In a world where money is tight, treating yourself to a new toy can seem like a guilty pleasure. And for many gamers, that toy comes in the form of a gaming laptop. While some may try to justify their purchase by claiming they need a discrete graphics card for work, let’s be real here – the main desire is to have a laptop that can handle gaming. However, these high-performance machines often come with a steep price tag, which is why sales events like Black Friday are perfect for seeking out bargains. If you’re not fixated on a specific brand and aren’t aiming for the top-of-the-line Razer Blade, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the range of impressive sub-$1,000 gaming laptops available this Black Friday.
One standout option within this budget range is the Asus TUF F15 priced at $999.99. Equipped with an RTX 4070, this laptop offers outstanding performance for its price. Notably, the GPU is the impressive RTX 4070 with a 140W power limit, which is currently the maximum allowed. In addition to the powerful graphics card, you’ll also enjoy a generous 1TB SSD, a 12th Gen Core i7 CPU, and a high refresh rate 1080p panel. While its design may not be the sleekest, the Asus TUF F15 certainly delivers where it counts. Its performance is akin to reaching lightspeed – a remarkable feat within this price range.
If the Asus TUF F15 doesn’t catch your interest, there are several other appealing options in the $750 to $800 range. Lenovo, known for their commitment to quality, offers two excellent Legion machines that fall within this price bracket. These laptops provide top-notch gaming performance at 1080p settings, and sometimes even higher. Lenovo’s recent foray into the gaming laptop market has been impressive, making their Legion laptops a compelling choice for gamers on a budget.
On the lower end of the price spectrum, we have the MSI Thin GF63 priced at $599. While it may be considered a budget gaming laptop, it still packs a punch in terms of gaming performance. With a 45W RTX 4050, it outperforms many other laptops within this price range. However, it is worth noting that this laptop compromises on storage and system RAM, which may affect overall functionality outside of gaming.
As we delve deeper into the realm of affordable gaming laptops, we stumble upon an intriguing alternative – the Steam Deck. Priced at almost half the cost of the least expensive gaming laptop mentioned earlier, the Steam Deck offers a similar gaming experience. By adding a 512GB SSD (a task made possible with a screwdriver and spare change), you can enjoy gaming on the go without breaking the bank. In fact, the Steam Deck, along with the $620 ROG Ally, may prove to be a better fit for gamers seeking portable gaming options than a compromised cheap gaming laptop.
When it comes to gaming laptops, affordability doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality or performance. With Black Friday sales in full swing, finding a gaming laptop within your budget is more attainable than ever. Whether it’s the impressive Asus TUF F15 or the allure of the Steam Deck, there are plenty of options to choose from. Ultimately, the best gaming laptop for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. So, go ahead and treat yourself to that new toy – after all, gaming is meant to be enjoyed, no matter the price.
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