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Best Gaming Laptops Under $1000 For 2018

Model	CPU	RAM	Video	Rating	Price
HP Omen	2.8 GHz i7	8GB	NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti		Check Price
Prostar Clevo	2.8 GHz i7	8GB	NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti		Check Price
Lenovo Legion Y520	2.5 GHz i5	8GB	NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti		Check Price
Dell Inspiron 5000 5577	2.5 GHz i5	16GB	NVIDIA GTX 1050		Check Price
Aspire VX 15	2.8 GHz i7	16GB	NVIDIA GTX 1050		Check Price
Alienware 13.3" OLED	3.1 GHz i7	8GB	NVIDIA GTX 965M		Check Price
Acer Nitro 5	2.8 GHz i7	8GB	NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti		Check Price
Eluktronics N850HK1	2.8 GHz i7	8GB	NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti		Check Price
CYBERPOWERPC Tracer II	2.8 GHz i7	8GB	NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti		Check Price
Dell Inspiron i7577 (Editor’s Choice)	3.5 GHz i5	8GB	NVIDIA GTX 1060		Check Price

HP Omen 15

Summary

The HP Omen is everything you’d ever wanted from the gaming line of the brand. One of the best gaming laptops under $1000, this device comes with a sleek design and it is fast enough to handle most of your multiplayer/single player games in 1080p. While a little improvement in the graphics would make it better, this newest variant from HP will definitely satisfy most of the hardcore gamers.

The laptop comes with an aggressive, “fighter jet” design that makes it look sleeker. In terms of performance too, it fares pretty well. While Intel Quad-Core i7th generation processor delivers an excellent eight-way performance, its Turbo Boost Technology will offer extra power, every time you need it. The best part: it increases the energy efficiency, even if you’ve not switched on the “energy efficient” mode.

HP Omen is also backed by adequate storage space. While the 8GB system memory will assist in advanced multitasking, the high-bandwidth RAM will assist in smoothly running your games and the photo editing applications. This feature also comes handy in operating multiple browser tabs and programs. The device comes with a 1TB storage space that holds a decent collection of photos, music, high definition videos and movies.

Manufacturer Specifications

• CPU: 2.8 GHz Core i7-740QM
• RAM: 8GB DDR4 SDRAM
• Storage: 1TB HDD, 7200rpm SATA,128GB NVMe SSD
• Display Size: 15.6 inches
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
• Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
• Weight: 8.65 lbs.

PROSTAR Clevo N850HK1

Summary

If you’re looking to enjoy smooth and highly responsive gaming, like never before- the Prostar Clevo is one of the best options out there. With its latest DDR4 RAM, 7th Generation Processor and Multi-Display Capability, this is definitely one of the best gaming laptops out there.

When you first start using the laptop, you’ll be blown away with its highly responsive gameplay. To put it simply: you’d no longer have to experience the terrible issue of sudden and persistent lags. The device comes with a top-grade 7th Generation Intel i7 Quad-Core processor that makes it easier to multitask while efficiently managing the power distribution.

We were particularly impressed with this feature, because it also reduced the input response time of the mouse. While the excellent 4k resolution will help you play the games faster, the DDR4 RAM will optimize your gaming experience with faster clock speed and better bandwidth. So if you’re looking for a gaming laptop with multi display capability, breathtaking sounds and excellent power- this is one of the best products to bank on.

Manufacturer Specifications

• CPU: 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7
• RAM: 8GB SDRAM – DDR4 2400 MHz
• Storage: 120 GB SSD
• Display Size: 15.6 inches
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
• Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
• Weight: 5.51 lbs.

Lenovo Legion Y520

Summary

The Lenovo Legion is a laptop that offers on-the-go-gaming at a great price. Backed by next generation graphics, Dolby premium sound, shine-on keyboard and a thermally engineered, portable design- this laptop comes with every feature that you always wanted in a perfect gaming device.

Unlike many other leading gaming laptops, this one is slim, lightweight and incredibly portable. Powered by the latest 7th Gen Intel processors, it’ll ensure that you get to enjoy lag free gaming for as long as you want to. The NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics are equally viable in ensuring a completely lag free experience. And that’s not all!

Lenovo Legion also comes with a premium audio and full HD resolution that lets you play your favorite games without any sudden glitch. In addition, it is also backed by a red backlit keyboard which further ensures that you get to play the games both during the day and the night.

Manufacturer Specifications

• CPU: 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Display Size: 15.6 inches
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
• Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
• Weight: 5.28 lbs.

Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5577 Anti-Glare HD Gaming Laptop

Summary

If you’re looking for a super-fast laptop that’ll deliver power packed performance- Dell Inspiron is an excellent option. This laptop is not just backed with updated configurations, but it also comes with every other feature you’d expect in a high quality gaming laptop.

With its NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card and the 7th Generation Intel i5 Quad-Core processor, the laptop is built to churn out the best, next-gen games, flawlessly. While the action seems tad more lifelike with the 15.6 inch full HD display, its dual-cooling fans will keep everything chilled out, even during your hottest battles. Like many other top notch gaming laptops, this one too comes with Windows 10 that lets you do a lot of new stuff across multiple devices.

