Note that this is an old post.
For up to date information, see this article on the best gaming laptops under $500.
Well, if you’re looking for a decent gaming laptop and don’t want to spend more than $500 on it then you’re at the right place. Many people believe that high-end laptops for playing games will cost them over a grand but in 2016 it’s not really true. One can also buy a decent budget gaming notebook and play games on medium settings. There are hundreds of gaming laptops under $500 available these days that can run most of modern games effortlessly. We have made this list after weeks of research and have finally compiled the best among them. So here are the top 10 best cheap gaming notebooks under $500 of 2016.
1. HP EliteBook K4J78UT#ABA
Manufactured using the best quality hardware, the HP EliteBook is a 14-inch gaming laptop that is known for its long battery life of about 16 hours. It works really well with most of the latest games and one can even run heavy applications smoothly. You will totally fall in love with its HD display and light design that makes it one of the premium gaming laptops under $500. It’s great laptop for both, gamers and casual users since it’s packed with latest specifications like Core i5 processor, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB HDD, 16 hours of battery life and Intel 4400 HD graphics.
2. HP 15-r018dx
The 2016 model of HP 15-r018dx is absolutely loved by everyone. It features high-end performance and is also great for multi-tasking. It packs 4th generation Core i3 processor, Windows 8.1, Intel 4400 HD graphics, 4 GB RAM and 750 GB HDD. One can configure it entirely before purchasing and there are plenty of variants available in different specifications. Its glossy look makes it really impressive as well as professional and it feels extremely rich while using. Its affordable price is yet another reason that makes it among the best gaming laptops under $500.
3. Sony VAIO Fit Series SVF14213CXB
The Sony VAIO Fit series is highly acclaimed for its touch screen display and business use but still it can be a great budget gaming laptop of 2016. Other appreciated features of this notebook are its specifications, design, HD display, etc. It comes with Core i3 processor, 500 GB HDD, 4 GB RAM and Windows 8. It doesn’t have specifications like most of the top-notch gaming laptops but still it’s good for gamers and can handle most of the regular games effortlessly. It has powerful processor and decent graphics card and I believe that is all required while playing games.
4. Toshiba Satellite C75D-A7102
The Toshiba Satellite C75D-A7102 is one of the best laptops under $500 in 2016 and is even considered as the best replacement for your gaming desktop. The 17-inch laptop is big, affordable and durable. It packs AMD Quad-Core A6 processor, 4 GB RAM, AMD Radeon 8400 HD graphics, 500 GB HDD and Windows 8.1. As most of the 17-inch laptops, this one is little bulky as well but it’s totally worth it when it comes to performance. It can also be good while working on your projects or even multi-tasking.
5. Asus X550CA
The Asus X550CA is a 15-inch functional laptop that comes with Core i3 processor, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB HDD and Windows 8. So if you’re looking for an affordable laptop and want it for playing games then this notebook is highly recommended. After looking at it carefully I have learned that there’s a newer model of this notebook that has been released this year and has a touch screen display. So if you want a touch display you should go with latest model but it might cost you little bit extra. It’s a durable laptop under $500 and is very well designed.
6. Samsung ATIV Book 5
The Samsung Series 5 is a 14-inch gaming laptop that will cost you around $450. It comes with pre-loaded i3, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB HDD, AMD Radeon HD graphics card and Windows 8. I know it’s kind of an old model but I can tell you that it’s a great gaming notebook under $500. It’s great for both, gamers and college students and also for people looking for a powerful yet portable laptop. Its stylish design clearly is very impressive and one simply can’t ignore its presence. Unlike most of the gaming laptops on this list, this one has an Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics card which is extremely helpful while playing games.
7. Newest Edition Dell Inspiron 5000 17
If you’re looking for a long lasting gaming laptop under $500 then the Newest Edition Dell Inspiron 17 is what you need. Its i3 processor will undoubtedly boost your gaming performance. Other specifications include, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB HDD, Windows 10 and Intel HD graphics card. There are plenty of more notable features such as Blu-Ray drive, 17-inch display, etc. This specific notebook from HP Pavilion series is big, extremely affordable and among the best ones for playing games. In fact, one can also replace it with their home desktop.
8. Dell Inspiron 11 3000 Series
The Dell Inspiron 11 is designed to be the most compact gaming notebook that comes for under $500. It’s among the premium laptops and includes all the latest features including touch screen display. It’s built for most of the basic tasks but one can even play most of the latest games. It features Intel Core i3 processor, 500 GB HDD, 4 GB RAM and Windows 8.1. So if you’re looking for an affordable option that will be durable then this is what you need. You will be sure of performance and it should get most of your work done with ease. Overall, it’s a long term solution and I believe it’s the most suitable laptop for everyone.
9. Lenovo Yoga 2
The Lenovo Yoga 2 is known for its elegant design and Yoga type flexibility. It’s very convenient and comes with a touch screen display. It was first launched in 2014 but is still among the most preferred laptops. Other notable features for this notebook are 4 GB RAM, Intel Pentium processor, 500 HDD and Windows 8.1. Built using the high quality material, the Yoga 2 has a 10-point multi-touch screen display and full HD widescreen. So if you’re low on budget and are looking to purchase a decent gaming under $500 then this is what you need.
10. ASUS Transformer Book T200TA-C1-BL
The ASUS Transformer Book is highly noted for its 2-in-1 design and detachable touch screen display. It comes equipped with Intel Quad-Core processor, 64 GB SSD in tablet, 9 hours of battery life, 4 GB RAM and Windows 8. Unlike most of the 2-in-1 laptop this one doesn’t rotate its screen but is completely detached. It has an impressive design that is unique and it’s also kind of affordable. So if you’re looking for the best gaming laptop under $500 then you should definitely consider this device.
