Is it possible to buy a good gaming laptop for under $1200?
I think it depends on your definition of gaming.
Let me explain!
If you are a pro gamer who likes to play the latest titles at high Frame rates (Witcher 3, Fortnite) with no freezing or rendering.
I think the $1200 budget is good enough to bring you the laptop and let you play the games of your desire.
For an avid gamer, who has been playing games on a PC, and indulges in gaming for extended hours in one sitting with VR Support, the mentioned budget is not enough.
10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $1200 (2022)
1. Acer Predator Helios 300 (Best Overall Laptop)
Specification:
- Processor: 10th Gen Core i7 processor
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics card: RTX 2060 6GB dedicated space
- Display: 15.6 inches FHD IPS 144 Hz display
If you ask me to recommend a gaming laptop for $1200 I would recommend Acer-designed Predator Helios 300.
This gaming laptop has been on top of one of the top shopping portals for a reason. This model is all in all a gaming laptop and got the power to run through any game you throw at it.
Whether you like to play Red Dead Redemption 2 at high to ultra-high rates or Apex Legends, the model runs all without showing a single sign of freezing.
Performance:
Acer Predator Helios 300 gaming laptop comes powered by 10th Gen Intel i7-10750H that goes up to 5.0 GHz clock speed. This is the top performer processor made by Intel for laptops and notebooks.
It comes with 6-cores and 12-threads and lets you enjoy superior processing and gaming power to tackle any load.
The model shares Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Graphics card with a 6GB dedicated space. It is an overclockable graphics card that provides you with the immense required power to go through the games you like to play.
The latest released titles can easily be played; the overclockable feature automatically increases the visual processing capacity of the laptop up to the required rates.
RAM and Storage:
The other factors that make this gaming laptop stand out include 16GB DDR4 memory. It is a dual-channel memory with an extra slot that makes you increase the overall memory size as per your wish.
If you think, the given memory is not enough to suit your regular gaming needs, you may put in another RAM to increase the size. Your laptop supports that upgrade and lets you enjoy gaming per your conditions.
Its 512GB SSD NVMe storage is another impressive add-on. Pro gamers might not like the size, as they like to stuff lots of games in their storage. 512GB might not be enough, for them, there is another slot to increase the storage to the same as RAM.
Display:
Next comes its display. Believe me, Predator Helios 300 display is one of the finest produced displays in the industry. The model shares 15.6 inches of Full HD IPS panels with 144 Hz refresh rates, 3ms response time, and larger viewing angles.
With the added features, you say goodbye to freezing, motion blurs, and colour-bleeding. Get your latest games running at a smooth speed, and enjoy your leisure time with no frustration when you freeze at shooting someone in the game.
RGB 4-Zone Backlight Keyboard:
Another amazing feature that makes gamers more appealing to this laptop is its RGB backlit keyboard. The 4-zone RGB-supported backlit keyboard offers you a superior typing experience in all environments.
See-through concave style keys with great key travel distance make a handy addition.
The lights coming down from the keys create an entirely different ambience, for gamers, it is a mood-changing or boosting environment.
Improved Heating System:
To make this gaming laptop stands out in the gaming world, Acer did a great effort. The biggest issue for gaming laptops is their heat.
When gamers indulge in extended gaming sessions, laptops start to produce lots of heat for a reason.
Acer came up with cutting-edge designed all-metal-made AeroBlade 3D fans that offer improved airflow and keep the system at optimal temperature.
Connectivity Option:
The model got an impressive range of IO options. A USB Type-C port, Mini Display 1.4, HDMI port, and other regular USB ports make this laptop available for any connection.
Battery Life
Its battery backup is quite impressive. You must not expect a trendsetter battery backup from a laptop for gaming under $1200.
Still, this model manages to last around 6-8 hours at casual computing.
Should I buy It?
In short, Acer Predator Helios without any issue is the top gaming model.
You can bank on this model; spend your hard money on buying this. It is a great replica of your hard-earned money, for gaming, there is no comparison for the model for this price.
