If you are looking for a gaming laptop under $600, it is very clear that you are a casual gamer on a tight budget, and you are looking for a laptop that not only suits your gaming needs but also performs well in your day-to-day activities at school or the office.
Now, finding a good gaming laptop on the market that suits your needs is not a difficult task; however, finding a gaming laptop under $600 that fits your budget seems to be challenging.
As of today, there are various affordable gaming laptops priced between 500-600 dollars available on the market that can run popular AAA games at decent frame rates on low to medium settings.
So here in this blog post, I will provide you with a detailed guide on choosing the perfect gaming laptop that includes the top features and other things to consider while choosing the best gaming laptop under $600 for gaming so that you don’t need to suffer the long process of research on different blog posts and may end up choosing the laptop that doesn’t fit your style.
Best Pick!
If you are in a hurry and have no time to read, Check this one out!
To cut to the chase, the MSI GF63 Thin Laptop is the best gaming laptop under $600. This budget laptop with a dedicated graphics card is well known for its superb performance in gaming as well as multitasking.
This laptop offers a 15.6″ Full HD IPS display with absolutely clear visuals. The colors are vibrant, and the viewing angles are excellent. The 11th-Generation Core i5-11400H processor is powerful and efficient. It can handle multiple tasks simultaneously without any lag or slowdown.
I played some games on this laptop, and I am really impressed with its outstanding performance. The NVIDIA RTX 1650 graphics card with 8 GB of DDR4 RAM handled everything I threw at it with ease. I played FPS games such as Fortnite, and Valorant with 100+ FPS in medium to high settings.
Further, this laptop has a 256GB NVMe SSD that provides faster boot times even in Windows 11.
MSI has done an excellent job with the cooling system on this laptop. To control the temperature, two fans and six heat pipes are provided to keep the laptop cool even during intense gaming sessions.
The keyboard on this laptop is comfortable to type on. The keys are well-spaced and have a good travel distance.
Overall, the MSI GF63 is an excellent choice for users who are looking for a gaming laptop under 600 dollars with a dedicated graphics card that can do multitasking as well as casual gaming without burning your pocket.
- 11th Generation Intel Core i5-11400H 2.2GHz 6-Core /...
- GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics
- Full HD 1920x1080 IPS-Level Display
Last update on 2024-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
What to Look for in the Best Gaming Laptop Under $600
Before we dive into our list of the best gaming laptops under $600, let’s take a look at some of the important factors that you should consider when buying a $600 gaming laptop for yourself to maximize performance.
Processor
The processor determines how efficiently your laptop can handle demanding tasks. For a gaming laptop under $600, look for at least an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 3rd-generation processor. These mid-range chips can handle gaming and other processor-intensive tasks easily, so you can play your favorite AAA games with ease.
Graphics card
A Graphics card renders images and videos and then displays them on your screen. For the best gaming experience, when buying a gaming laptop under $600, look for at least an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 or AMD Radeon RX 560X graphics card. These cards can run most games on at least medium settings with good frame rates.
Memory
You need RAM for gameplay and multitasking simultaneously, as it allows smooth, lag-free transitions. So for the best gaming laptop under 600, you must look for at least 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which is enough for most gaming and multitasking needs.
Storage
Ideal storage is a must-have requirement on a gaming laptop to install various games. A good gaming laptop should have a solid-state drive, or SSD, for fast boot and load times. The best gaming laptop under $600 must have at least a 256GB SSD, but I would prefer a 512 GB SSD if you can spend a bit more due to the size of games these days.
You can even purchase SSDs later on, as most gaming laptops are easily upgradeable.
Display
A brighter display provides outstanding visuals. So for a gaming laptop under $600, look for a 15.6-inch or larger full HD (1920 x 1080 resolution) display. A full HD screen provides plenty of screen real estate for gaming and streaming video. If possible, anti-glare or IPS panels are preferred for wider viewing angles.
Battery life
While gaming laptops under $600 typically won’t provide extremely long battery life, look for at least 3–4 hours of run time for basic tasks and 2-3 hours for intense gaming.
Ports
Multiple USB ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port are useful for gaming peripherals and connectivity. It’s better to go with USB 3.1 ports that provide faster data transfer speeds while looking for a gaming laptop under $600.
List of Gaming laptop Under $600
Now, that we know the basic requirements to have in a 600-dollar gaming laptop, here is the list of the best gaming laptops under $600 that you can consider while buying an affordable gaming laptop for yourself with powerful performance without compromising the quality of the laptop:
Last update on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
Now, let’s discuss each laptop in detail so that you can finally conclude and make the decision to buy a laptop for gaming under $600 that plays your favorite AAA games with ease and is able to fulfill your day-to-day activities on the go.
HP – Victus 15.6″ Gaming Laptop
This Victus series is a budget-friendly gaming laptop under $600 offered by HP that gives you decent performance and features for its price range.
