You’ll notice that everything in the game industry is centred around the hardware.
Even though gaming laptops are very popular these days, the majority of them are quite pricey.
Our list of the greatest gaming laptops under $500 for 2023 is the result of extensive research and evaluation of the competition.
For individuals who want to start gaming but don’t want to spend a lot of money, inexpensive gaming laptops are a terrific option. There are several excellent solutions available that are both affordable and capable of offering a fantastic gaming experience.
10 Top Pickups. 3 Reviewers. 40 Hours of Research. 50 Considered
I know how important it is to discover a high-quality gaming laptop that won’t break the budget because I have a deep love for gaming and a lot of experience writing about computers. I spent a lot of time investigating and evaluating different possibilities to find the top gaming laptops for around $500.
I used a combination of professional opinions and customer reviews to make my decisions. To make sure that my choices offered the most value for the money, I also took into account the hardware and features that are offered at this price point.
In the end, I selected these laptops based on their functionality, dependability, and general user pleasure. These affordable solutions will meet your demands and exceed your expectations, whether you’re an avid gamer or a casual one.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Acer Aspire 5 3200U – Best Gaming Laptop Under $500
- Dell Inspiron 15.6 -7200U – Best Performance
- HP Flagship 15.6 – Best of HP
- Dell Inspiron 15.6 – Best for Minecraft
- 2018 HP 7200U – Most Affordable Under 500
- Acer Aspire 5 8265U – Optimum Performance For $500
- 2018 Dell Inspiron 15 5000 – Best of Dell
- Acer Aspire E 15 – Best Battery Life
- 2019 Newest HP 8250U – Best For Fortnite & Apex Legends
- Lenovo 15.6 – Excellent Graphics Performance
Top 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $500
Whether you play PC games or not, you’ve probably heard of gaming laptops. In addition to having cutting-edge hardware for a laptop, they also include amusing features that make gaming simpler and more enjoyable (even when you’re not playing on it). This sets them apart from other laptops.
Here are some of the finest inexpensive gaming laptops under $500 if you’re interested in buying a gaming laptop but want to save money.
Acer Aspire 5 3200U – Best of Acer
- Powerful Processing
- Up to 7.5 hours of battery life
- Enjoy games in their full glory with Full HD resolution
CPU and GPU
Two components are necessary for gaming performance: the CPU and the GPU. With the Acer Aspire 5, it is not intended for casual gaming. The finest Ryzen laptop under $500 has an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual-Core Processor that can handle all of your demanding games.
Additionally, the AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics enables you to play games with better images and a greater frame rate.
These work well for processing-intensive video and photo editing jobs in addition to gaming.
Storage and RAM
The Acer Aspire 5 has a 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD and 4GB DDR4 RAM. This refers to the entry-level model, which costs about $350. However, as they are both upgradeable, you can always do so in the future.
Given how many games you play, a 128GB solid-state drive might be a little less than you need, and the RAM would be adequate to run games at low to medium settings with a respectable frame rate.
Keyboard and Display
The full HD display on this entry-level gaming laptop boasts a 1920 x 1080 resolution. The 15.6-inch IPS Display offers gamers sharp image quality so they may elevate their gaming experience.
The keyboard has backlighting so you can type precisely even in total darkness. You also get a battery life of up to 7 hours!
Connectivity and Warranty
This low-cost laptop has an HDMI port, two USB 2.0 ports, and a USB 3.1 port. Although they are not remarkable, these do the job. It’s unfortunate that there isn’t a USB Type-C port available. Additionally, it comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
What Makes It The Best Gaming Laptop Under $500?
The Acer Aspire 5 3200U is one of the best gaming laptops available for less than $500 because it is both powerful and portable. It has great ergonomics that make it simple to hold.
In conclusion, especially if you are a beginner, you get a really decent value with the Acer Aspire 5 which costs roughly $350 and comes with Windows 10 Home operating system.
