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page title icon Best Gaming Laptops Under $800 in 2024

By
| Updated on March 24, 2022

The best gaming laptops are a perfect balance of PROCESSING POWER and AESTHETIC. Find out my top 6 recommendations for you that are just below $800!

Most games that gain popularity nowadays are VISUALLY PLEASING… and in the gaming industry, visually pleasing means high-quality graphics.

As much as you might want to immerse yourself in their gameplay, it just gets frustrating when you don’t have the PC or laptop to process them without lagging.

Fortunately, a handful of gaming laptops under 800 provide the SAME GAMING EXPERIENCE, all at an AFFORDABLE PRICE!

This is our list of top recommendations that you should definitely check out.

Best Gaming Laptops Under 800: Our Top 6 Picks

Best Gaming Laptops Under 800: Our Top 6 Picks
Image feature: Asus, Lenovo

Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3i

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Key Features

  • Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS Anti-Glare 120Hz
  • Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H 2.6 GHz Hexa-Core
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB DDR6
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4 3200MHz
  • Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
  • Weight: 4.8 lbs

The Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3i is our pick for the best overall gaming laptop… and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be!

The Ideapad Gaming 3i may not look like your typical gaming laptop, but it’s a guarantee that it performs equally as any other powerful gaming laptop on this list.

Easily, Lenovo has perfected an OVERALL laptop for usability and gaming in this one.

Build and Quality

Arguably, what makes the Ideapad 3i IDEAL is its sleek and professional design… you can lug it around without letting everyone know that you’re a GAMER.

Not that it’s taboo or anything! For its price and performance, we mean to say that Lenovo provides you the option TO BE MINIMAL.

Here’s a deeper look at WHAT YOU’RE ACTUALLY GETTING from the Ideapad 3i:

  • Matte Finish: It has a polymer blend top cover plastic designed to be matte but can actually be quite shiny. This gives it a PREMIUM GAMING LAPTOP FEEL, especially for one classified as budget-friendly.
  • Angular Profile: Even more unique is the laptop’s SHAPE: it doesn’t follow the traditionally designed square laptop. This keeps the finish more MODERN yet also classy.
  • Lightweight: This is always a PRO for all types of laptop features! While gaming laptops are usually stationary, Lenovo provides you with an option to change your gaming environment easily.

Let’s now talk more about the KEYBOARD FEATURES of the Ideapad 3i! This is what seals the deal for a budget-friendly gaming laptop like this one from Lenovo.

How Does Typing Feel on the Ideapad 3i?

The honest answer? Really easy.

Gamers usually prefer mechanical keyboards, but such is simply not possible to have in gaming laptops.

The Ideapad 3i makes up for this by having a controlled 1.5mm travel for the ACTUATION OF KEYS… coupled with the COOL BLUE BACKLIT KEYBOARD.

  • You CAN control the lighting’s intensity (you can save on the average battery life, too!)
  • You CANNOT change the lighting’s color (unfortunately… but it still looks great though)

You are also entitled to a FULL NUMERIC KEYPAD for increased productivity and gaming mobility.

Likewise, the TRACKPAD is accurate and easy to click for the same reasons.

Processing Power

The Lenovo laptop powers in the 10th Generation Intel Core i7 Processor for the Ideapad 3i… this is easily the best Core i7 available in a gaming laptop right now.

  • Best CPU for multitasking with a high-quality video reframing
  • Dynamic Tuning 2.0 for Turbo Boost capabilities
  • LPDDR4X RAM to give up to 50% extra bandwidth

More importantly, this laptop also has the latest Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics coprocessor card.

The Nvidia GeForce graphics card is what you can expect from a cheap gaming laptop and a high-performing mid-range gaming laptop.

However, it also does come with quite a few advantages:

  • Classic gaming performance
  • 4GB of DDT6 memory to run the latest games at good framerates.

A built-in 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD for storage accompanies these essential benefits.

Though standard processors for almost all other gaming laptops, real-life users report that you definitely get your money’s worth with this Lenovo budget-friendly gaming laptop.

Display

Lenovo packs everything in the Ideapad 3i’s 15.6-inch full HD display with a 120 Hz refresh rate.

