9 Best Gaming Laptops Under $1200 in September 2024 [Expert Recommended]

As a gaming fan on a $1200 budget, what features do you desire from a laptop? As a risky game lover, I choose a laptop with plenty of storage, a tiny profile, a long battery life, and, most significantly, RAM; so that I can play any game I find exhilarating without difficulty.

While determining the best gaming laptops under $1200 USD is tough, incorporating all of these characteristics into a single notebook is much more so.

That is when our decisions become relevant. Naturally, the primary element influencing our choices is the product’s price. However, if you’re on a budget but still want to dominate your gaming field with thrilling feature-packed laptops, we’ve got you covered. Choosing a gaming laptop is no longer a difficult task for you.

This essay will throw some light on the best gaming laptops under $1200 and explore their specifications in depth. Thus, let us proceed to the main section.

Top 9 Best Gaming Laptops Under $1200 in 2024 [Recommended]

You will find below a list of the best gaming laptops under $1200 USD for you to choose from – let’s get started!

1. Most Powerful Gaming Laptop: ASUS ROG Strix G16

Asus is a market leader and a well-known laptop of gaming laptop. They employ cutting-edge technology in their microcomputers to provide a robust gaming experience that will have you scoring big numbers in no time.

ASUS ROG Strix G16 is the company’s newest gaming laptop. The laptop is powered by Intel’s newest 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13650HX processor, which features a boosted clock speed of 4.9GHz and a base clock speed of 3.0GHz. This is a high-performance chipset with a 14-Core CPU and 20 threads, which makes it ideal for multi-threaded workloads such as gaming.

It features a 16-inch Full HD IPS display with a whopping 165Hz refresh rate. While the refresh rate is ridiculous, using the full capabilities of the technology is practically difficult. Nonetheless, it is beneficial to have excessive characteristics.

In terms of graphics, it has a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 with 6GB GDDR6 VRAM to perform graphics-intensive workloads. This is the ideal graphics card for medium to high-end games.

Additionally, the laptop features 16GB of DDR5 4800MHz RAM and a speedier 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD. The RAM can be increased up to 64GB, which is an excellent feature for a gaming laptop. Its lighted RGB keyboard adds another dimension of appeal for expert gamers. In terms of I/O ports, it satisfies all requirements by providing the required connection ports.

In a word, if you’re searching for the best gaming laptop under $1200, this is a solid contender. Taken together, this is the most powerful gaming gear available for around $1200 right now.

2. Best Versatile Gaming Laptop: Acer Predator Helios 300

The Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop is a technological marvel developed by one of the world’s leading laptop manufacturers. It grants you access to a variety of strong features that contribute to an exceptional gaming experience.

The laptop is powered by the latest 12th-generation Intel Core i7-12700H processor from 12th generation. With a 14-core CPU and a basic clock speed of 2.3GHz, the supplied chipset is rather capable. Additionally, it supports turbo boost up to 4.7GHz with Intel’s Turbo Boost technology.

More importantly, it is constructed using a highly efficient 10nm SuperFin technology, which significantly reduces power usage. In general, it is the fastest CPU in its class, delivering exceptional performance.

Along with the newest processor, it is equipped with 16GB of DDR4 Dual-Channel Memory. These new features combine and optimize your ability to play many games simultaneously without worrying about storage.

Furthermore, with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Graphics, you may choose any game and enjoy it with realistic graphics.

The GPU is part of Nvidia’s latest RTX 30 series (RTX 3050, RTX 3060, RTX 3070, and RTX 3080, among others), which enables it to take advantage of the latest Nvidia features, such as the DLSS chip, the second generation RTX architecture, the third generation Tensor cores, and various other optimizations to boost graphics performance.

At the front is a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a refresh rate of 165Hz and 3ms Overdrive Response Time. This is a reasonably accurate color panel with excellent viewing angles and crisp images. Indeed, the laptop makes no concessions in terms of display quality, and the panel is ideal for gaming.

