10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $1200 for 2023

Online gaming is impossible if you do not have the best gaming laptop. Even though today’s generation is a massive fan of online gaming, most of us try to make some bucks out of it. Still, not many are eligible to buy expensive gaming laptops.

Compared to business laptops, gaming laptops are dearer, and one has to spend almost 1500 to 2000 bucks to get the best device. This contrast of interest and price makes it an issue for young aspiring gamers.

Worry not. There are a few amazing gaming laptops that are affordable and available for under 1200 dollars. Yes, you read it right. Even though gaming laptops have the most expensive features, a few brands are still creating affordable gaming laptops.

In this article, we have reviewed the nine best laptops under 1200 dollars that can prove to be the ideal device for gamers.

What you need to know before buying a Gaming Laptop

Suppose you are a new gamer and do not want to waste your money. Then you must read the buying guide. Here is a list of crucial features in making a gaming laptop the best laptop for you.

GPU

The most important thing in any gaming laptop is the graphic processing unit. You need to choose a GPU with multiple cores. The best GPU would be the robust one, NVIDIA GeForce GTX and GTX GPUs are the best for gaming laptops. If you have to choose between GTX and RTX, then we will advise you to prefer RTX.

RAM

You cannot claim a laptop to be an ideal gaming laptop if it does not have compatible RAM. There is no way you can have a gaming laptop with a smaller RAM. The ideal RAM size for the average gaming laptop is 16GB. Even though some gaming laptops have 8GB RAM and are working fine, if you can purchase a bigger RAM, then do not think much.

CPU

The processors are the backbone of any gaming laptop. The latest and the best ones are intel core i7 and the latest versions of core i5. You can easily find a few of these processors in the given price range. Additionally, the AMD Ryzen processors are also perfect for gaming laptops.

Display and Screen

The screen and the display size matter a lot. It has to be an IPS display with full HD specifications. If luckily, you get a laptop with additional display features, then it will be a cherry on top. The ideal screen size for the gaming laptop is 15.6 inches, smaller screens might not be a good experience.

Battery life

The battery life matters a lot when it comes to gaming laptops. Gaming laptops come with very advanced features, which will consume more power. Usually, gaming laptops come with low battery life. Thus the buyer should ensure that it has a longer battery life, which is almost 3 to 4 hours for a gaming laptop.

Top Laptops under 1200 Dollars

1. Asus Tuf Dash 15 Laptop

Specifications:

RAM : 8GB DDR4 | Storage : 512GB NVMe SSD | GPU : GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | CPU : Intel Core i7-11370H | Display : 15.6 Inches

If you want a sleek and stylish gaming laptop, it would be one of the best options. So let us start this one with the powerful graphic processing unit, it is one of those features which can be a make-or-break deal for you.

It comes with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, and it comes with the 4GB space, which is enough for both beginners and professional gamers. Along with giving you amazing video quality, this GPU system comes with an upgradable video frequency. It is originally 1585MHz but can be upgraded with the dynamic boost feature. Thus, it would be safe to choose this device if you aim to make a name and start a journey in online gaming.

For any gaming laptop, the next most important thing for the perfect display is the screen quality. It is a 15.6 inches large screen. Next is an IPS display with adaptive sync technology for smooth online video streaming.

Now, for the continuous online gaming sessions, it is essential that the RAM of a gaming laptop must be within the 8 to 32GB range. This one is, fortunately, 8GB RAM.

Next, the core processor is an 11th generation Intel Core i7; thus, you do not have to worry about the speed and performance at all. One can run all kinds of online games.

To support this GPU and fast processor, it has the 512GB PCIe NVMe, which is fine for intermediate-level players. According to analysis, a professional might need more, but 512GB would be enough for several advanced online games.

One does not need to worry about battery consumption or overheating. Unlike the regular business or personal laptops, it has four fan outlets., comprising more than eighty fan blades. Moreover, users do not need to clean the fans, as they come with the auto cleaning feature.

Pros

• Comes with all the necessary ports.
• Amazing display with robust resolution.
• Ergonomic keyboard.
• Reliable cooling system.
• Efficient and fast performance with octa core processor. .
• Free upgrade for windows 11.
• Tough and durable design.
• Upgradable RAM.

Cons

• Does not have a camera.
• Low battery life.

