6 Best Gaming Laptops Under 800 in 2022

Getting a gaming laptop at a sub-$800 price bracket can be a bit tricky as laptop brands expect you to make quite a few compromises. Nonetheless, a more sensible approach will be to get a machine that covers all bases without relying way too much on the hardware. The best gaming laptops under 800 dollars aren’t relevant to every gaming requirement and are mostly preferred by college students who are into casual gaming.

Therefore, before moving this discussion forward, we must understand that a gaming notebook in such a price range isn’t expected to cater to professional gamers and will only get hold of a moderately good laptop with a respectable specs sheet.

Our Recommendations For Best Gamming Laptops Under 800

Best Overall: MSI GF75 Thin

MSI-GF75-Thin

It is only appropriate to start this discussion with an enviously portable and resourceful notebook in the MSI GF75 Thin. Besides featuring an extensive set of attributes, this notebook also excels when aesthetics and aligned productivity-based specifications are concerned.

For starters, MSI stacks in the ever-reliable, Intel Core i5-10300H processor, boasting of HyperThreading support, and a single-core turbo clock speed of up to 4.5GHz. The Hexa-core chipset is one of the more promising additions to the specs sheet, featuring the resourceful ability to manage gaming logic, NPCs, and gaming characters with ease.

Working in cohesion is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU that comes combined with 4GB VRAM. With 896 CUDA cores to rely on, this graphics card is capable of handling several GPU-accelerated processes with considerable ease.

As far as gaming performances are concerned, the GTX 1650 is a good enough resource for running titles like Death Stranding, Valorant, SIMS 4, Overwatch, Civilization 6, Gear Tactics, and more, at 1080p presets.

In terms of memory allocation, you get access to 8GB RAM for efficient multitasking. While the existing chunk of system memory is more than enough for handling basic to moderate gaming resources like open-world maps and temporary files, you can always upgrade it up to 64GB RAM, if and when required.

MSI GF75 Thin Storage, Resolution

Storage-wise, you get access to an ultrafast 512GB solid-state drive. MSI also offers Windows 10 as the pre-existing operating system.

MSI also makes room for a standard, 15.6-inch screen, exhibiting 1920 x 1080 pixels as the standard display resolution. In addition to featuring sharper viewing angles, the existing display also comes equipped with a 45 percent NTSC color gamut, which renders the screen extremely color accurate. Enthusiastic gamers can also benefit from the 60Hz refresh rate, a feature that keeps screen tearing to a minimum.

In terms of productivity, you get access to a standard keyboard, responsive touchpad, functional webcam, amplified speakers, and a sleek yet feathery chassis with an exceptional thermal layout and the Cooler Boost 5 technology to rely on.

At 4.85 pounds, this laptop scales beyond the competition in terms of portability. Not just that, MSI also guarantees 5 hours of battery life backup, which further contributes to the travel-based capabilities of this innovative laptop. In terms of connectivity, this laptop doesn’t let you down and makes room for Type-A, HDMI, Type-C, Wi-Fi AC, and other resourceful specs.

Overall, this is one sleek and highly efficient budget gaming laptop, best characterized by a powerful processor and class-leading aesthetics.

Best Overall: MSI GF75 Thin Specifications

  • Brand: MSI
  • Series: 10SCXR
  • Screen Size: 17.3 Inches
  • Color: Black
  • Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
  • CPU: Model Core i5
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 10
  • Graphics Coprocessor: GeForce GTX 1650, 4GB GDDR6
  • CPU Speed: 2.5 GHz

Pros

  • Innovative structural design
  • Decent GPU with 4GB VRAM
  • Brilliant acoustics
  • Intel Wi-Fi driver is top-of-the-line

Cons

  • Runs hot without Cooler Boost Mode

Best RAM Allocation: HP Pavilion 15

Best RAM Allocation: HP Pavilion 15

The HP Pavilion 15 is one of the few reliable gaming notebooks to purchase, in the sub-$800 price bracket. While the processing conglomerate is nothing out of ordinary, HP brings credibility to the table followed by a handful of resourceful attributes.

Firstly, it is the mid-range, quad-core, Intel Core i5-9300H processor that kick-starts the proceedings for a standard user. While the chipset can seamlessly process Non-playing characters, gaming logic, and gaming environment, it is also a handful for other professional tasks like accounting, stock trading, video editing, and CAD modeling.

Graphics support is rendered by the GeForce GTX 1650 GPU which is more of a staple in budget gaming notebooks. The existing graphics card is ably supported by 4GB VRAM, helping you experience minimal to no trailing for texture-heavy games. Besides, the real-time rendering performances are considerably better compared to that with GTX 1060 or other mid-range GPUs featuring the Pascal architecture.