This laptop is powered by the Intel Core i5-12th Generation Quad-Core processor, which has a boost speed of up to 4.4 GHz. The processor is paired with 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, which can be upgraded up to 16 GB.
To have faster boot times and loading speeds, an SSD is provided, which is 512 GB, so you don’t need to look for an upgrade due to the size of games these days.
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card is a mid-range GPU with 4 GB of GDDR6 VRAM. The GPU can handle most games at medium to high settings at 1080p resolution. It delivers smooth frame rates and graphics quality. You can get 90+ FPS while playing Fortnite, GTA V, and Cyberpunk 277 on low to medium settings without multitasking.
The HP Victus is a good gaming laptop under $600 for those who are looking for an affordable option that can run most esports and FPS games at decent settings and performance.
Key Specifications :
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12450H
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Graphic Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Hard Disk: 512 GB NVMe SSD
- Ethernet port (RJ 45) is also available
- HP - Victus 15.6 Gaming Laptop
- Intel Core i5-12450H
- 8GB Memory
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
PROS:
- Run AAA-rated games such as MW2, GTA V, and COD flawlessly at low to medium settings (90+ FPS).
- The perfect laptop for gaming and school tasks at this price range.
- RAM and SSDs are easily upgradeable.
- Backlit keyboard with a good HD IPS display.
- 512 GB NVMe SSD
CONS:
- The laptop is a bit bulky and heavy.
- The battery lasts for around 2–3 hours during gaming.
- Refresh rate 60 Hz
MSI GF63 Gaming Laptop
The MSI GF63 is the next gaming laptop under $600 that has almost the same specifications as those mentioned above. In terms of design, this laptop has a metal lid and palm rest with a brushed finish that looks premium. It has thin bezels that give you an 82% body-to-screen ratio and has a full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution.
It is powered by an Intel Core i5-10th Generation quad-core processor with a base clock of 2.5 GHz and a boost clock of 4.5 GHz. 8 GB of DDR4 RAM is provided, which is ideal for a $600 laptop; however, it can be upgraded to 64 GB.
In terms of storage, a 256 GB NVMe SSD is provided, which can be replaced with a larger one or supplemented with a 2.5-inch HDD or SSD.
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 with 4 GB of GDDR6 VRAM is provided, which is a mid-range GPU that can handle most games at medium to high settings at 1080p resolution.
The keyboard on the MSI GF63 is comfortable to type on, with well-spaced keys and red backlighting. The touchpad is smooth and responsive.
The laptop has a decent selection of ports, including three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, one HDMI port, one Ethernet port, one audio jack, and one power jack. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity.
Key Specifications :
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10300H
- Display: 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) IPS Display
- Graphic Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Hard Disk: 256 GB SSD
- 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) IPS Display
- Intel Core i5-10300H Processor (Quad-Core, 2.5GHz, 8MB...
- 8GB DDR4 System Memory
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
PROS:
- Run AAA-rated games such as MW2, GTA V, and COD flawlessly at low to medium settings (90+ FPS).
- The perfect laptop for gaming and school tasks at this price range.
- RAM and SSDs are easily upgradeable.
- Backlit keyboard with a good HD IPS display.
- 512 GB NVMe SSD
CONS:
- The laptop comes with some bloatware from MSI
- The refresh rate is 60 Hz
ASUS Zenbook 14 Laptop
The ASUS Zenbook is a thin and light gaming laptop under $600 that can easily handle your gaming needs on a budget.
This laptop has a 14-inch Full HD display with 1920 x 1080p resolution, which is bright and sharp with good viewing angles and color accuracy.
The performance of this laptop is really impressive, thanks to the AMD Ryzen 5 processor and the NVIDIA GeForce MX350 dedicated graphics card. It can even handle multitasking, video editing, web browsing, and casual gaming pretty smoothly.
You can play AAA games such as Fortnite, GTA V, Valorant, and Minecraft at medium to high settings with 80+ FPS.
The port selection is also good, which includes HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, a microSD card reader, and a headphone jack. It also has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a webcam, stereo speakers, and a microphone.
Key Specifications :
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 R series quad processor
- Display: 14-inch (1920 x 1080) IPS Display
- Graphic Card: NVIDIA GeForce MX350
- Hard Disk: 256 GB SSD
Last update on 2024-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
PROS:
- A fast, economical laptop with multitasking
- Almost a bezel-less display with a 92% screen-to-body ratio.
- Battery life is decent, lasting for about 6 to 7 hours on average.
- Backlit keyboard with fingerprint scanner
CONS:
- The Ethernet port is not available
- The laptop gets hot and noisy during heavy loads.
MSI GF63 Thin Gaming Laptop
The next gaming laptop under $600 is the MSI GF63 Laptop. This laptop is designed to strike a balance between performance and portability. It has a sleek black chassis with a red backlit keyboard.