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2. Lenovo legion 5 15 Gaming Laptop

Specifications:

RAM : 16GB | Storage : 512GB NVMe SSD | GPU : GeForce RTX 3050Ti | CPU : AMD Ryzen 7 5800H | Display : 15.6 Inches

If you are planning to level up your online gaming or become a successful gamer, keep in mind that your gaming laptop should have a strong processor. The Lenovo legion 5 15 gaming laptop comes with an octa-core processor. It has a compatible AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor, among the robust and most elite processors for gaming laptops and PCs.

One thing which might not be very pleasing for professional gamers is the 16GB DDR4 RAM; however, the 512GB PCIe storage would be more than enough to make this a complete deal for you.

Now coming towards the graphics. A gaming laptop is of no use if the GPU setup is not up to the mark. Luckily, this one has the 2nd generation NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, it is not the regular GPU but with RTX gaming for amazing visuals and colors. It would be a cherry on top.

To support it, there are a 15.6 inches large screen with an IPS display and 4k resolution so that you can enjoy online gaming and live streaming without any blurriness and shade.

Another important feature that makes it a great gaming laptop.   

 It has the advanced legion cold front 3.0 it has a dual-fan function. There is a vent under every keyboard switch.

One thing which I noticed is the weight of the laptop. Unlike the average gaming laptop, it is slightly heavier. So we will not recommend it for those who would need to go out and work/play.

Pros

• Amazing sound and visuals.
• Long-lasting battery life.
• RTX series.
• Backlit and ergonomic keyboard.
• The mouse pad is pretty responsive.
• Fast and efficient.
• 165Hz refresh rate.

Cons

• It is very heavy.

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3. Razer blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop

Specifications:

RAM : 16GB | Storage : 256 – 1TB SSD | GPU :GeForce GTX 1660 Ti | CPU :Intel Core i7-10750H | Display : 15.6 Inches

It is a powerful device for those who want to go for the Intel processors, as it comes with the 10th generation Intel Core i7. This Hexa core processor would be enough for both professionals and beginner gamers. Moreover, you can also use it for some office work.

You must be thinking, and if a gaming laptop does not come with the AMD process, then it must have a GPU that is according to the robust standards of the best gaming laptops.

Worry not, even though it is one of the affordable gaming PCs, but still, the GPU is pretty impressive and fast.

It comes with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU, which is not equal to RTX, but suitable for all beginners and intermediate online gamers. So it will not be a disappointing package. Along with the GPU, the screen is also 15.6 inches large, which is fine for the best visuals, on top of that, it is an IPS display with an HD screen.

One thing which is pretty impressive and can be a valid reason to choose this very article is the audio. This one has the amazing THX spatial audio, which will provide you with a great experience while playing online games.

Now the RAM is also perfect for 10th generation processors and GPU. It has 16GB RAM, and it will be a nice mix. Not only this, but the storage is also enough for a beginner and intermediate gamer, which is 256GB PCIe.

Pros

• You can upgrade the storage whenever required.
• Easy to carry, light, and portable.
• Easy to use Windows 10.
• Amazing visuals.
• Perfect audio system.
• RGB keyboard.

Cons

• The cooling system is not very impressive.

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4. Acer Nitro 5 AN517-54 Laptop

Specifications:

RAM : 16GB DDR4 | Storage : 1TB NVMe SSD | GPU : GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | CPU : Intel Core i7-11800H | Display : 17.3 Inches

You can consider it as a multipurpose PC. You might not get such an amazing laptop at this price, and it comes with an octa-core processor. The 11th generation Intel Core i7 would be a perfect choice for a gaming laptop. Its 24MB cache would support smooth gaming, and you do not need to wait for the heavy applications to shut off to run some amazing games.

Then coming towards the GPU, this one has the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti which is a perfect choice for those who wish to become successful gamers. The RTX technology will ensure that you get amazing visuals and displays.

One thing which is a cherry on top is the screen size. It has a 17.3 inches big screen so that one can enjoy all the amazing games properly. Not only this, it is an IPS display with 4k resolution. So you might not need to download any type of software to improve the screen display.

It is a fine choice for professional gamers or businessmen who want to work in bulk. The storage is 1TB, making it one of the best options for those who wish to keep a single device for as long as possible. Then the 16GB DDR4 RAM is also a perfect combination for the 1TB storage and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3050 GPU setup.