HP Pavilion 15 Ram, Storage

You get a massive 12GB of DDR4 RAM in terms of memory allocation, assisting the Intel i5 processor in handling diverse tabs, disk caches, and temporary files with ease. However, you can always consider upgrading the system memory if and when necessary. Next in line is the 256GB SSD unit with NVMe support, capable of storing, retrieving, and loading files, data, apps, programs, and the OS in a heartbeat.

For gamers, the 15.6-inch anti-glare screen is worth digging into. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the wide-angle LED-backlit panel, which helps with power efficiency. What stands out, though, is the 60Hz refresh rate exhibited by the IPS screen. This feature allows you to do some entry-level or mid-range gaming at moderate settings without screen tearing issues.

As far as professional productivity is concerned, the Pavilion 15 makes way for a backlit keyboard with a dedicated numeric pad, a responsive touchpad, integrated webcam, powerful B&O speakers, and an innovative thermal layout, best characterized by the widest possible rear vents. Despite the advanced thermal hardware in play, this laptop weighs a respectable 4.90 pounds.

When it comes to port arrangement, HP accommodates the Type-A, Type-C, HDMI, and other functional slots. Then again, this is one of the best casual gaming laptops in the market to consider, in terms of autonomy. The battery on offer promises a backup of up to 8 hours and the Pavilion 15 lives up to the same, on moderate usage.

In conclusion, if you are strictly looking for a professional notebook with less than promising gaming hardware to cut a few corners, the HP Pavilion 15 is the perfect laptop for you.

Best RAM Allocation: HP Pavilion 15 Specifications

  • Brand: HP
  • Series: HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop 15-dk0020nr
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Color: Shadow Black/Acid Green
  • Hard Disk Size: 256 GB
  • CPU: Model Core i5 Family
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • Card Description: Dedicated
  • Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650

Pros

  • 9th gen processor
  • 12GB of RAM
  • Advanced thermal layout
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Anti-glare IPS panel

Cons

  • Restricted storage support

Best Value for Money: Lenovo IdeaPad L340

Lenovo IdeaPad L340 1

When it comes to reliability and efficiency on a budget, there aren’t many laptops that can match up to the brilliance of the Lenovo IdeaPad L340. Easily one of our favorite budget notebooks, the Lenovo IdeaPad L340 is more of an all-around device, barring the slightly underwhelming battery.

For starters, you get access to the 9th Gen Intel Core i5-9300H chipset. Needless to say, this is a mid-range CPU, capable enough of reaching extraordinary processing feats, courtesy of the turbo clock speed of up to 4.1GHz, HyperThreading support, and 8MB of cache memory. When it comes to graphics, this is one of the few budget notebooks to feature a module with Turing Architecture.

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 is a powerful GPU and capable of handling games like Death Stranding, Horizon Zero Dawn, and more at high 1080p presets, hitting close to 50 FPS at all times. Supporting the dedicated graphics card is 4GB of video RAM which can be assistive when intricate gaming texture and real-time rendering tasks are involved.

Lenovo brings forth an 8GB DDR4 unit for efficient multitasking followed by a 512GB solid-state storage drive for housing the Windows 10 OS, diverse gaming files, professional spreadsheets, and some of the more demanding games and application programs. The SSD module comes equipped with NVMe support which paves the way for lighting fast boot-ups.

Lenovo IdeaPad L340 Resolution

The 15.6-inch screen is bright, color-accurate, and sharp courtesy of the cumulative display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Besides, working through long hours on this notebook is never an issue with Lenovo making way for the elusive anti-glare, Vantage ‘Eye Care Mode’ for keeping ocular strains to a minimum.

Not to mention the excellent productivity on display with Lenovo making way for a backlit keyboard, HD webcam with a physical shutter for added privacy, powerful speakers, and a top-notch UI with dedicated operational modes for allocating computing resources, as per preferences.

At 4.84 pounds, the IdeaPad L340 is still a portable device, featuring a diverse array of connectivity specs in HDMI 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Type-A, Wi-Fi AC, and more. When it comes to autonomy, the existing battery module promises 6.5 hours, on a single charge. Overall, the IdeaPad L340 is one of our personal favorites, best characterized by a high-end GPU and an extremely competitive price tag.

Best Value for Money: Lenovo IdeaPad L340 Specifications

  • Brand: Lenovo
  • Series: L340 Gaming
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Color: Black
  • Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
  • CPU Model: Core i5
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 10
  • Card Description: Dedicated
  • Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce

Pros

  • 9th gen processor
  • Exceptional GPU with Turing Shaders to rely on
  • Upgradeable RAM
  • The display comes with anti-glare properties
  • Excellent keyboard

Cons

  • Middling battery
  • Might run a bit hot at times

Best with GTX 1050 Ti: Dell G3 Gaming

Dell G3 Gaming

If you have a penchant for fast-processing RAM modules, the Dell G3 Gaming is the perfect laptop to invest in.

