With the gaming industry booming and new games being released, gamers are becoming increasingly interested in playing and enjoying them. It used to be embarrassing to admit that you are a gamer on a low budget, but nowadays gamers can enjoy the games they love without breaking the bank.
Nowadays, many budget-friendly laptops fulfill the requirements of gamers. Compared to desktops, gaming laptops deliver the same power and performance but with the added convenience of portability.
The price of laptops has significantly increased. However, we have compiled a list of the best gaming laptops under $1200, including an in-depth analysis of each one’s benefits and drawbacks and insights you won’t find elsewhere.
These laptops are just as powerful as the expensive models. We chose the best devices from the best laptop manufacturers for the budget that performs like the newest and most advanced devices.
During our analysis of all these devices, we considered various factors to enlist them accordingly. We have focused on several features, such as the central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), screen, cooling mechanism, and processors.
[ez-toc]
What to look for while buying a gaming laptop under $1200?
CPU
CPU should be your priority. Today’s laptops have several CPUs. Therefore you need one with outstanding capabilities. A laptop’s CPU determines game speed. CPU speed impacts computer performance. A laptop with a slower CPU may have difficulty running all your apps.
GPU
The GPU is in control of all the graphics you see. It plays a role in displaying everything from video to pictures to games. The GPU is important because it can affect speed, picture quality, color accuracy, and more. This is essential if you want to play video games because it will help improve the graphics and make them appear more real.
RAM
RAM, or random access memory, is a computer’s “active” memory that speeds up system operation. When you have a lot of applications running in the background, your laptop may slow down if it needs more RAM. It helps ensure that the information is immediately available with minimal waste of time.
Storage
It is also important to understand how much space will be available on the laptop for your files and games. The size of storage and memory on a laptop can affect its performance. A laptop with limited storage space will struggle to run multiple applications simultaneously. A laptop with more storage space can run games and applications without freezing or slowing down.
Screen
The laptop screen is what you use most. Thus, a high-resolution, wide-angle model is mandatory. Screens with greater resolutions show more detail.
Ports
Ports allow you to plug in external hardware to your computer. Unfortunately, many laptops today only have one or two USB ports, making it difficult for users to attach peripherals. Because of this, it is essential to verify the laptop’s port count.
Connectivity & Battery
Your laptop’s connectivity entails its ability to establish and maintain connections to external hardware and the internet. If you want to get more done in less time, you should look for one with long battery life.
These days, some laptops even have built-in wireless charging capabilities. The laptop’s battery life is crucial if you intend to use it away from an electrical outlet. If your battery lasts longer, you may spend less time recharging and more time doing the things that matter to you.
ACER Predator Helios 300
While many different brands of laptops are available, Acer is in a league by itself. The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a top-selling gaming laptop because of its excellent performance. Due to its high-quality graphics processing unit, this laptop is among the best gaming laptops for around $1200.
Without any fluff or fanfare, it captures the attention of the consumer. Acer’s seventh-generation laptops are great machines. The internal hardware of the Acer Predator Helios 300 is impressive. In terms of gaming performance, the 10th generation i7 is almost as good as the newest models despite not having the newest processor.
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a great deal considering it is a laptop from Intel’s newest Core i7 generation. It offers superior performance at a lower price than other options due to its powerful Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 GPU (which is also VR-ready).
The Acer’s 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of hardware storage enable it for cutting-edge multitasking. With nearly 7 hours of running time over Wifi, the Acer has surpassed any other gaming laptop currently available.
The two-year warranty is a nice touch that shows the company cares about its customers. The display is the only part of this laptop that still needs to be quite there in terms of quality.
Most importantly, we had a fantastic time playing games on this laptop, especially considering the price. On maximum settings, games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Minecraft, and Valorant averaged over 200 frames per second, while games like Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto V got around 100+ FPS. The average frame rate was over 50, even when playing demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077.
In conclusion, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is a superb laptop for its low cost. It offers excellent gaming performance and extensive personalization choices.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: check-circle” icon_color=”#0cc33e”]
- Financially viable
- Powerful performance
- Sustaining power for a decent amount of time
- Two-year warranty
- Upgrades easily
- Excellent speakers
- Efficient and effective cooling
- Better connectivity
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#bf000a”]
- The display is quite vague
- The keyboard seems somewhat cheap.