Additionally, there is an RGB Backlit keyboard, Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, DTS X Ultra Audio, and extra slots for simple expansion.

There is also a 5th Generation AeroBlade Fan with 89 blades meant to enhance air intake and keep your system cool during extended gaming, although you may still feel the heat. In general, it’s a nice balance of cutting-edge hardware with energy efficiency.

3. Best Convenient Gaming Laptop: Acer Nitro 17

While Acer’s “Nitro” line is well-known for its affordability, the firm has introduced more powerful gaming choices at a higher price point this time around. We’ve chosen one of the Acer Nitro 17 models with exceptional internals for this review.

In terms of computing capability, this laptop is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7, 7735HS processor that features an octa-core architecture and 16 threads. It features eight strong cores and operates at a base clock speed of 3.2GHz and a peak clock speed of 4.75GHz.

This powerful CPU with a default TDP of 45W is constructed on a very energy-efficient 7nm processing node, which enables it to consume very little power while running intensive tasks.

In terms of graphics, the laptop is equipped with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. This is the full-featured RTX 4050 with Dynamic Boost 2.0 to maximize GPU performance. This intriguing GPU has a DLSS chip for sophisticated machine learning, dedicated Tensor cores, and Ray Tracing, among other significant capabilities.

Additionally, there is a 17.3-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080p. As one may anticipate from a gaming laptop, it supports up to 165Hz refresh rate, which is definitely beneficial for gamers. The offered control panel is more than enough for seamless gaming operations.

Additionally, the laptop features the newest 16GB DDR5 RAM with a 3200M MHz transfer rate, you can add up to 64GB and 1TB Gen 4 SSD storage. The given RAM is sufficient to ensure that you never run out of memory when gaming.

However, for future-proofing purposes, you may require additional space. It does this by including some additional RAM and storage slots. In addition, there are three USB Type-A connectors, one USB Type-C port, an RJ45 Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio/microphone combination.

Additionally, compatibility for Killer Wi-Fi 6 is included for improved connectivity. One additional feature is a multi-color RGB illuminated keyboard, which is attractive to professional gamers.

4. Best Performative Gaming Laptop: MSI GF63

MSI GF63 thin is another budget-friendly gaming laptop. Indeed, this is one of the most affordable gaming consoles available. In terms of specifications, the laptop features a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display that creates a lifelike representation of the virtual world.

The laptop is equipped with 16GB DDR4 3200 MHz RAM, which can be upgraded to 64GB, allowing you to play the newest games such as PUBG, COD, and Fortnite without worrying about storage or memory. With the quickest speed, all functions will perform flawlessly.

The laptop is powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12650H processor that processes data at a high rate, guaranteeing that all games run smoothly on your laptop. The supplied chipset is equipped with a 10-core CPU that operates at a base clock speed of 2.60GHz and can be clocked up to 5.0GHz with Intel’s Turbo Boost technology.

Of course, along with a strong CPU, we’ll need a strong graphics card to eliminate any performance bottlenecks. As a consequence, the NVIDIA Geforce RTX 4050 Graphics with 6GB GDDR6 VRAM enhance the excitement and enchantment of your game by utilizing solid colors and the highest quality display.

Additionally to these specifications, it is lightweight and thin enough to handle comfortably. Additionally, you may have uninterrupted pleasure with its long-lasting, strong battery, which lasts more than 4 hours.

Furthermore, the keyboard has multi-color RGB illumination and an Anti-Ghost Key, which is very useful while playing shooting games.

Finally, it comes equipped with all of the necessary ports, including two USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, and one USB TypeC 3.1 Gen 1 connector with Thunderbolt 4 capability, in addition to an HDMI output. In a word, if you’re searching for the best gaming laptop under $1200, this is a solid contender.

5. Best Fastest Gaming Laptop: MSI Cyborg

Even with top-of-the-line features, the MSI MSI Cyborg is offered for an amazingly reasonable price. That is primarily why it is popular. However, there is a catch. The included RTX 4060 GPU utilizes the full 130W of power.