Acer Predator Helios 300 Full Review
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card
10th Gen Core i7 processor for 1200 dollars price
Magnificent RAM 16 GB dual-channel memory
Impressive 512GB SSD storage
4-zone backlit keyboard
Cutting-edge designed cooling system
Great laptop for gaming for 1200 dollars[/i2pros][i2cons]Little Heavy [/i2cons][/i2pc]
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2. MSI GL65 Leopard
Specification:
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H
- RAM: 16GB (Upgradable)
- Storage: 512GB SSD NVMe (Upgradable)
- Graphics: RTX 2070 8GB dedicated
- Display: 15.6 inches FHD IPS display
MSI is one of the top manufacturers of gaming laptops. This brand has been offering top products for years now and has helped gamers to take their gaming to the next level with portability.
This particular model though goes out of our budget bracket, but it is near 1200 dollars.
If you can afford those few extra bucks, believe me, this model will surely go to exceed your expectation.
You may get hands on the previous iteration but that was with the 9th gen processor, and this particular shares the 10th generation.
Performance:
MSI GL65 comes integrated with the 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H Hexa-core processor that goes up to 5.0 GHz clock speed. The model shares 6 cores and 12-threads to make you enjoy superior processing and gaming performance.
It’s the latest generation processor through 11th Gen processor have already entered the commercial market but this will make the budget expenditures. Given processor is more than enough for gaming; you would not face a single issue.
The top aspect of this budget gaming laptop is RTX 2070 graphics card with 8GB memory. An overclockable graphics card ensures you never struggle in gaming, and always overplay your competitors in a battleground.
In performance-wise, I see this laptop is good for professional operation. Such as, for a civil or network engineer, Virtualization, or 3d modelling operation.
RAM and Storage:
Its 512GB SSD storage is an ideal fit for gaming. It has another storage slot to expand the overall storage capacity of the laptop.
Its memory size falls at 16GB, here as well; there is another slot to expand the memory up to 64GB.
Imagine the combo of all these specs, I do not think; you will ever struggle in running any game at HD frame rates.
144 Hz 15.6 FHD Display:
The model comes fitted with 15.6 inches FHD IPS display with 144 Hz refresh rates. It is probably one of the finest gaming laptops under 1200 with 144 Hz refresh rates.
It lets you play games at blindly fast rates and lets you unleash all potential of the graphics card to enjoy a super-smooth gaming experience.
Steel Series Per-Key RGB Keyboard:
MSI GL65 Leopard comes with a per-key RGB steel series keyboard. The keyboard lets you personalize your gaming experience and set your desired colour shading to set up your mood for gaming.
Upgraded cooling mechanism:
Its dedicated cooling mechanism for CPU and GPU is also one of those features we must mention.
The model shares a total of 7 heat pipes that ensure smooth airflow and make you indulge in the gaming session for extended hours.
Should I buy It?
If you look at the price it costs a hair more than 1200 dollars.
But look at the specs, do not you think this laptop in specs and performance goes a little ahead of Acer Predator Helios 300?
Its heating system is obviously better, can be upgraded with 64GB RAM, and looks good as well.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]FHD IPS display with 144 Hz refreshes rates
Revolutionary cooling mechanism
Powerhouse processor
Upgradable memory attributes
RTX 2070 graphics card for dedicated gaming
SteelSeries per-key RGB keyboard[/i2pros][i2cons]Fans are a little loud
Battery-Life could have been increased[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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3. Dell G5 Gaming Laptop (Mid-Priced)
Specification:
- Processor: 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750h
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB SSD+1TB HDD
- Graphics: GTX 1650
- Display: 15.6 inches FHD IPS display
Dell G-series is one of the most acclaimed gaming line-ups. Its G5 model is considered the top gaming laptop that showcases impressive aesthetics without sacrificing power.
The laptop packs a sober look comes in a compact chassis and adorns a top specification lined up to make you achieve the next level in gaming.
Additionally, this laptop is also a great option for photo and video editing, a 700 dollars video editing laptop.
Performance:
Dell G5 15 gaming laptop comes integrated with 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750h Hexa-core processor that reaches up to 4.5 GHz clock speed.
With a 12MB cache, 6-cores and 12-threads this model renders an immense range of power to help gamers play their desired games.
Do not forget that the model has a GTX 1650 graphics card with 4GB of dedicated space. You can play your desired intensive games without dropping frame rates.
Get your hands on your desired latest release title and without colour bleeding or motion blur enjoy games at the highest speed.
Storage and RAM:
You get 16GB DDR 2666MHz RAM to make gamers tackle loads of games and other tasks. It will not be an issue to load the latest graphics-intensive games or switch through different tasks.
Added memory is enough even for professionals as well as gamers.
