In the ever-evolving world of gaming, having the right equipment can make all the difference. If you’re a budget-conscious gamer on the lookout for a gaming laptop that won’t break the bank, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore the top three most budget-friendly gaming laptops in 2023 that offer an excellent gaming experience without burning a hole in your pocket.
Hold onto your seats as we unravel the mystique of budget gaming laptops! After navigating the vast expanse of the web, we’ve curated a triumphant trio that promises not just functionality, but an unforgettable gaming experience. Join us on this thrilling journey as we unveil the three amazing laptops handpicked from the vast sea of options, just for you.
Let me first list down the top three budgeting laptops for you.
- MSI Thin GF63 15.6″ 144Hz Gaming Laptop
- MSI GV15 15.6″ 144Hz Gaming Laptop
- Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3
Top 3 Most Budget Gaming Laptops in 2023
Selecting the right laptop within a budget is no easy feat, considering the overwhelming choices available. However, I’ve done the legwork for you and narrowed down the options to three stellar contenders. Without further ado, let’s explore these budget-friendly gems that promise to make your decision-making process a breeze.
MSI Thin GF63 15.6″ 144Hz Gaming Laptop
The MSI Thin GF63 15.6″ 144Hz Gaming Laptop is a gaming laptop that offers a decent performance, a sleek design, and good quality for around $1,200. It features an Intel Core i7-12650H processor, an NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU, and a fast FHD display. It also has a long battery life, a comfortable keyboard, and a Dolby Audio system.
Here is a table of its specifications.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-12650H (6 cores, 12 threads, 2.6 GHz base, 4.9 GHz boost) |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 4050 (4 GB GDDR6, 1024 CUDA cores, 128-bit memory bus) |
| RAM | 512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD (1x M.2 slot, upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD (1x M.2 slot, upgradable) |
| Display | 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS-level panel, 144 Hz refresh rate, 45% NTSC color gamut, 250 nits brightness |
| Keyboard | Single-zone RGB backlit, 1.5 mm key travel, anti-ghosting, Windows Precision touchpad |
| Audio | 2x 2W speakers, Dolby Audio, 3.5 mm audio jack |
| Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x RJ-45 Ethernet, 1x DC-in |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Battery | 53 Wh, up to 10 hours of normal use, fast charging |
| Dimensions | 0.85 x 14.13 x 9.99 inches (21.7 x 359 x 254 mm) |
| Weight | 4.1 lbs (1.86 kg) |
Pros
- Decent Performance at a Great Price: The MSI Thin GF63 15.6 impresses with its Intel Core i7-12650H processor, NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU, and a fast FHD display, delivering a commendable performance package for its $1,200 price point.
- Inexpensive Yet Feature-Rich: Compared to other gaming laptops with similar or better specifications, the MSI Thin GF63 15.6 stands out for its affordability, offering excellent value for money. It efficiently handles games and applications, making it a cost-effective choice for gamers.
- Portable and Sleek Design: Weighing in at only 4.1 lbs and measuring 0.85 x 14.13 x 9.99 inches, the MSI Thin GF63 15.6 boasts a lightweight and partially metal chassis. This design makes it easy to carry and store, enhancing its portability. The matte black finish and smooth texture contribute to an attractive and professional look.
- Extended Battery Life and Comfortable Keyboard: The laptop comes equipped with a long battery life, ensuring extended usage without frequent charging. The comfortable keyboard enhances the overall user experience, making it suitable for prolonged gaming or work sessions.
- Immersive Audio Experience: Featuring a Dolby Audio system, the MSI Thin GF63 15.6 delivers an immersive audio experience, enhancing the overall multimedia and gaming experience.
Cons
- Limited Gaming Performance: The MSI Thin GF63 15.6 falls short in gaming performance, especially for demanding titles, with the RTX 4050 GPU being outmatched by competitors offering the RTX 3060 at a similar or lower price point.
- Insufficient Memory and Storage: The 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage may prove inadequate for some gamers, and the lack of easy upgrade options adds to the limitations.
- Dull Display: The laptop sports a 1080p panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, but the screen lacks brightness and vibrant colors, featuring a below-average 45% NTSC color gamut and 250-nit brightness for a subpar gaming experience.