In this situation, the GPU performance has been higher, which is visible when performing graphics-intensive tasks.

In terms of performance, the laptop is powered by the latest 12 Gen Intel Core i7-12650H Processor from the 12th Generation. The included chipset supports a 10-Core CPU operating at a basic clock speed of 3.5GHz, overclocked up to 5.0GHz. Without a doubt, it is a high-performance processor.

Additionally, a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card handles graphical performance with 6GB GDDR6 VRAM without using excessive power, yet performs well enough to run the majority of games.

Additionally, the business has implemented Cooler Boost Technology, which utilizes several fans and heating pipes to provide efficient thermal dispersion.

Additionally, the laptop includes a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080p. With a refresh rate of 144Hz, this panel provides an immersive gaming experience. The refresh rate indicates how frequently the screen refreshes in a second. Therefore, it is critical for optimizing overall gaming performance.

That is why gaming laptops with a high refresh rate display are chosen. Additionally, the display offers 100 percent sRGB coverage, which enables it to retain acceptable color accuracy.

As a result, there should be no issues with utilizing it for content production tasks such as 4K video editing, professional photography, AutoCAD, Solidworks, and game development, among others.

Apart from that, the computing machine comes equipped with 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM to aid in data processing. The good news is that you can upgrade the RAM up to 64GB, thereby turning it into a gaming beast. The same holds true for storage capacity.

Although a 512GB NVMe SSD is pre-installed, an extra HDD slot is available to expand the system’s storage capacity. Superb heat management, a multi-color RGB backlit keyboard, and adequate audio output are important gaming features.

MSI MSI Cyborg is the company’s most popular gaming laptop in general. This is one of the best gaming laptops under $1200 on the market.

6. Best Secured Gaming Laptop: ASUS TUF F17

The Asus TUF Gaming F17 is the company’s latest product, and it differs significantly from its predecessor in a number of ways:

1. The business has completely revamped its hardware with the current offering, including a new strong octa-core processor, RTX 40 series GPU, and a redesigned design.
2. The laptop is powered by the latest AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor.
3. With an octa-core CPU, this is the most powerful AMD R7 chipset to date.

The CPU generates a variable base clock speed of 2.60GHz and up to 4.7GHz when used with Intel Turbo Boost technology.

Apart from a strong CPU, gaming demands a specialized GPU. As a consequence, the Nvidia RTX 3050Ti graphics card is used in this gaming system. It’s worth mentioning that the “Ti” model is an overclocked variant of the normal model.

As a result, it generated more power with a 1585MHz operating frequency at 60W and a maximum power limit of 75W with Dynamic Boost 2.0 when doing graphics-intensive activities.

Taken combined, this is the most powerful configuration of any laptop powered by an RTX 3050. The front side is dominated by a 17.3-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080p. The advantage of this display is that it features a 144Hz fast refresh rate, which is ideal for gamers.

Apart from that, the laptop features 32GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB PCIe drive. This amount of RAM and storage is ideal for any gaming laptop, and there should be no issues running even the most demanding AAA titles. The computing machine includes:

• Three USB Type-A ports.
• One USB Type-C port.
• An HDMI port.
• An RJ45 Ethernet port.
• A 3.5mm headphone/microphone combination.

In terms of design, the laptop features a rugged body approved to MIL-STD-810H military standards. Even with a plastic casing, the laptop maintains a high level of build quality. A backlit keyboard with single-color illumination is located on the front.

Additionally, heating difficulties are minimal, and it works admirably when gaming continuously. To conclude, the Asus TUF F17 2024 edition falls well within the $1200 price range, providing another excellent gaming option.

7. Best Multi-purpose Gaming Laptop: Dell G15 Gaming

The Dell Gaming G15 Gaming Laptop is a new addition to the Dell lineup of laptops. It features an Intel Core i7-12700H Processor CPU for blazing-fast performance.

The chipset is based on the ultra-low-power 10nm SuperFin node, which claims to significantly reduce power consumption.

