Top Gaming PC Laptop Under 500: Performance on a Budget

Wondering if it’s possible to find a great gaming PC laptop under 500? The answer is yes! You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a laptop that can handle your favourite games instead of looking for a Best Gaming Laptop For £1000, always know your budget first. In this guide, we’ll explore some fantastic options that prove you can enjoy powerful gaming performance without emptying your wallet. These laptops not only fit a modest budget but also offer the specs you need to dive into the world of gaming comfortably.

We’ll walk through a list of the top gaming laptops under £500, detailing their strengths and weaknesses, and what features they offer for their price. From processors and graphics to storage and display, we’ll help you understand what to look for so you can make the best choice for your gaming adventures.

Review of Top Budget Gaming Laptops

When you’re looking for a gaming laptop that doesn’t cost a lot, it’s important to know which ones will give you the best bang for your buck. Here, we’ll review some of the top gaming laptops available for under £500. We’ll look at what each laptop offers, including the good and the not-so-good parts, so you can pick the best one for your gaming needs.

MSI Modern 15

• Specifications and Performance: The MSI Modern 15 packs a punch with its Intel Core i5 processor and integrated graphics. It’s designed for those who need a machine that can handle both work and play. The Full HD display ensures that you get crisp and vibrant visuals, perfect for both gaming and watching movies.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Pros: Lightweight design, solid build quality,  good battery life.
  • Cons: The graphics might not handle the most demanding games at high settings. – No dedicated graphics card – No optical drive – No Ethernet port

Asus Vivobook 15

• Specifications and Performance: This laptop is known for its robust performance thanks to its AMD Ryzen 5 processor. The Vivobook 15 also features a Full HD display and a comfortable keyboard, making it ideal for long gaming sessions.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Pros: Strong performance, sleek design, Fingerprint sensor, comfortable typing experience.
  • Cons: Limited upgrade options, average battery life.

Dell Inspiron 3525

• Specifications and Performance: Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 processor, the Dell Inspiron 3525 is capable of handling most games at medium settings. It also offers a decent amount of storage for all your games and files.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Pros: Affordable price, decent performance, ample storage.
  • Cons: Not suitable for high-end games, Slow processor and HDD, display could be brighter.

Lenovo V15 Gen 2

• Specifications and Performance: The Lenovo V15 Gen 2 stands out with its Intel Core i3 processor and integrated Intel graphics. It’s a good choice for casual gamers who also need a laptop for everyday tasks.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Pros: Good for everyday use, sturdy construction.
  • Cons: Graphics performance is limited, and not ideal for intense gaming sessions.

Additional Budget Options

If you’re looking for even more variety in gaming laptops under £500, here are some additional models that deserve your attention. Each offers unique benefits that might be just what you’re looking for, whether you prioritize storage, display quality, or overall value.

HP Pavilion 14-dv2504sa

• Specifications and Unique Features: This refurbished model comes with an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It boasts a Full HD touchscreen display, offering vibrant visuals and responsive touch control.
• Highlights: Impressive performance with ample storage and a touchscreen at a budget price.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3i

• Specifications and Unique Features: Featuring an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor with 4GB RAM and a 128GB SSD, this laptop is ideal for casual gaming and daily tasks. It offers a Full HD screen and a sleek, portable design.
• Highlights: Affordable and efficient, perfect for students or casual users.

Lenovo IdeaPad 1

• Specifications and Unique Features: With an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD, this laptop provides solid performance for most gaming needs. It includes a Full HD display and a 4-in-1 memory card reader.
• Highlights: Great for multitasking and medium-level gaming, offering a balanced mix of performance and storage.

Huawei MateBook D

• Specifications and Unique Features: This model is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It also features a Full HD display and a sleek design.
• Highlights: Strong performance with a large SSD and a sharp display, all packed in a stylish body.

