Best Gaming Laptops Under $700: Top Picks & Deals

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Best Gaming Laptops Under $700: Your Affordable Gaming Guide

Hey gaming enthusiasts! Are you on the hunt for a gaming laptop that won't completely drain your bank account? You've landed in the right place, my friends! Today, we're diving deep into the world of gaming laptops under $700. Yes, you read that right! It's totally possible to score a sweet machine capable of running your favorite games without breaking the budget. I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know, from the specs to look for to the best laptops currently available. Get ready to level up your gaming experience without sacrificing your savings! Let's get started.

Understanding the Gaming Laptop Landscape Under $700

First things first, let's be real. When you're shopping for gaming laptops under $700, you're not going to get the absolute top-of-the-line performance. However, that doesn't mean you're stuck with something that can barely handle basic tasks. The key is knowing what to prioritize and what compromises to accept. Think of it like this: you're aiming for a solid, reliable performer, not a screaming race car. You'll likely be playing games at 1080p resolution (which is totally fine, by the way!) and maybe tweaking some graphics settings to achieve the best balance of visual quality and smooth gameplay. You must remember that gaming laptops under $700 have some limitations. You will need to make some compromises. These compromises are totally fine if you know the limitations of your machine. This guide will help you understand the specs to look for and the things to consider before buying a laptop.

So, what should you look for? The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of your laptop, handling all the calculations. Aim for at least an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor. Next up, the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is what truly matters for gaming. This is the graphics card. Look for an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or an AMD Radeon RX 6500M or better. These are going to be your workhorses in the budget-friendly category. You should also consider the amount of RAM, or Random Access Memory. 8GB of RAM is the absolute minimum, but 16GB is highly recommended for a smoother experience, especially if you plan to multitask or play more demanding games. A SSD (Solid State Drive) is crucial for fast boot times and overall responsiveness. At least 256GB is a good starting point, but 512GB or more is ideal for storing your games and other files. Finally, don't forget the display itself. A 15.6-inch display is standard, and you'll want a refresh rate of at least 60Hz. Higher refresh rates (like 120Hz or 144Hz) offer a smoother gaming experience, but they are less common in this price range. This is the main point: If you're on a budget, you may have to decide between getting more power or better visuals. With that being said, there are several laptops that come with a good balance. Now that you have an idea of what to expect, let's explore some of the best laptops you can get in this range.

Top Gaming Laptop Recommendations Under $700

Alright, let's get into the good stuff – the actual laptops! Here are some of the best gaming laptops under $700 that you should definitely consider. I've done my research to ensure you get a solid machine that can handle your favorite games. Note that prices can fluctuate, so always check the latest deals before making a purchase. Also, the availability of these laptops may vary depending on where you are located. Keep in mind that older models will be much more affordable.

Acer Nitro 5

The Acer Nitro 5 is a popular choice for a reason. This laptop consistently offers a good balance of performance and features within the budget. It often features configurations with an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor, paired with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or sometimes even a GTX 1650 Ti. The Nitro 5 usually comes with 8GB or 16GB of RAM and a 256GB or 512GB SSD. Its 15.6-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate is a great bonus. Acer Nitro 5 has a good screen refresh rate and the capability to play games at 1080p. If you can find one within your budget, it's definitely worth it. It is also an overall great laptop, so it can be used for things other than gaming. Acer is known for quality and has a pretty good warranty.

ASUS TUF Gaming Series

ASUS TUF is another great brand, and the TUF series is designed to be tough and reliable. You can often find TUF models under $700 with an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650. You may find one with a better graphics card if you're lucky. Look for models with 8GB or 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The TUF series typically offers a 15.6-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate. ASUS also offers great customer service and support, which is a great bonus for these gaming laptops under $700. The TUF laptops come in many different designs and colors. There are plenty of options for you to choose from.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a solid contender in this price range. It often features an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or sometimes a GTX 1650 Ti. The IdeaPad Gaming 3 typically comes with 8GB or 16GB of RAM and a 256GB or 512GB SSD. The 15.6-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a nice touch. Lenovo has a reputation for reliability, and the IdeaPad Gaming 3 often offers good value for the money. The IdeaPad is a great choice and it consistently delivers great performance.

Dell G Series

Dell G Series laptops can occasionally be found under $700, especially older models or during sales. These laptops usually have an Intel Core i5 processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650. Dell G Series usually comes with 8GB or 16GB of RAM and a 256GB or 512GB SSD. The display typically is 15.6 inches. Dell offers decent build quality and customer support. If you can find a good deal on a Dell G Series, it's worth considering. You should always look for the most updated specs, even for older models.

Key Specs to Prioritize When Buying a Gaming Laptop Under $700

Alright, let's break down the essential specs you should focus on when choosing a gaming laptop under $700. These are the areas where you need to make smart choices to get the best possible gaming experience. Again, your main priorities are the CPU, the GPU, the amount of RAM, and the storage capacity. You will want to make sure you have enough RAM to handle multitasking.

  • CPU (Processor): As mentioned earlier, go for at least an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor. These will provide a good balance of performance for both gaming and general use. If you can find a deal on a model with a newer generation processor, even better! Remember that the CPU handles the overall processing of the laptop and is vital for performance. Without a good CPU, your other components will not perform well.
  • GPU (Graphics Card): This is the heart of your gaming experience. An NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or an AMD Radeon RX 6500M are your target cards in this price range. While they may not offer the highest settings on the newest games, they will get the job done and let you enjoy your favorite games at 1080p resolution with decent frame rates. A good GPU is a must for gaming laptops under $700. Without a good GPU, the games will not run, or they will perform poorly.
  • RAM (Memory): 8GB of RAM is the minimum, but 16GB is highly recommended. More RAM will make your laptop feel much snappier, especially when multitasking, streaming, or running resource-intensive applications. If you are going to use the laptop for things other than gaming, you should consider more RAM. With more RAM, you will get better performance and a better user experience.
  • Storage (SSD): A fast SSD is crucial for quick boot times, game loading, and overall responsiveness. Aim for at least 256GB, but 512GB is ideal. You can always use an external hard drive for extra storage if needed, but a fast SSD will make a world of difference. Your storage capacity will have a huge impact on how quickly the games load.
  • Display: A 15.6-inch display with a 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rate is standard. While higher refresh rates (120Hz or 144Hz) offer a smoother gaming experience, they are less common in this budget. You can expect to make some sacrifices on the display, but it will still deliver a great gaming experience.

Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Gaming Laptops Under $700

Now for the fun part: finding a great deal! Here are some insider tips to help you snag the best gaming laptops under $700. The tips will help you save money and make sure that you are getting the best value for your money. You can use these tips to find the best deals, and get the best laptop.

  • Shop During Sales Events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales are prime times to find significant discounts on electronics. You can also find great deals around holidays like Christmas. Retailers will often offer special promotions and price cuts to attract customers. Check retailers' websites regularly during these times.
  • Check Refurbished Options: Don't be afraid to consider refurbished models. These laptops have been tested and often come with warranties. You can find excellent deals on like-new gaming laptops. Just make sure the seller is reputable and that the laptop comes with a warranty. This will help you save money while still getting a quality laptop.
  • Compare Prices: Don't settle for the first deal you find. Compare prices from different retailers to ensure you're getting the best price. Use price comparison websites to make this process easier. Check Amazon, Best Buy, and other major retailers for the best prices.
  • Read Reviews: Before buying, read reviews from other users. This will give you a better understanding of the laptop's performance, build quality, and any potential issues. See what other users are saying before you buy the laptop. Make sure that you are buying a quality product.
  • Consider Older Models: Don't overlook older models. While they may not have the latest features, they can still offer excellent performance at a lower price. You can often get a more powerful laptop for the same price as a newer model. Sometimes an older model can deliver better performance than a newer model, so do your research.

FAQs About Gaming Laptops Under $700

Let's clear up some common questions you might have about gaming laptops under $700.

  • Can I play AAA games on a $700 gaming laptop? Yes, you can! However, you may need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve smooth frame rates. Also, older models will be much more capable of running AAA games.
  • What resolution can I expect to play games at? You can generally expect to play games at 1080p resolution. This is the standard resolution for most gaming laptops in this price range.
  • Is it worth buying a gaming laptop under $700? Absolutely! It's a fantastic way to get into PC gaming without breaking the bank. You can enjoy a wide variety of games and have a great time doing it.
  • What are the common problems of the laptops in this price range? Some common problems include slower storage space, lesser battery life, and less powerful GPUs. You should expect some sacrifices when you buy a budget gaming laptop.

Final Thoughts: Level Up Your Gaming Without Breaking the Bank

So there you have it, folks! With a bit of research and smart shopping, you can definitely find an awesome gaming laptop under $700 that will let you enjoy your favorite games. Remember to focus on the key specs like the CPU, GPU, RAM, and SSD, and don't be afraid to explore options like refurbished models and sales events. Happy gaming, and may your frame rates always be high!