Are you a passionate gamer who is looking for an affordable laptop that can handle your gaming needs? With the advancement of technology, there are now many options available that won't break the bank. In this article, we will explore the best inexpensive laptops for gaming in 2022. We will cover the essential features you need to consider, share our personal experience, and provide recommendations that meet both your budget and gaming needs.
When looking for a gaming laptop, it's essential to consider the features that will make your gaming experience enjoyable. Here are the essential features to consider when buying a gaming laptop:
Graphics Card
The graphics card is the most important feature to consider when buying a gaming laptop. It determines the quality of visuals and frames per second (FPS) you can achieve in your games. The two main graphics card manufacturers are Nvidia and AMD. Nvidia graphics cards, especially the GTX and RTX series, are more popular among gamers due to their high performance and efficiency.
When selecting a graphics card, you should consider the type of games you play. If you play games with high graphical demands, such as first-person shooters or role-playing games, you may want to go for a higher-end graphics card. However, if you play less demanding games such as indie titles or eSports games, a mid-range graphics card may suffice.
Processor
The processor (CPU) is responsible for executing tasks in your laptop. A high-performance CPU is essential for gaming, as it affects the loading times and smoothness of your gameplay. The recommended CPUs for gaming laptops are Intel Core i5 and i7, or AMD Ryzen 5 and 7.
Again, the type of games you play will determine the type of CPU that is ideal for you. If you play CPU-intensive games such as strategy games, you may want to go for higher-end CPUs. However, if you play games that are less CPU-intensive, such as multiplayer games, a mid-range CPU may suffice.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) affects how many applications and processes your laptop can handle simultaneously. It is crucial for gaming, as it enables your laptop to store and retrieve data quickly. We recommend laptops with at least 8 GB of RAM, but 16 GB or more is ideal for high-end gaming.
Having more RAM will enable you to run more applications and processes simultaneously, which can be beneficial if you want to stream your gameplay or run other applications while gaming. However, having too much RAM may not necessarily improve gaming performance.
Storage
Storage is where your laptop stores your games, applications, and files. There are two types of storage: Solid State Drive (SSD) and Hard Disk Drive (HDD). SSDs are faster and more reliable than HDDs, but they are more expensive. We recommend laptops with at least 256 GB of SSD storage, but 512 GB or more is ideal for gaming.
Having an SSD will improve the loading times of your games and applications, which will enhance your gaming experience. However, if you play many games, you may need to consider buying an external hard drive to store your games.
Now that we have covered the essential features to consider when buying a gaming laptop let's look at some of the best inexpensive laptops for gaming in 2022.
Acer Nitro 5
The Acer Nitro 5 is an affordable gaming laptop that offers excellent performance and features. It comes with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, an Intel Core i5-10300H CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. It has a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display and a backlit keyboard. The Nitro 5 is a great value for its price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Lenovo Legion 5
The Lenovo Legion 5 is an affordable gaming laptop with impressive specifications. It features the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, an AMD Ryzen 5 4600H CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. It has a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display and a backlit keyboard. The Legion 5 provides excellent performance and a sleek design that is perfect for gaming on a budget.
HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop
The HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop is a budget-friendly option that offers decent gaming performance. It comes with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, an Intel Core i5-10300H CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. It has a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display and a backlit keyboard. The Pavilion Gaming Laptop is a reliable choice for casual gamers who want to play their favorite games without breaking the bank.
Asus TUF Gaming Laptop
The Asus TUF Gaming Laptop is a durable option that offers great gaming performance. It features the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, an AMD Ryzen 5 3550H CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. It has a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display and a backlit keyboard. The TUF Gaming Laptop is a sturdy choice that can handle intensive gaming sessions without overheating.
Dell G3 Gaming Laptop
The Dell G3 Gaming Laptop is a budget-friendly option that offers excellent gaming performance. It features the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, an Intel Core i5-10300H CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. It has a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display and a backlit keyboard. The G3 Gaming Laptop is a reliable choice that can handle most modern games without any issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding an inexpensive laptop for gaming can be a daunting task, but it is possible. By considering the essential features of a gaming laptop, such as the graphics card, CPU, RAM, and storage, you can narrow down your options and find a laptop that meets your gaming needs and budget.
Our top recommendations for the best inexpensive laptops for gaming in 2022 are the Acer Nitro 5, Lenovo Legion 5, HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop, Asus TUF Gaming Laptop, and Dell G3 Gaming Laptop. Each of these laptops offers excellent performance and features at an affordable price.
So, what are you waiting for? Start gaming on a budget today!