The 165Hz, 15.6-inch Full HD (1920X1080) IPS-Type Display displays strong colors accurately, enhancing the enjoyment of the game. The newest Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU with 6GB GDDR6 VRAM handles the graphical performance.

The laptop features new 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD storage. It is compatible with the current version of the Windows 11 operating system. In comparison, this machine is quite modest in weight, allowing for maximum mobility.

The RGB keyboard enables you to dominate the competition. Apart from that, it features a solid and sturdy design that is also elegant and has built-in cooling fans. This ensures that your device’s functionality is maintained at all times while keeping the temperature down.

This laptop is equipped with all of the necessary connectivity choices, including two USB Type-A ports, one Type-C Thunderbolt 3 port, an HDMI port, an RJ45 Ethernet connector, and a 3.5mm headphone jack/microphone combo.

We have no complaints about the lack of I/O ports, and the remaining connection choices are more than enough, including Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (22) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1. To summarize, this is one of the most powerful laptops available for less than $1200.

8. Best Budget-Friendly Gaming Laptop: Asus ROG Zephyrus 14

We cannot overlook the ROG Zephyrus series, whose name genuinely translates as “Republic of Gaming.” This is the best option if you want above-average RAM and system storage for quicker game performance at an affordable price.

The ROG Zephyrus 14 is the ideal combination of strong capabilities and an attractive appearance that delivers an exceptional gaming experience.

It is equipped with one of the most powerful CPUs available, the powerful AMD Ryzen 9, 6900HS, and 16 GB of lightning-fast DDR5 4800MHz RAM for playing thrilling games.

It is an ultra-compact and ultra-portable gadget with a lightweight design that will not fatigue you during extended holding sessions.

The laptop’s upper end features an AMD Radeon RX 6700S 8GB GDDR6 Graphics card with 8GB of GDDR6 video RAM. It is extremely durable yet robust due to the use of high-quality materials.

Apart from gaming, it is designed to excel in other productivity activities like 4K video editing, photoshop, 3D rendering, AutoCAD, and professional picture editing. A 14-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate is included.

In addition, the display covered 100% of the sRGB color space, ensuring excellent color cooperation.

Overall, it’s an excellent purchase if you’re looking for a strong gaming laptop with respectable content creation capabilities.

9. Best Aesthetic Gaming laptop: Lenovo Legion 5

Lenovo Legion 5 is a game built specifically for gamers to increase their degree of delight and gaming experience. It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor, which enables it to handle even the most demanding games with lightning speed.

In addition, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card has been demonstrated to deliver a realistic virtual world filled with vibrant colors and intriguing situations.

Additionally, it features 16 GB DDR4 3200 MHz memory and 512 GB M.2 NVMe SSD storage. This increases the performance of your laptop’s tasks. Additionally, it is just 1 inch thick, light in weight, and extremely portable, increasing its flexibility.

It features cutting-edge cooling technology that keeps it cool enough to work optimally at all times. Apart from that, the laptop has a conventional 15.6-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080p. The panel’s primary selling point is its 100 percent sRGB coverage and capability for high refresh rates up to 165Hz.

As a result, the corporation has also concentrated on non-gaming productivity activities. As a result, if you’re interested in using it as a productivity machine for editing 4K films, picture editing, Photoshop, or Autocad, you’re welcome to have it. Additionally, the laptop enhances functionality by including all required connectivity ports.

There are several USB ports and other necessary ports. It is constructed of sturdy plastic. In general, this is a good value-for-money gaming system that costs less than $1200.

Purchasing Guide – How to select the best gaming laptop under $1200?

If you’re not sure what to look for while shopping for the best laptops under $1200. Here is a comprehensive step-by-step buying guide with critical elements to consider when purchasing a laptop that meets the stated requirements.

Processor

The CPU is one of the most critical elements to consider when choosing a laptop, regardless of your reason for obtaining a new computer. It functions as the brain of any computer. If you want to use your computer for gaming reasons, you’ll need a strong CPU to suit your requirements. With a budget of less than $1200, you can get some of the most advanced CPUs on the market.

