Introduction
While purchasing a laptop, one should carefully think about two critical components: the graphics processing unit (GPU) and RAM. In the realm of budget laptops priced under $500, you’ll typically encounter integrated graphics cards, which is within the processor itself. These integrated GPUs share the system’s memory and are adequate for everyday tasks but may struggle with intensive graphical demands like gaming or high-end software usage.
RAM, or random-access memory, is equally important, serving as temporary storage for active programs and data for the CPU’s access. A minimum of 8GB RAM is generally recommended to help smooth multitasking and other software running.
Additionally, the processor is equally important for quick processing and clock speeds to be able to run software’s and games.
In summary, while a higher CPU speed enhances the computing speed, the choice between integrated and dedicated GPUs significantly impacts graphical capabilities and overall system performance, making it important to balance this according to needs.
List of the Best Budget Gaming Laptop Under $500
1.Lenovo – Ideapad 3i 15.6″
- Processor: Core i5-1155G7
- Memory: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: Intel Iris X Graphics
- Price: $500
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Model: 82H803SBUS
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is a laptop designed for work, learning, and entertainment. The IdeaPad 3i delivers uncompromising performance with its Intel Core i5 processor which is a quad processor which can be used for multitasking and basic gaming. It can also handle you’re working on documents, browsing the web, or streaming videos, it can handle your tasks efficiently. The laptop has a 15.6″ Full HD touchscreen which is great for document viewing and also viewing games. The touch functionality is great and comes handy on many occasions. It comes equipped with Intel Iris X Graphics, providing decent graphics performance for casual gaming, multimedia, and productivity tasks but is just an entry level graphics. With 8GB of system memory and a 512GB Solid State Drive (SSD), the IdeaPad 3i offers smooth multitasking and quick read/writing of the storage. The SSD also makes sure of quick boot times and responsive performance.
The dual array microphone ensures clear audio quality. The laptop runs on Windows 11 Home in S Mode, which has a simple user interface. The IdeaPad 3i is lightweight, weighing approximately 3.6 lbs makes it easy to carry around for students.
About its tech specs:
- The processor is great for casual gamers.
- Its memory is great for most simple games.
- Its graphic card is affordable and great for small gamers
- It is an ultralight and ultrathin laptop.
You can buy this on:
2.Acer Aspire 5 – 15.6″ Laptop
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel 13th Generation Core i5
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD
- Graphics: Intel® Iris® Xe graphics
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Model: AV15-53P-54MV
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
The Acer Aspire 5 laptop features a 15.6″ Full HD display with 100% sRGB coverage, ensuring vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1335U processor good clock speeds better than i3 and is suitable for small level gaming and basic video editing. The 8GB LPDDR5 memory is great for multitasking and browsing activities. The 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD provides quick data access and quick opening of applications.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1, and Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing seamless connectivity and efficient data transfer. The 1080p FHD camera uses Acer’s TNR technology for high-quality image delivery and is great for basic video call and small visual tasks.
About its tech specs:
- The Processor of this laptop is a cheap and good option for most of the day-to-day activities.
- Its graphics card is cheap and good for simple games.
- Its display is great for gaming.
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3.ASUS – Vivobook Go 14″ FHD Laptop
Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 7000 Series
- Display: 14″
- Memory: 8GB Memory
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Graphics: AMD Radeon
- Price: $450
- Model: E1404FA-BB33
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
The ASUS Vivobook Go 14 is a lightweight laptop which is great for portability and students who also game casually. It features a 14.0-inch Full HD display with a NanoEdge design, IPS-level panel, and LED backlight. The screen has a 60Hz refresh rate, 250 nits brightness which is the standard brightness in today’s laptops. The slim bezels provide more screen space and screen real estate for multitasking and viewing tasks, and the laptop has a screen-to-body ratio of 83%. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor with 4 cores and is not great with a lot of multitasking. It is an entry level processor. The laptop comes with 8GB LPDDR5 on board for smooth multitasking and is suited for light memory using tasks. Storage-wise, it features a 256GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD for faster start-up times and also provides quick- access while opening applications. The 180° lay-flat hinge allows for easy content sharing and collaboration, and the ASUS ErgoSense keyboard ensures a comfortable typing experience with precise key bounce and travel.
