What can you do if gaming enthralls you but not the idea of an expensive laptop? Thankfully, cheap alternatives exist now. Moreover, they aren’t trashy – as long as you have sensible expectations. Companies like ASUS and Dell have worked on creating computers that support a decent amount of gaming while also working as business or campus machines. These under $600 picks are worth perusing if you like strategy games sans special effects, or older titles with basic graphics.
Choosing a Gaming Laptop Under $600 in 2023
Think affordable multimedia, and ASUS comes top of mind. The ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 gaming laptop at $600 is a splendid choice. It hosts a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, and an FHD screen. This Vivobook offers 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD, but you can explore upgrading options based on usage. Another brownie point for ASUS is its emphasis on portable solutions – A/V laptops under 4lbs and 1″.
The ASUS 2023 Vivobook Go 15 is an even cheaper option if you can do without a discrete graphics card. We won’t recommend integrated graphics for anyone who wishes to enjoy immersive experiences on the latest AAA games with ray tracing. But it is more than acceptable for lightweight esports like CS:GO or Overwatch.
Do you fancy a larger screen? The ASUS VivoBook 16 comes with a WUXGA display and a military-grade build. It is also robust and mobile, offering provisions like a fingerprint sensor for security benefits.
Another laptop family we strongly believe in for cost-effectiveness is Dell. The eternally popular Inspiron can work as a decent gaming machine. For example, the Inspiron 14 2-in-1, which costs about $549.99, runs on an AMD Ryzen 5 processor. It has a vivid FHD+ monitor, Waves MaxxAudio Pro for distortion-free sound, and even a sleek power adapter. The hybrid form factor (with a 360-degree hinge) is an excellent pick for contemporary multimedia lovers who travel extensively.
We examined Acer’s line-up for budget gaming laptops, and boy, does it have some good options! The 15.6″ Aspire 3 is an AMD Ryzen 5 machine with integrated graphics. But it also offers contemporary technologies like temporal noise reduction and pleasing imagery in dimly light rooms. It focuses on sound clarity (PurifiedVoice) – a definite advantage for gamers of most kinds.
FAQs
Is 8GB RAM enough for a gaming laptop?
Most cheap options in this space will offer 8GB RAM. It may be adequate for old games. It may even meet the minimum requirements for some newer titles. However, we recommend upgrading to 16GB to get the best experience.
Does a $600 gaming machine offer poor-quality performance?
The compromises are usually in the processing prowess and the graphics rendition. So, you will likely find a maximum of 8GB RAM, an average color gamut, and integrated graphics. If you expect such specs to deliver mindblowing results for intensive titles like Resident Evil or Forza, you are in for a bitter shock. But for strategy games like Minecraft, you can expect satisfying results.
Can you use a $600 gaming laptop for design projects?
You know you won’t get the optimal experience when you buy such a cheap gaming laptop. Many users choose versatile devices to accommodate other needs like design, content creation, or business meetings. The limitation is that most of these options may have poor color replication. You won’t get a 100% sRGB gamut, which can affect tasks that heavily depend on colors.
It seems a dream that gaming laptops are now available for under $600. Indeed, many picks in this space aren’t out-and-out gameplay machines, but they do the job, nonetheless. What matters the most is you set your expectations for the kind of titles and performance. Then, you won’t be disappointed.
