Best Gaming Laptops Under $700: Top Picks & Buying Guide
Hey gaming enthusiasts! Are you on the hunt for a solid gaming laptop without breaking the bank? Well, you're in luck! Finding the best gaming laptops under $700 is totally doable, and I'm here to guide you through the process. In this article, we'll dive into what makes a great budget gaming laptop, explore some top-notch recommendations, and give you the lowdown on what to look for when you're shopping. So, buckle up, grab your favorite snack, and let's get started!
What to Look for in a Gaming Laptop Under $700
Alright, guys, before we jump into specific models, let's chat about what you should be focusing on when searching for the best gaming laptop under $700. This budget is a sweet spot, and while you won't get the top-of-the-line specs, you can still score a machine that lets you enjoy your favorite games. Here's a breakdown of the key components and features to keep an eye on:
Processor (CPU)
The CPU is the brain of your laptop, handling all the calculations and tasks. For gaming, you'll want at least an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor. Ideally, aim for the latest generation, as these offer improved performance and efficiency. Don't worry too much about the absolute top-end CPUs in this price range; a solid mid-range CPU will do the trick.
Think of the CPU as the conductor of the orchestra. It manages all the instruments (other components) to make sure everything runs smoothly. The better the conductor, the better the performance. It also handles background tasks, so a good CPU means your games and other applications won't get bogged down.
Graphics Card (GPU)
This is where the magic happens, folks! The GPU is the heart of your gaming experience. It's responsible for rendering the visuals, making your games look amazing. For laptops under $700, look for a dedicated graphics card like an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or an AMD Radeon RX 6500M. These GPUs will let you play most modern games at 1080p resolution with decent frame rates. The higher the clock speed and the more VRAM (video memory), the better.
Imagine the GPU as the artist creating the game's visuals. The more powerful the artist, the more detailed and stunning the artwork. The GPU dictates how smooth and pretty your games will look. This is the single most important factor when choosing a gaming laptop. Consider this like buying a car. You will likely want the engine and the chassis to be in top shape. Without the GPU, gaming on your laptop would be a rough ride.
RAM (Memory)
RAM is like your laptop's short-term memory. It stores the data that the CPU and GPU need to access quickly. Aim for at least 8GB of RAM. If your budget allows, 16GB is even better, especially for newer games and multitasking. With more RAM, you'll experience smoother gameplay and reduced lag.
Think of RAM as the workspace of your laptop. The more workspace you have, the more tasks you can handle at once. More RAM means faster loading times and the ability to run multiple applications without performance drops. 8GB is the minimum. 16GB is what you want for a superior gaming experience. 16 GB is becoming the standard. Some games may require it.
Storage
Storage determines how much data your laptop can hold, including games, applications, and files. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are a must-have for gaming laptops, as they offer much faster loading times compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Look for a laptop with at least a 256GB SSD, but 512GB or more is preferable. If you're on a tight budget, you can always add an external hard drive later for extra storage.
Storage is like your laptop's filing cabinet. An SSD is a super-fast filing cabinet, while an HDD is much slower. Faster storage means faster game loading times, quicker boot-ups, and an overall snappier experience. The speed of the storage drive makes a difference. You can also save a bit of cash by opting for a smaller SSD and using an external drive for additional storage.
Display
The display is your window to the game world. Look for a laptop with a 15.6-inch or larger display with a resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p). A higher refresh rate, like 120Hz or 144Hz, will provide smoother visuals, especially in fast-paced games. Make sure the display has good color accuracy and viewing angles for the best experience.
The display is the window to the game world. The better the display, the more you will enjoy your games. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion will appear. Resolution is also important. More pixels means more detail and a clearer image. Look for a 15.6 inch or larger display with a resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p) or better. Some options even come with higher refresh rates, such as 120hz or 144hz, which gives you smoother gameplay.
Other Features
Consider other features like the keyboard (backlit keyboards are a plus!), the trackpad, the number of USB ports, the webcam, and the overall build quality. A good cooling system is also important to prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions.
Don't forget the extras! Things like the keyboard and trackpad make a difference. Make sure the laptop has enough ports for your accessories. The cooling system is also a must, so your laptop doesn't overheat. Other factors can include the laptop's weight and battery life. Gaming laptops tend to have short battery lives due to the components used.
