What are the best laptops for casual gaming?

Question

Hi everyone, I'm looking to buy a new laptop primarily for casual gaming and was hoping to get some recommendations from the community.

I'm not a hardcore gamer by any means - I mostly play indie titles, some older AAA games, and the occasional online multiplayer game with friends. Nothing too graphics-intensive. At the same time, I'd like a laptop that can handle most games smoothly at medium settings. My budget is around $800-1000.

From the research I've done so far, it seems like the key specs to look for are:

Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 (8th gen or newer)
Graphics card: NVIDIA GTX 1650 or better
RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB preferred
Storage: 256GB SSD or greater

Some of the models that seem to be popular for gaming in this price range are:

Acer Nitro 5
ASUS TUF Gaming FX505
Lenovo Legion 5
HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop 15

I'm leaning towards the Lenovo Legion 5 because it has a GTX 1660 Ti graphics card and a 512GB SSD for under $1000. But I've also heard good things about the ASUS TUF series.

Does anyone have experience gaming on any of these laptops or have other models to suggest? I'd appreciate any insights on performance, build quality, thermals, battery life, and overall value. I want something that will last me a good 3-4 years.

Also, are there any particular brands or models I should avoid? I know gaming laptops can have issues with overheating and poor battery life. Want to make sure I get something reliable.

Thanks in advance for your help! Looking forward to hearing your recommendations and first-hand experiences. Let me know if you need any other info.

ccc-122 · Accepted Answer

I think Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop is the best choice, https://www.amazon.com/i7-13620H-Processor-GeForce-Display-ANV15-51-73B9/dp/B0CMRGBXM9/

features:

Evelyn 555 · Answer

Given your budget of $800-1000 and your preference for smooth gaming performance at medium settings, I think you're on the right track with the specs you listed. An Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, NVIDIA GTX 1650 or better graphics card, 8-16GB RAM, and a 256GB+ SSD will serve you well for the types of games you mentioned.

Of the models you're considering, I've heard consistently positive things about the Lenovo Legion 5. It offers excellent value for the specs, with the GTX 1660 Ti being a notable step up from the base GTX 1650. The 512GB SSD is also a good size for storing a decent library of games. Lenovo's build quality and cooling are generally solid too.

The ASUS TUF Gaming FX505 is another good option in this price range. It has similar specs to the Legion 5, but with a slightly weaker GPU (usually a GTX 1650). However, ASUS's TUF series is known for its durability and reliable performance. If you can find a good deal on one with a GTX 1660 Ti, that would be ideal.

Some other models to consider:

Dell G5 15: Good all-around gaming laptop with customizable configurations. Aim for a GTX 1660 Ti if possible.
MSI GF65 Thin: Sleek design, good specs for the price. Look for sales/discounts.
Acer Predator Helios 300: May be slightly above your budget, but offers excellent performance and build quality if you can catch a deal.

In terms of brands to avoid, I would steer clear of unknown or lesser-known brands that offer suspiciously good specs for the price. Stick with reputable brands like Lenovo, ASUS, Dell, HP, Acer, MSI, etc.

As for longevity, a well-cared-for gaming laptop should last you 3-4 years, especially if you're not pushing it to its limits constantly. Look for models with good cooling solutions and user reviews mentioning long-term reliability.

kVVV1 · Answer

I think MacBook Air is the best choice for your need.