Under the hood, Dell houses the Intel Core i5-8300H processor, capable of clocking at boosted speeds of up to 4GHz. Despite being an 8th gen CPU, the processing performances related to academic tasks like online schooling and gaming are nothing short of exemplary. Dell also stacks in a discrete GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card, featuring a 128-bit data bus, 4GB VRAM, and 768 CUDA cores to rely on.

Then again, it is the memory allocation that deserves a special mention, courtesy of the upgradeable, 8GB RAM, capable of processing data and files at 2666MHz. There’s a 1TB hard disk storage for sheltering the more voluminous data sets. However, the SSD unit is missing which could be reserved for the Windows 10 Home OS, offered right out of the box.

Dell G3 Gaming Resolution

Furthermore, the 15.6-inch IPS screen is worth considering, owing to the cumulative resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Moreover, it is the anti-glare panel, combined with LED-Backlit technology that adds to the top-notch visual experience. As far as productivity is concerned, you can make the best use of the WASD-compatible, illuminated keyboard, high-fidelity speakers with MaxxAudio Pro technology, a responsive touchpad, and a reliable webcam.

Dell also assumes a slimline layout but doesn’t compromise one bit on the chunkiness of the profile. At close to 6 pounds, this is one heavy laptop to move around. Besides, the connectivity-based specs are well-provided with Dell making way for HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0, SuperSpeed USB 3.1 slots, Wi-Fi AC, and Gig Ethernet support.

With a 5-hour battery backup, this functional notebook can easily be relied upon, either as a professional workstation or a leisure gaming unit.

Best with GTX 1050 Ti: Dell G3 Gaming Specifications

  • Brand: Dell
  • Series: G3
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Color: Black
  • Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
  • CPU Model: Core i5 8300H
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 10
  • Card Description: Dedicated
  • Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti

Pros

  • Mid-range GPU
  • Brilliant acoustics
  • Reliable keyboard
  • Good battery backup
  • Ultrafast RAM module

Cons

  • Lacks SSD module
  • Chunkier than usual

Best Runner Up: Acer Nitro 5

Acer Nitro 5

Despite restrictive storage, this budget-variant of the Acer Nitro 5 is still a resourceful gaming laptop, best characterized by an aesthetic keyboard, respectable graphics conglomerate, and decent battery life.

Powering the same is the Intel Core i5-10300H CPU, boasting of a boosted clock speed of up to 4.5GHz. Thanks to the HyperThreading support, this high-performance graphics-optimized chipset is a handy inclusion. Considering the Speed Shift support, better voltage adjustment, and an improved 14nm architectural process for better gaming experiences.

In terms of graphics support, you get access to the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU that is capable of handling a majority of mid-range, 2019 titles, at 1080p presets. Working alongside the graphics card is 4GB of dedicated video RAM, capable of handling intricate gaming textures and resources with ease.

Acer persists with 8GB of system memory for seamless multitasking. As far as storage-based requirements are concerned, you get a 256GB solid-state drive. The SSD comes with restricted storage capacity and certainly isn’t the fastest one in the market. However, the preexisting Windows 10 OS still loads at a respectable pace.

Acer Nitro 5 Display

In terms of display, Acer makes peace with a standard 15.6-inch panel. Although the LED-backlit display is exceedingly power-efficient, the color accuracy and visual clarity associated with the IPS panel are not compromised one bit, courtesy of the overall resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.

As far as laptop productivity is concerned, the Nitro 5 throws in quite a few surprises. The existing conglomerate is presided over by a backlit keyboard with red accents, a vibrant webcam, serviceable microphones, and innovative cooling tech. However, in our opinion, it’s better to get an external webcam for attending video conferences, online classes, remote meetings, etc.

The thermal design deserves a separate mention as Acer features dual fans and stealth pipes, working in tandem with the CoolBoost technology. The intimidating yet durable chassis makes it one of the heaviest laptops on the list at 4.85 pounds. Besides, Acer also accommodates every essential connectivity-specific specification, including Type-A, HDMI, Wi-Fi, and other slots for legacy connections.

The battery on offer is capable of lasting for up to 7 hours on a single charge, making this one of the more reliable sub-$800 options to invest in, provided you aren’t looking for anything future-proof.

Best Runner Up: Acer Nitro 5 Specifications

  • Brand: Acer
  • Series: AN515-55-59KS
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Color: Black
  • Hard Disk Size: 256 GB
  • CPU Model: Core i5
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • Card Description: Integrated
  • Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti

Pros

  • Excellent keyboard
  • Sharp display
  • Excellent cooling support
  • Decent capable GPU
  • Dependable battery
  • Brilliant acoustics

Cons

  • Restricted storage space

Best for Gaming + Studies: Acer Aspire 7

Acer Aspire 7

If you are in the market for a feature-packed gaming laptop that readily doubles down as a go-to professional workstation on a budget, the Acer Aspire 7 is the one to consider.

