If you guys are looking for the best gaming laptop under 500 dollars, then our experts have got you covered. Finding a gaming laptop with such a limited budget primarily narrows down your options to just a few good machines.
Gaming laptops are all about specs and performance but with such a limited budget, you have to keep your expectations low. Our experts have brought a great guide just for you people, so that you can select the best Budget gaming laptop for under 500 dollars.
Minimum Specifications for $500
Laptop manufacturers have created this line of gaming laptops by considering your budget. Gaming laptops under $500 are surely packing heat in the form of dedicated GPUs, which can help to conquer the gaming world.
Gaming laptops have secured a place in the hearts of gamers with their great specs and low price tag. These gaming laptops with such a tight budget can deliver medium graphics. Here are some specifications that you should expect from a $500 gaming laptop.
- Intel or AMD processing unit
- Dedicated and integrated GPU
- FHD screen with great nits value and higher refresh rates.
- A minimum of 8GB RAM and 512GB storage
These gaming laptops will help you in all sorts of ways from ordinary to gaming. These cheap gaming laptops under 500 dollars are explicitly designed to deliver fine performance for mediocre gamers.
Now that we have given you the minimum specifications for a budget gaming laptop under 500 USD, let’s just dive into the details of these 5 marvels which will surely help you guys in making a solid decision.
5 Best gaming Laptops under 500 Dollars
The TechyWired professionals have listed five great laptops that are available on the market to take your gaming experience to the next level. So, let’s just dive into the world of good gaming laptops under 500 dollars.
Model/Specs | Acer Aspire 5 | Lenovo Ideapad 3 | ASUS Vivobook 15 | HP 14 | HP Pavilion Gaming 15 |
CPU | AMD Ryzen 3 3350U | AMD Ryzen 5 3500U | AMD R5-3500U | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | Intel Core-i5-9300H |
GPU | AMD Radeon Vega 6 | AMD Radeon Vega 8 | AMD Radeon Vega 8 | AMD Radeon Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 1050 |
RAM | 4GB-DDR4 | 8GB-DDR4 | 8GB-DDR4 | 8GB-DDR4 | 8GB-DDR4 |
Storage | 128GB-SSD | 256GB-SSD | 256GB-SSD | 256GB-SSD | 256GB-SSD |
Display | 15.6”-FHD screen | 14”-FHD screen | 15.6”-UHD screen | 14”-FHD screen | 15.6”-FHD screen |
Acer Aspire 5
Radeon Vega 6 Gaming Rig
Specs
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 3350U
- GPU: AMD Radeon Vega 6
- Display: 15.6”-FHD with 120 Hz refresh rate
- RAM: 4GB-DDR4
- Storage:128GB-SSD
- Cooling: 3 Modes available for cooling (Silent, Normal, Performance)
- Windows 10 Home
The best overall gaming rig is the new Acer Aspire 5 model. This laptop will surely give a bang for your buck. The main highlights for this awesome machine are the presence of an AMD Ryzen 3 processor and integrated GPU from AMD: Radeon Vega 6. Rare combination of such specs will deliver high end graphics and performance at the same time. AMD Radeon Vega 6 will ensure next level performance than the old RX Vega 6 GPU.
Finding such high spec in a low-budget machine is like finding a rare diamond. RAM and Storage are on the low side which one should expect while going for a cheap gaming laptop under 500 bucks. This is surely one of the lows of this machine and one should focus on upgrading them. Games like GTA V, Far Cry 3, and The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt are some intense gameplays and will surely require more RAM for smooth gameplay.
The most prominent component of this laptop is the display. FHD Screen with 120 Hz is the best thing that delivers the best graphics possible. The cooling mechanism is pretty cool with calm and smart thermal systems to keep it from overheating. Acer has done a great job with this device and pre-installed amazon Alexa is quite one of the fascinating components in this machine.
