Top 5 Gaming Laptops Under 700$
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Imagine diving into your favorite games with smooth graphics and lightning-fast performance, all while staying within a budget-friendly price range. It may sound too good to be true, but we’re here to tell you it’s possible! In a world where high-end gaming laptops can cost a small fortune, finding a powerful machine under $700 might seem like a daunting task. But fear not, fellow gamers – we’ve done the hard work for you.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 5 gaming laptops under $700 that deliver impressive performance without emptying your wallet. We’ll dive deep into the key factors that make a budget gaming laptop worth your investment, from processor power and graphics capabilities to RAM, storage, and display quality. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision and find the perfect gaming companion that fits both your needs and your budget. Let’s embark on this exciting journey to discover the best affordable gaming laptops on the market!
Understanding Budget Gaming Laptops
As we delve into the world of affordable gaming laptops, it’s crucial to understand what makes a budget gaming laptop tick and how to get the most bang for your buck. In this section, we’ll explore the delicate balance between performance and affordability, key features to look for, and what exactly defines the $700 price range in the gaming laptop market.
Balancing Performance and Affordability
When it comes to budget gaming laptops, finding the sweet spot between performance and affordability is the name of the game. Manufacturers have to make strategic decisions about which components to prioritize and where to make compromises to keep the price tag under $700 while still delivering a satisfactory gaming experience.
Here’s a breakdown of how budget gaming laptops typically balance performance and affordability:
- Processor: Mid-range CPUs that offer decent performance without breaking the bank
- Graphics Card: Entry-level dedicated GPUs or high-end integrated graphics
- RAM: Adequate amount (usually 8GB) with potential for upgrades
- Storage: Often a combination of small SSD and larger HDD
- Display: Full HD resolution with standard refresh rates
- Build Quality: Durable plastics instead of premium materials
To illustrate this balance, let’s look at a comparison table of typical specifications for budget gaming laptops versus high-end gaming laptops:
Component | Budget Gaming Laptop ($700 range) | High-End Gaming Laptop ($1500+ range) |
CPU | Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 | Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 |
GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1650 / AMD RX 560X | NVIDIA RTX 3060 or higher |
RAM | 8GB DDR4 | 16GB or 32GB DDR4 |
Storage | 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD | 512GB or 1TB NVMe SSD |
Display | 15.6″ 1080p 60Hz | 15.6″ or 17.3″ 1080p 144Hz or higher |
As you can see, budget gaming laptops make calculated compromises to deliver a gaming-capable machine at a more accessible price point. While they may not offer the highest frame rates or ultra settings for the latest AAA titles, they can still provide an enjoyable gaming experience for many popular games.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a budget gaming laptop under $700, there are several key features you should prioritize to ensure you’re getting the best possible gaming experience within your budget constraints. Let’s explore these essential features:
- Dedicated Graphics Card: This is perhaps the most crucial component for gaming performance. Look for laptops with dedicated GPUs like the NVIDIA GTX 1650 or AMD equivalent. These entry-level dedicated graphics cards can handle most modern games at medium settings.
- Processor: Aim for at least a quad-core CPU. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors are common in this price range and offer good performance for both gaming and general tasks.
- RAM: 8GB is the minimum you should accept. Ideally, look for laptops with the option to upgrade RAM in the future, as 16GB is becoming more standard for modern gaming.
- Storage: An SSD for the operating system and frequently used games will significantly improve load times, while a larger HDD can store your game library.
- Display: Full HD (1920×1080) resolution is standard in this price range. While high refresh rates are rare at this price point, some models might offer 120Hz displays.
- Cooling System: Adequate cooling is essential for maintaining performance during long gaming sessions. Look for laptops with multiple heat pipes and strategically placed vents.
- Build Quality: While premium materials are unlikely at this price point, ensure the laptop feels sturdy and well-built.
- Connectivity: Look for a good selection of ports, including USB 3.0, HDMI, and Ethernet. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is a bonus for faster wireless connectivity.
- Keyboard: A comfortable keyboard with good key travel and anti-ghosting features can enhance your gaming experience.
- Upgradability: The ability to upgrade RAM or storage in the future can extend the lifespan of your gaming laptop.
