Are you looking for a gaming laptop under 600 dollars? Worry not, I was in a similar situation a couple of weeks ago, when my younger brother wanted to get a gaming laptop but his budget was very limited.
To make sure his money is well spent, I compiled a list of 7 gaming laptops that are affordable and can serve the purpose well. In this blog post, I will share my findings with you so that you can get the most out of it. Let’s head on to the next section.
Quick Answer
If you are into gaming like me, you would probably know that finding a laptop in this niche under 600 is a difficult thing. But, let me tell you that it’s not impossible. With proper research, you can get a machine that is capable of the following:
- A respectable CPU and GPU performance for lag-free gameplay,
- Getting at least an HD or FHD viewing experience,
- A decent storage capacity to keep hold of your favorite titles.
Now, the real struggle is how to get a laptop that ticks all the checkboxes. By utilizing my years of experience, I am going to share the 7 best models along with their pros, cons, and specs that fulfill the required criteria. My brother was able to select his next laptop and so will you by reading this review guide till the end. So without further ado, let’s dive deeper into the details!
Gaming Laptop Under 600: Comparison Table
The following are the major aspects of these laptops:
Model | CPU/GPU | RAM/Storage | Display | Weight | Amazon |
MSI GF63 | 2.7- 4.5 GHz, Intel Core i5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max | 8 GB DDR4 256 GB SSD | 15.6 Inches | 4.10 lbs | $585.00 |
HP Victus | AMD Ryzen 5 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 | 8 GB DDR5 512 GB SSD | 15.6 Inches | 5.06 lbs | $565.00 |
Lenovo Newest V14 | AMD Ryzen 5 7520U 2.8GHz Radeon 610M Graphics | 8 GB DDR5 1 TB SSD | 14 Inches | 4.1 lbs | Price not available |
Dell Inspiron 15 3525 | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U AMD Radeon Graphics | 8 GB DDR4 256 GB SSD | 15.6 Inches | 3.71 lbs | $407.99 |
ASUS VivoBook 16 | AMD Ryzen 7530U AMD Radeon Graphics | 8 GB DDR4 512 GB SSD | 16 Inches | 4.14 lbs | $449.99 |
Lenovo Ideapad 3 | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U AMD Radeon 7 | 12 GB DDR4 256 GB SSD | 15.6 Inches | 3.64 lbs | $499.60 |
Dell Inspiron 15 3511 | 1 GHz core I5 1035G1 Intel Iris Xe Graphics | 32 GB DDR4 1 TB SSD | 15.6 Inches | 3.74 lbs | $501.90 |
Now that we have gone through the table, let’s discuss them one by one in detail.
1. Best Gaming Laptop Overall: MSI GF63
The following are the positives and negatives of the top contender:
Pros
- The 4G DDR5 video memory provides a smoother gaming experience.
- It provides an extended battery life of up to 7hrs.
- The 144Hz IPS display provides a seamless graphics experience.
- The bezel shaped with an aluminum top adds aesthetics to the device.
Cons
- The keyboard build could have been improved.
MSI GF63 is known for staying cool even. What attracted me most about it is that it operates without high noise under a heavy workload. The battery optimization of this laptop will amaze me as it can last up to 7 hours. Also, the inclusion of a 144Hz refresh rate with the combination of GTX 1650 gives a vibrant gaming experience. In short, you can never go wrong with this purchase if you are into budget gaming.
Features
Listed below are the features of this laptop:
- This laptop comes with Nahimic and hi-res audio that gives premium sound quality.
- The Nvidia Gtx 1650 GPU in it can provide up to 58 frames per second on directX 11.
- It comes with 3 USB ports, 1 Type-C, an HDMI that supports up to 4K, and an audio port.
Specs
Following are the specs of MSi GF63:
Specification | MSI GF63 |
Display Size: | 15.6 Inches |
Screen Resolution: | 1920*1080 Pixels |
Processor: | 2.7- 4.5 GHz, Intel Core i5 11400H |
RAM: | 8 GB DDR4 |
Hard Drive: | 256 GB SSD |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q |
Battery: | 51 W/hr. |
Weight: | 4.10 lbs |
Dimensions: | 14.13"x9.99"x0.85" |
Power Adapter: | 120 W |
To cement my claims, I recommend you check out this interesting video:
2. Best For GPU Performace: HP Victus
Listed below are the positives and negatives of this laptop:
Pros
- It features a 144Hz refresh rate which gives a smooth gaming experience.