This is PERFECT for gaming!

With its balanced color grading, you’ll definitely be able to have an IMMERSIVE GAMING EXPERIENCE… It’s powerful enough for any sort of multimedia editing.

In simple terms? You can’t get any more out of a gaming experience given this laptop’s amazing specs.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i 15" Gaming...
  • The IdeaPad Gaming 3i gaming laptop is game ready - are you? Push your favorite...
  • With the latest NVIDIA GTX 1650Ti graphics behind you, you can go into any...
  • Slingshot your gaming visuals with a 1080p FHD IPS display with a 60 Hz refresh...

So Why Should You Get the Lenovo Ideapad 3i?

If it hasn’t been clear enough, the Lenovo Ideapad 3i is the CLASSIC BEST GAMING LAPTOP that you have been looking for.

With its classic finish, lightweight body, backlit keyboard, and Intel Core processing power chips… you’re definitely up for one of the best affordable gaming laptops in the market.

Pros

  • Professional finish
  • Keyboard features (backlighting, easy typing, numeric keypad)
  • Latest technology for processing power (Intel Core processor and NVIDIA GeForce graphics card)
  • Specifications for maximization of productivity
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Frame rate decline for higher quality gameplay
  • Storage may be too little for hardcore gaming

Dell XPS 15 7590

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Key Features

  • Display: 17.3-inch 1920 x 1080p (120Hz)
  • Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i5-10300H
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4 2666MHz
  • Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
  • Weight: 4.85 lbs

Gaming laptops are MSI’s specialty… and they definitely delivered one of the best gaming laptops under 800 with the MSI GF75 Thin.

This laptop is our pick for the best value gaming laptop because you are guaranteed an ABOVE-AVERAGE PERFORMANCE for your money’s worth.

Build and Quality

The MSI GF75 is a mid-range gaming laptop with a solid metal aluminum finish… this is testament to its sturdiness AND durability.

It also boasts the classic MSI signature design:

  • Matte black brush finish
  • MSI logo on the laptop cover
  • Red backlighting (keyboard and logo)

For some gamers, this mere design is enough to PURCHASE the MSI GF75. This is all thanks to the recognizability and reputation of MSI within various gaming circles.

Talk More About Its Keyboard… Is It Worth It?

As a company dedicated to gaming, the GF75 does NOT fail to deliver with a keyboard designed for a smoother gaming experience.

Not ONLY does the red-backlit keyboard make for a STYLISH LAPTOP, but it also has the following advantages:

  • Well-spaced keys: This guarantees a COMFORTABLE experience while typing. This is especially important for your free-to-play favorite games!
  • Keys feedback: The keys give the right amount of FEEDBACK… almost reminiscent of traditionally used mechanical keyboards.

Simply, the MSI GF75 has excellent aesthetics that serve a purpose.

It Also Has a Selection of Ports…

And speaking of purpose, what’s great about the GF75 is that it is FUNCTIONAL WITH PORTS:

On the left side of the laptop, you will find the following ports:

  • Power connector
  • HDMI port
  • Two 3.2 Type-A USB ports

While on the right side of the laptop, the following ports will remain visible:

  • RJ-45 port
  • One 3.2 Type-C USB port
  • One Type-A USB port

Did you know that the MSI GF75 also just weighs 4.85lbs?

It’s lightweight while also measuring quite more portably compared to OTHER 17-inch gaming laptops… it only measures 397 x 260 x 22 – 23.1 mm for reference.

Processing Power

MSI powers in the Intel Core i5-10300H processor in the GF75… this is the 10th generation Intel CometLake processor with a base frequency of 2.5GHz and a maximum frequency of 4.5GHz.

If you aren’t that into the technicalities, just know that this is powerful for an affordable gaming laptop.

The GF75 has 4 CORES and 8 PROCESSING THREADS. These allow for an HD display of 1080p gameplay every time.

What Is the Dragon Center Software?

This is a built-in MSI software that HELPS you optimize your laptop’s already high-performing CPU:

  • Monitor the performance (CPU usage and CPU frequency)
  • Adjust the fan speed
  • Control your RGB backlit keyboard

The software enhances your overall gaming experience with the MSI GF75.

