual experience. This ensures that you’ll enjoy almost any game you play on the laptop.
Asus Vivobook 14″ Laptop comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD. You can effortlessly switch between applications and open multiple tabs without any slowdowns, that’s because it is perfect for multitasking as well. Furthermore, the Asus Vivobook 14″ Laptop runs on Windows 10 Home, providing a familiar and user-friendly interface. Its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, making it suitable for gamers on the move.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics
- Display: 14-inch Full HD
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Conclusion
Having a budget-friendly gaming laptop simply means you don’t have to spend much before you can play your favourite games. From the list of laptops above, you’ll discover the best cheap gaming laptops under $500.
FAQs:
What kind of games can I play on these budget gaming laptops?
These laptops are suitable for playing a wide range of games, including casual, indie, and older AAA titles. They can handle games with moderate system requirements and offer smooth gameplay for less demanding titles.
Do these laptops have a dedicated graphics card?
Most of the laptops on this list come with integrated graphics, which are sufficient for casual gaming. However, some models may have dedicated graphics cards for better gaming performance.
Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on these laptops?
Some laptops allow for RAM and storage upgrades, while others have fixed configurations. It’s essential to check the specific model’s specifications to determine its upgradability options.
What is the display size and resolution of these laptops?
The display size of these laptops typically ranges from 14 to 15.6 inches. They usually come with HD or Full HD resolutions, offering clear and vibrant visuals.
Do these laptops come with pre-installed gaming software?
These laptops usually come with a clean Windows installation, allowing you to customize them with the gaming software of your choice. Some may have trial versions of gaming software that you can easily remove or upgrade.