For optimal gaming performance, you need to have at least an i7 12th-generation chipset. However, 12th-generation i7 chipsets are also available in the price ranges specified. When it comes to AMD, which is Intel’s primary opponent in the chipset manufacturing market, they also have some decent processors.

If you are an AMD fan, you currently have the AMD 5000 series with Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9 CPUs for hardcore gaming. In general, both AMD and Intel provide extremely strong chipsets for less than $1200.

Computer Graphics Card

This is one of the critical components that contribute to a gaming laptop’s ability to tackle graphics-intensive activities. As you may know, NVIDIA is the most prominent GPU manufacturer, and the firm offers a plethora of affordable alternatives around $1200.

More precisely, if paired with a capable CPU, the RTX 4050 or RTX 4060 may be the best option. We’ve also included a few laptops from the RTX 30 series, which is still relatively unknown but will undoubtedly gain popularity in the near future.

Other possibilities are the RTX 4050 Ti and GTX 1660 Ti, both of which are capable of handling low to medium-resolution graphics games at high settings. However, if you want seamless, high-end gaming, you should opt for the RTX 3060 or RTX 3070.

If you’re unsure about the Ti vs. Non-Ti distinction, the “Ti” designation on NVIDIA graphics cards refers to “Titanium,” which is somewhat more powerful than the non-Ti version of the same model number. The cost of more powerful graphics cards is more than the cost of less powerful GPUs. Therefore, make an informed decision on which option is the most cost-effective for you.

Memory & Storage

Although the majority of the laptops on our list include a 16GB RAM and SSD configuration, you shouldn’t be concerned about performance. SSDs, an enhanced version of a classic hard drive, are available on the majority of modern laptops. However, if you add additional hard drive support, this is a good alternative for data storage.

One feature you should keep an eye out for is SSD compatibility, which will allow you to install your operating system. Because a faster SSD reduces boot time and has a major influence on the entire speed of the OS, when it comes to RAM, please avoid laptops with less than 8GB if there is no opportunity to increase it with an additional slot. A least 16GB RAM, preferably DDR4, is recommended for good gaming.

The durability of the battery and portability

Battery life should not be an issue if you want to use your laptop to play games. You’re unlikely to find a gaming laptop under $1200 that has a battery life of more than 3 hours. As a result, prolonged gaming requires you to sometimes plug in your power adapter. Because increased performance always results in increased power consumption, there is nothing wrong with it.

Moving on to mobility, you may notice a sense of weight in the majority of gaming laptops due to the inclusion of several additional components such as a specialized GPU, cooling fans, and so on.

A typical 1200$ gaming laptop weighs around 5 lbs. Therefore, if you get a gaming laptop, you must suffer additional weight. Additionally, it increases the thickness of the laptop compared to standard business laptops.

FAQS on Best Gaming Laptops Under $1200

Best Gaming Laptops Under $1200 Reviews – 2024

Conclusion on Best Gaming Laptops Under $1200

To summarize, the purchasing criteria will assist you in selecting the best gaming laptop. According to our personal taste,

• The Acer Predator Helios 300 is the overall best value-for-money laptop under $1200. It has the newest Intel Core i7 chipset and the RTX 3060 GPU, the optimal combo for handling any game.
• If you’re a professional gamer looking to maximize your money, you may choose the Asus ROG Strix G16, which comes equipped with the best-in-class AMD Ryzen 7 processor and RTX 3050Ti GPU.
• However, if you’re searching for a somewhat more economical solution, the Acer Nitro 17 is another decent option. Additionally, it features equal characteristics at a little lower price point.
• If you want a larger display, the MSI Cyborg and the ASUS TUF F17 may be excellent possibilities.
• Asus ROG Zephyrus 14 is a good option if you want powerful hardware at a reasonable price.

There are other additional possibilities available, which you can see in the list of the Top 9 Best gaming laptops for around 1200$ listed above. Additionally, you may refer to our laptop buying guide for additional information.

How do you feel? Let us know in the comment sections below!