Needless to say, the GF75 can carry out REGULAR COMPUTING OPERATIONS for productivity:

  • Internet browsing
  • Emailing
  • Document editing
  • Multimedia and video editing

These are possible because of the laptop’s 2 available slots for its 64GB DDR4 RAM and a dedicated VRAM of 4GB GDDR6.

Otherwise, the MSI GF75 uses the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics Card with a base frequency of 1410MHz and a maximum frequency of 1590MHz.

These specifications allow for excellent gameplay for a gaming laptop at its price point.

Display

The GF75 Gaming Laptop supports its processing power and specs with a 17.3 inches display at a 120Hz refresh rate.

With a full HD resolution, you are GUARANTEED smooth gameplay comparable with what an expensive gaming laptop can offer!

Battery Life

The MSI GF75 Gaming Laptop has a 3-Cell, 51 Whr Li-Polymer battery.

MSI advertises the GF75 to last up to 7 hours following this.

However, user reviews report that gaming sessions unfortunately only last 2-3 hours on laptop battery alone. Even battery performance tests report just 4 hours of battery life with regular web browsing!

With the power built into the MSI GF75, it lacks the battery life to support it enough.

Regardless, it is a HIGHLY DURABLE laptop that could last you and your battery more than 3 years with proper care and maintenance.

MSI Cyborg 15.6" Gaming Laptop 2023...
  • 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H Processor
  • 512GB NVMe Solid State Drive
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650Ti Graphics

So Why Should You Get the MSI GF75 Thin?

If you’re looking for a CLASSIC gaming laptop that is equally powerful and lightweight, then the MSI GF75 is the one for you.

It has all the offerings and specs you would want for the best gaming experience… while still being a solid gaming laptop under 800.

Pros

  • Durable finish with a classic MSI design
  • Strong Intel Core processing power with the Dragon Center Software
  • NVIDIA GeForce graphics card
  • Multiple ports
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Average to good battery life

Dell XPS 15 7590

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Key Features

  • Display: 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080p
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H Hexa-Core 3.0 GHz Processor
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB DDR5
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4
  • Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD
  • Weight: 5.2 lbs

The Acer Nitro 5 is our pick for the best budget gaming laptop… it’s as POWERFUL as all the other laptops under 800 on this list but MORE AFFORDABLE.

However, it isn’t for someone who’s looking for an aesthetic laptop.

It simply does the job one would expect from a gaming machine.

Processing Power

Your Acer Nitro 5 is the perfect productivity laptop: it can handle many tasks at once! It has a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor for central processing, so you’re definitely up for value.

Here’s a brief list of our FAVORITE FEATURES that the Ryzen 5 guarantees for your gaming laptop:

  • Low power consumption
  • Fast system startup at 15 seconds
  • Seamless 40 tabs on Google Chrome AND a 30-layer Photoshop working area

The Acer Nitro 5 also uses the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card.

It might only feature one of the cheapest NVIDIA GeForce consumer cards available, but the powerful gaming laptop MAXIMIZES it to provide the best gaming performance.

It ALSO helps that these processors are paired with a GOOD 8GB OF RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. It’s PERFECT for multitasking and long-term performance!

Perhaps most interesting, however, is NitroSense, Acer’s built-in software:

  • Allows you to CONTROL your fan speeds: balance between sound and temperature
  • Allows you to MONITOR AND ADJUST your CPU and GPU fan speeds
  • Allows you to TRACK your CPU and GPU temperatures and loads over time

This is POWERFUL, especially for budget gaming laptops within this price range.

The gaming playthrough the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop provides is simply unparalleled when compared to its value: you’re guaranteed a lag-free gaming experience the entire time!

And unlike many modern laptops in the market, the Nitro 5 offers MULTIPLE PORTS for connectivity to your peripherals:

  • Three USB slots
  • One USB-C slot
  • One HDMI port
  • One Ethernet port

Likewise, you’re also entitled to the Nitro 5’s WiFi 6 and Bluetooth should you prefer those over wired connections.

Battery Life

THIS is where the Acer Nitro 5 truly shines: it can last up to 5 hours on a mixed web surf and gameplay time on battery alone.