It has 256GB SSD with 1TB HDD storage. It is dual storage, Dell kills two birds with one stone, without spending money to get things sorted out.
You get SATA storage to store your files permanently, and SSD storage for booting.
Do not worry, your booting time and loading time in other words overall laptop speed would not have any impact on SATA storage, as booting is happening using SSD.
Display:
With a 15.6 inches FHD IPS display, this model ensures a smooth gaming experience. Get hands-on with Red Dead Redemption 2 and witness sky-rocketing refresh rates with improved response time for enjoying your games.
The display further incorporates an anti-glare coating to make you get the beast outdoor without glaring issues.
Innovative Cooling System:
Do not forget the dual-fan cooling system. Its cutting-edge designed innovative cooling mechanism prevents the laptop from getting heated up.
Its fans manage improved airflow and emit excessive heat out of the system to maintain a good internal temperature for long-run performance. Without restarting or halting your gaming session, you get your game going.
Battery Backup:
The only issue with the laptop is its 4-cell battery. For a gaming laptop under 1200 dollars we expect a great battery life that runs around 6-8 hours.
The laptop drains quickly and manages to last around 4-hours. Although it charges up quickly and makes you juice up the device within minutes, still you will have to have a power chord around all the time.
Should I buy it?
If you can’t afford a 1200 dollars price and looking into a budget gaming laptop, G5 got you.
Buy this model, it is as good as Predator Helios 300, a mid-range gaming laptop.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Dual storage 256GB SSD+ 1TB HDD
Bright anti-glare display
Compact chassis easy to carry
Thunderbolt support [/i2pros][i2cons]Battery drains quickly
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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4. Sager NP6858EQ
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Graphics: GTX 1650
- Display: 15.6 inches FHD IPS
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If you are looking for maxed-out specs gaming laptop under $1200 price, this is the laptop you must consider buying.
This model offers the highest specification lined up compared to any other laptop added to the list.
Performance:
This particular Sager model offers a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H Hexa-core processor with a 5.0 GHz clock speed.
It is the 10th Gen processor, the latest and top one that we can have for the price. It is impossible to get better than this for the price.
It is not just the processor that stuns you at this price, it has an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics card with 4GB of dedicated space as well.
It is a great add-on, enough to ensure gamers that they will have a smooth gaming experience. The graphics card is great for the price, it will be tough to get better than this.
Storage and RAM:
Its storage option is what makes you stunned. The particular variant comes with 1TB SSD storage.
In our list, this is the only laptop that possesses 1TB SSD storage for 1200 dollars price range.
There are other variants as well of the model, you may have a 4TB SSD variant but the cost will go up in the same proportion.
Its storage is upgradeable up to 4TB, which makes it a perfect pick for virtual machine setup, Cutting and designing tools, and many others.
Its 16GB DDR4 2933MHz is also impressive. No other laptop has a memory comparison as well. The memory can further expand to help avid gamers.
You can have the memory upgraded up to 64GB using the extra slot or get another variant with 64GB memory.
Display:
Its 15.6 inches FHD IPS thin-bezel display that offers a 144 Hz refresh rate offers turbulence-free visual production. It’s one of the best light laptops for a 1200 dollar price.
Its compactness is impressive, college students can easily take this laptop on campus or professionals go by without feeling the weight.
Keyboard and Connectivity:
It does have a backlit keyboard. Single zone backlights illuminate the environment to make typing easier for gamers and professionals in dim light conditions.
Other features that make this laptop more impressive and resourceful include an extensive range of ports including USB Type-C, Mini DisplayPort, HD Webcam to let you enjoy Zoom Meeting, and an SDcard reader.
Should I buy It?
The biggest impact of this gaming laptop is its processor, an 8-core processor. It is maxed-out specs for gaming on a laptop you get hands-on for this price.
So, for beginner to professional gamers, and from students to engineers and commercial-scale tasks, this laptop got all covered.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Giant 1TB SSD storage for this price
Extensive range of IO ports
FHD IPS display with thin bezels around
GTX 1650 graphics offer superior gaming results
Upgradability [/i2pros][i2cons]Poor battery
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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5. MSI GF63
Specification:
- Processor: 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H
- Graphics: GTX 1650 4GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Display: 15.6 inches FHD IPS
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MSI is the top brand in gaming laptop manufacturing. It is one of the top-selling brands, gamers like and prefer purchasing MSI laptops.