Pros |
Cons |
Awesome Backlit keyboard with a premium feel. | RAM and storage need to be updated |
Packed with a great CPU and GPU. |
There is no dedicated GPU for high-end performance |
Sturdy finish with metal chassis. |
Cooling fans are loud |
Current Deals
Buy on Amazon: $430.00
TechyWired Rating
9/10
Lenovo Ideapad 3
14” FHD Screen
Specs
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
- GPU: AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics
- Display: 14”-FHD
- RAM: 8GB-DDR4
- Storage:256GB-SSD
- Windows 10 Home
This machine from Lenovo is a great performer overall. The best buy when considering spending 500 dollars on a laptop. AMD Ryzen 5 5500U CPU chipset is a fabulous addition to this laptop. An integrated GPU from AMD leads you towards a medium-level gaming experience. Games like GTA V, The Witcher 2, and Far Cry 3 can be played with medium settings on this. Even though Ideapad 3 goes over our 500 budget by a few dollars, it is still a worthy choice and provides excellent value for those extra dollars. This device from Lenovo holds a great reputation from past years as the main driving force is being lightweight and portable to any location.
8GB-DDR4 RAM size is pretty versatile for great processing speed and handling tasks efficiently. Lenovo has surely met the requirements of the best laptops under 500 USD. Moreover, the screen size of 14” is just okay for you guys, especially for those who are looking for larger displays. In addition, 300 nits value holds a good reputation among the users because it conveys a high level of brightness.
Pros |
Cons |
AMD Ryzen 5 Mobile Processor Chipset. | RAM and storage space are on the low sides. |
3.3 pounds of minimalistic weight. |
There is no dedicated GPU for high-end performance |
Physical Shutter for enhanced Privacy. |
Cooling fans are loud during high intensity tasks. |
Current Deal
Buy on Amazon: $609.00
TechyWired Rating
9.3/10
ASUS Vivobook 15
A Macbook Alternate
Specs
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
- GPU: AMD Radeon Vega 8
- Display: 15.6”-UHD with 120 Hz refresh rate
- RAM: 8GB-DDR4
- Storage:256GB-SSD
- Windows 10 Home
Pros |
Cons |
High-powered CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U | Low RAM slows down the performance |
AMD Radeon Vega 8 discrete graphics deliver outclass execution | Cooling fans make too much noise |
Backlit keyboard with a fingerprint reader. | High-end games are not supported. |
ASUS has hit the bullseye with their latest machine. This laptop has the vibe of an expensive MacBook and is sometimes considered as a MacBook because of its slim aluminum body. ASUS Vivobook 15 is surely one of the best gaming laptops under 500 USD as it is encompassed with an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U chipset. Integrated GPU additionally helps to overcome medium settings for games like GTA V, Mad Max, Fortnite, Call of Duty: Ghost, PUBG, etc. This laptop from ASUS is a perfect combination of conventional usage and amateur gaming with the help of AMD Ryzen CPU and AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics.
RAM and storage space are generally the best thing that should be considered in this cheap gaming rig. Moreover, its RAM underperforms and the overall performance suffers because of the slow RAM, or something better. 8GB-DDR4 along with 256GB-SSD is a satisfactory combination when discussing general usage.
Display in this machine from ASUS is one of the most reliable components that surely covers the flaws as well. The UHD-15.6” display with 88% screen-to-body ratio is worth mentioning about this machine. A high refresh rate of 120Hz aids to deliver high-end graphics. Overall the best budget gaming laptop under 500 USD.
Current Deals
Buy on Amazon: $612.99
TechyWired Rating
9.1/10
HP 14 Chromebook
A Chromebook with 14” FHD
Specs
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
- GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
- Display: 14”-FHD with Anti-Glare display
- RAM: 8GB-DDR4
- Storage:256GB-SSD
- Cooling: Fan based Cooling
- Windows 11 Home
HP has a serious market presence with its laptops and their decent performance. HP 14 Chromebook is regarded as one of the best cheap gaming laptops under 500 bucks. With the inclusion of AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, overall processing and task performance are incredible. HP 14 will surely deliver you the vibe of profitable investment. Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics helps to overcome all the obstacles in mid-level gaming. Fortnite, PUBG, DOTA, CS: GO and Tekken 5 run effortlessly under medium settings.
This machine from HP holds a great reputation among amateur games which require integrated graphics like AMD Radeon Vega 8. High end CPU from Ryzen series delivers a power punch in conventional tasks.
While reviewing this gaming rig, I found its RAM and Storage space a worth mentioning point for you guys. 8GB-DDR4 along with 256GB-SSD does not suffice the overall need of the hour. One should consider upgrading RAM and storage space when going for this purchase.