It also has a thin bezel display that gives you more screen space and a better viewing experience.
This MSI Laptop is not only good for gaming, but also for creative tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and music production.
When it comes to specifications, It has an 11th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, a powerful processor with six cores and 12 threads that can handle multitasking and heavy workloads at the same time. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card gives you realistic graphics and smooth, lag-free gameplay, just like on the above-mentioned laptops.
In terms of thermals, this laptop has a dual-fan cooling system that keeps the temperature and noise levels low, even during intense gaming sessions.
If you could ask my opinion, I would personally suggest you go with the MSI GF 63 if you are on a budget and looking to buy a gaming laptop in between 500-600 dollars.
Key Specifications :
- Processor: Intel 11th Gen Core i5-11400H
- Display: Full HD 1920×1080 IPS-Level Display
- Graphic Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 1650
- Hard Disk: 256 GB SSD
- 11th Generation Intel Core i5-11400H 2.2GHz 6-Core /...
- GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics
- Full HD 1920x1080 IPS-Level Display
Last update on 2024-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
PROS:
- The best gaming laptop for entry-level gaming.
- Able to run most of the AAA titles at 80+ FPS with low to medium settings.
- A good selection of ports, including an Ethernet port (RJ-45) is also available
- The thermals are pretty good as compared to other laptops in this price range.
CONS:
- You need to upgrade your RAM in order to play games at high settings.
Overall, this is a fairly affordable and portable gaming laptop under $600 that can run most modern games but may struggle with the most graphics-intensive titles at ultra-high settings. However, for casual gaming and general use, this MSI GF63 can work well for the money. I would recommend upgrading the RAM and adding more storage space for the best experience, though. But as an entry-level gaming option, this laptop will suit most of your basic needs.
ASUS TUF Gaming F15 Gaming Laptop
The most preferred and affordable gaming laptop on the list of gaming laptop under $600 is the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 laptop. I must say this is the best gaming laptop, as it can handle all your gaming as well as multitasking needs with its super powerful Intel Core i5 11th Generation processor and an NVIDIA RTX 2050 graphic card.
In terms of performance, this Intel processor can boost up to 4.5 GHz during intensive gameplay. It has 8 GB of DDR4 RAM that can easily be upgraded to 32 GB when needed.
With the help of the NVIDIA RTX 2050 graphic card, this laptop can run most AAA games at high settings with high-resolution textures and effects.
It also supports adaptive sync, which provides smooth gameplay at a 144Hz refresh rate by synchronizing the display refresh rate with the GPU frame rate to reduce lag, minimize stuttering, and eliminate visual tearing.
Regarding durability, this laptop has a military-grade certification, which means it can withstand drops, shocks, vibrations, humidity, and extreme temperatures.
The TUF Gaming F15 has a gaming keyboard with RGB backlighting. The keys have short travel but feel responsive when gaming. The touchpad is a good size and accurate. I strongly suggest you go with this laptop if you can spend nearly $630, or even if you can get it for around $600 during the sale.
Key Specifications :
- Processor: Intel Core i5-11400H Processor
- Display: 15.6” 144Hz FHD Display with adaptive sync
- Graphic Card: GeForce RTX 2050, 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Hard Disk: 512GB PCIe SSD Gen 3
- FX506HF-ES51
- SUPERCHARGED RTX GRAPHICS - Gameplay graphics are silky...
- READY FOR ANYTHING - Use your gaming laptop to stream and...
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
PROS:
- A high-performing laptop that can easily run most competitive games at an FPS of 180+
- Future-proof: RAM can be expandable up to 64 GB.
- Two slots are present to upgrade SSDs.
- The best gaming laptop in terms of price and performance
- Multitasking is easy.
CONS:
- Just like any other gaming laptop, the battery doesn’t perform well (2–3 hours of gameplay).
- Need to plug in while gaming.
Acer Aspire 5 Laptop
The last laptop that I have chosen to be on the list of gaming laptop under $600 is the Acer Aspire 5. This laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display that delivers crisp and colorful visuals, as well as an AMD Ryzen 5 7530U Hexa-Core Processor that can handle multitasking and demanding games. It also comes with integrated Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics that can boost your gaming performance and support DirectX 12 features.
It is equipped with 8GB of LPDDR4X memory and a 512GB Gen 4 SSD that offers fast loading times and ample storage space. With Wi-Fi 6E and a backlit keyboard, you can enjoy smooth online gaming and comfortable typing in any lighting condition.
The Aspire 5 was not built primarily for gaming, but the reason why I added this laptop to the list of gaming laptop under $600 is the laptop’s specifications. You can play most of the AAA titles on low settings with 60+ FPS. So what else can you expect from a 600-dollar gaming laptop?