When it comes to cooling systems, one can easily trust the Acer cool boost technology. It can bear pressure, and you can easily play your favorite games on it. Now coming towards the building, it is neither too heavy nor too light. A healthy person can carry it without getting tired, and then the keyboard is also fine. You do not need to worry about the ease of use.

Pros

• Fast performance.
• Larger screen.
• Works fine when used for heavier games.
• Ergonomic and easier to use keyboard.
• Sensitive mouse pad.
• Fast and secure WIFI connections.

Cons

• Battery life is very low.

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5. MSI GL65 Gaming Laptop

Specifications:

RAM : 16GB | Storage : 512GB NVMe SSD | GPU :GeForce GTX 1650 | CPU :Intel Core i5-10300H | Display : 15.6 Inches

If you are just a beginner who wishes to have a laptop with a robust GPU and advanced processor, then it will be a fine choice for you. It comes with the 10th generation Intel Core i5. It provides a 15 percent boost as compared to other processors, and you do not need to worry about compatibility. It would work fine with the Nvidia GPU.

It comes with the Nvidia GTX 1650 graphic processing unit, which would be a perfect choice for fantastic and advanced online games. However, it will not be as great as RTX, but still, it would be better for the gamers.

Then we have this amazing SSD for speedy and fast performance. It would be fine for the GTX GPU. The 512GB SSD means that one can enjoy all types of games without worrying much.

To support it, the 16GB RAM will also be a cherry on top. For a beginner, it is a complete package and an affordable option too. You can keep it for the bigger games as well.

Pros

• An ideal deal for the beginner to intermediate level gamers.
• Reliable GPU.
• Easy to use keyboard.
• Large screen and fantastic display.
• Easy to use Windows 10 home.
• Amazing cooling system.

Cons

• It is pretty heavy.

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6. ASUS ROG Strix G15 Laptop

Specifications:

RAM : 8GB DDR4 | Storage : 512GB NVMe SSD | GPU : GeForce RTX 3050 | CPU : AMD Ryzen 7 4800H | Display : 15.6 Inches

It is a bit better than the average laptop considered for beginners. The RGB GPU setup comes with a boost, which would ensure that the players get a complete chance to enjoy all the games with the best colors. Along with it, the 144Hz display will be a plus for online streaming and gaming.

So to start with, it would be better if we highlight the most prominent feature first, which is the GPU. It comes with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3050 4GB GDDR6, perfect for robust and current games.

Next, unlike the regular laptops, it does not come with the intel processor, in fact, it is the AMD Ryzen 7 4800H processor, which would be far more compatible with a gaming laptop. The 8M cache feature will ensure that the process works smoothly, no matter how many applications you are running simultaneously.

Now coming towards the screen, it is just the way you like it. The 4k display, with an IPS display and 15.6 inches large screen, is perfect for all types of gamers. Fortunately, you can use this device for games and do different types of office work and design.

The 512 GB storage will be more than enough for beginners and just a fine choice for professionals. To support this setup and keep it at the optimum temperature, it has a ROG cooling system. Overall it is a fine laptop, with all the necessary ports, and internal features, making it a complete package for the new and professional gamers.

Pros

• Large screen with perfect display.
• Backlit keyboard for fun and easy playing sessions.
• Octa core processors for fast performance.
• Ergonomic design for easy grip and use.
• Hard material and durable construction.
• No lagging, fast rebooting and booting.

Cons

• The battery life is almost 3 hours maximum.

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7. Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 Laptop

Specifications:

RAM : 8GB DDR4 | Storage : 256GB SSD | GPU : GeForce GTX 1650 | CPU : AMD Ryzen 5 5600H | Display : 15.6 Inches

If you know how successfully Lenovo has made it’s ThinkPad popular, then you must trust the IdeaPad too. This one is designed for beginner gamers who are also working in different fields of life.

Starting off with the display, it comes with a 15.6 inches screen, with an IPS display and 4k resolution. So that gamers can easily play all sorts of games without compromising on the display quality. No need to download any additional support to improve the display and color quality.

Additionally, it comes with a 120 Hz refresh rate so that one can play online games without any tearing and interference. Next is its impressive processor. It is not the only one. Buy AMD ryzen processor, which is thought to be the best one for any gaming laptop.

It has the AMD Ryzen 5000 H series mobile processor, which is ideal for such a light gaming laptop. It is a Hexa core processor, so you do not need to worry about its performance and ability.

