Best Gaming Laptop Under $400
Introduction
In the rapidly and constantly changing universe of gaming, it is really challenging to come across a laptop that can provide an unusual gaming experience while being inexpensive at the same time. If you’re on a low budget, you might think that a good gaming laptop is out of reach. But good news – you can be able to enjoy your favorite renders without spending more money. This article presents some of the best gaming laptops you can get for under $400, so that you can advance it without leaving your quality selection.
What to Expect from a Best Gaming Laptop Under $400
Firstly – let’s calm down a bit and not get overexcited. But at this price mark, which is why more. Actual requirements for that — ultra settings smooth gameplay of last AAA games – are unrealistically high. That doesn’t mean you will be cursed with only awful experiences, though. Several inexpensive notebooks are able to run the latest titles “fortnight” or “Mine Craft” or what’s even “League of Legends” at low graphics quality settings.
Usually, a gaming laptop under 400 dollars will more often than not be prepared with a thin CPU, built-in graphics card, 4 GB to eight GB of RAM, and a smaller SSD most probably. Those are not too impressive conditions at least, but they actually deliver relatively cool gaming performance with suitable settings and twists.
Essential Considerations Prior to Purchasing a Low Cost Gaming Laptop
It’s important to note that the following concerns should always be made when purchasing a budget oriented gaming laptop in order to get your money’s worth.
Processor (CPU):
Every other laptop’s core component is the CPU which in this case, it relates to gaming for it is quite vital for a gaming laptop to have a powerful processor. You will mostly see Intel Core i3, i5 or AMD Ryzen 3 laptops in this price range. While these aren’t the top of the line, they are satisfactory for casual gamers if combined with enough RAM and a nice GPU.
Graphics Card (GPU):
The most significant component in a gaming laptop is the GPU. In this price range, you are bound to come across joined graphics like Intel UHD or AMD Radeon Vega. These are integrated into the motherboard and do not perform as well as a dedicated graphics card. If you happen on a laptop which actually has a dedicated GPU, such as an older model of NVIDIA GeForce MX series, consider it a cherry on the cake!
RAM
8 GB RAM is a perfect choice for gaming, but 4 GB can be enough for less resource intensive games. The good thing is that lowest cost laptops offer a chance for RAM upgrades so that you can buy a laptop that has 4 GB RAM with the potential of upgrading to 8 GB and beyond in the future.
Storage:
Usually in the aspect of storage, there is always an endless argument of HDD or SSD. Nevertheless, SSDs are quick and make it easy for your laptop to be very user-friendly, which for gaming is very helpful. It is best to buy a laptop at least with 128 GB SSD storage capacity. If that does not meet your requirements, you can always plug in and remove an external drive or remove the internal one.
Display:
A decent display can improve your gaming performance quite a great deal. 4k displays are out of the question at such a price, but a Full HD (1080p) screen is possible. Also think about the refresh rate – it’s common to see 60Hz, but anything above that is likely to give better experience, although this is not common at this price range.
Battery Life:
It is always not a good idea to game on battery power, especially when using a cheap laptop. Most of these laptops will give you 4–6 hours of mixed usage but during gaming this will drop significantly, predict even less power than this. You should always have your charger nearby!
Build Quality and Design
Although the performance is very important, do not forget about the build, which should be sturdy enough for everyday use. The laptop must be rugged enough to handle regular usage. Moreover, a laptop with proper design and good thermals will be tolerant to usage for lengthy gaming without failing.
Top Picks for Best Gaming Laptops Under $400
Since we have understood what exactly you should look for, let us now take a look at some very best options available in today’s market.
Laptop 1: Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 has always been a winner in the budget segment, since it provides good value for the price. Comes with an AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 4 GB or 8 GB RAM, and a 128 GB SSD as stated previously. Its integrated AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics performance lets you play games such as “Overwatch” and “CS: GO” on medium settings.
Pros: Excellent workmanship Fair quality display Presence of SSD for reducing loading time Cons: Less storage space Additional RAM would be ideal for better speed
Laptop 2: Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Another is the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, which has also been reviewed positively. Its specifications are an Intel Core i3 processor, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD, which is quite good at this price range. However, for games that need a little more than basic graphics, the Intel UHD is not recommended.
Pros: Decent size SSD Good typing experience Decent price for the specifications
Cons: Plain look Fair battery performance
Laptop 3: HP 15
The HP 15 offers good overall performance. You’ll often see it with an AMD Ryzen 3 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a 128 GB SSD. Its AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics can run popular esports games and some older AAA titles on low settings.
Some Pros & Cons Of Best Gaming Laptop Under $400
How to Get the Most Gaming Power from a Cheap Laptop
Even the top budget laptop requires some adjustments to work its best. Here are a few suggestions:
Tweak Game Settings: Turning down resolution and graphics options can boost performance.
Enhance Components: If your laptop allows, putting in extra RAM or a bigger SSD can have a big impact.
Outside Add-ons: Think about using a cooling pad to stop overheating or an external GPU for more demanding games.
Software Tweaks: Keep your system clean, update drivers frequently, and think about using gaming mode features many laptops offer.
What Users Say
Lots of people have shared good experiences with cheap gaming laptops. They typically praise getting decent performance for casual gaming and good multitasking. But some common gripes are about limited storage space and the need to add upgrade RAM.
Conclusion
Getting your hands on a great Best Gaming Laptop Under $400 is tough, but you can do it. If you know what specs to look for and don’t expect too much, you’ll have a blast gaming without spending a fortune. The Acer Aspire 5, Lenovo IdeaPad 3, and HP 15 stand out in this price range. Each one gives you a unique mix of performance and bang for your buck. Don’t wait around! Jump into gaming with a laptop that won’t empty your wallet!
FAQs
- Can a $400 laptop run modern games?
Yes, but you’ll need to play at lower settings and resolutions. Games like “Fortnite” and “Minecraft” will run well, while more demanding titles might have trouble. - Is it worth upgrading a budget laptop to play games?
For sure! Adding more RAM or a bigger SSD can boost your gaming experience. - How long can I expect a $400 gaming laptop to last?
If you take good care of it and upgrade it now and then, a budget gaming laptop can last 3–5 years. - What games can I play on a $400 gaming laptop?
You can play popular games like “League of Legends,” “CS: GO,” and “The Sims 4” with pretty good performance. - Are refurbished laptops a good choice to play games?
Yes, repaired laptops can give you better specs for the same price, but make sure to buy from a trusted seller with a solid warranty.
