Finding a cheap gaming laptop can be as tricky as dodging every fireball in a Dark Souls game. You think you’ve got it nailed down, only to find out that the one you’ve been eyeing doesn’t have the graphics power to keep up with your favorite titles. It’s a bit like getting hyped for a new game release only to find out it’s been delayed. Again.
A great gaming laptop needs to hit three main marks: stellar performance, impressive graphics, and affordability. Performance ensures your games run smoothly without lag, graphics bring your game’s world to life with rich detail, and affordability keeps your wallet from weeping every time you think about your purchase. But combining these elements in one machine? That’s the real challenge. Luckily, ASUS has stepped up to the plate, delivering laptops that balance these aspects perfectly.
Why ASUS Stands Out in the Cheap Gaming Segment
ASUS has carved a niche for itself in the budget gaming sector, thanks to its consistent delivery of quality and performance.
- Innovative Design: ASUS integrates cutting-edge technology and design even in its budget models.
- Durability: These laptops are built to withstand long gaming sessions and everyday use.
- Performance: With solid GPU and CPU choices, ASUS ensures that their budget laptops can handle most modern games with ease.
- Value for Money: ASUS offers a balanced mix of features and affordability, providing excellent bang for your buck.
Top Asus Ceap Gaming Laptops
The ASUS 2024 Vivobook 17.3” represents the epitome of what cheap gaming laptops aspire to be. Its large screen, robust build, and impressive hardware make it a compelling choice for gamers seeking quality without the premium price tag.
Key Features
- Display: 17.3-inch Full HD display with vibrant colors and crisp visuals.
- Processor: Powered by the latest Intel Core i7 processor, ensuring smooth gameplay and multitasking.
- Graphics: Equipped with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, capable of running most 2024 games at high settings.
- Storage: 512GB SSD for fast load times and ample space for games and applications.
- Memory: 16GB DDR4 RAM, providing seamless performance even with multiple applications running.
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours on a single charge, making it portable and convenient for gaming on the go.
Gaming Performance:
The ASUS Vivobook 17.3” excels in delivering a satisfying gaming experience with the latest 2024 titles. Here’s a closer look at its performance:
- Fortnite: Runs smoothly at high settings with an average of 60 FPS.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Handles medium settings well, maintaining around 45 FPS.
- Apex Legends: Consistently delivers 55-60 FPS on high settings.
- Elden Ring: Manages to keep up at medium settings with an average of 50 FPS.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large, high-quality display perfect for immersive gaming.
- Powerful processor and graphics card combination.
- Adequate RAM and storage for gaming and multitasking needs.
- Good battery life for a gaming laptop in its class.
- Affordable price point without sacrificing essential features.
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier compared to some other budget gaming laptops.
- The cooling system can get noisy under heavy loads.
- Limited upgrade options for future-proofing.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
The ASUS Vivobook 16 is an excellent budget option, delivering a balanced mix of performance, display quality, and affordability for gamers and everyday users alike.
Key Features
- Display: 16-inch Full HD display with wide viewing angles and vibrant color reproduction.
- Processor: Intel Core i5 processor, providing a solid performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, ensuring smooth gameplay on medium to high settings.
- Storage: 256GB SSD for quick load times and enough storage for essential games.
- Memory: 8GB DDR4 RAM, suitable for most gaming and productivity tasks.
- Battery Life: Up to 7 hours on a single charge, making it versatile for both gaming and everyday use.
Gaming Performance
The ASUS Vivobook 16 handles popular games with ease, providing a satisfactory gaming experience:
- Fortnite: Plays well at medium settings with an average of 50 FPS.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Manages low to medium settings, maintaining around 40 FPS.
- Apex Legends: Delivers around 50-55 FPS on medium settings.
- Elden Ring: Performs at low to medium settings with an average of 45 FPS.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Decent display size with good color accuracy.
- Reliable performance for both gaming and general use.
- Compact and lightweight design for portability.
- Competitive pricing for budget-conscious gamers.
Cons:
- Limited storage capacity may require external solutions.
- Less powerful than higher-end models.
- Battery life could be better under heavy gaming load.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
The ASUS Vivobook 14 Laptop is designed for professionals who need reliable performance and versatility, combining productivity features with modest gaming capabilities.
Key Features
- Display: 14-inch Full HD display, ideal for business and occasional gaming.
- Processor: Intel Core i5 processor, providing sufficient power for multitasking and light gaming.
- Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, suitable for basic gaming needs.
- Storage: 512GB SSD, offering ample space and fast access to files and applications.
- Memory: 8GB DDR4 RAM, adequate for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours, perfect for business use and portability.
Gaming Performance
The ASUS Vivobook X1402ZA handles light gaming well, making it a versatile choice for business users:
- Fortnite: Runs at low settings with an average of 40 FPS.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Not ideal for high settings, manages low settings around 30 FPS.
- Apex Legends: Delivers around 35-40 FPS on low settings.
- Elden Ring: Plays at low settings with an average of 30 FPS.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design, perfect for business travel.
- Long battery life for extended use.
- Adequate storage and memory for productivity and light gaming.
- Affordable pricing for a business laptop.
Cons:
- Limited gaming performance due to integrated graphics.
- Smaller display might not be ideal for gaming.
- Upgrade options are limited.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
The ASUS Vivobook 16” PC Laptop is a robust and affordable option for those who need a large screen and solid performance for both work and play.
Key Features
- Display: 16-inch Full HD display with excellent color accuracy and sharpness.
- Processor: Intel Core i5 processor, delivering reliable performance for daily tasks and gaming.
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, capable of handling medium to high settings in most games.
- Storage: 512GB SSD for fast load times and sufficient storage.
- Memory: 8GB DDR4 RAM, suitable for multitasking and moderate gaming.