The Acer Aspire 5 3200U is an excellent option to think about if you’re looking for a cheap gaming laptop. This laptop is reasonably priced and provides reliable performance and features. Without breaking the cash, you may take use of all the advantages of a gaming laptop. So the Acer Aspire 5 3200U is the best option if you want to maximise your investment.
It also supports Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi.
Acer Aspire 5 3200U Technical Specifications
| Brand | Acer |
| Model Name | Aspire 5 |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Color | Silver |
| Hard Disk Size | 128 GB |
| CPU Model | Ryzen 3 3200U |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 4 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon Vega 3 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| WiFi | 802.11ac |
| Keyboard | Backlit |
| Battery Life | Up to 7.5 hours |
| Operating System in S Mode | Yes |
| Maximum Power Supply Wattage | 65 Watts |
PORS
- Great value on money.
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor.
- Considerably powerful.
- Good battery timings.
- Portability.
CONS
- No USB Type-C port.
- Average build quality.
Dell Inspiron 15.6 -7200U
Best Performance
- Blazing-fast, smooth video streaming and seamless gaming
- Adequate storage and RAM
- Excellent speakers.
- Runs your desktop and mobile apps ultra-smoothly
CPU and GPU
The Intel Core i5-7200U dual-core processor from the 7th generation powers the Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch laptop. This laptop has integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 graphics to provide gamers with exceptional gaming experience. It can run well-known games like Apex Legends and Fortnite at a respectable frame rate.
Storage and RAM
This gaming computer has a 256 GB solid-state drive and 8 GB of DDR4 RAM. Most well-known games require at least 6 to 8 GB of RAM. Because it has 8GB of RAM, you should be fine using this laptop.
A 256 GB hard disc is also sufficient for gaming. After some time, though, you might require an upgrade.
Keyboard and Display
Despite having large bezels, this inexpensive laptop has a stunning 15.6-inch True-life HD 1366×768 display. It is classic in appearance and lacks a lighted keyboard. The battery life is about 6-7 hours, and the visual quality is outstanding.
Connectivity and Warranty
This laptop has a few USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI connector for connectivity. A headphone connector and great Bluetooth connectivity are also included.
Dell offers buyers a year-long warranty and the Windows 10 Home operating system pre-installed for their convenience.
With the exception of lacking a dedicated graphics card, it is a superb laptop with exceptional specifications and a modest cost of just under $400.
It can be challenging, but not impossible, to find a gaming laptop for less than $500. You may discover a nice gaming laptop like the Dell Inspiron 15.6 -7200U that won’t break the bank with some careful browsing and wise choices. This laptop provides top-notch gaming performance at an affordable price.
Dell Inspiron 15.6 -7200U Technical Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
| Series | Dell I3567 |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Color | Black |
| Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
| CPU Model | 80486DX2 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 |
| Optical Drive | None |
| Processor | 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7200U |
| Memory Type | DDR4 |
| Storage Type | SSD |
| Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 |
| HDMI Port | Yes |
| Battery | 4-cell lithium-ion |
| Dimensions | 0.9″ Thin, 5.07 lbs |
PORS
- Excellent speakers.
- Adequate storage and RAM.
CONS
- No backlit keyboard.
- No dedicated graphics card.
HP Flagship 15.6- Best of HP
- Enjoy your movies, games and photos in stunning clarity.
- Intel Core i3 processor offers better performance than previous chips
- Superb battery performance.
CPU and GPU
Thanks to the 7th Gen Intel Core i3-7100U processor, the HP Flagship fully lives up to the word “flagship” in its moniker. It enables the laptop to run demanding games smoothly.
You might want to think about replacing your graphic card. It has an integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 chip, which may be able to run low- to medium-end games at a respectable frame rate.
But if you want anything additional, expect to pay a few hundred dollars more for a sound graphics card.
Storage and RAM
Instead of a lightning-fast SSD, the HP Flagship ships with a conventional hard disc. This laptop’s 1TB HDD, while enough for games, represents outmoded hardware. Even so, it still contains the 8 GB DDR4 RAM that is suggested for the majority of games, if not all of them.