- An additional 64GB of USB comes with this laptop for storing data.
- A fast charging feature is available in this laptop, that can charge 50% of battery in only 30 minutes.
Cons
- This device is slightly heavier than its competition.
According to HP, Victus is their budget gaming series. But, you will have nothing to compromise. I didn’t believe it at first but the smooth gaming experience with its 6 cores that are clocked at 4.5 MHz frequency is enough to convince anyone.
The inclusion of RTX 2050 with a 144 Hz refresh rate is unbelievable, as normally you would see this combination in models that cost around $1000. Moreover, it comes with a good battery that can last up to 4 hours.
Features
Here are the highlights of HP Victus:
- The best thing that makes this laptop eye-catching is RTX 2050 which can easily run AAA-rated titles.
- It features 6 cores that are clocked to 4.5MHz, which significantly boosts the processing speed.
- This laptop features DDR5 RAM which is 50% faster than the DDR4.
Specs
Let’s take a look at the specs of this laptop:
Specification | HP Victus |
Display Size: | 15.6 Inches |
Screen Resolution: | 1920*1080 Pixels |
Processor: | AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS |
RAM: | 8 GB DDR5 |
Hard Drive: | 512 GB SSD |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 |
Battery: | 52.5 Whr |
Weight: | 5.06 lbs |
Dimensions: | 14.09 x 10.04 x 0.93 inches |
Power Adapter: | 150W |
3. Best Laptop For Enhanced Visuals: Lenovo Newest V14
Here are the pros and cons of this laptop:
Pros
- You can play games on this device for an extended period without eyestrain, as it holds eye-safe certification.
- It comes with AMD Ryzen 5 which is capable of handling multiple tasks with ease.
- It boasts Wi-Fi 6 which offers more than 39% speed as compared to Wi-Fi 5.
Cons
- The fingerprint reader is not of very good quality and sometimes it gives errors.
Lenovo’s Newest V14 is one of the most powerful machines in this budget. It comes with DDR5 RAM which is 50% faster than its predecessor. Also, the Ryzen 5 with Rdaeon 610M graphics is capable of running most games without any hassle. The thing I love most about this laptop is its eye-safe certification as it enables you to enjoy prolonged gaming sessions without any strain on your eyes.
Features
Here are the features of Lenovo 14:
- It features a 5400 RPM Hard disk which can read/write 75 Mbs in a second.
- The built-in HD cam webcam comes with camera effects that can blur the background and also enhance your streaming experience.
- A lot of ports are given in this device for connectivity like 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB 2.0, USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, Kensington Nano Security Slot, 3.5mm jack, and HDMI 1.4b.
Specs
Let’s take a look at the specs of this laptop:
Specification | Lenovo Newest V14 |
Display Size: | 14 Inches |
Screen Resolution: | 1920*1080 Pixels |
Processor: | AMD Ryzen 5 7520U 2.8GHz |
RAM: | 8 GB DDR5 |
Hard Drive: | 1 TB SSD |
Graphics Card: | Radeon 610M Graphics |
Battery: | 38Whr |
Weight: | 4.1 lbs |
Dimensions: | 0.78 x 12.75 x 8.46 inches |
Power Adapter: | 65W |
4. Best Compact Design: Dell Inspiron 15 3525
Listed below are the pros and cons of this laptop:
Pros
- It offers an FHD display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, that smoothly displays the graphics.
- Dell offers 1 year of service on the product for your convenience.
- The AMD Ryzen 5 comes with 6 cores and 12 threads that can boost the performance significantly.
Cons
- The battery life of the laptop could have been improved.
The Dell Inspiron 15 features an anti-glare display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. What attracted me is its lightweight design. The Ryzen 5 is introduced in this device with a cache memory of 11 Mb to reduce the loading time of the games and programs. Also, 1 year of on-site service is provided by DELL in case there is a malfunction with the hardware.