These results are only comparable with MORE EXPENSIVE gaming laptops that utilize a quad-core processor.

For a typical gaming laptop under 800, it would seem most useful to keep it STATIONARY to save battery. The same CANNOT be said for the Acer Nitro 5.

It allows you to lug it around across workstations WITHOUT fear of battery interruptions.

Build and Quality

What’s GREAT about the Nitro 5 gaming laptop is that it has the classic feel to it… it sports a RED ON BLACK COLOR SCHEME.

Gamers naturally enjoy playing games when it fits their certain aesthetic. The Nitro 5 does NOT disappoint in this area.

However, a common criticism of this gaming laptop is its PERFORMANCE and how it OUTPERFORMS THE OVERALL DESIGN: the Nitro 5 is clunky at best.

  • It has a thick and airy chassis (at almost an inch thick)
  • It’s quite heavy (at almost 5.5 lbs with peripherals)
  • It’s simply not meant for daily travel

There are a couple more factors that may also affect your decision when settling for the Nitro 5:

#1 Built-in Speakers

Gaming laptops are arguably best used with headphones… you know, for the BEST STREAMING EXPERIENCE.

But when you need to use the laptop’s speakers, you might find yourself disappointed with what the Nitro 5 offers: no bass, mushy, and high pitched.

It’s not EXACTLY a dealbreaker, but an essential factor to discuss build and quality nonetheless.

#2 Display

With its 15.6” sized screen, the Nitro 5 has a matte display that unfortunately produces muddy colors at low brightness.

While the graphics card works EXCEPTIONALLY WELL, the screen’s contrast betrays any high-quality play games you’re currently working on.

Users opt to utilize the power built into the Nitro 5 by plugging it into an external gaming monitor.

This way, the gaming laptop’s performance is justified, coupled with the streaming experience you deserve.

#3 Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard is RGB backlit, so you’ve definitely got that gamer feel!

It also has a numeric pad useful for functionality and gaming commands.

However, the keyboard AND trackpad proportions aren’t designed for those with large hands. Both the keys and trackpad are quite small.

Acer - Nitro 5 15.6" Laptop - AMD Ryzen...
  • Size: 15-15.99 inches
  • Acer - Nitro 5 15.6inch Laptop - AMD Ryzen 5 - 8GB Memory - NVIDIA GeForce GTX...

So Why Should You Get the Acer Nitro 5?

The Acer Nitro 5 easily has one of the MOST PERFECTLY BALANCED computing powers out of all gaming laptops on this list.

This should be enough for you to consider it the best budget-friendly gaming laptop under 800.

  • Yes, it does come with disadvantages in terms of its display and keyboard/trackpad proportions.
  • However, these can all be addressed by the introduction of PERIPHERALS and THIRD-PARTY DEVICES.

Don’t let these fool you on paper because user reviews still give this gaming laptop their seal of approval! It wouldn’t be on this list if we couldn’t guarantee it.

If you don’t mind viewing seamless frame rates with integrated graphics THROUGH a clunky-looking laptop, then do consider the Acer Nitro 5.

Pros

  • Powerful processors (Ryzen 5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce graphics card)
  • Good battery life
  • Classic gaming feel
  • Affordability

Cons

  • Mediocre speakers and display
  • Keyboard and speakers proportion

Dell XPS 15 7590

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Key Features

  • Display: 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080p (60Hz)
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4 3200MHz
  • Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD

The HP Pavilion Gaming is also one of our best gaming laptops under 800. It has ALL THE BASIC FEATURES that you would want to see in a gaming laptop.

Processing Power

Its processor and graphics card work well together to provide you with strong graphics:

  • AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor with a base frequency of 3.0GHz and a maximum frequency of 4.0GHz
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU with 4GB of VRAM

Despite being outdated by most laptops on this list, it works just enough to accompany its 8GB of RAM and 256HB of pure SSD storage.

You’ll notice that this ALSO isn’t much… but it’s this perfect balance that makes the HP Pavilion still a hit among gamers.

Display

It has a generous 15.6 inch IPS display with an anti-glare coating with thin bezels.