Here’s a checklist of these key features to keep in mind when shopping for a budget gaming laptop:
- Dedicated GPU (NVIDIA GTX 1650 or equivalent)
- Quad-core processor (Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5)
- 8GB RAM (upgradable if possible)
- SSD + HDD storage combination
- 1080p display
- Efficient cooling system
- Sturdy build quality
- Essential ports and connectivity options
- Comfortable keyboard with gaming features
- Upgrade options for future-proofing
Defining the $700 Price Range
The $700 price range for gaming laptops represents a sweet spot where manufacturers can offer capable gaming machines without venturing into the realm of premium pricing. This price point is often referred to as the “budget” or “entry-level” gaming laptop category. Let’s break down what you can typically expect in this price range:
- Performance Tier: Laptops in this range are designed to handle most modern games at medium settings with playable frame rates (30-60 FPS). They may struggle with the latest AAA titles at high settings but can run popular esports titles and older games smoothly.
- Target Audience: These laptops cater to casual gamers, students, and budget-conscious consumers who want a machine capable of both gaming and everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
- Build Quality: While not as premium as higher-end models, laptops in this range often feature durable plastic builds with some strategic reinforcements in high-stress areas.
- Brand Offerings: Most major laptop manufacturers offer gaming models in this price range, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. These are often part of their entry-level gaming lines.
- Compromises: To hit this price point, manufacturers may compromise on factors like battery life, display quality (e.g., lower color accuracy or brightness), or use slightly older generation components.
- Value Proposition: The $700 range represents a significant step up from integrated graphics laptops, offering dedicated GPUs that can handle modern games, albeit with some limitations.
- Longevity: While these laptops may not be future-proof for several years of high-end gaming, they can serve as excellent entry points into PC gaming and remain capable for general use for years to come.
- Seasonal Pricing: It’s worth noting that during sales events like Black Friday or back-to-school promotions, you might find laptops with slightly better specs falling into this price range.
To put this in perspective, here’s a comparison of what you might expect at different price points in the gaming laptop market:
Price Range | Gaming Capability | Typical Specs | Target Audience |
Under $500 | Basic gaming, older titles | Integrated graphics, dual-core CPU | Very casual gamers, tight budget |
$500-$700 | Entry-level gaming, modern titles at medium settings | Dedicated GPU (e.g., GTX 1650), quad-core CPU | Casual gamers, students |
$700-$1000 | Mid-range gaming, most titles at high settings | Better GPUs (e.g., GTX 1660 Ti), faster CPUs | Enthusiast gamers on a budget |
$1000+ | High-end gaming, latest titles at max settings | High-end GPUs (RTX series), top-tier CPUs | Serious gamers, content creators |
Understanding the $700 price range helps set realistic expectations for what these laptops can achieve. While they may not offer the bells and whistles of more expensive models, they provide a solid entry point into the world of PC gaming, offering a significant step up from non-gaming laptops without the premium price tag.
As we move forward, we’ll explore specific models that exemplify the best of what this price range has to offer, helping you make an informed decision on your budget gaming laptop purchase. Next, we’ll dive into our top 10 picks for gaming laptops under $700, where you’ll see how manufacturers have implemented these principles to create compelling gaming machines at accessible price points.
Top 5 Gaming Laptops Under $700
Now that we’ve explored the concept of budget gaming laptops, let’s dive into our top picks for gaming laptops under $700. These machines offer a perfect balance of performance and affordability, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite titles without breaking the bank.
1. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a standout choice in the budget gaming laptop market, offering impressive specs and performance at an affordable price point.
Key Features:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS
The IdeaPad Gaming 3 boasts a sleek design that doesn’t scream “gaming laptop,” making it suitable for both work and play. Its AMD Ryzen 5 processor provides excellent multi-core performance, ideal for modern gaming and multitasking. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, while entry-level, can handle most popular games at medium to high settings.
One of the standout features of this laptop is its 120Hz refresh rate display, which is rare in this price range. This higher refresh rate provides smoother gameplay and reduces screen tearing, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
2. Dell G3 15
Dell’s G3 15 is another strong contender in the sub-$700 gaming laptop category, offering solid performance in a durable package.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10300H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS
The Dell G3 15 stands out with its larger 512GB SSD, providing ample storage for games and other files. Its 10th-gen Intel Core i5 processor delivers reliable performance for both gaming and productivity tasks.