MSI GF63 is one of the best gaming laptops under $1000, you can save up to 200 dollars and manage to enjoy the same level of gaming performance.
Performance:
It comes with the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H processor. Hexa-core processor offers improved processing power and offers a 10-per cent increase in performance compared to the previous generation processor.
Do not forget that MSI GF63 also houses a GTX 1650 Graphics card with 4GB of dedicated space. The mentioned graphics ensure you harness every game that comes to your way and make you dominate every game and battleground.
Thin Bezel Display:
MSI GF63 is one of the best slim gaming laptops for 1200 dollars. Its 15.6 inches FHD IPS display comes fitted in slim bezels that offer more viewing area in fewer dimensions.
The laptop offers the highest screen-to-body ratio and maximizes your gaming performance.
RAM And Storage:
It has the required amount of RAM and storage. You would not run short of memory at all. With 16GB dual-channel memory, you enjoy on-par gaming performance.
Multitask through dozens of tasks at one time and enjoy the lag-free performance.
Moreover, you can increase the memory up to 64GB, added 16GB of memory is more than enough for even an avid gamer.
You get 512GB SSD storage as well. It’s NVMe storage that offers several times faster performance compared to traditional storage. You enjoy fast boot-up, instant loading of the data, and hassle-free logging.
Cooling System:
The model has a dedicated cooling feature with the name Cooler Boost 5. It has a dedicated cooling mechanism designed to ensure top performance under intense pressure. You will enjoy long sessions of games without halting or lagging.
MSI GF63’s next model MSI GF65 is also a good option that comes at almost the same price. Check it.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Powerful processor
Compact chassis
Cheaper laptop
Upgradability
Thin and ultra-lightweight laptop[/i2pros][i2cons]Loud fans
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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6. Acer Nitro 5
Specification:
- Processor: 9TH Gen core i7
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Graphics: RTX 2060 6GB
- Display: 15.6 inches FHD IPS 60 Hz
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Acer-designed Nitro series is one of the finest gaming line-ups. Its Acer Nitro 5 model shares the same Nitro series legacy and offers impressive gaming performance.
The model comes in hands under the $1000 price range, you can save up to 200 dollars easily without sacrificing any top gaming feature.
Performance:
The model shares an Intel 9th Gen core i7 processor that offers up to 4.5 GHz clock speed. Listen, this is the same processor we have been seeing in other gaming laptops for 1200 dollars.
So as long as the processor is concerned there is no change.
To make the laptop stands out in gaming there comes an RTX graphics card. This model shares Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card with a 6GB dedicated space.
The latest Turing architecture-designed graphics card is there to let you play the latest games.
It is a high-performing gaming gear that lets you roll hands-on latest games as well as visually intensive tasks such as 3D modelling, rendering, video editing, Civil And architecture, electrical engineering, and much more in the row.
Storage and RAM:
Its 256GB SSD storage is on par. For gaming, the mentioned storage is good to go. In case you require more storage there is a special slot to let you expand the storage.
You can increase the SSD storage, the extra 200 dollars can rightly be spent here.
It has 16GB of RAM. The ram size is also expandable. There is no need to expand the memory even for ultra HD games.
You can play any game with 16GB memory, more memory would not bring any change as long as the gaming is concerned.
Display:
The model has 15.6 inches FHD IPS WideScreen display that offers superior 144 Hz refresh rates to let you stay ahead in the game.
Improved refresh rates and response time enhance your gaming speed and make you enjoy buttery smooth visuals on the screen. Its anti-glare panels let you enjoy an error-free and glare-free display even in the outdoors.
The model shares a dedicated cooling mechanism. When you are involved in heavy gaming sessions, Acer’s CoolBoost technology improved the airflow and chill-out of the interior.
You would not have to stop your gaming or process to let the system cool down.
Red Backlight Keyboard:
It has a red-backlit keyboard with a 1.6 mm key travel distance. The keyboard is great to type on for hours to make you accomplish your typing work in no time.
Its natural red colour keys illuminance what you can’t change is a little annoying though.