This is GREAT and already showcases a full HD resolution, despite being just at a 60Hz refresh rate.

It may be easy to compare it with the likes of the 120Hz or 144Hz of other laptops, but this is just right for the processing power of the HP Pavilion.

You’ll STILL be able to play games at 60 fps!

Build and Quality

One other strong suite note for the Pavilion is its RGB illumination.

Showcasing the classic gaming feel is also a testament to the durability HP computers are known for.

Sale
HP Pavilion Gaming 15.6-Inch Micro-EDGE...
  • Fast and easy multitasking: experience high-grade Graphics and processing power...
  • Advanced thermal Management: optimized thermal design and IR sensor keeps your...
  • Fast Processor: 9th Generation intel(r) core(tm) i5-9300h Processor, quad-core,...

So Why Should You Get the HP Pavilion?

If you’re looking for another alternative to the best gaming laptop, then the HP Pavilion is for you!

It showcases a perfect balance between POWER and AESTHETIC. Ultimately, it’s simply a durable and stable computer for your gaming needs.

Pros

  • Powerful computing power
  • Anti-glare display
  • 1080p gaming and 60 fps at high settings

Cons

  • Lack of ports
  • 60Hz display

Dell XPS 15 7590

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Key Features

  • Display: 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080p (144Hz)
  • Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i5-10300H
  • Graphics Card: GTX 1650 Ti 4GB GDDR6
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4 2933MHz
  • Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD

The Dell G3 15 3500 is also one of the best gaming laptops under 800 that we can recommend!

It is an all-around gaming laptop that maximizes its potential for OTHER productivity uses as well.

Processing Power

To begin, the Dell G3 has the Intel Core i5-10300H processor, which is specifically designed for multipurpose use:

  • Gaming activities
  • 3D modeling
  • Multimedia arts
  • Adobe suite
  • AutoCAD

This is equally as powerful when coupled with its NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650Ti graphics card.

Already an upgrade from the 1650 series, it also is coupled with 4GB of video memory, 8GB of internal memory RAM, and a frequency of 2933MHz.

Not to mention that it has a HUGE storage capacity of 512GB SSD!

These specs ensure a powerful and lag-free gaming playthrough with the Dell G3.

For connectivity, the Pavilion also allows Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 Dual-Band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1.

Display

The Dell G3 has a 15.6-inch Anti-Glare display that delivers an image output of up to 120Hz.

This is HIGH QUALITY streaming at its finest! Its brightness also peaks at 250 nits with a narrow bezel design.

Dell Gaming G3 15 3500-15 Inch FHD 120Hz...
  • Anti- Glare LED Backlit FHD Display
  • 120Hz Refresh Rate 250 nits WVA
  • 802.11ac 1x1 WiFi

So Why Should You Get the Dell G3?

If you’re looking for an overall GREAT PERFORMING gaming laptop, then you should definitely consider the Dell G3.

It has a 10th generation Intel Core processor, a Ti GPU series, the latest wireless technology, a high-quality display, and more.

These are all the things that you should look for in a gaming laptop under 800!

Pros

  • 120Hz high-quality display
  • Powerful processor and graphics card
  • Gaming and productivity laptop

Cons

  • Color contrast can be inconsistent

Dell XPS 15 7590

Check Price on Amazon

Key Features

  • Display: 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080p (144Hz)
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 R5-3550h Quad-Core Processor
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4 2933MHz
  • Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD

The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is one of the best gaming laptops under 800 that makes it to our list!

It maximizes its GRAPHICS and provides an enjoyable gaming playthrough for any gamer who uses the laptop.

Processing Power

For its price point, the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 provides ample power through its features:

  • The AMD Ryzen 5 R5-3550h Quad-Core Processor is the best available given the budget constraint.
  • The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card provides support and a possible upgrade to the 1650Ti series for better performance.

Despite this gap, The TUF Gaming A15 has LARGE storage and LONG battery life to compensate for its graphics.

With 512GB SSD and 8 hours of computer use, the TUF A15 is AHEAD of any other gaming laptop on this list with comparable processors.

However, the downside comes at the expense of its PORTABILITY: it has a chunky build to carry its needed drives.