Keyboard and Display
This touchscreen laptop has a conventional keyboard and a 15.6-inch touchscreen display with HD WLED backlighting.
To instruct the laptop, use the mouse pad or directly touch the screen. Additionally, it can be useful when playing video games!
Connectivity and Warranty
It’s unexpected that the HP Flagship still includes a SuperMulti DVD burner, which is uncommon. A dual USB 2.0 port, a USB 3.0 port, and a multi-format SD card slot are also included. The 1-year exclusive warranty is also a plus!
The specifications are sufficient to run games. Additionally, it has a DVD Burner, which is not very common. For a gaming laptop that costs over $400, the absence of an SSD and a good graphics card is a major flaw.
In conclusion, people seeking for gaming laptops on a tight budget might choose the HP Flagship 15.6. It is a good option for anyone wishing to enter the world of gaming because it provides great performance and a stylish design.
HP Flagship 15.6 Technical Specifications
| Brand | HP |
| Series | 15-ay191ms |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Core i3 |
| Ram Memory | 8 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
| CPU Speed | 2.4 GHz |
| Touchscreen Display | Yes (15.6″ HD WLED-backlit) |
| Processor | 7th Gen Intel Core i3-7100U |
| DVD burner | Yes (SuperMulti) |
| HDMI | Yes |
| Webcam | Yes (HD) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (4.0) |
| Audio | DTS Studio Sound |
| USB ports | 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n |
| SD Slot | Yes (Multi-format) |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bits |
PORS
- Excellent speakers.
- Superb battery performance.
- Windows 10 operating system.
CONS
- No SSD.
- Lack of a decent graphic card.
- Fully flexible with the 360-degree hinge
- Perfect for multitasking
- HD touch screen display with a resolution of 1366 x 768
- Wide connectivity
CPU and GPU
This particular Dell Inspiron model comes with everything you need. It has an integrated 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core 7th Gen i5-7200U processor that can reach 3.1GHz with Turbo Boost.
It is adequate for any task, including gaming. It functions well and renders and exports huge files swiftly.
The main issue is that an exclusive graphics card for gaming is still not included; instead, Intel HD Graphics 620 is. Before purchasing one, you may want to take it into account.
Storage and RAM
Regarding this, this laptop does not compromise on it. It has a modern, competitively priced, decently large 256 GB SSD.
Additionally, the 8 GB RAM is sufficient for playing new games at a respectable frame rate. Additionally, you have the choice to upgrade whenever you want.
Keyboard and Display
The 15.6-inch Dell Inspiron laptop has a conventional keyboard. It’s not very fancy in any way. It does, however, have a 15.6-inch HD display with a 1366 x 768 screen resolution. The fact that it has a touch screen and a 360-degree hinge that allows you to fold it is its best feature. It is a 2-in-1 laptop as a result.
Connectivity and Warranty
Dual USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, a mic-in/headphone-out audio jack, an HDMI port, and wireless Bluetooth b/g/n 4.0 are all included on this laptop. The warranty is expected. With Windows 10 Home, you receive the usual 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Because of its usefulness, this laptop is a great choice. Except for a sound graphics card, it includes all the components needed for gaming, but the 360-degree hinge design makes the device more ergonomic.
The Dell Inspiron 15.6 is one of the best gaming laptops under $500 because it offers a great balance of portability and performance.
In conclusion, anyone seeking for a high-performance laptop that won’t break the budget should strongly consider the Dell Inspiron 15.6.
Dell Inspiron 15.6 Technical Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
| Series | Dell-i5-256GB-SSD |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Color | Black |
| Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
| CPU Model | Core i5 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 1 Home |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
PORS
- Fully flexible with the 360-degree hinge.
- Perfect for multitasking.
CONS
- The display is not very bright.
- Ordinary sounding speakers.
- Turbo Boost Included
- Wide connectivity
- Large HDD
- A lot of options for external connections, including a card reader.
.
CPU and GPU
The standard Intel Core i5-7200U 2.50 GHz processor is included with the HP 7200U. The clock frequency can be increased using the Turbo Boost technology from 2.50 GHz to an astounding 3.10 GHz.