It is an 8GB RAM laptop, so you should not expect it for the bigger gaming tournaments. However, you can still play the best games without overloading the device. It would be fine for beginners and intermediate-level gamers. It comes with 256GB SSD storage to support this, which makes it an entirely suitable package for aspiring gamers.

Pros

• Amazing cooling system which would not make much noise.
• Fantastic display for a perfect gaming experience.
• Easy to carry and portable.
• Thin design for grace.
• Perfect for the office work and students.
• Has all the necessary USB ports and connections.

Cons

• The keyboard is not RGB.

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8. ASUS TUF FX505DT Laptop

Specifications:

RAM : 8GB DDR | Storage : 256GB SSD | GPU : GeForce GTX 1650 | CPU : AMD Ryzen 5 R5-3550H | Display : 15.6 Inches

Again, it is an ideal choice for those who have just set their foot in the online gaming world. It is not one of the fantastic gaming laptops. However, its processor is still one of the most impressive features, which you might not get with this RAM and storage usually.

So if you wish for fast performance, even at the initial level, then it would be a perfect option for you. It has the AMD Ryzen 5 r5-3550h, it is not as strong as the other advanced versions, but still, to run the entire setup will be enough. A tetra core processor for the gaming laptop designed for beginners will be enough.

Now coming towards the GPU, it has the GeForce GTX 1650 4GB. In normal mode, it would run with the 1395 MHz, and in boost mode, it would run at almost 1500MHz speed, which is fantastic.

Just like the robust and advanced gaming laptops, it also has a 1.6 large screen with an IPS display and 1960 x 1080p resolution. So that the users must get the same quality color display.

The overall construction of the laptop is pretty impressive, and you will not feel it as a delicate article. You can keep this for as long as possible if you are not mishandling it. Then the connections and connectivity features are also as robust as they come.

Pros

• Amazing cooling system for optimum performance
• RGB keyboard for fun and easy playing.
• Easy to carry and portable laptop.
• Multi-purpose gaming.
• Comes with all the necessary connectivity ports.

Cons

• Not suitable for heavy games and software.

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9. Gigabyte G5 KC Laptop

Specifications:

RAM : 16GB – 8GB GDDR | Storage : 256GB SSD | GPU : NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | CPU :Intel Core i5-10500H | Display : 15.6 Inches

We have mixed reviews for this one. It comes with an amazing GPU, which has RTX technology and works really fast. So making it an ideal gaming laptop for online gaming and live streaming. However, there are a few things that can limit the user’s approach in the gaming world.

So to start with, we would consider the GPU. It has the NVIDIA RTX 30 series, which is perfect for all kinds of gaming laptops. It has a boost clock of 1425 MHz which is, fortunately, faster than most expensive gaming laptops. So you can easily play online games without any tearing or distractions.

Next is the display, which is also up to the mark, the IPS display and fine 4k resolution is a claim that the device will be the best for beginners and anyone who wishes to do some graphics-related tasks on this laptop.

The RAM is 16GB, which is also a sign that you can use this device for heavy business tasks. It can easily support all kinds of applications when run simultaneously. Then to support the set up we will get 512GB SSD storage, which is also a sign of advancement.

Overall it is an excellent choice for those who are searching for a multipurpose laptop that comes with a robust GPU and ample storage.

Pros

• Come with all the necessary USB connections and ports.
• Amazing graphics for online game streaming.
• Reliable cooling system.
• Strong and sturdy build quality.

Cons

• The fans make a lot of noise.

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Conclusion

A gaming laptop comes with the most advanced features. Therefore, these are usually very expensive. However, searching for an affordable gaming laptop under $1200 would be difficult. You need to check a few features before buying and reading reviews. Otherwise, it will be a waste of time and resources.

Frequently asked questions

What laptops are good for gaming under 1200?

The best laptops for gaming under 1200 are the ASUS TUF DASH and Lenovo legion 5 15. These come with powerful processors and GPU so that the players can enjoy their games without any hassle.

Are budget gaming laptops good?

Yes, they are amazing, especially when you have chosen the ones that are according to your need. It is a very subjective question, and only the buyer can decide if he is choosing an ideal article for him or not.

Is Asus a good gaming laptop?

Yes, ASUS and Acer are some of the pioneering gaming laptop manufacturing companies. So undoubtedly, ASUS gaming laptops are reliable.