- Becomes somewhat loud when subjected to heavier loads.
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][/su_row]
ASUS ROG ZEPHYRUS G14
One such laptop that can be purchased for less than $1200 is the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14. It’s no secret that ASUS is a major player in the laptop market.
The company has produced several highly popular gaming laptops on the market. Their low price is a big factor in why they’re so popular.
The AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS, which the Zephyrus g14 is equipped with, is an eight-core processor that can compete favorably with the Intel i7 chipset. Playing any high-end game on this laptop is a delight, thanks to the powerful processor. This machine’s overall performance is improved by including 16 GB of DDR4 RAM and a Nividia Geforce GTX1650.
Regarding aesthetics, we can talk about how simple it is while still being extremely enticing. With its robust design, it exudes an impression of professional gaming.
The 14-inch display is a bit smaller than most laptops in this price range, but it still manages 1920 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 12 hertz. These technical specs are suitable for a gaming device.
Let’s talk about the battery life for a second; for a gaming laptop, it’s outstanding. The device has a 10-hour battery life, making it useful for various situations. We were positively surprised with how long the battery had lasted.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: check-circle” icon_color=”#0cc33e”]
- Good performance
- Battery life
- Great display
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#bf000a”]
- No webcam
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3ZzSJdd” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#FAE100″ color=”#000000″ size=”4″ icon=”icon: amazon” icon_color=”#000000″]BUY ON AMAZON[/su_button]
MSI GV62
The MSI GV62 8RD-200 functions smoothly owing to the Intel Core i5-8300H, up to 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage space (5400RPM).
The keyboard on this MSI laptop is just as fantastic as those on their other models. The keys have that familiar MSI feel, making for a pleasant typing experience or mashing session in-game.
The laptop’s built-in, downward-firing speakers pump out a lot of volumes but are shallow. When it comes to creating deep bass and crisp detail, they need to catch up.
The internal speakers of most gaming laptops are typically quite small and lack a subtle touch of detail. Therefore it needs to be noted: use headphones when gaming.
We tested it out with several high-end graphics games the other night, and we also downloaded some files for comparisons, and it was able to run without a problem the entire time.
The lightweight design distinguishes the MSI GV62 8RD-200 from its competition. This gaming laptop has Optane Memory Module to boost performance. This lightweight notebook requires a little more performance after replacing the old card. The VR display is still developing, so the future model will be much better.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: check-circle” icon_color=”#0cc33e”]
- Strong performance
- Very thin and light
- Optane Memory Module
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#bf000a”]
- Middling gaming performance
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3ZAjtuk” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#FAE100″ color=”#000000″ size=”4″ icon=”icon: amazon” icon_color=”#000000″]BUY ON AMAZON[/su_button]
ASUS ROG Strix Scar
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar Edition is equipped with an Intel Core i7-8750H processor and high storage support from a 128GB PCIe SSD and a 1TB Hybrid HDD card, allowing for uninterrupted performance.
This 17″ laptop is an easy pick thanks to its plethora of customizable RGB lights, solid build, powerful Ryzen 7 configuration, and impressive battery life. This 17-inch laptop can handle anything from viewing movies and working in the workplace to playing high-graphic games.
The Asus ROG Strix G17 has a unique appearance that will immediately appeal to you or strike you as repulsive. The LEDs wrap around the laptop’s underside, providing ambient illumination wherever you take your device. You may turn the lights off if they’re too distracting, giving you the best of both worlds with this laptop.
Putting aside the brightly colored lighting, the first thing you’ll notice about this laptop is how incredibly solid it is. The newest Asus ROG Strix G17 has slimmed down in weight and profile, saving you a few extra grams and millimeters over the previous generation.
The touchpad is also high quality, providing a solid feel with each click and responsive to your touch.
No distortion or noise is detected at maximum volume while playing with the speaker. Getting acquainted with its keyboard will take some time. Its hardness may make it difficult to feel the response of certain keys.