About its tech specs:
- The processor is not really great for gaming.
- Its memory is more than enough for basic gamers.
- Its graphic card is great for people who want basic gaming and a cheap graphics.
- 1920 x 1080 is great for gaming.
You can buy this on:
4.HP – 15.6″ Touch-Screen Laptop
Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7000 Series
- Memory: 8GB Memory
- Storage: 512GB SDD
- Graphics: AMD Radeon
- Screen size: 15.6 inches(1366 x 768 (HD))
The HP laptop boasts an AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor, LPDDR5 RAM, and AMD Radeon graphics, ensuring smooth performance. Its PCIe NVMe SSD storage provides fast boot times and increased responsiveness. Additionally, the laptop features a HD touchscreen, DC Dimming technology, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless connectivity. The tuned stereo speakers deliver impressive audio quality, while the True Vision HD camera ensures clear video calls. Privacy features include a microphone mute and a camera shutter. Environmentally conscious, it is EPEAT Gold Registered and ENERGY STAR Certified, incorporating recycled materials.
About its tech specs:
- The processor performs good for most basic games.
- Its memory is great for basic gamers.
- Its graphic card is really cheap and also good for simple games.
- The resolution is not great.
You can buy this on:
5.Lenovo Flex 5i 14″ Laptop
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1215U
- Memory: 8 GB
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Screen size: 14 inches
The 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processors which are provided in Lenovo Flex 5i are great for multitasking and light-moderate gaming, along with considerably great processing speed and good performance in different benchmark tests. These advanced chips integrate auto-noise suppression technology, which enhances audio clarity in calls and recordings, elevating communication experiences. Particularly great at photo editing, they deliver up to 50% faster performance, enabling quicker and more efficient creative workflows.
Designed to cater to real-world demands across creativity, productivity, and entertainment, these processors intelligently adjust their performance according to the task at hand, ensuring optimal efficiency without compromising on power. This adaptability facilitates seamless multitasking and supports smooth 8K streaming, offering users a fluid and responsive computing experience. Whether tackling complex applications or enjoying high-resolution content, the 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processors redefine performance benchmarks while enhancing overall user satisfaction with enhanced productivity and entertainment capabilities.
About its tech specs:
- The processor performs good for most basic games.
- Its memory is great for basic gamers.
- Its graphic card is really cheap and also good for simple games.
- The resolution is not great.
You can buy this on:
6.Dell – Inspiron 14.0″ 2-in-1 Touch Laptop
- Screen Size:14 inches
- Screen Resolution:1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7000 Series
- Storage: 512 GB
- Memory: 8GB
- Graphics: AMD Radeon
The Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 stands out as an affordable yet powerful convertible laptop designed for consumers seeking a balance of performance and value. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7000 series processor, 8GB of memory, and a speedy 512GB NVMe solid-state drive, it ensures smooth operation and ample storage capacity for various tasks.
Featuring a 14-inch touch screen with a sharp 1920 x 1200 resolution and a productivity-boosting 16:10 aspect ratio, the display offers clarity and versatility. Dolby Atmos audio technology enriches the multimedia experience with immersive sound from its powerful speakers, complemented by Bluetooth speaker capabilities for wireless audio enjoyment.
Security is enhanced with a fingerprint reader, while the laptop’s sleek appearance is underscored by a stylish metal lid. Ideal for users prioritizing functionality and aesthetics, the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 excels in delivering a compelling blend of performance, multimedia capabilities, and security features at an accessible price point.
You can read its review on Dell Inspiron 14 5425 in review: Ryzen 5.
About its tech specs:
- The processor is great for most available games.
- This memory can be used for basic games.
- Its graphic card is one of the best value for money.
You can buy this on: