If you’re in the market for a gaming laptop that won’t break the bank but still delivers excellent performance, you’re in luck! In 2024, there are several budget-friendly options available that come equipped with NVIDIA’s RTX graphics cards, providing you with stunning visuals and smooth gameplay without the hefty price tag. Let’s take a look at some of the best cheap gaming laptops with RTX in 2024:
What to Look for in a Cheap Gaming Laptop with RTX
When choosing a cheap gaming laptop with RTX, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
Performance
You’ll want a laptop with a powerful enough graphics card to handle the latest games. Look for an RTX 3050 or RTX 3050 Ti graphics card for 1080p gaming, or an RTX 3060 or RTX 3060 Ti for 1440p gaming.
Processor
The processor is another important factor in performance. Look for an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor for good overall performance.
RAM
8GB of RAM is the minimum you’ll need for gaming, but 16GB is recommended for better performance.
Storage
A 512GB SSD is a good starting point for storage, but you can also opt for a smaller SSD and add an HDD for more storage.
Display
Look for a display with a resolution of at least 1080p and a refresh rate of 60Hz. A higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz, will provide a smoother gaming experience, but it will also be more expensive.
Battery life
Gaming laptops typically have poor battery life, so you’ll need to be plugged in most of the time if you plan on gaming on the go.
Best Cheap Gaming Laptops with RTX in 2024
Now that you know what to look for, here are our top picks for the best cheap gaming laptops with RTX in 2024:
MSI Katana GF66
The MSI Katana GF66 is a great all-around choice for a cheap gaming laptop with RTX. It comes with an RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, an Intel Core i5-12500H processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It also has a 144Hz display, which is great for smooth gameplay.
Pros:
- Strong performance for the price
- Excellent 144Hz display
- Comfortable keyboard
- Good selection of ports
Cons:
- Battery life is average
- No Thunderbolt 4 port
Feature | MSI Katana GF66 |
---|---|
Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti |
Processor | Intel Core i5-12500H |
RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz IPS |
Keyboard | Backlit keyboard with RGB lighting |
Connectivity | Killer DoubleShot Gbps Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 |
Price | Starts at $899.99 |
Dell G15 Ryzen Edition
The Dell G15 Ryzen Edition is another good option for a cheap gaming laptop with RTX. It comes with an RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It also has a 120Hz display, which is still good for smooth gameplay.
- Pros: Affordable price, good performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming.
- Cons: Limited port selection, below-average battery life.
Acer Nitro 5
The Acer Nitro 5 is a budget-friendly option that still offers good performance. It comes with an RTX 3050 graphics card, an Intel Core i5-11400H processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It also has a 144Hz display.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Good performance for 1080p gaming
- 144Hz display for smooth gameplay
- Upgradable RAM and storage
Cons
- Limited storage space
- Plastic construction can feel cheap
Price: Starts at $799.99
Feature | Acer Nitro 5 |
---|---|
Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 |
Processor | Intel Core i5-11400H |
RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage | 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz IPS |
Keyboard | Backlit keyboard with red LED lighting |
Connectivity | Killer DoubleShot Gbps Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 |
Price | Starts at $799.99 |
Lenovo Legion 5i
The Lenovo Legion 5i is a slightly more expensive option, but it comes with some impressive specs. It comes with an RTX 3060 graphics card, an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It also has a 165Hz display.
Pros
- Excellent performance for the price
- High refresh rate display for smooth gameplay
- Durable and well-built design
- Upgradable RAM and storage
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than some other laptops on this list
- Battery life is below average
Price: Starts at $1,099.99
Feature | Lenovo Legion 5i |
---|---|
Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 |
Processor | Intel Core i7-12700H |
RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) 165Hz IPS |
Keyboard | Backlit keyboard with RGB lighting |
Connectivity | Killer DoubleShot Gbps Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 |
Price | Starts at $1,099.99 |
ASUS TUF Gaming A15
The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is a durable and affordable option that’s great for gamers on a tight budget. It comes with an RTX 3050 graphics card, an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It also has a 144Hz display.
Pros
- Durable and well-built design
- Affordable price
- Good performance for 1080p gaming
- Upgradable RAM and storage
Cons
- Limited RAM and storage
- No Thunderbolt 4 port
Feature | ASUS TUF Gaming A15 |
---|---|
Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 |
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H |
RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz IPS |
Keyboard | Backlit keyboard with RGB lighting |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 |
Price | Starts at $749.99 |
- Be sure to read reviews from other gamers before you buy.
- Consider buying a refurbished laptop to save even more money.
- Don’t forget to factor in the cost of games and other accessories when you’re budgeting for your new laptop.
We hope this helps you find the perfect cheap gaming laptop with RTX for your needs!
Final Words
Finding a good cheap gaming laptop with RTX in 2024 can be challenging, but there are still some great options available. The best laptop for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Consider the factors mentioned at the beginning of this article, such as performance, display, battery life, and portability, to narrow down your choices.