- Uncomfortable Keyboard: The flat and uncomfortable keyboard lacks tactility and feedback, with a single-zone RGB backlighting that may not compensate for the insufficient travel. Flex, wobble, and a potentially cramped layout further detract from the typing experience.
Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3 is a 17.3-inch gaming laptop that features an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, 16GB of DDR5 memory, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. It also has a 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate, a 90Wh battery, a backlit keyboard, and a 720p webcam.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS (8 cores, 16 threads, 2.6 GHz base, 4.9 GHz boost) |
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 (8 GB GDDR6, 1024 CUDA cores, 128-bit memory bus) |
| RAM | 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD (1x M.2 slot, upgradeable) |
| Storage | 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD (1x M.2 slot, upgradable) |
| Display | 17.3-inch QHD (2560 x 1600) IPS-level panel, 165 Hz refresh rate, 100% sRGB color gamut, 300 nits brightness |
| Keyboard | Single-zone RGB backlit, 1.4 mm key travel, anti-ghosting, Windows Precision touchpad |
| Audio | 2x 2W speakers, Dolby Audio, 3.5 mm audio jack |
| Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ-45 Ethernet, 1x DC-in |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Battery | 90 Wh, up to 10 hours of normal use, fast charging |
| Dimensions | 1.19 by 15.8 by 11.75 inches (30.2 by 401.2 by 298.3 mm) |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
Pros
- Performance Powerhouse: The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3 boasts a solid gaming performance, thanks to the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS octa-core processor running at up to 4.9 GHz.
- Graphics Dominance: Featuring the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, this laptop supports ray tracing and DLSS, delivering high-setting gaming at 60 FPS or more.
- Speed and Storage: With 16GB DDR5-4800 memory and a 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD, the Nitro 17 ensures speedy multitasking and ample storage for gaming and everyday use.
- Optimized Gaming Experience: Dedicated gaming mode, overclocking features, and performance optimization tools enhance the gaming experience.
- Long-lasting Battery: A 90Wh battery provides up to 10 hours of normal use and 8 hours of gaming, complemented by fast charging technology reaching 50% in 30 minutes.
- Stunning Display: The 17.3-inch QHD IPS-level panel boasts a 165Hz refresh rate, 100% sRGB color gamut, and 300 nits brightness, delivering clear and crisp images with adaptive sync technology to prevent screen tearing and stuttering.
Cons
- Keyboard Woes: The Acer Nitro 17 AN17-41-R7G3 features a keyboard with poor tactility and feedback. The single-zone RGB backlighting may lack sufficient travel, exhibiting some flex and wobble. The layout might feel cramped for certain users.
- Fan Noise Disturbance: Users may find the laptop’s fan noise bothersome, reaching up to 45 dB under heavy load. Despite this, the fan’s effectiveness in cooling the laptop is questionable, resulting in potential discomfort during use, especially around the keyboard and palm rest areas.
- Bulky and Heavy Design: With dimensions measuring 1.19 by 15.8 by 11.75 inches and a weight of 6.6 lbs, the Nitro 17 AN17-41-R7G3 is deemed bulky and heavy, compromising its portability. The thick bezel frame surrounding the display and a large non-Windows Hello-supported camera contribute to the laptop’s less-than-convenient design.
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023)
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) is a 16-inch gaming laptop that features a 13th-gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card, 16GB of DDR5-4800 memory, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSDhttps://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/asus-rog-strix-g16. It also has a 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a 240Hz refresh rate, a 90Wh battery, a backlit keyboard, and a 720p webcam.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i9-13980HX (8 performance cores, 16 efficiency cores, 2.6 GHz base, 5.6 GHz boost) |
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop 16GB (up to 165W with Dynamic Boost) with MUX, Advanced Optimus, GSync |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR5-4800 RAM – up to 64 GB (2x DIMMs) |
| Storage | 1 TB SSD (Micron 2400 drive) – 2x M.2 PCI 4.0 x4 slots |
| Display | 16-inch, 16:10, non-touch, matte, Nebula QHD+ 2560 x 1600 px, IPS, 240Hz 3ms, 500 nits HDR, 100% DCI-P3 |
| Keyboard | Single-zone RGB backlit, 1.4 mm key travel, anti-ghosting, Windows Precision touchpad |
| Audio | 2x 2W speakers, Dolby Audio, 3.5 mm audio jack |
| Ports | Left: power, 2.5G Lan, 1x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C gen2 (with video, data, power), HDMI 2.1 FRL, headphone&mic |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E (Intel AX211) 2×2 with Bluetooth 5.2, Gigabit LAN |
| Battery | 90 Wh, up to 10 hours of normal use, fast charging |
| Dimensions | 1.19 by 15.8 by 11.75 inches (30.2 by 401.2 by 298.3 mm) |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
Pros
- Powerful Performance: ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) excels in gaming and multitasking with its Intel Core i9-13980HX octa-core CPU clocked at 5.6 GHz and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card.