The screen size of a mere 14” is a serious con for this device. Although cutting bezels and making this device slim helps draw attention, it still underperforms in the display department. Overall build quality is great and the chassis is sturdy and rugged as well from HP.
Pros |
Cons |
AMD Ryzen 5 for performance-based tasks. | RAM and Storage space on the lower side. |
The anti-glare screen delivers crystal-clear vision | The screen size is just 14”. |
Decent battery life and Lighter weight. | Average build quality with plastic |
Current Deal
Buy on Amazon: $513.00
TechyWired Rating
9.2/10
HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop
A heavyweight contender
Specs
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9300H
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050
- Display: 15.6”-FHD with 60Hz refresh rate.
- RAM: 8GB-DDR4
- Storage:256GB-SSD
- Cooling: Fan based Cooling
- Windows 10 Home
HP has aced with this amazing laptop. This is a serious gaming laptop and surely delivers you the best gaming experience in this league with extravagant gameplay. CPU-intensive games run at a high setting. Intel Core i5 9th generation helps you to overcome all complicated tasks. GPU has been a great addition overall, including NVIDIA GTX GeForce 1050, which helps you to deliver the best gaming experience with games like RDR2, Elder Scrolls 3, Microsoft Flight simulator, and Valiant.
HP has developed this gaming laptop for all those amateur gamers, which require the performance of a dedicated GPU and a powerful CPU from Intel. Strong and sturdy design of HP Pavilion is perfectly designed for gaming and conventional usage in the longer run.
RAM and storage space are quite enough for this machine and one should not require a further upgrade in this machine regarding these two. 8GB-DDR4 with enough memory performs intense tasks quite smoothly. 256GB-SSD hard disk space is pretty adequate to support exclusive games
A 15.6”-FHD display with a 60Hz refresh rate helps deliver immaculate graphics while playing games or editing videos or photos. HP Pavilion Gaming laptop is surely one of the best gaming laptops under 500 dollars.
Overall build quality and design elements for this machine are quite remarkable and it will surely win your heart with its RGB integrated keyboard.
Pros |
Cons |
Intel Core i5-9th generation delivers boosted execution | pretty expensive |
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050 is an absolute beast for gaming | Low storage space |
Great battery life | Overall a large unit is quite heavyweight. |
Current Deals
Buy on Amazon: $825.97
TechyWired Rating
9.5/10
Conclusion
So now we have reached the end of this article by exploring the list of gaming laptops under 500 dollars curated by our experts. Our experts have carefully researched to aid in your final decision. We have also elaborated quite extensive pros and cons of all the models given in our list as well. We have done our best to provide you with the latest deals and a detailed overview of the provided list of gaming laptops under 500 dollars. If you are having confusions regarding making the final decision then here’s our final buyer guide just for your convenience.
Final Buyer’s Guide
Now as we have given you this list of best gaming laptops under 500 dollars, still if you are under the circumstances of havoc, we have extracted out some of the best gaming laptops for you, so that you don’t have to compromise on your gaming performance and make a crystal-clear decision.
Best Performer
If you guys are looking for a perfect gaming and conventional usage laptop then ACER ASPIRE 5 is the best one out there. Our experts have selected this gaming laptop based on price, performance, and overall build quality. Acer Aspire 5 has the best CPU and integrated GPU from AMD house. These laptops allow smooth gameplay and continuous regular tasks with great efficiency.
Most Durable
If you guys are looking for the best machine which can deliver you every penny you have spent then ASUS Vivobook 15 should be your choice. Right from the start, this machine will surely perform for you. Overall build quality and choice of CPU and integrated GPU are the best for you. So one should surely buy this machine.
FAQs
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What should be the ideal RAM size for 500 dollars?
8GB-DDR4 should be sufficient in the case of 500 dollars as this would definitely perform tasks effortlessly and the gaming section will be covered as well.
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What is the difference between Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5?
AMD has launched two processing chipsets under the brand Ryzen series. Ryzen 3 series is a bit underpowered and is suitable for good overall task performance. While the Ryzen 5 series is gaming-suited.
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Is 300 nits screen good enough?
Yes, it should perform very well in indoor and outdoor settings. Higher nits value helps to have a clear and crisp display on your laptop.
I hope you find this article pretty useful for your purchase. Please share your thoughts below and let us know if you experienced some other high-end gaming model.
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