The Best Affordable Gaming Laptop of 2023

The Best Affordable Gaming Laptop of 2023 (Pedia Times)

PEDIATIMES.com - Gaming laptops have made significant strides in recent years, particularly with the integration of full-sized graphics cards into these portable gaming devices. Nevertheless, when confronted with the task of selecting an affordable gaming laptop, one must navigate a sea of options, some of which are subpar. In this selection, we have distilled five laptops that rise above the mediocrity.

Please note that none of these machines can deliver 4K gaming, and we're focused on models priced below $1,000, as we aim to provide budget-friendly choices for those seeking a new gaming laptop. Despite this budget constraint, each of the options outlined below possesses ample power to run today's latest games, though optimal performance might require tweaking settings.

ASUS TUF A15

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
• Graphics: Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
• OS: Windows 11
• Display: 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1080 at 144Hz
• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
• Purchase Link: Asus Tuf A15 

ASUS, a trusted name in the gaming industry, presents the ASUS TUF A15 as a standout budget option. This laptop boasts support for raytracing graphics with the RTX 3050 Ti, a rapid 144Hz refresh rate, and an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours. Its extended battery life sets it apart, as most laptops in this category typically offer between six to eight hours of usage. Additionally, the ASUS TUF A15 features 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, making it a robust choice even if it employs slightly older hardware.

MSI Bravo 15

• Processor: AMD Ryzen R7-5800H
• Graphics: AMD RX 5500M
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
• OS: Windows 11
• Display: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 at 144Hz
• Battery Life: Six hours
• Purchase Link: MSI Bravo 15

MSI, another well-known name in the gaming realm, offers compelling budget options like the MSI Bravo 15. Though its battery life falls short of the ASUS TUF A15, this laptop features an all-AMD configuration, including an AMD Ryzen processor and AMD graphics. These components ensure solid gaming performance on a 15.6-inch full HD display with support for up to 144Hz, delivering smooth gameplay. It also comes equipped with Windows 11 and a speedy 512GB SSD for fast game loading times.

Acer Nitro 5

• Processor: Intel Core i5-11400H
• Graphics: GeForce RTX 3050
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
• OS: Windows 10
• Display: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 at 144Hz
• Battery Life: 8-10 hours
• Purchase Link: Acer Nitro 5

While Acer may not have the same recognition as ASUS and MSI, the Acer Nitro 5 offers a compelling budget gaming system. It harnesses the power of an Nvidia RTX 3050 paired with Intel's mid-range 11th-generation i5 processor. Despite its no longer cutting-edge processor, the Nitro 5 stands out with its impressive 8-10 hours of battery life and a generous 1TB SSD, which surpasses most other budget gaming laptops. The 15.6-inch full HD display supports 144Hz, ensuring high frame rates and vibrant colors for an immersive gaming experience.

MSI Thin GF63

• Processor: Intel Core i7-12650H
• Graphics: Nvidia RTX 4050
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
• OS: Windows 11
• Display: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 at 144Hz
• Battery Life: Five to six hours
• Purchase Link: MSI Thin GF63

The MSI Thin GF63 may not excel in battery life, offering an average of five hours, but its affordable price, often below $700 on sale, makes it an outstanding value proposition. Featuring a 12th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and the latest Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics card, it offers compelling performance. The remaining specifications are in line with other laptops on our list. However, it's worth noting that this gaming laptop is not the most portable, weighing in at nearly five pounds.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 6600H
• Graphics: Nvidia RTX 3050
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD
• OS: Windows 11
• Display: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 at 120Hz
• Battery Life: Six to eight hours
  
• Purchase Link: Lenove IdeaPad

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3, although not part of Lenovo's primary gaming lineup, warrants inclusion due to its budget-friendly nature. While it lacks 16GB of RAM out of the box, it compensates with an affordable yet robust Ryzen 5 6600H processor. The IdeaPad Gaming 3 strikes a balance between a workhorse and a gaming laptop, making it a cost-effective choice. Despite not being the most powerful option, it often comes in at under $600, making it one of the most budget-friendly options on our list.