In terms of performance, the CPU performs admirably. However, you would probably need to upgrade right away from the standard Intel HD Graphics 620. Although this graphic card is not terrible, it cannot run demanding games at higher frame rates without lagging.
Storage and RAM
This gaming laptop boasts 8GB of powerful, speedy DDR4 SDRAM. If not more, it is ideal for expensive games with medium graphics.
It does not, however, have an SSD. It still includes the outdated 2TB HDD. Although there is plenty of capacity, the transfer rates are far slower than those of an SSD.
Keyboard and Display
The laptops’ keyboards are quiet and have pleasant keys. Although they are conventional membrane keys, they have a premium feel. The keyboard is not lighted, though.
It has a 15.6-inch HD WLED-backlit touchscreen, which is the size of the screen. It features 10-finger multitouch and has a 1366 x 768 resolution. Consequently, this laptop would never have multitouch issues.
Connectivity and Warranty
Numerous connectivity options are available for the HP 7200U. It includes a headphone-out/microphone-in jack, two USB 3.1 Generation 1 ports, one USB 2.0 port, one HDMI port, and an RJ-45.
Additionally, it contains a DVD writer and a multi-format card reader. Additionally, a standard 1-year warranty is included. It also supports WiFi at 5GHz.
2018 HP 7200U Technical Specifications
| Brand | HP |
| Series | 15t |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Color | Silver |
| Hard Disk Size | 2 TB |
| CPU Model | Core i5 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
PROS
- Wide connectivity.
- Large HDD.
- Windows 10.
CONS
- No dedicated graphics card.
- The keyboard is not backlit.
- Excellent value on money
- Fingerprint scanner and USB Type-C connector
- Powerful Processor
- Great Battery Life
CPU and GPU
The Acer Aspire 5 8265U is equipped with an 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8265U processor, in contrast to the earlier laptops described in the article. In comparison, it is stronger and more efficient. Applications load quicker and run more smoothly as a result. The Intel UHD Graphics 620 is this laptop’s lone flaw. Although it is not designed for serious gamers, it works well for light or average gaming.
Storage and RAM
This laptop has a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD and a newer generation CPU. It has a respectable capacity and outperforms ordinary SATA SSDs in terms of performance and speed. Similar to other low-cost gaming laptops that cost under $500, the 8GB DDR4 memory is more than adequate to play your favourite games.
Keyboard and Display
The backlit keyboard of the Acer Aspire 5 8265U and Acer Aspire 5 3200U are comparable. It features a high-end finish and is comfortable to use.
The display, however, sports a 15.6-inch full HD IPS screen with low bezels and a resolution of 1920 x 1080.
Additionally, it boasts a battery life of over 9 hours, which is remarkable given that a comparable laptop in this price category only lasts for about 6-7 hours.
Connectivity and Warranty
A USB 3.1 (Type-C) port, two USB 3.1 ports, a USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI port with HDCP are all included with this laptop. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with Windows 10 Home and includes a fingerprint scanner for additional security. The Acer Aspire 5 3200U’s 1-year warranty has the same terms as it.
This laptop is what you need if you want a few more features and a faster processor than the Acer Aspire 5 3200U. The best part is that the price is right around $500.
In conclusion, the Acer Aspire 5 8265U is a great choice for a budget-conscious gamer.
Acer Aspire 5 8265U Technical Specifications
| Brand | Acer |
| Series | A515-54-51DJ |
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Color | Silver |
| Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
| CPU Model | Core i5 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Special Feature | fashionable laptop, slim FHD |
| Card Description | Integrated |
PORS
- Excellent value on money.
- Fingerprint scanner and USB Type-C connector.
- Powerful processor and great battery life.
CONS
- Comes with the standard Intel UHD Graphics 620.
- Impressive performance
- Extraordinary speakers
- Processor 26% faster in overall performance
- Powerful laptop with sufficient connectivity
CPU and GPU
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 is equipped with an 8th Gen Intel Quad Core i5-8250U processor, which is the same as that found in more expensive performance laptops.