Key Specifications :
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7530U Hexa-Core Processor
- Display: 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display
- Graphic Card: AMD Radeon Graphics
- Hard Disk: 512GB Gen 4 SSD
- Ready-To-Go Performance: The Aspire 5 is ready-to-go with...
- Clear and Comfortable Viewing: Experience crisp, lifelike...
- The Design: The slim 0.70" body and aluminum top cover give...
Last update on 2024-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
PROS:
- best-in-class processor with Radeon graphics.
- Able to run AAA titles with an average of 60+ FPS.
- Able to do multitasking.
- 512 GB SSD Generation 4
CONS:
- A dedicated graphics card is not available.
- Noisy and heat up during intense gaming.
Comparison of Gaming Laptop Under $600
| Laptop Model | Processor | Graphic Card | RAM | Storage |
| HP – Victus 15.6″ Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i5-12450H | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | 8 GB | 512 GB NVMe |
| MSI GF63 Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i5-10300H | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | 8 GB | 256 GB SSD |
| ASUS Zenbook 14 Laptop | AMD Ryzen 5 quad core | NVIDIA GeForce MX350 | 8 GB | 256 GB SSD |
| MSI GF63 Thin Gaming Laptop | Intel 11th Gen Core i5 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 1650 | 8 GB | 256 GB SSD |
| ASUS TUF F15 Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i5-11400H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 | 8 GB | 512GB SSD |
| Acer Aspire 5 Laptop | AMD Ryzen 5 7530U | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8 GB | 512GB SSD |
As you can see, all laptops offer similar specifications, with minor differences in graphics cards and storage capacity. Consider your specific gaming needs and preferences to determine which gaming laptop under $600 suits you best.
Wrap Up On Gaming Laptop Under $600
In conclusion, finding a gaming laptop under $600 that offers excellent performance and is able to handle all your gaming needs is possible. If you are a new performer in gaming, I strongly suggest you make your decision on the above-mentioned laptops to gain some experience.
While buying a gaming laptop under $600, make sure to consider the important contributing factors, such as an Intel Core i5 processor, a dedicated graphics card, at least 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of SSD storage. After going through my 10 years of experience and deep research for a gaming laptop, I would prefer to go with the MSI GF63 gaming laptop that you can buy for under $600.
However, if you can spare some extra dollars, go with the ASUS TUF F 15 laptop, as it’s packed with a powerful graphics card and unmatched performance. Moreover, we have a dedicated post for gaming laptops under $700 and gaming laptops under $1500 if you would like to read it. Comment below if you have any questions.
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FAQ: Gaming Laptop Under $600
There are some common questions that people ask on different websites, so I tried to give appropriate answers that absolutely solve their problem regarding the gaming laptop under $600 available in the market.
Are gaming laptops under $600 good for gaming?
You should be able to play most modern games at low or medium settings with a laptop in the price range of 500–600 dollars. While you may need to make some compromises in terms of performance and features, there are still many great options available for those on a budget.
What is the best gaming laptop under $600?
To cut to the chase, the MSI GF63 is the best gaming laptop under $600, as it offers the best performance when compared with other laptops in the same segment.
What is the best cheap gaming laptop?
If you are looking for a laptop that doesn’t hole up in your pocket, you can certainly go with the ASUS TUF F15 Gaming laptop, which delivers extremely unmatchable performance with its Intel i5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce 2050 graphics card that can run most AAA games with ease.
What to look for in a gaming laptop?
1. Graphics: Look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card that can handle the demands of modern games.
2. Processor: A powerful processor is essential for smooth gameplay. Look for Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, or AMD Ryzen 5 chips.
3. RAM: The more RAM, the better. Aim for at least 8GB, but 16GB or higher is recommended for smoother multitasking and gaming performance.
4. Storage: Opt for laptops with solid-state drives (SSDs), as they offer faster loading times and improved overall performance compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).
5. Display: A high-quality display with a good refresh rate and resolution is crucial for an immersive gaming experience. Look for laptops with at least 1080p resolution and a refresh rate of 120 Hz or higher. 6. Cooling system: Gaming laptops tend to generate a lot of heat, so it’s important to have a good cooling system in place. Look for laptops with efficient cooling solutions that prevent overheating during intense gaming sessions.
There are major requirements that you can consider while choosing the best gaming laptop.
Can I upgrade my gaming laptop for under $600?
Yes, generally, most gaming laptops come with the option to upgrade, such as by increasing the RAM or swapping the SSDs. So you can easily upgrade your gaming laptop anytime during your gaming journey.
What games can I play on a gaming laptop under $600?
You should be able to play most modern games at low or medium settings with a laptop in the $500–600 range. However, more demanding games may require higher-end hardware.
Can a budget gaming PC be used for tasks other than gaming?
Yes, the components chosen for a budget gaming PC can also handle various other tasks, such as content creation, video editing, and office work.