Samsung Galaxy Book2

• Specifications and Unique Features: Powered by an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, this laptop has 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD. It includes a Full HD screen and a 720p HD webcam.
• Highlights: Reliable performance with a modern design, ideal for both gaming and video conferencing.

HP 17 Core i5 11th

• Specifications and Unique Features: This laptop features a larger 17.3″ Full HD display, powered by an Intel i5 11th Gen CPU, with 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. It’s equipped with a TrueVision HD camera and dual speakers.
• Highlights: Offers a larger screen for an immersive gaming and viewing experience, with substantial processing power.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Budget Gaming Laptop

Choosing the right gaming laptop, especially when you’re on a budget, can be tricky. You want to make sure you get the best possible performance for your money. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a gaming PC laptop under 500:

Processor and Graphics

The processor (CPU) is the heart of your laptop, and for gaming, it’s particularly important. Look for at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor. While these might not be the fastest on the market, they are capable of handling many popular games when paired with good integrated graphics. Speaking of graphics, integrated GPUs have come a long way, but for enhanced gaming performance, seek laptops with dedicated graphics chips if possible within this price range.

RAM and Storage

Gaming can be RAM intensive, so ideally, your laptop should have at least 8GB of RAM. However, 4GB can suffice if you’re playing less demanding games or are willing to compromise on multitasking performance. As for storage, SSDs offer faster boot times and quicker game loading than traditional hard drives. Look for laptops with at least a 256GB SSD, or if you opt for lesser storage, make sure there’s an option to upgrade later.

Display Quality

The screen is your window to the gaming world, so don’t skimp on it. A Full HD (1920×1080) display should be your minimum target. This will ensure that the games are visually appealing and immersive. Smaller screens (14-15.6 inches) are typical at this price point but aim for the best colour and brightness you can find.

Battery Life

While gaming laptops are not known for their battery longevity, especially during intensive gaming sessions, you should still consider battery life for those times you’re using the laptop for other tasks. Look for a laptop that offers at least 4-5 hours of battery life when performing standard tasks like web browsing or video streaming.

Build Quality and Additional Features

Finally, consider the laptop’s build quality and any additional features like keyboard comfort, port selection, and overall portability. Good build quality can improve the laptop’s durability, especially if you travel frequently. Additionally, check for extra features such as backlit keyboards, multiple USB ports, and HDMI connectivity that can enhance your gaming experience.

Conclusion: Maximizing Value in Budget Gaming Laptops

Finding the perfect gaming PC laptop under 500 is achievable, and this guide has hopefully shown you some of the best options out there. Each of the laptops we’ve discussed offers a unique balance of performance, features, and value, making them ideal choices for gamers who need to stick to a tighter budget.

Remember, the key to choosing the right laptop is understanding your own gaming needs and balancing them with your budget constraints. Whether you prioritize a more powerful processor, a superior display, or longer battery life, there’s a budget gaming laptop out there that will meet your requirements.

FAQs

What Is A Good Gaming Laptop For 500?

A good gaming laptop for under £500 would be the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i. It strikes a balance between cost and performance with its Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB SSD, making it suitable for casual gaming and everyday tasks.

What Is A Cheap But Good Gaming Laptop?

The Asus Vivobook 15 is a great option for those looking for a cheap but good gaming laptop. It features a robust AMD Ryzen 5 processor and a Full HD display, offering strong performance and a good viewing experience at an affordable price.

Can You Game On A 500 Dollar Laptop?

Yes, you can game on a 500 dollar laptop, though you may need to adjust your expectations regarding graphics settings and game resolution. Laptops in this price range, such as the MSI Modern 15 and Dell Inspiron 3525, can run many popular games at medium to low settings effectively.

Is A PC Cheaper Than A Gaming Laptop?

Typically, a PC can be cheaper than a gaming laptop when comparing systems with similar specifications. Desktop PCs often offer better performance for the same price due to their larger size allowing for more powerful and cost-effective hardware. However, PCs lack the portability of laptops.