The improved CPU outperforms the i7-7500U it replaced by an average of 26% in terms of total performance.
It has the Intel Integrated 620 Graphics despite being a powerful laptop. As a result, you anticipate spending more money on a stronger graphics card for intense gaming.
Storage and RAM
This strong gaming laptop has 8GB of DDR4 SDRAM. It is sufficient to handle games like Fortnite, PUBG, and Apex Legends very well. Additionally, the 1TB hard disc in this variant provides ample capacity. Even though the capacity may be enormous, an SSD still provides better performance.
Keyboard and Display
For gamers, the Dell Inspiron 15 5000’s Backlit Keyboard is a pleasure. The space between the keys is just right for gamers to move around them comfortably. They are nice and smooth.
The display is excellent for other things outside gaming. The 15.6-inch True-life LED full HD display is excellent despite not being an IPS display. It is a touchscreen with multitouch capabilities and is clear and vibrant in addition.
Connectivity and Warranty
The USB 3.1, USB 2.0, HDMI, and Bluetooth 4.2 connections on the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 are among its features.
Additionally, the stereo speakers have excellent sound quality, and a headphone port is included in case you want to use earplugs or an external speaker. Additionally, it is covered by the original 1-year warranty!
Overall, you can obtain a capable laptop with adequate connectivity for slightly over $500.
Visit our buying guide for gaming laptops under $1200 if you’re looking for better alternatives.
In conclusion, for gamers on a tight budget searching for a cheap gaming laptop, the 2018 Dell Inspiron 15 5000 is a fantastic option. It is a fantastic value for the money because it provides good performance and a sturdy build quality.
2018 Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Technical Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
| Series | Dell Inspiron 5000 |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Color | Silver or Matte Gray |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Intel Core i5 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
PROS
- Impressive performance.
- Extraordinary speakers.
CONS
- A bit dim screen.
- Traditional HDD and graphics card.
- Very affordable
- Exceptional value on money
- Lag-free computing for everyday gaming
- Great battery life of over 13 hours
CPU and GPU
The 8th generation Intel Core i3 processor in the Acer Aspire E 15 enables lag-free computing for regular gaming. The eighth generation is capable of handling games rather well and enabling glitch-free gameplay.
The Intel HD 620 GPU can run AAA games at a frame rate of about 30 FPS, but it can also run games like Dota 2 and CS: GO at 60 FPS!
Storage and RAM
With 6GB of dual-channel RAM, this inexpensive gaming laptop feels quick and can handle the gaming load. The majority of the other low-cost laptops mentioned have 2 GB less memory, but this one is substantially cheaper. Additionally, a 1TB HDD is included.
You may, however, get a 256 GB or 512 GB SSD version if you have a few extra dollars. By gaining access to the container under the laptop, you can always upgrade these.
Keyboard and Display
The Acer Aspire E 15 has a conventional keyboard, just as other more expensive laptops. It also has the Numpad and has quiet clicks and minimal noise. The 15.6-inch full HD widescreen display has thick bezels, which can be annoying when discussing screen size.
This laptop’s all-day battery life is its best feature. It has an astonishingly long battery life of more than 13 hours on a single full charge.
Connectivity and Warranty
One USB 3.1 Type C connector (which provides extremely quick data transfer), two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI port with HDCP support are all present on the Acer Aspire E15. Oh, and it has a jack for headphones! The genuine 1-year warranty is included in this budget-friendly package, just like with the other Acer Aspire models.
The Acer Aspire E15 is undoubtedly one of the most economical and inexpensive gaming laptops available right now.
The Acer Aspire E 15 is one of the greatest gaming laptops available for less than $500, to sum up. For its pricing range, it provides reliable performance and a wide range of features. Additionally, those seeking for an economical gaming laptop can consider the Acer Aspire E 15.
Acer Aspire E15 Technical Specifications
| Brand | Acer |
| Series | Aspire E series |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Color | Obsidian Black |
| Hard Disk Size | 1000 GB |
| CPU Model | Core i3 |
| Ram Memory Installed | 6 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
PROS
- Very affordable.