Top Gaming Laptop Recommendations Under $700
Alright, let's get into some actual recommendations, shall we? Remember that prices can fluctuate, so keep an eye out for sales and deals. These are some of the best gaming laptops you can find under $700, providing an excellent value for your money. Please note that availability might vary based on your location and the time of purchase. Here are some of the best laptops on the market:
Acer Nitro 5
The Acer Nitro 5 is a consistently popular choice in the budget gaming laptop category. You can often find configurations with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, paired with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or RX 6500M GPU. Acer Nitro 5 laptops generally feature a 15.6-inch 1080p display, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB or 512GB SSD. They often include a backlit keyboard and a decent selection of ports.
The Acer Nitro 5 is one of the top gaming laptop recommendations. It provides a solid gaming experience for the price. This laptop will give you excellent value for your money. This is an excellent choice for gamers who are budget conscious.
ASUS TUF Gaming Series
The ASUS TUF Gaming series is another great option. These laptops are known for their durability and good performance-to-price ratio. Look for models with an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or RX 6500M GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB or 512GB SSD. ASUS TUF laptops usually have a 15.6-inch 1080p display and a robust design that can withstand daily use.
The ASUS TUF Gaming series is another great option for gaming laptops. It offers excellent value and durability. These laptops are ideal for users that require robustness in their laptops. If you are looking for a reliable, tough, and affordable gaming laptop, then the ASUS TUF Gaming series is the way to go.
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Series
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming laptops offer a blend of performance and affordability. You'll often find configurations with an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or similar GPU. These laptops usually come with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB or 512GB SSD, with a 15.6-inch 1080p display. Lenovo is known for its reliable build quality and good value.
Lenovo IdeaPad gaming laptops are also a great option for people looking for a gaming laptop. Lenovo IdeaPad gaming laptops are generally a good value and offer a good blend of performance and affordability. Lenovo is known for its excellent build quality. You will be very satisfied with a Lenovo IdeaPad gaming laptop.
Dell G Series
The Dell G Series laptops are a solid choice, offering good performance for the price. Look for models with an Intel Core i5 processor or AMD Ryzen 5, paired with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or similar GPU. Typically, you'll find these with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB or 512GB SSD, along with a 15.6-inch 1080p display. Dell G Series laptops usually feature a sleek design and good build quality.
The Dell G series is also a great choice. You will find that it offers great performance for its price. You will find that it also offers a sleek design and excellent build quality. This is another good gaming laptop that is worth a look.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals
Okay, so you've got the specs in mind and some model recommendations, but how do you actually find the best deals? Here are a few tips:
Shop During Sales
Keep an eye out for sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, back-to-school sales, and holiday promotions. These are prime times to snag significant discounts on gaming laptops. Websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg often have great deals during these periods.
Make sure that you are aware of when sales are taking place. This is a great way to save money and get yourself a good deal. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times. Back to school and holiday sales are also great times.
Compare Prices
Always compare prices across different retailers. Use price comparison websites and browser extensions to ensure you're getting the best deal. Don't settle for the first price you see. Check multiple sources.
Do not make a purchase without first comparing the prices. This will ensure that you are getting the best deal. There are many websites that let you do this. Many stores price match, so make sure that you do your research.
Consider Refurbished Options
Don't discount refurbished laptops. You can often find high-end models for a fraction of the original price. Make sure to buy from a reputable seller with a good warranty. Refurbished laptops are a great way to save money. You can often get better specs than new laptops.
Make sure that you are buying your refurbished laptop from a reputable seller. Make sure that it has a warranty. Some refurbished laptops are sold in excellent condition. This is another great way to get a great laptop at a low price.
Read Reviews
Before making a purchase, read reviews from other users and tech experts. This will give you insights into the laptop's performance, build quality, and any potential issues. See what other people are saying about the product. Look at multiple reviews.
Reading reviews is a must before making a purchase. This will help you make an informed decision. Look for common issues. Look for what other users like or dislike. Do your research. This is another very important step when trying to find the best gaming laptop under $700.
Conclusion: Your Gaming Laptop Awaits!
Alright, guys, you now have the knowledge you need to find the best gaming laptop under $700. Remember to prioritize the CPU and GPU, make sure you have enough RAM and storage, and consider the display and other features. Keep an eye out for sales and compare prices to get the best deal. With a little research, you can score a fantastic gaming laptop without breaking the bank!
So, go forth, explore your options, and find the perfect machine to kickstart your gaming adventures. Happy gaming!
This guide should provide you with enough information to get you started. The best gaming laptop is out there. You just have to find it. Enjoy your gaming experience!