When it comes to budget gaming laptops, the Gigabyte G5 has managed to capture our attention with its impressive performance and affordable price tag. Over time, the G5 has become even more attractive as its price has decreased significantly since its initial launch. While it was initially priced at $1,100, you can now find it for as low as $750 on Newegg. However, there is an even better deal available at Best Buy. For just an additional $50, you can purchase an updated version of the G5 for $800, which offers an improved CPU and more memory. In this article, we will explore the advantages of the Gigabyte G5 and why it may be worth investing a little more in the updated version.
The updated version of the Gigabyte G5 available at Best Buy features a 12th Gen gaming laptop design, equipped with a Core i7 12650H CPU and 16GB of DDR5 memory. While the difference in performance between DDR4 and DDR5 may be minimal for gaming purposes, the increased memory capacity is a significant advantage. The cheaper DDR4 version only offers 8GB of memory, but by purchasing a separate 16GB DDR4-3200 kit, you can achieve parity in terms of memory capacity. However, keep in mind that upgrading the memory requires removing the back panel of the laptop. If you prefer a hassle-free experience and value convenience, it may be worth considering the $800 version of the G5, which comes with 16GB of memory already installed.
Choosing between the $750 and $800 versions of the Gigabyte G5 ultimately boils down to your priorities and preferences. If you are comfortable with upgrading the memory yourself and enjoy the process of customizing your laptop, opting for the cheaper version and purchasing additional memory separately can save you money. In fact, a 16GB DDR4-3200 kit can be purchased from Amazon for just $27. On the other hand, if you value convenience and want the peace of mind of having 16GB of memory right out of the box, investing an extra $50 in the updated version may be the better choice.
When comparing the CPUs of the two versions of the Gigabyte G5, the difference is relatively minimal in terms of overall performance. Both models feature 16-thread Intel processors that deliver similar benchmark results. However, the Core i7 12650H in the $800 version boasts two extra Performance-cores, which may sway your decision if you prioritize slightly better CPU performance.
The Gigabyte G5 is a remarkable budget gaming laptop that continues to impress with its affordability and performance. With the price dropping to as low as $750, it offers excellent value for gamers on a budget. Although the $800 version of the G5 available at Best Buy comes with notable upgrades in terms of CPU and memory, choosing between the two versions depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Whether you opt for the cheaper version and upgrade the memory yourself or invest a little more for the convenience of pre-installed 16GB of memory, the Gigabyte G5 is undeniably a worthy choice for any gamer.
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