- Exceptional value on money.
CONS
- There is a need for a better graphics card.
- Performance may decrease over time with updates.
- Not ideal for high-end games.
- Premium build quality with a sleek design
- Touch screen with great speakers
- Performs exceptionally well while gaming
- Decent 10 hours of battery life.
CPU and GPU
The Intel Core i5-8250U quad-core processor, which is effective and versatile, is included with the HP 8250U. It enables you to play processor-demanding games more quickly and fluidly.
It has an integrated graphics processor from Intel called the UHD 620 that supports better fps gaming. It is still inferior to other specialised graphic cards, though.
Storage and RAM
The normal 8GB DDR4 RAM common in laptops in the same price range is present in this budget gaming laptop. It runs remarkably well while gaming yet is adequate for regular games.
Additionally, it contains a 128GB SSD for all of your data storage. Despite having an SSD instead of an HDD, this version only offers 128 gigabytes of storage, which is quite little, especially for gaming. To have a larger capacity, you might have to spend a little money.
Keyboard and Display
The keyboard’s keycaps have a high-end polish that feels wonderfully cosy. However, it is not really remarkable. Similar to the HP 8250, the HP 8250 has a 15.6-inch full HD display with a 1366 x 768 resolution. Additionally, it is a touchscreen laptop with generally modest bezels.
Connectivity and Warranty
This budget gaming laptop has a LAN connector for a strong connection, a DVD drive, an SD card reader, a headphone input, and USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports for communication. Like other HP items, this one comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
You can purchase a high-end, high-performance gaming laptop for approximately $500 that can run the majority of your games at a respectable frame rate.
The best laptop for Fortnite, Apex Legends, and other high-end games in 2019 is the HP 8250U. One of the greatest laptops for gaming and education because of its strong construction.
2019 Newest HP 8250U Technical Specifications
| Brand | HP |
| Series | 15-DA0002DX |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 128 GB |
| CPU Model | Core i5 2.3 GHz |
| RAM Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
| CPU Speed | 1.6 GHz |
PORS
- Premium build quality with a sleek design.
- Touch screen with great speakers.
- Intel UHD Graphics 620.
CONS
- Low SSD storage.
- Common graphics card
- Excellent gaming experience with a high frame rate
- Enough RAM to handle most processor-intensive games
- Crisp image quality and Dolby Audio
- Dedicated AMD Radeon R7 graphics card.
CPU and GPU
The CPU and GPU are all-arounders in the Lenovo 15.6-inch laptop. The AMD FX-7500 2.10 GHz quad-core processor, which can reach 3.30 GHz with Turbo Boost, powers the device.
Additionally, a dedicated AMD Radeon R7 graphics card is included. A great gaming experience with a high frame rate and medium to high settings is inevitable when they are combined.
Storage and RAM
The CPU and GPU are all-arounders in the Lenovo 15.6-inch laptop. The AMD FX-7500 2.10 GHz quad-core processor, which can reach 3.30 GHz with Turbo Boost, powers the device.
Additionally, a dedicated AMD Radeon R7 graphics card is included. A great gaming experience with a high frame rate and medium to high settings is inevitable when they are combined.
Keyboard and Display
The Lenovo 15.6 lacks the backlight stated in the article but features a keyboard that is similar to all the other inexpensive gaming laptops. It sports a 15.6-inch HD LED Display with a pixel density of 1366 x 768 and a screen size of that size. For a gamer, the Dolby Audio and clear visual clarity are ideal.
Connectivity and Warranty
The ports on this laptop include a USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, a VGA port, a headphone output/microphone combo port, and a 2-in-1 card reader. It comes with a one-year guarantee, much like all the other computers.
Due to the dedicated graphics card, overall performance, and the Windows 10 operating system, the Lenovo 15.6 becomes a competitive alternative for a little under $500. It is therefore included in our list of the most affordable gaming laptops.
The Lenovo 15.6 offers a fantastic blend of performance and price, making it one of the best gaming laptops under $500 thanks to features like these.