It is not a drawback though, it is a personal preference, I do not like red shading keys illuminance all the time.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]RTX 2060 Graphics card under 1000 dollars
Powerhouse processor for gaming
Upgradable memory and storage
On par 16GB RAM[/i2pros][i2cons]Bulky
Red illuminated keys[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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7. HP OMEN 15
Specification:
- Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H
- RAM: 8GB RAM (Upgradable)
- Storage: 512GB (Upgradable)
- Graphics: GTX 1650 Ti
- Display: 15.6 inches FHD IPS 144 Hz
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HP Omen series is one of the finest and most affordable gaming laptop lineups. Its latest HP Omen 15 gaming laptop offers a decent line of configurations to let gamers get their hands on the latest titles.
It has the latest processor, required memory option, impressive graphics card, and a bright display. It is easy to carry as well, you can take it around for tasks other than gaming.
Performance:
Hp Omen 15 gaming laptop comes powered by a 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H Hexa-core processor that offers a 5.0 GHz clock speed.
It is stunning to see a 10th gen processor at this price, I must say, it will be hard to amass this range of features under a budget price range.
It has 8GB upgradable memory and 512GB SSD upgradable storage. The memory size is no less you do not require a giant memory to get your latest games going.
You can ask any gaming expert, the mentioned memory is good to go for gaming.
Still, if you have to cross through dozens of other tasks, you may expand the memory up to 32GB.
With GTX 1650 Ti Graphics card with dedicated 4GB memory you get the power required for fast, seamless, smooth, and efficient gaming.
You can play any game you wish and easily cross through with no freezing, bleeding, or motion blur.
Display:
The model maintains to bring a bright display despite the low price. You get a 15.6 inches FHD IPS 144 Hz 300-nits bright display to outshine others at a lower price range.
Its colour accuracy is great you get an impressive view even in the natural daylight.
Keyboard:
HP Omen 15 gaming laptop at a cheap price offers a stunning keyboard. The keyboard supports four-zone backlighting and makes you enjoy the illuminated ambience.
You can switch the colour and get the required setting as per your preference. Highlighted WASD keys make it easier to spot the right key in an intense gaming session.
Should I buy it?
In short, under a tight budget, the laptop makes a stylish option. It offers a decent range of specs, G-sync support, VR support, Illuminated keys, sturdy construction, and other things that mark a difference in gaming.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Cheap price range
10th Core i7 processor
Upgradable memory option
Efficient reliable graphics card[/i2pros][i2cons]Poor battery backup
Noisy fans
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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8. ROG Zephyrus G15 
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB
- Display: 15.6 inches FHD IPS 144 Hz
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We are going to spend 1200 dollars buying a gaming laptop. It is good money, and to make our spending worth it; we need to consider every aspect of the laptop.
This Rog G15 is one of the best budget gaming laptops, I have checked every aspect of it and landed on the decision that, the machine is stunning, with just a few downsides.
Performance:
The model comes integrated with AMD Ryzen 7 4800 HS processor. It is Ryzen 7, you would not witness a glitch or freezing when going through any amount of processing and tasks.
As long as the memory, it has 16GB single stick memory.
To ensure smooth and error-free gaming, there comes a GTX 1660 Ti graphics card with 6GB memory. You can pretty much roll hands on every game with no issue.
But when you are into the use of CPU and GPU, the heat produced could be an issue. There is no dedicated ventilation system to improve the airflow, it is a downside.
RAM and Storage:
Though you can upgrade the memory and install a dual-stick the processor will be long enough to tire you out. Given that 16GB is enough for casual to complex grade processing.
It has 1TB SSD storage. The storage section is upgradable, you can easily fill up the given slot to expand the memory.
But the given 1TB is enough for avid gamers to house dozens of games, movies, shows, and others without running short of storage.
Also Read: Best Laptops For Photo Storage
Bright 144 Hz display:
It has a 15.6 inches FHD IPS monitor that offers 144 Hz refresh rates. The display is pretty bright to make you view every image or video produced behold in the tiniest details.
Its matte coating enables you to take the beast out in daylight and view the screen without glares or any issues.
Battery Backup:
With a battery life of 5-6 hours in regular computing, you get to enjoy a long runtime. Though the runtime could be been enhanced using a powerful battery, for gaming it is more than good.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]1TB SSD storage for 1200 dollars
GTX 1660 Ti 6GB graphics card
16GB memory is impressive
Graphics card is great for gaming[/i2pros][i2cons]no biometrics
Heat issue
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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9. Razer Blade 15 (Best Ultrabook For gaming)
Specification:
- Processor: 9th Gen core i7-9700 H
- Storage: 256GB SSD (Upgradable)
- RAM: 16GB
- Graphics: GTX 1650 Ti
- Display: 15.6 inches FHD IPS display 144 Hz
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If you are looking for a desktop replacement laptop that overkills your desktop performance get hands with the model. The Razer-designed Blade 15 gaming laptop is designed to be carried around.