Features
The following are the highlights of this product:
- It comes with the 3200Mhz memory that is known for its fast response rate.
- MediaTek Wi-Fi is installed on the laptop for better connectivity.
- It comes with 11 Mb cache memory that allows faster processing.
Specs
Here are the specs of the Dell 15:
Specification | Dell Inspiron 15 3525 |
Display Size: | 15.6 Inches |
Screen Resolution: | 1920*1080 Pixels |
Processor: | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U |
RAM: | 8 GB DDR4 |
Hard Drive: | 256 GB SSD |
Graphics Card: | AMD Radeon Graphics with shared graphics memory |
Battery: | 41 W/hr. |
Weight: | 3.71 lbs |
Dimensions: | 9.27 x 14.11 x 0.83 inches |
Power Adapter: | 65 W |
5. Best For Durability and Charging: ASUS VivoBook 16
Here are the positives and negatives of Asus VivoBook 16:
Pros
- It comes with fast charging technology that can charge the device to 50% in only half an hour.
- Highly durable laptop constructed with military-grade STD 810H.
- An FHD 16-inch display is given in this laptop with 300 nits brightness so you can get immersive visuals.
Cons
- The performance of the Wi-Fi card is subpar and can be improved.
Asus is known for its elegant machines and trust me when you see Vivobook 16, you will become a fan too. It is a great device when it comes to budget gaming laptops. It features an FHD display with a backlit keyboard and AMD Ryzen 7530U. The GPU is powerful enough to handle most titles easily. Also, the fast charging feature makes it a good device.
Features
Let’s take a look at the highlights of this laptop:
- Icethemal technology is used for smoother performance and to prevent the device from heating.
- It features an ErgoSense keyboard with a key travel of only 1.4mm.
- AI noise canceling feature is added so you can communicate with the squad clearly.
Specs
The following are the specifications of VivoBook 16:
Specification | ASUS VivoBook 16 |
Display Size: | 15.6 Inches |
Screen Resolution: | 1920 x 1200 Pixels |
Processor: | AMD Ryzen 7530U |
RAM: | 8 GB DDR4 |
Hard Drive: | 512 GB SSD |
Graphics Card: | AMD Radeon Graphics |
Battery: | 42 Whr |
Weight: | 4.14 lbs |
Dimensions: | 14.12 x 0.78 x 9.82 inches |
Power Adapter: | 45W |
6. Best Budget Laptop: Lenovo Ideapad 3
Listed below are the plus and minus points of this machine:
Pros
- It comes with razer thin bezels which significantly enhance the visual experience.
- The three modes of fan speed with intelligent thermal cooling keep the laptop at optimal temperature all the time.
- It is highly portable and weighs only 3.64 pounds.
Cons
- The sound quality of the speakers is of average quality.
The beautiful Ideapad 3 by Lenovo features Ryzen 7 series graphics to run most titles smoothly. What attracts me more is its decent price tag which falls under 500. The hexacore processing can handle most of the tasks with ease. Moreover, the addition of an antiglare display is a plus.
Features
Here are the notable features of Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3:
- It features an Eyecare option, which significantly reduces the low blue light and enhances the gaming experience.
- The lightweight design makes it a travel-friendly option which means you can carry your gaming machine anywhere you go.
- The webcam lens comes with a shutter so you never have to worry about malicious activities.
Specs
Here are the specs of this laptop:
Specification | Lenovo Ideapad 3 |
Display Size: | 15.6 Inches |
Screen Resolution: | 1920x1080 Pixels |
Processor: | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U |
RAM: | 12 GB DDR4 |
Hard Drive: | 256 GB SSD |
Graphics Card: | AMD Radeon 7 |
Battery: | 45 Whr |
Weight: | 3.64 lbs |
Dimensions: | 14.14 x 9.28 x 0.78 inches |
Power Adapter: | 65W adapter |
7. Best For High Storage and RAM: Dell Inspiron 15 3511
Let’s go through the perks and drawbacks of this device:
Pros
- It comes with an enormous 32 GB of RAM, that can handle a maximum number of tasks without any hassle.
- The anti-glare display allows you to play games comfortably for a prolonged period of time.
- It is Energy Star certified which means it doesn’t consume much power.
Cons
- The keyboard lacks the backlit feature.
The Core I5 is equipped with so many features that make this device stand tall amongst its competitors. The NVme hard drive of 1TB, 32 GB RAM, and an integrated processor that comes with a shared 16 GB of video memory has decent performance. Also, the sleek design and light weight add value to the device.
Features
Listed below are the features of Dell 3000:
- The processor has a lightning-fast speed of up to 3.6 GHz with the combination of turbo boost technology.
- The integrated Irix Xe graphics card has a shared video memory of up to 16 GB.
- The display supports a touch feature which is an added perk.
Specs
Let’s take a look at the specs of this laptop:
Specification | Dell Inspiron 15 3511 |
Display Size: | 15.6 Inches |
Screen Resolution: | 1920x1080 Pixels |
Processor: | 1 GHz, up to 3.6 GHz Core I5 1035G1 |
RAM: | 32 GB DDR4 |
Hard Drive: | 1 TB SSD |
Graphics Card: | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Battery: | 41 Whr. |
Weight: | 3.74 lbs |
Dimensions: | 14.11 x 0.74 x 9.27 inches |
Power Adapter: | N/A |
6 Important Considerations Buying a Gaming Laptop Under $600
Now that you have gone through the best laptops, it’s time to learn the criteria for selecting a new gaming laptop under 600. The following are the crucial considerations that you should keep in mind before investing your money.
1. Processor
Processing power is the first major aspect to consider. It is responsible for the overall performance of your device. For your ease, I will enlist some CPU guidelines for you in this budget:
- The Intel Core I5 (10th Gen) and I7 (6th Gen): These two are strong enough CPUs and can easily handle the heavy load and demanding games.
- AMD Ryzen Series: It is also a good consideration. What makes them special is that when combined with the integrated GPU, they can run almost all the new titles. Go For at least the Ryzen 5 series to enjoy decent performance.
- “H” and “U” series: Always prioritize the “H” series. As the model suggests, it refers to high performance. Such an example would be Core i5 11400H. Whereas the “U” series is intended for power efficiency. I would advise you not to go for it unless you are getting at least an 11Gen, Ryzen 5, or the latest machine.
- Quadcore processor: Make sure that you choose at least a Quadcore processor. If you are not a techie and don’t know how to check it, don’t worry! I am here to help. Simply right-click on your taskbar, select Open the Task Manager, and head on toward the performance section. There you can easily view your number of cores. It should be at least 4.
2. Graphics Card
For a gaming laptop, the graphics card is a must. Without it, you cannot enjoy the games really well. With a budget of $600, it is quite difficult to find a device with a dedicated GPU. Alternatively, the integrated GPUs can fill the space but keep in mind that they are not as good as the former ones. The following are important points that you should keep in mind about video memory:
- For a dedicated graphics card, go for at least GTX 1050 minimum. You will be able to play most games at 720p without any issues.
- If you are looking for a device with an integrated GPU, you should get one that has video memory of 8GB or more as it will provide you with better FPS.
3. RAM
RAM also plays a vital role in the performance of the laptop. It directly affects multi-tasking and how quickly a program or game loads. Also, it helps to reduce the lag while gaming. I will break down the types and sizes of RAM for your ease:
- 8 GB of RAM is a good amount of short-term memory, but the more you can get, the better. Look for a laptop that can be upgraded later on, so if you want to upgrade RAM to 16GB, you can do it hassle-free.
- Secondly, the type of RAM is also important, DDRR4 and DDR5 are available in the market. For gaming laptops, DDR4 is the least requirement. On the other hand, DDR5 has better performance and offers more speed, so if you can stretch your budget a little bit and get DDR5, you should go for it.
4. Storage
Storage is also important when choosing a laptop. A storage memory of 256GB or 512GB is good enough. Personally, I’m using a laptop with only 512 GB, and for extra data, I use an external hard disk, which allows me to store more data.
While going through the storage capacity of a device, it is worth mentioning here that you should opt for SSD storage instead of HHD. Here’s why:
- Your game loading time will be reduced as compared to HDD.
- The booting time will be lessened by about 30 seconds.
- SSD lacks the spinning disk so it operates silently.
5. Display Quality
Display is a very crucial factor for gamers as it’s the first thing you would notice. Imagine having a laptop that can run all the modern titles but the display quality is low… It will ruin the gaming experience.
So I suggest at least a 1080p display as it can provide you with a realistic gaming experience and vibrant visuals. Moreover, the refresh rate also matters, it determines the number of frames it can show in a second.
I have been playing games for a long time and I would say one should go for the 120 Hz display. But if I find a cheap gaming laptop that is powerful enough to run intensive titles and old games without any lag and comes with a 60 Hz display, I would happily take it.
6. Battery Life of Gaming Laptop
Let’s talk about the battery time of the laptops. Usually in this budget, you won’t see laptops with huge batteries as they are equipped with 40- 50 Whr batteries. On average these batteries can give you up to 2 hours of time. Also, keep in mind that even the best gaming laptops don’t last long on gaming.
Pros and Cons of $600 Gaming Laptop
When looking for gaming laptops under $600 it is essential to know a few basics as you will be at the center of deciding between the budget and the performance. A lot of budget gaming laptops are available in this price range but do keep in mind that the manufacturers must be cutting costs somewhere in the device.
Before buying one you should be aware of the advantages and drawbacks of these devices. Let’s explore them.
The following are the perks of getting budget gaming laptops:
- Affordability: First thing first, the best gaming laptops with high-end performance prices start from $1000, so you will be saving a lot of bucks on these devices.
- Customization: In this price range, you will find most of the laptops that can be customized e.g. you can add extra RAMs or SSDs in them later on. While the pricer laptops usually don’t give this much flexibility. I would recommend upgrading the device after some time so you can enjoy the demanding titles too.
- Portable: These laptops are usually lighter in weight compared to high-end machines. They come really handy for those who carry their laptop everywhere like students.
Now, let’s take a look at the negative sides of these devices:
- Graphics Power: The major setback of getting a gaming laptop in this range is that the GPUs aren’t so powerful, so you will be missing the latest games, or if your device reaches the minimum requirements, you can play them in low settings.
- Display Quality: The only thing that I really don’t like about these laptops is the display quality. You will get either 720p or 1080p resolution on these laptops. Also, the refresh rate is not very impressive.
- Build Quality: In my observation, the devices in this range are less durable as compared to the expensive ones. But it all comes down to the usage of the person, if you take good care of your device, it’s not a big issue.
FAQs
Does a $600 gaming machine offer poor-quality performance?
No, A $600 gaming machine does not offer poor-quality performance. They provide you with an average-quality gaming experience. You shouldn’t expect to get the high-end gaming performance in this budget but you will be able to play strategy games and others without any lag.
How good is a $600 gaming laptop?
A $600 gaming laptop can give you the average gaming experience. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to play modern games at high settings but you can play them in medium settings or at low.
Is $600 a good price for a decent gaming laptop?
No, $600 is not a good price to get a decent gaming laptop. You will have to make compromises for playing high-end titles like bringing down the resolution, etc.
What is a lite gaming laptop under $600?
A lite gaming laptop under 600 is the base variant of the high-end models. The MSI base series has the GTX 1000s series whereas the high-end models have the RTX 20 -40 series. One such laptop is the MSI GF63.
What are the best laptop under $600?
The best laptops under $600 are MSI GF63 and HP Victus, they come with dedicated GPUs for enhanced processing power. Moreover, both of them feature a 144 Hz refresh rate, making them the best laptops in this budget.
Recommended read:
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Conclusion
Summing up, for gaming laptops under 600 dollars it is important to look for the high-performance CPU that comes along with the dedicated GPU. For a smoother gaming experience, I would advise you to go with the one that has a good cooling system.
While buying a gaming laptop in this budget, ensure that the device at least offers a 720p display and is capable enough of providing at least 30 FPS gameplay. Moreover, look for the devices that are equipped with DDR4 RAM. Now the one my brother got is GF63, I think it’s an incredible choice in this budget.