- Battery Life: Up to 7 hours, making it versatile for both work and gaming on the go.
Gaming Performance
The ASUS Vivobook 16” PC Laptop provides a satisfying gaming experience with a variety of games:
- Fortnite: Runs smoothly at medium settings with around 50 FPS.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Handles low to medium settings, maintaining about 40 FPS.
- Apex Legends: Delivers 50-55 FPS on medium settings.
- Elden Ring: Manages medium settings with an average of 45 FPS.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large, vibrant display enhances gaming and viewing experience.
- Reliable performance for both gaming and productivity.
- Good balance of storage and memory.
- Competitive pricing for budget-conscious users.
Cons:
- Battery life could be better under heavy gaming load.
- Heavier than some other budget laptops, affecting portability.
- Limited upgrade options for future enhancements.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
The ASUS Vivobook 15 Business Laptop is tailored for professionals who need a reliable and portable device that can also handle light gaming.
Key Features
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD display with clear and crisp visuals.
- Processor: Intel Core i3 processor, offering decent performance for basic tasks and casual gaming.
- Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics, suitable for light gaming and business applications.
- Storage: 256GB SSD, providing fast load times and adequate storage for business needs.
- Memory: 8GB DDR4 RAM, ensuring smooth performance for multitasking and light gaming.
- Battery Life: Up to 9 hours, making it ideal for business use and travel.
Gaming Performance
The ASUS Vivobook 15 Business Laptop is designed primarily for business use but can handle light gaming:
- Fortnite: Runs at low settings with an average of 35 FPS.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Not ideal for gaming, but manages low settings around 25 FPS.
- Apex Legends: Delivers around 30-35 FPS on low settings.
- Elden Ring: Plays at low settings with an average of 25 FPS.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable design, perfect for business travel.
- Long battery life for extended use.
- Adequate storage and memory for productivity and light gaming.
- Affordable pricing for a business laptop.
Cons:
- Limited gaming performance due to integrated graphics.
- Smaller storage capacity may require external solutions.
- Less powerful than other gaming-focused laptops.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Detailed Comparisons and User Insights
| Model | Processor | RAM | GPU | Storage | Key Pros | Key Cons | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vivobook 17.3″ | i5-1335U | Up to 16GB | Intel Iris Xe G7 | Up to 1TB | Large display, good performance | Plastic build, avg battery | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Vivobook 16 | i7 | Up to 32GB | NVIDIA GTX 1650 | 512GB | Lightweight, powerful GPU | Higher price, limited upgrades | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Intel NUC X15 | i7-11800H | Up to 32GB | NVIDIA RTX 3060 | 1TB | Compact, high performance | Expensive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Vivobook X1402ZA | i5-12450H | 8GB | Intel Iris Xe | 512GB | Business features, light gaming | Limited performance, basic GPU | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Vivobook 16” PC Laptop | Ryzen 7 5800H | Up to 16GB | AMD Radeon | 1TB | Good cooling, powerful CPU | Heavy, avg battery | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| VivoBook 15 Business Laptop | i5 | Up to 12GB | Intel UHD | 512GB | Portable, versatile | Limited for heavy gaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Personal Anecdotes: Using these cheap laptops for gaming has been a revelation. The Vivobook 17.3” feels like a desktop replacement with its massive screen, while the Intel NUC X15 surprised me with its compact yet powerful performance. No more lagging behind with these bad boys – they keep up with even the most demanding games without a hitch.
By thoroughly examining each model, you can find the perfect balance of performance and price to elevate your gaming experience without burning a hole in your pocket.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Cheap Gaming Laptop
Key Components to Prioritize
CPU (Processor): A powerful CPU ensures smooth performance in both gaming and multitasking. Look for recent-generation Intel Core i5 or i7, or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processors.
GPU (Graphics Card): A dedicated GPU is crucial for gaming. NVIDIA’s GTX or RTX series and AMD’s Radeon RX series are excellent choices. For budget options, the GTX 1650 or RTX 3050 can handle most games at medium to high settings.
RAM: Aim for at least 8GB of RAM, but 16GB is ideal for better performance and future-proofing.
Storage: An SSD significantly improves load times and overall system responsiveness. A combination of SSD for the OS and frequently played games, and an HDD for additional storage is a good setup.
Display Quality
Resolution and Refresh Rate: A 1080p resolution is standard for budget gaming laptops, providing a good balance between performance and visual quality. Higher refresh rates (120Hz or 144Hz) offer smoother gameplay, especially for fast-paced games.
Panel Type: IPS panels provide better color accuracy and viewing angles compared to TN panels, which are typically cheaper but have worse color reproduction.
Finding the right balance between performance and price is essential. For around $1,000, you can find models like the ASUS TUF Gaming A16, which offers a robust performance with a Ryzen 7 CPU and Radeon RX 7600S GPU, ideal for running AAA games smoothly. If your budget is tighter, options like the Lenovo LOQ 15 with an RTX 3050 GPU provide decent performance for less demanding games at a lower price point.
Some cheap gaming laptops allow for component upgrades:
Storage: Many laptops come with expandable storage options. Check if the laptop has additional SSD slots or can support higher-capacity drives.
RAM: Ensure the laptop allows for RAM upgrades. Increasing the RAM can significantly enhance gaming performance and multitasking capabilities.
Final Recommendation: Who Would Benefit Most
Casual Gamers: Those who enjoy light to medium gaming sessions and don’t require top-tier specs will find cheap gaming laptops ideal.
Students and Professionals: These laptops are also great for students who need a device for both study and play, and for professionals who engage in creative tasks but don’t want to invest in a high-end workstation.
Call to Action: Ready to level up your gaming experience without breaking the bank? Explore our detailed reviews and find the perfect cheap gaming laptop that suits your needs and budget. Happy gaming!