Another inconvenience is the noise generated by the fans during processing. Although this is a minor setback compared to its amazing functionality, it is nonetheless worth mentioning.
We tested the Asus ROG Strix G17’s ability to run games like Red Dead Redemption 2 at ultra settings, delivering a smooth 60 frames per second on average. With optimal settings, you can easily surpass 100 frames per second. Lighter games like Valorant easily surpassed 144 FPS, even at maximum settings. The Witcher 3, Far Cry 5, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider all achieved an average of 70 frames per second or more when set on ultra.
The Asus ROG Strix G17 is a solid pick as a desktop replacement or mobile gaming rig. Because the battery lasts so long, you can play games whenever and wherever you like.
Due to its large screen, sleek design, powerful hardware, and affordable pricing, this laptop is undoubtedly one of the best gaming laptops under $1200.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: check-circle” icon_color=”#0cc33e”]
- Excellent performance
- Superior audio quality
- Large screen (17 inches)
- Excellent build
- Multiple RGB Lighting
- Multiple RGB Lighting
- Better cooling
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#bf000a”]
- It might require some time to adjust to the keyboard.
- Heavier
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3ZAjtuk” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#FAE100″ color=”#000000″ size=”4″ icon=”icon: amazon” icon_color=”#000000″]BUY ON AMAZON[/su_button]
Omen by HP
This is the perfect device for those who want a portable gaming laptop without breaking the bank. HP’s laptops for gamers are widely recognized as being among the best on the market.
It features a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and 8GB of RAM. With GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics, the HP Omen performs like a high-end machine.
The device’s major body is made of plastic, while the metal top has a matte finish. A backlight illuminates the keyboard as well. This device’s virtual reality (VR) compatibility is one of its most appealing features.
This magnificent device, which has dimensions of 10.35 x 14.17 x 0.98 inches, enhances and enlivens any scene. Its 144 Hz refresh rate ensures a decent, exceptional visual experience.
Battery life of fewer than 5 hours in gaming laptops is rather poor. In terms of value for money, this gadget is hard to beat at its price point.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: check-circle” icon_color=”#0cc33e”]
- Outstanding graphics performance
- Solid display
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#bf000a”]
- Insufficient battery life
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3GEloFw” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#FAE100″ color=”#000000″ size=”4″ icon=”icon: amazon” icon_color=”#000000″]BUY ON AMAZON[/su_button]
ASUS TUF Gaming F17
Asus has been making gaming laptops for a long time, and their TUF Gaming series never fails to impress. In terms of value for money, this laptop is hard to beat. The quality of Asus’s manufacturing is evident in every inch of this durable laptop.
This laptop’s reliable, strong build and sharp, contrasting lines on the lid and cover gives it the appearance of being as tough as its name implies.
When you lift the lid, the machine’s aggressive design is instantly apparent and immediately proves capable of tackling any function you throw at it. Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3050 Ti is a great match for this CPU, allowing you to experience top-notch performance on all fronts in all your favorite games.
If the 16GB of DDR4 memory and 512GB solid-state drive (SSD) that come standard with this laptop aren’t enough, you have a lot of space to expand.
You’ll have no trouble getting used to the keyboard on this laptop. The two-button configuration of the trackpad is both familiar and high-end. This laptop’s 1920 x 1080 resolution is standard for the category and should not be considered special. This screen is perfect for gaming; most players won’t notice a difference.
We were disappointed with the Asus TUF’s short battery life. When traveling, you must remember to bring a charger. This laptop has an average battery life, with a maximum of 4 hours, compared to the other laptops on this list.
During our testing, the Asus TUF Gaming F17 only struggled with resource-intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077, AC: Valhalla, and Red Dead Redemption 2. That’s not to say the Asus couldn’t handle it; even with maxed-out settings, it still managed 30–40 FPS on average.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: check-circle” icon_color=”#0cc33e”]
- Sturdy, solid build
- Outstanding gaming performance
- Multiple interconnections
- RAM and storage expandable
- Excellent multitasking capability
- Intimidating, aggressive appearance
- Full-sized, illuminated keyboard
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#bf000a”]
- Battery life is less than average.
- No RGB
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3ZC5cgH” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#FAE100″ color=”#000000″ size=”4″ icon=”icon: amazon” icon_color=”#000000″]BUY ON AMAZON[/su_button]
Lenovo Legion 5
Lenovo’s nearly 30-year history of producing laptops is reflected in the company’s high-quality gaming laptops. Lenovo is a name that has quickly gained a reputation in the tech industry because of its innovative product line and rapid expansion. Lenovo’s latest Legion 5 model proves that the company can produce a powerful and aesthetically pleasing laptop without compromising features or build quality.
The newest generation Ryzen 7 processor powers this gaming laptop, starting at 3.2GHz and going up to 4.4GHz in turbo mode. The processor’s 8 cores and 16 threads make work seem lighter, even if it is the most demanding workload.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card was a nice touch by Lenovo. Look no further if you’re looking for a GPU for a gaming experience. Lenovo has produced a top-notch product with the RTX 3050 Ti at this pricing range.
While testing this laptop, we analyzed that Games like “Fortnite” and “Valiant” worked smoothly on this laptop at a full 1080p resolution and with high graphics settings. We averaged above 100 FPS while playing these games, depending on the settings.
Hitman 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and Need for Speed: Heat was also tested on the Legion 5, and they all performed satisfactorily at high settings, maintaining frame rates of 60 FPS or higher throughout.
Even with the best settings, more demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Microsoft Flight Simulator cannot maintain frame rates above 30 FPS. They average roughly 40 frames per second when tested on low to medium settings, so you’ll need to turn down the graphics settings by a bit if you want to play the most recent and best games.
The Lenovo Legion 5 is undoubtedly one of the best laptops available for less than $1200.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: check-circle” icon_color=”#0cc33e”]
- Outstanding overall performance
- Very robust design and construction
- A display with a rapid refresh rate.
- 100% sRGB, suitable for both gaming and content creation.
- Comfortable RGB keyboard
- Comfortable RGB keyboard
- Numerous connectivity options
- Exceptional thermals
- Thin bezels
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#bf000a”]
- Dull design
- Short battery life
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3w2SEkG” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#FAE100″ color=”#000000″ size=”4″ icon=”icon: amazon” icon_color=”#000000″]BUY ON AMAZON[/su_button]
MSI Stealth 15M
MSI’s Stealth 15M is the best gaming laptop for under $1200 because of its outstanding performance and stylish appearance. It features a powerful Intel Core i7 processor from the latest 11th generation. This means that this laptop can perform any demanding task you throw at it.
The laptop’s graphics processing unit (GPU) is the GeForce RTXTM 3060, so it can run any game you throw. The standard 144 Hz display ensures smooth gameplay. MSI’s product design team did an excellent job with this laptop.
The CPU and GPU of this laptop both have their cooling systems. It contains six heat pipes that balance heat, cold, and airflow for peak performance in any game
This laptop has 16GB of DDR4 RAM installed. An NVMe PCIe Gen3 SSD with 512 GB of storage space is also included. The storage and the RAM can be expanded, with the latter having a maximum capacity of 64GB.
The features and benefits of this laptop, especially for gamers, are excellent. The audio quality and battery life, however, are two serious shortcomings. Therefore, this is your best bet if you’re looking for a gaming laptop with the best features for around $1200.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: check-circle” icon_color=”#0cc33e”]
- Ray Tracing and Outstanding Visuals.
- Lightweight.
- 144 Hz display.
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” radius=”4″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#bf000a”]
- The audio quality is poor
- Weak Battery Life
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3XpfSgE” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#FAE100″ color=”#000000″ size=”4″ icon=”icon: amazon” icon_color=”#000000″]BUY ON AMAZON[/su_button]
[su_note note_color=”#000″]
Conclusion
You’ll be spending a lot of time with your gaming laptop, so it’s important to ensure you get the right one. In conclusion, we recommend avoiding making a hasty investment in a laptop specifically designed for gaming. Before making a purchase, it’s best to research the topic at hand.[/su_note]