Dell’s build quality is typically excellent, and the G3 15 is no exception. It features a robust chassis that can withstand the rigors of frequent transport, making it a good choice for gamers on the go.
3. HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop
HP’s entry in the budget gaming laptop market, the Pavilion Gaming Laptop, offers a good balance of performance and affordability.
Key Features:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS
The HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop shares many similarities with the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3, including the same processor and graphics card. However, it distinguishes itself with HP’s signature design elements and software features.
One notable aspect of this laptop is its cooling system. HP has implemented a dual-fan setup that helps maintain lower temperatures during intense gaming sessions, potentially leading to better long-term performance and longevity.
4. ASUS TUF Gaming F15
ASUS is known for its gaming-focused products, and the TUF Gaming F15 brings that expertise to the budget segment.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10300H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS
The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 stands out with its military-grade durability certification. This laptop is built to withstand accidental drops, vibrations, and extreme temperatures, making it an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize durability.
Another highlight of the TUF Gaming F15 is its keyboard. It features RGB backlighting (a rarity in this price range) and is rated for 20 million keystrokes, ensuring longevity even for the most dedicated gamers.
5. Acer Nitro 5
Rounding out our top 5 is the Acer Nitro 5, a popular choice among budget-conscious gamers.
Key Features:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS
The Acer Nitro 5 is known for its excellent thermal management. It features Acer’s CoolBoost technology, which increases fan speed by 10% and CPU/GPU cooling by 9% compared to auto mode, helping to maintain performance during extended gaming sessions.
One unique aspect of the Nitro 5 is its NitroSense UI, which allows users to monitor system performance, adjust fan speeds, and customize other settings easily.
Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison of our top 5 gaming laptops under $700:
Model | Processor | Graphics | RAM | Storage | Display |
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 | AMD Ryzen 5 4600H | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | 8GB | 256GB SSD | 15.6″ FHD IPS, 120Hz |
Dell G3 15 | Intel Core i5-10300H | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 15.6″ FHD IPS |
HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop | AMD Ryzen 5 4600H | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | 8GB | 256GB SSD | 15.6″ FHD IPS |
ASUS TUF Gaming F15 | Intel Core i5-10300H | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 15.6″ FHD IPS |
Acer Nitro 5 | AMD Ryzen 5 4600H | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | 8GB | 256GB SSD | 15.6″ FHD IPS |
Key Considerations
When choosing among these budget gaming laptops, consider the following factors:
- Processor Performance: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H vs Intel Core i5-10300H
- Storage Capacity: 256GB vs 512GB SSD
- Build Quality: Standard vs Military-grade durability
- Cooling Systems: Dual-fan setups vs CoolBoost technology
- Additional Features: RGB keyboards, high refresh rate displays, etc.
Upgradability
One crucial aspect to consider with budget gaming laptops is their upgradability. Here’s a quick overview of the upgrade options for our top 5 picks:
- Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3: RAM and storage upgradeable
- Dell G3 15: RAM and storage upgradeable
- HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop: RAM and storage upgradeable
- ASUS TUF Gaming F15: RAM and storage upgradeable
- Acer Nitro 5: RAM and storage upgradeable
All of these laptops allow for RAM and storage upgrades, which can significantly extend their lifespan and improve performance over time. This upgradability is a crucial factor in the value proposition of these budget gaming laptops.
Gaming Performance
While all these laptops feature the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, which is an entry-level gaming GPU, they can still deliver solid performance in many popular games.
- Esports titles (e.g., League of Legends, CS:GO, Overwatch): 60+ FPS at high settings
- AAA titles (e.g., GTA V, The Witcher 3): 30-60 FPS at medium settings
- Recent AAA titles (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2): 30+ FPS at low to medium settings
Remember that actual performance can vary depending on the specific game, in-game settings, and other factors like background processes and thermal conditions.
Value for Money
All five of these laptops offer excellent value for money, providing capable gaming performance at a budget-friendly price point. However, each has its strengths:
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 offers the best overall package with its 120Hz display.
- The Dell G3 15 and ASUS TUF Gaming F15 provide more storage out of the box.
- The HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop and Acer Nitro 5 excel in thermal management.
Your choice will ultimately depend on which features you prioritize and which compromises you’re willing to make.
As we move forward, we’ll delve deeper into the specific components that make these laptops tick, starting with a comparison of processor performance across these budget gaming machines.