Gaming laptops have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing gamers with a mobile solution to their gaming needs. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right gaming laptop for your budget. If you’re on a budget of $800 or less, you can still find a great gaming laptop that will provide an enjoyable gaming experience. In this article, we will discuss what to look for in a best gaming laptop under $800, including key features such as graphics card, processor, RAM, storage, display, and battery life.
Consider Your Gaming Priorities
Before you begin searching for a gaming laptop under $800, it’s important to consider your gaming priorities. Are you a casual gamer who plays games occasionally, or are you a serious gamer who wants to play the latest games with high settings and performance? Are you interested in playing competitive online games or single-player games with detailed graphics and immersive sound effects?
Your gaming priorities will determine what features you should prioritize when choosing a gaming laptop. For example, if you’re a casual gamer, you may be able to get by with a Best Gaming Laptop Under $800 that has lower specifications, while serious gamers may need a laptop with a dedicated graphics card and high-performance processor. By considering your gaming priorities, you can narrow down your search and find the right gaming laptop for your needs and budget.
Processor and RAM Options
The processor and RAM are crucial components of a gaming laptop that affect its performance. When shopping for a gaming laptop under $800, you should aim for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB of RAM.
The processor is responsible for executing commands and running applications, so a higher-end processor will provide better performance. The RAM, on the other hand, is responsible for temporarily storing data for quick access by the processor. More RAM means more applications can be open at the same time without slowing down the system.
It’s important to note that some gaming laptops may offer less RAM or a weaker processor to keep the cost down. While these laptops may be cheaper. They may not provide the best gaming experience. So, it’s best to prioritize a laptop with a decent processor and RAM within your budget to ensure smooth gaming performance.
Top Features to Look for in a Gaming Laptop
When looking for a gaming laptop, there are several key features to consider:
- Graphics Card: A dedicated graphics card is crucial for gaming as it allows for smoother visuals and faster frame rates. Look for a laptop with an NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon graphics card.
- Processor: As previously mentioned, a powerful processor is important for smooth performance. Look for an Intel Core i5 or i7 or an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processor.
- RAM: Aim for at least 8GB of RAM, though 16GB is ideal for more demanding games.
- Storage: Look for a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) as it provides faster boot and load times. A combination of SSD and HDD (hard disk drive) storage can also be a good option to balance performance and storage capacity.
- Display: A high-resolution display with a refresh rate of at least 60Hz is ideal for gaming. Look for a laptop with an IPS panel for wider viewing angles and better color accuracy.
- Cooling: Gaming laptops generate a lot of heat, so a laptop with a good cooling system is important to prevent overheating and performance issues.
- Battery life: Gaming laptops typically have shorter battery life due to their powerful components. So look for a laptop with at least 4-5 hours of battery life to ensure uninterrupted gaming sessions.
Overall, it’s important to balance these features to find the right gaming laptop that fits your budget and gaming needs.
Testing Out Different Models
Once you’ve narrowed down your options for a gaming laptop based on your priorities and desired features, it’s a good idea to test out different models before making a final decision.
You can do this by visiting a local electronics store that has a selection of gaming laptops on display. Take the time to check out the keyboard, trackpad. And screen quality, and try running a game to see how the laptop performs. You can also read online reviews and user feedback to get an idea of how the laptop performs under various conditions.
Another option is to rent or borrow a gaming laptop from a friend or online rental service to test it out for a few days. This will give you a chance to try out the laptop in your own environment. And see if it meets your needs. Ultimately, testing out different models can help you make an informed decision and find the best gaming laptop for your budget and gaming needs.
Factors to Consider When Buying a New Gaming Laptop
When buying a new gaming laptop, there are several factors to consider:
- Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on a gaming laptop. Keep in mind that higher-end laptops with better specifications will typically cost more.
- Processor: Look for a laptop with a powerful processor, such as an Intel Core i5 or i7 or an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7. A higher-end processor will provide better performance and smoother gameplay.
- Graphics Card: A dedicated graphics card is crucial for gaming. Look for a laptop with an NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon graphics card.
- RAM: Aim for at least 8GB of RAM, though 16GB is ideal for more demanding games.
- Storage: Consider the type and amount of storage you need. A solid-state drive (SSD) will provide faster boot and load times, while a hard disk drive (HDD) offers more storage capacity.
- Display: Look for a laptop with a high-resolution display and a refresh rate of at least 60Hz. An IPS panel will provide wider viewing angles and better color accuracy.
- Cooling: Gaming laptops generate a lot of heat, so look for a laptop with a good cooling system to prevent overheating and performance issues.
- Battery life: Gaming laptops typically have shorter battery life, so look for a laptop with at least 4-5 hours of battery life to ensure uninterrupted gaming sessions.
- Build quality: Consider the build quality of the laptop, including the keyboard, trackpad, and overall construction. A well-built laptop will be more durable and provide a better user experience.
By considering these factors, you can find the best gaming laptop for your needs and budget. It’s also important to read reviews and user feedback to get an idea of how the laptop performs in real-world conditions.
Where to Find the Best Deals on Laptops
There are several places to find the best deals on laptops:
- Online Retailers: Websites such as Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, and Walmart offer competitive pricing and frequent discounts on laptops.
- Manufacturer Websites: Many laptop manufacturers offer discounts on their websites, especially during holiday sales and back-to-school season.
- Student Discounts: Many retailers offer student discounts on laptops, so if you’re a student, be sure to check if you’re eligible for any discounts.
- Refurbished Laptops: Refurbished laptops can be a good option if you’re looking for a discount. These laptops have been returned to the manufacturer or retailer, repaired, and tested, and are often sold at a lower price.
- Outlet Stores: Laptop manufacturers such as Dell and Lenovo have outlet stores that offer discounted laptops.
- Local Electronics Stores: Check your local electronics stores for deals and discounts on laptops.
It’s important to compare prices and do research before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting the best deal on a quality laptop that meets your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when searching for a gaming laptop, it’s important to consider your gaming priorities, processor and RAM options, and top features to look for. Additionally, testing out different models and considering factors such as budget, graphics card, storage, display, cooling. And build quality can help you find the best gaming laptop for your needs and budget.
When it comes to finding the best deals on laptops, there are several options to consider. Including online retailers, manufacturer websites, student discounts, refurbished laptops, outlet stores, and local electronics stores. By doing your research and comparing prices. You can find a quality gaming laptop that fits your budget and gaming needs.