It is ultra-fast, ultra-portable, and shares a sleek slim design. It is quite an impressive-looking machine that offers you superior processing and gaming performance.
Performance:
It has a 9th Gen core i7-9700 H processor that offers impressive processing power.
For the users who work on multi-layered projects such as Music production, film-making, video editing, 3d modelling, rendering, or others, the model helps in producing immense power.
The Razer Blade 15 model got a GTX 1650 Ti graphics card backing your visual processing. In other words, for visual processing or tasks that require a visually resourceful laptop, the model is the right suit.
It offers incredible performance and makes it possible that you never see any hiccup or stall on anything.
RAM and Storage:
It has 16GB of memory. For the gamers the added memory is stunning. For pro tools users who work on multi-layered projects, the added memory is pretty enough.
It offers them smooth work on multi-layered projects and switches through projects with no hiccup at all.
It has 256GB SSD storage. The storage looks a little short. You can get hands-on with other variants, including 512GB SSD or 256GB SSD plus 1TB HDD variant.
There is an extra slot as well to make you enable to increase the storage some other time.
Display:
Its monitor is pretty bright. Its 15.6 inches FHD IPS display produces incredible, smooth, and fluid images and videos accurately.
You get to view enhanced visuals in thin bezels around the display to enjoy smoother results.
Connectivity Options & Keyboard:
It comes with multiple IO connectivity options. It is one of the features that makes it equally powerful to desktops. You get Thunderbolt support as well to connect 4k/5k monitors and enjoy superior charging or data transfer.
You get a backlit supported keyboard. The keyboard takes some time to get used to. Within days you will get used to the new keyboard, it got learning curves.
Should I buy It?
In a nutshell, Razer Blade 15 is the best Razer gaming laptop for under $1200. The model is made of aluminium, shares a sleek slim look, and packs an unimaginable specification to let you get hands-on with the tasks you require.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Sleek, slim, and sturdy made laptop
Looks elegant
Superior gaming and complex processing
Upgradable specification
Great for multi-layered projects[/i2pros][i2cons]Gets heat up quickly
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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10. ASUS TUF
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 3750 H
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Graphics: GTX 1650 4GB
- Display: 17.3 Full HD 144 Hz
Gamers prefer a bigger screen. You get to see everything bigger in-depth and behold everything crystal in more detail.
If you love big-screen gaming laptops, Asus got your back and presents one of the stunning 17-inch laptops for under 1200 dollars.
Performance:
This laptop got the right power to handle any game you throw at it. With an AMD Ryzen 7 3750 H quad-core processor you got the right tools to handle games.
The multi-core processor goes up to 4.0 GHz clock speed and tackles the load bigger and heavier games pour.
It has a GTX 1650 graphics card with 4GB of dedicated space to make you run any game you wish at ultra HD settings. The graphics also help you go through multi-layered, visually intensive tasks and get visual calculations processed at high speed.
RAM And Storage:
It has 512GB SSD storage and 8GB memory. The memory size looks a little short, but you can increase the memory using the extra slot.
The motherboard supports dual channels and lets you increase the RAM size up to 32GB.
17-inches Display:
Its FHD 17.3 Inches IPS display is one of the finest displays you have ever beheld. It supports anti-glare panels and renders visuals at the highest clarity.
The display supports 60 Hz refresh rates, quite pretty for average pro gamers.
RGB Backlight Keyboard:
It has RGB backlit support to help you enjoy an improved gaming experience.
Gaming will lot easier with a backlit supported keyboard, here you get one under a budget price range.
Should I buy It?
If you like buying bigger screens laptops, especially for gaming, that’s the best option to go with.
It comes from ASUS, and you know ASUS is a leading name in gaming laptop production. It got the powerful processor a portable laptop can afford to have due to heat issues.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Right processor for the gaming
Bigger FHD Screen
GTX 1650 Graphics card to help in gaming
Upgradable memory and storage
Looks elegant[/i2pros][i2cons]Get hot quickly
Plastic made[/i2cons][/i2pc]
What to expect from a gaming laptop for $1200?