But this isn’t all too bad considering how the size is justified given the DOWNGRADE in its graphics card.

Display

It has a 144Hz display which corresponds to HIGH-QUALITY STREAMING.

  • Despite not maximizing it given its built-in graphics card, this is already a huge upside given its price point.
  • You could still play high-quality, competitive games on medium-low settings, but again… these aren’t that bad.

Such settings ensure a SEAMLESS AND LAG-FREE GAME, which is more important for gaming purposes.

In terms of color grading:

  • The color range is limited
  • The contrast ratio is sufficient
  • The brightness levels are easily adjustable

As far as a smooth gaming experience goes, these are all that you need.

ASUS TUF Gaming F17 Gaming Laptop,...
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB GDDR6 Graphics up to 1585MHz at 80W TGP
  • Quad-core Intel Core 15-10300H Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.5 GHz, 4 cores)
  • 17.3” Full HD (1920x1080) IPS-Type display

So Why Should You Get the ASUS TUF Gaming A15?

If you’re looking for a RELIABLE gaming laptop that provides DECENT gaming performance, then the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is the one for you.

With an Intel Core clock speed, you wouldn’t even notice that you are playing high-speed games at MEDIUM GRAPHICS SETTINGS.

Pros

  • High-quality 144Hz display
  • Long battery life
  • Minimum effort, maximum results experience

Cons

  • Bulky and heavy

What Should You Look For While Choosing a Gaming Laptop Under 800?

Of course, you should NOT go into a store blindly. You should always do your research beforehand! This is a QUICK BUYING GUIDE to let you know the important factors you should keep an eye out for.

#1 Powerful Processor (CPU)

The simple rule of thumb is the more powerful the processor, the BETTER.

This should be the first thing that you look out for when buying a GAMING LAPTOP. You should at least make sure that you can have the BEST EXPERIENCE WHILE PLAYING GAMES.

While budget normally limits your opportunities… such is NOT the case for gaming laptops. You can get an EQUALLY powerful one for just under $800!

Our recommended processors are the following:

  • Intel Core i5 10th Generation
  • AMD Ryzen 5 Series

These are the MINIMUM processors you should settle for. Anything below and more predated than these? You’re definitely about to lose so much value for your money’s worth.

#2 Powerful Graphics Card (GPU)

The CPU and GPU… don’t settle for one over the other. You can have both of them equally powerful despite just having a budget of $800.

Our recommended GPUs include the following specs:

  • GTX 1650 with a 4GB GDDR5 Video RAM
  • GTX 1650 Ti with a 4GB GDDR6 RAM
  • Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti with a 4GB GDDR6 Video RAM

Again, these should be the minimum specs that you should settle for.

Your gaming laptop will only be as good as your graphics card. Do not EVER compromise this over aesthetics!

#3 RAM and Storage

The best gaming laptops should have AT LEAST 8GB RAM.

This is the ideal RAM for casual gaming, so you should look for higher specs if you plan to play games more professionally.

Why Is Random Access Memory (RAM) Important?
  • A decent amount of RAM helps facilitate the smooth processing of a powerful CPU and GPU
  • A good RAM helps process simultaneous tasks and high-end tasks with lots of resources.

However, the RAM should also go HAND IN HAND with the storage of your gaming laptop.

The RAM is only as strong as your storage because it significantly affects the TRANSFER RATE OF DATA.

We thus recommend you buy a gaming laptop with ample SSD storage as an upgraded version of the traditional SATA HDD.

These are also important if you have additional peripherals that need extra processing power, like a built-in HD webcam.

#4 Battery Life

This is the factor that usually results in disadvantages when buying gaming laptops. Simply put, you shouldn’t expect a gaming laptop to have GREAT battery life.

Gaming laptops mainly focus on POWERFUL PROCESSORS, which means that they consume more power.

So while a COMPROMISE has to be made, there are two questions that you should ask yourself… this will help you assess your need for good battery life:

  • Are you looking for portability in your gaming laptop? If YES, look for a gaming laptop that can last you at least 4 hours of battery life.
  • Will your laptop be settled on a stationary gaming station? If YES, you can settle for a gaming laptop that can only last you 2 hours of battery life.