DeAlthough Acer has MD-powered processors to achieve the perfect balance between power and affordability; the Aspire 7 is still a performer. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500U boasts excellent processing capabilities, contrary to popular opinion. The featured CPU can achieve exceptional single-core performances, and the boosted speed of 4.6GHz validates the same.

As far as graphics support is concerned, the standard NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 makes an appearance, helping you manage some of the moderately-demanding titles at 1080p presets.

Besides, if you are into graphic designing, photo editing, audio editing & processing, etc., graphics-intensive processes, this graphics card, Combined with 4GB GDDR6 VRAM, can be quite a handful.

If you are a professional with diverse multitasking preferences, the 8GB DDR4 RAM is one of the more innovative features to rely on. Furthermore, the existing chunk of system memory processes data, disk cache, and temporary files at 2666MHz making it one of the fastest modules for the given price bracket.

Acer Aspire 7 Display, Resolution

Nonetheless, you can also rely on the 512GB, dual-lane solid-state drive with NVMe-support for faster Windows 10 Home OS boot-ups, app loading, and data retrieval.

The 15.6-inch display is more of an expected addition, exhibiting a cumulative resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Creatives, however, can make the best use of Acer’s proprietary Color Intelligence and ExaColor color for experiencing extreme levels of visual clarity and color accuracy.

The screen looks bigger than a standard 15-inch panel owing to the narrow bezels and the enhanced screen-to-chassis ratio of almost 82 percent.

Acer scales beyond the other laptops on the list with its backlit keyboard, alluring layout, and 180-degree hinge for added flexibility. Besides, you also get access to an HD webcam, powerful speakers for music listening, dual microphones, and the entire professional catalog for improved professional stead.

If and when structural innovation is concerned, the Aspire 7 is one of the more portable units around, at 4.74 pounds. Not just that, Acer takes good care of connectivity with USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI, Type-C, and Gig Ethernet ports added into the mix. Not just that, the MU-MIMO Wi-Fi 5 support also deserves a special mention, helping streaming twitch and online gamers establish fast and stable connections.

The battery unit can churn out slightly more than 10 hours on standard usage, which readily adds to the portability quotient of this perfectly balanced gaming notebook.

Best for Gaming + Studies: Acer Aspire 7 Specifications

  • Brand: Acer
  • Series: A515-43-R19L
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Color: Silver
  • Hard Disk Size: 128 GB
  • CPU Model: Ryzen 3 3200U
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 4 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home S
  • Card Description: Integrated
  • Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon Vega 3

Pros

  • Mid-range GPU exceeds expectations
  • Ultrafast RAM
  • Stellar display
  • Supports USB charging

Cons

  • Lacks Wi-Fi 6 functionality
  • The laptop might run a bit hot on heavy usage

Best Gaming Performance Laptops under 800 Dollars

You will find all types of gaming performance laptops under 800 in one place. We will guide you about the gaming laptops under $800 with the best shopping experience.

Should you opt for a 7th gen processor to make affordable purchases?

If you are strictly interested in a gaming notebook, going for the 7th gen processor isn’t all that bad a decision, provided you are opting for the H or HQ-series. A majority of 7th gen H-series CPUs lack HyperThreading support but display excellent single-core performances, making them handy enough for entry-level, Sandbox, and open-world games like Minecraft and more.

Is $800 good enough for a gaming laptop?

While we would always recommend going beyond 1000 dollars to get a good gaming notebook, $800 can still get you a respectable machine, best suited for enthusiastic gamers. However, you wouldn’t get RTX GPUs on sub-$800 notebooks. Instead, GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti are more like staples for the given price tag. Then again, you must aim for GTX 1650 with 4GB VRAM to reap the benefits of the latest Turing architecture.

Apart from GPU, which is the most important feature to look for in budget gaming laptops?

If you are looking to get a budget gaming notebook, you must ensure that the machine has a 9th gen processor with at least four cores to rely on. A good processor can help you offload certain requirements from the GPU while effectively processing NPCs and environments in the case of open-world games.

How important is RAM in budget gaming notebooks?

A sizable chunk of RAM can be extremely useful when certain gaming resources are offloaded to the processor. In the case of maps and non-playing characters, a high-end RAM module can speed up the CPU processes while improving fps values for mid-range games, in case the GPU isn’t as powerful.

What kind of display is usually available on a budget gaming notebook?

Understandably, budget gaming notebooks are still quite color accurate and feature 1080p panels, in case resolution is your primary concern. However, in most cases, 60Hz is the maximum screen refresh rate for budget notebooks as OEMs realize that the featured GPUs wouldn’t be able to handle high-end and even mid-range games at high 1080p preset while hitting 60+ fps, consistently.

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