We are going to spend 1200 dollars on buying a laptop to play games. Do you exactly know what specs or features you should expect for the price?
In this coming section, we are going to give a glance at the top features you can easily manage to grab for a price of 1200 dollars.
Keep in mind, that it is a good price to house a great laptop. The only thing is that you need to see the specs and features important for gaming.
Best Processor Under 1200 dollars:
The processor ensures a smooth gaming performance. For the price, you can get a great processor that provides you with enough power to go through the latest titles at HD to ultra HD settings. You can easily get a core i7 processor for the price.
9th or 10th gen processor with core i7 ensures smooth multitasking performance and makes you play the latest games or get hands-on multi-layered tasks.
In the above reviews of the best laptops for gaming, about all laptops have the mentioned processor.
Also Read: Best core i5 laptops under 400
Graphics Card for Budget Gaming Laptop:
For a budget under 1200 dollars, we can get a great graphics card. The recommended graphics card for the price is GTX 1650. You can easily have this graphics card with dedicated memory of 4GB.
If you do not go with a known brand and try luck with a new brand, you may have RTX 2060 or 2070 graphics card with 8GB memory.
In fact, in our list of best laptops for gaming, a few models share RTX series graphics card VR and AI support.
RAM size to Expect For the Price:
Memory plays a big role in making your gaming seamless and error-free. If you have a good graphics card, the need for big memory diminishes.
So, if you have a great graphics card, maybe 8GB of memory is good to go even for AAA titles.
For someone who can’t manage to house a dedicated graphics card or goes through other complex tasks on regular basis, expect a 16GB memory gaming laptop for 1200 dollars.
Gamers Like Bigger Storage:
For a gaming laptop under 1200 you can have 512GB SSD storage with all other nuts and bolts. If you see your laptop has a less powered graphics card maybe the brand could come up with a 1TB SSD.
But with the average gaming specs we mentioned above, it will be hard to come up with a 1TB SSD storage for the price unless you are a new brand.
Crisp Display Marks a Huge Difference:
A good display with a reasonable refresh rate boost your gaming and its joy. A display that colour bleeds or shows motion blurs, makes the entire gaming experience exploited. Grab a good FHD IPS display with good brightness and reasonable refresh rates.
To enjoy a superior gaming experience it is important to have an FHD display. Do not settle with an HD display for 1200 dollars price, no matter whatever the case it is.
Frequently Asked Question
What Are the ideal Specs for a Gaming Laptop under 1200?
Ideal gaming laptops vary from person to person. Maybe you love VR support and try to get hands-on with a full-fledged VR support laptop. For the price, it would not be possible.
The great specs to run any game at HD and FHD settings should be a good processor, enough memory, dedicated graphics, and an FHD display with reasonable refresh rates.
I mean for the price, the expected specs should be 9th or 10th gen core i7 processor, 512GB SSD storage, GTX 1650 Graphics card, and 15.6 Inches FHD IPS display with above 60 refresh rates.
There is another consideration as well to make the gaming laptop stands out.
Could we game with 8GB RAM?
If you have a powerful graphics card and processor combination, you can game with 8GB of memory. But this much memory might not make you go through multi-layered tasks.
For instance, if you got the right specs for video editing; I mean processor and graphics card etc, the mentioned 8GB memory might not be able to handle the load of professional scale video editing.
So, it will be recommended for a gaming laptop to the house at least 16GB of memory. If your laptop does not come with it, you see whether or not the laptop has an upgradeability option.
So that you could upgrade the memory later.
Is SSD important for gaming?
Yes, SSD storages are important to the game in 2021. I see no latest brand featuring SATA storage. They are past now, so try not to opt with them even if you are tight on budget.
Grab a small SSD storage, rather than having giant SATA storage.
Can a gaming laptop under 1200 be used for video editing?
Why not! Actually, gaming laptops share a decent configuration line. They come with a nice processor, a powerful graphics card, and a decent memory option.
These are the specs we look for in video editing and other tasks.
So, without a single shadow of a doubt, you can use a laptop under 1200 for video editing and other tasks.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have reviewed the laptops for gaming under $1200. These laptops have been picked after days of research. We tried to find out laptops with maxed-out specs at this price.
You can view the list, I am sure you would not be able to get a better laptop than these.
Many of the laptops are top-rated, and some are new entries. You can pick any of them for high-ended gaming and other complexes, hard-to-go-through tasks.
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