The power-efficient processors that most gaming laptops have are the AMD 4000 Series Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7.

FAQs

Are Gaming Laptops Suitable for Everyday Use?

YES!

Gaming laptops are already designed to be more powerful than the traditional laptop… thanks, of course, to their dedicated graphics card and powerful processors.

This means that it can do MORE than the usual operations and productivity tasks you are expected to do on a work or home laptop.

Is the Core i7 Processor Good for Gaming?

Yes, the Intel Core i7 is actually one of the most powerful processors you can get in a gaming laptop under 800.

Pair this with an equally powerful graphics card, and you’ve got yourself a gaming machine worth your time and resources.

How Long Does a Gaming Laptop Last?

A good gaming laptop could last you anywhere between 4-6 years.

However, gaming performance depends on the RECENCY of your technology, so you should prepare for any internal upgrades sometime around the 3rd year.

Upgrades could include securing a new dedicated graphics card, dual fans, clock speed maintenance, etc.

How Do I Control the Temperature of Gaming Laptops?

All the laptops in the market have a working FAN SYSTEM… while other gaming laptops take this to another level by having an effective dual-fan cooling system.

This is effective in balancing out the heat of the laptop resulting from the processor-intensive work of the CPU and the GPU.

REMEMBER: the BETTER your cooling system, the LONGER the lifespan of your gaming laptop.

Can SSDs Enhance the Gaming Experience?

Yes, good storage can make the difference for gaming laptops under 800.

Good quality SSDs can REDUCE the loading and setup times of different games because these work hand in hand with a laptop’s RAM.

Of course, this is all comparable with the traditional HDDs. SSDs can launch applications and games much faster.

Do I Need an RGB Backlit Keyboard?

The simple AND functional answer: NO!

Your favorite games look better, especially when your lighting is interactive and aesthetic. However, you should prioritize the PERFORMANCE of your gaming laptop before anything else.

Your backlit keyboard will be USELESS if you can’t seem to play games in the first place.

Our Verdict of the Best Picks

There are A LOT OF FACTORS that come into play when deciding the best gaming laptop for you.

But among the staggering list of all the impressive and best gaming laptops in the market, we’ve identified our top three gaming laptops:

What’s great about the Ideapad Gaming 3i is that it’s DESIGNED like your typical productivity laptop but packs within it a powerful gaming laptop that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Its 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card are proof of WHY it’s our pick for the overall best gaming laptop under 800.

Top these features off with a SLEEK AND PROFESSIONAL design and a publicly raved about keyboard backlighting and ergonomic use.

Indeed, we’ll stand by naming the Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3i as one of our best gaming laptops.

The MSI GF75 Thin is our MOST VALUABLE GAMING LAPTOP because of its guaranteed above-average offered features!

It’s easily one of the best gaming laptops in the market right now thanks to the following:

  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card
  • 10th Generation Intel Core i5 processor
  • Sleek MSI finish
  • Ergonomic keyboard design

The fact that it’s already under $800 and still provides VALUE is already commendable in itself.

The Acer Nitro 5 is the MOST AFFORDABLE BUDGET GAMING LAPTOP that does not compromise its processing ability!

Its bulky build and ergonomic use might have some disadvantages, but these can be overlooked because of its essential lag-free and seamless playthrough experience.

Conclusion

Have you finally decided on the best gaming laptop you are settling for?

Remember to ALWAYS assess these four factors when choosing:

  • Powerful Processor (CPU)
  • Powerful Graphics Card (GPU)
  • RAM and Storage
  • Battery Life

Make sure that ALL FACTORS are perfectly balanced! But also remember that you should value the CPU and GPU more than the others. After all, you are looking for the best GAMING laptop.

That said, do consider our top three picks:

  • Choose the Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3i for the best overall gaming laptop. It’s designed for both gaming AND work productivity!
  • Choose the MSI GF75 Thin for the best value gaming laptop. It has guaranteed above-average features that make sure you get your money’s worth!
  • Choose the Acer Nitro 5 for the best budget-friendly gaming laptop. It has the most powerful processing ability at its price point!

Have you tried out any of our recommendations? What is the best gaming laptop for you? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!

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