Lenovo 15.6 Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lenovo |
| Series | Lenovo-15.6 |
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | AMD A Series |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon R7 |
PORS
- Dedicated graphics card.
- Elegant design.
CONS
- Poor battery life of just around 5 hours.
- The keyboard is not backlit.
BEST GAMING LAPTOPS UNDER $500
Buyers Guide
There are a few crucial aspects to keep in mind while selecting the best gaming laptop under $500.
In order to get the greatest value for your money, it’s essential to thoroughly analyse your options, from taking the processor and graphics card into account to making sure there is enough storage and memory.
You can pick a dependable and potent gaming laptop that suits your needs and your budget by paying attention to these essential features.
Processor
The most important component of every computing system is the CPU. It establishes how quickly your computer will handle data. It can have a big effect on how well you play and how well your games operate.
As a result, before spending money on a laptop, you should consider the CPU. Typically, the Core-i5 processor is required at least for high-end games to run well.
It does not, however, imply that you cannot use an older processor to play games. You can still do it, but your experience won’t be as good as one with a core i5.
This is essentially what you’ll get with most laptops with a $500 budget. Any newer model would cost you significantly more.
Graphics Card
The second most crucial factor affecting your gaming experience is your graphics card. To experience more fluid gameplay with a higher framerate to make it buttery smooth, you need a dedicated graphics card.
On a budget like this one, an Integrated Graphics unit is typically available. However, there are still laptops available with superior graphics cards. The smoothness of your games will therefore be determined by your graphics card and RAM together.
A top-notch dedicated graphics card is needed to play modern 3D games at their highest settings.
A good graphics card should be at the top of your list of priorities because choosing the proper one for a gaming laptop is difficult. The majority of the games played nowadays may be played with NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards.
RAM
The RAM in a computer is the third most crucial component. The more RAM a computer has, the more data it can hold while playing games and the quicker it will boot up. As a result, the gameplay isn’t jerky or glitchy.
How Much Ram Will My Gaming Laptop Need?
Look at HP Tech Takes, which has all of its themes covered.
You will notice that the majority of laptops offer 8 GB of RAM while choosing the best gaming laptop under $500. In 2023, this is the absolute minimum need. Your game experience would be harmed by anything subpar. Additionally, DDR4 RAM is superior to older models, so be sure you purchase some.
Display and Resolution
The display and resolution of the laptop you are considering is another important consideration. The experience would be considerably more enjoyable on a screen with a brighter brightness and more vibrant colours.
Similar to this, a higher pixel density would result in a sharper image. It can also be useful in video games, where you can use colours to identify adversaries, for example.
Additionally, the visual quality of your favourite games will be significantly improved by an HD screen.
Additionally, touchscreen laptops are available in the same price range. Although it is a matter of personal opinion, I would still advise against purchasing one because a touch screen is less useful for professional gaming. Additionally, the overall display quality suffers.
Storage
You should also think about the laptop’s storage options, including its size and type. After all, the top games in 2023 will range from 50 to 100 GB in size. Others even exceed 100 GB.
Therefore, you must enough space on your laptop to keep all of these games and other private information.
The type of storage that the laptop has is the next thing you should check. Instead of an HDD, it is strongly advised that you purchase a laptop with an SSD because SSDs have faster transfer rates and can make loading times noticeably quicker.
Nevertheless, you require at least 256 GB of storage if you use an SSD. On the other hand, you require at least 500 GB if you choose an HDD.
Connectivity and Battery
The laptop’s connectivity options and battery life are the last important thing you need to think about. It would be ideal if you had a laptop with decent connectivity options, particularly one that has a USB Type-C port given that it is quickly becoming the industry standard.
You may also need to consider the SD card reader, Ethernet port, and HDMI port. The next requirement is a laptop with a respectable battery life. It is incredibly inconvenient and defeats the purpose of the laptop if you have to stay at a location with it plugged in, so you don’t plug it in every couple of hours. At this pricing point, anything that allows for more than three hours of gaming is acceptable.