- Ample Memory and Storage: With 16GB DDR5-4800 memory and a 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD, it ensures speed and sufficient storage for gaming and everyday use.
- Gaming Enhancements: Dedicated gaming mode, overclocking features, and performance optimization tools enhance the overall gaming experience.
- Stunning QHD Display: A 16-inch QHD IPS-level panel with a 240Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and 500 nits brightness delivers clear and vibrant visuals, aided by adaptive sync technology to prevent screen tearing.
- Refreshed Design: The laptop boasts a refreshed design with a black plastic chassis, red accents, and a prominent logo on the lid.
- Robust Build Quality: Sturdy construction ensures durability, while a cooling system with two fans and a liquid metal thermal compound prevents overheating during intensive gaming sessions.
Cons
- Subpar Keyboard: The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) features a keyboard with poor tactility and feedback. The single-zone RGB backlighting may lack travel, exhibiting flex, wobble, and a potentially cramped layout.
- Noisy Fan Disturbance: Users may find the laptop’s fan noise bothersome, reaching up to 45 dB under heavy load. Despite this, the fan’s effectiveness in cooling the laptop is questionable, leading to discomfort, especially around the keyboard and palm rest areas.
- Bulky and Unwieldy Design: The laptop’s dimensions of 1.19 by 15.8 by 11.75 inches and a weight of 6.6 lbs contributes to a bulky and heavy design, impacting portability. The thick bezel frame surrounding the display and a large non-Windows Hello-supported camera add to the inconvenience.
Conclusion: The Best Budget Gaming Laptops in 2023
Gaming laptops are laptops that are designed and optimized for playing video games, but they can also be quite expensive, and not everyone can afford to spend thousands of dollars on a gaming machine.
Fortunately, there are some gaming laptops that offer great value for money and can run most games smoothly and at high settings, without breaking the bank. In this article, we have revealed the top 3 most budget gaming laptops in 2023, based on the web search results, and helped you find the best gaming laptop for your budget and needs.
We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you and that you have found the best budget gaming laptop for you. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
NOTE: The information presented is the result of thorough research by our team, aiming for accuracy in detailing gaming laptops in 2023. Variations in brand offerings and prices may exist, and users are advised to verify details directly with brands or retailers for the latest and most precise information. The dynamic nature of the tech industry may lead to changes. Thank you for your understanding.
FAQs – The Top 3 Best Budgeting Laptops 2023
Determining the best gaming laptop in 2023 depends on your specific needs and preferences. As of now, top contenders include models like the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, boasting a powerful AMD Ryzen processor and NVIDIA GPU, or the Alienware X17 with its impressive performance and premium build quality. Consider factors like budget, performance requirements, and desired features to find the gaming laptop that suits you best.
For budget-conscious gamers, the best and cheapest gaming laptop in 2023 might be the Acer Nitro 5. Offering a commendable balance between performance and affordability, the Nitro 5 frequently stands out as a cost-effective choice. Other budget-friendly options include the ASUS TUF Gaming series or the HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop, which provide solid gaming experiences without breaking the bank.
While current gaming laptops offer impressive performance, waiting for 2023 models may bring advancements in hardware, graphics, and overall features. If you can afford to wait, it might be worth considering the next generation of gaming laptops for potential improvements in technology, efficiency, and potentially lower prices on existing models.