As for storage, Inspiron comes with 16GB memory along with a 128 GB SSD. This device is built to last and it’ll survive flawlessly, even when your laptop is heated up beyond 149 degree Fahrenheit. So if you’re looking for a solid, durable and high performing laptop- this one won’t disappoint you!

Manufacturer Specifications

• CPU: 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5
• RAM: 16 GB SDRAM DDR4
• Storage: 128 GB SSD + 1TB HDD 5400rpm SATA
• Display Size: 15.6 inches
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
• Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
• Weight: 5.79 lbs.

Acer Aspire VX-15 Laptop

Summary

If you thought looks couldn’t kill, think again, because Aspire VX 15 is designed to kill with its incredibly stylish look! This laptop uses a top-notch futuristic design which is further underlined by its sleek angles and lines. Your experience is tad more amplified with the 15.6 inch full HD display that’ll let you take complete command of the action.

The laptop combines the super-power 7th Generation Intel processor with the high-performing NVIDIA GTX graphics, which is yet again famous for the PASCAL architecture. We were also impressed by the cooling and the audio facilities that further bolsters up your intense gaming sessions. In case you’re looking to play in the dark, then too, you can use the illuminating iron-red keyboard that’ll add to the drama of your gameplay. The device is priced affordably, and going by its features, this is totally worth your money.

Manufacturer Specifications

• CPU: 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7
• RAM: 16GB DDR4 SDRAM
• Storage: 256 GB SSD
• Display Size: 15.6 inches
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
• Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
• Weight: 7.91 lbs.

Alienware AW13R2-5567SLV 13.3″ OLED Laptop

Summary

The AW13R2 is the newest and the most powerful laptop from Alienware. Backed by a powerful processor, a well-functional keyboard and consistent thermal designed support- this laptop is a perfect goodie for gaming enthusiasts.

Aw13R2 is the first laptop from the brand that comes with a screen size of 13.3 inches. It is backed by quad core H-class Intel 7th Gen processors that offer 5X the regular graphic representations with its 4K resolution. And that’s not all! The processor comes in a super combination with the NVDIA GeForce 10 series graphics that’ll offer you a truly immersive gaming experience without any lags or inconsistencies.

In terms of storage too, AW13R2 has got you covered. Whether you’re looking for DDr3 memory or an SSD only storage- this laptop has it all. The keyboards, thermal design and super-powerful are some other features which makes this device stand out. We were also impressed with the OLED LCD technology that makes this device tad more powerful.

Manufacturer Specifications

• CPU: 3.1 GHz Intel Core i7
• RAM: 8GB DDR3
• Storage: 500GB 5400 RPM Hybrid Drive
• Display Size: 13.3 inches
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 965M
• Max Screen Resolution: 2560×1440 p
• Weight: 7.07 lbs.

Acer 15.6″ Nitro 5 AN515-51-72HL

Summary

The Nitro 5 Laptop from Acer is probably one of the best budget laptops you’ll ever find. Acer seems to do a pretty good job in balancing the high specs with the affordable price. While we’d definitely rate it high for the excellent graphics, solid design and cool temperature, the weak speakers and relatively short battery life does deduct a couple of points.

To begin with, the laptop, with its brushed aluminum lid and berry-red hue comes with a pretty decent design. While it won’t turn heads, it still isn’t a bad choice considering the price you’re getting it at. While the screen size is pretty good at 15.6 inches, although the colors aren’t as accurate as you’d expect.

The keyboard is pretty decent and we were particularly impressed with the roomy and responsive touchpad. When it comes to overall performance, we would definitely rate it well, because despite the 2.5 GHz processor it tries to offer a relatively lag free performance.

Manufacturer Specifications

• CPU: 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 1TB SATA
• Display Size: 15.6 inches
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
• Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
• Weight: 5.95 lbs.

Eluktronics N850HK1 Pro Premium Gaming Laptop

Summary

Like the Acer Nitro, Eluktronics N850HK1 is one of the best rated products from the brand. The device comes with a modern design, a decent number of features and solid performance. When we first got hold of the laptop, we were really impressed with its black, sturdy design which serves as an excellent contrast to the bright LED keys on the keyboard.

The laptop is lightweight and offers a decent 1080p resolution. The screen is pretty sharp, and like many other laptops in this range, the picture quality too is quite stellar. You’d particularly love the laptop for its wide angled viewing options.

The keyboard too is pretty decent and the LED-lit keys will let you flawlessly play your favorite games in the darkest rooms. The keys offer a decent feedback and pretty good bounce. Eluktronics N860HK1 is also backed by a Quad core processor and Nvidia graphics card that amplifies your performance and ensures that you enjoy lag free gaming.

Manufacturer Specifications

• CPU: 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7
• RAM: 8GB DDR4 2400MHz RAM
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Display Size: 15.6 inches
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
• Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
• Weight: 5.6 lbs.

CYBERPOWERPC Tracer II T15300 15.6″ Gaming Notebook

Summary

If you’re a competitive gamer, the CyberPowerPC tracer II will definitely catch your fancy. One of the best gaming laptops under $100, this series is not just compact but it’s equally powerful for your complex multi-player games. Backed by the latest 7th generation Intel i7 Quad-processor, Tracer II delivers a super-fast, lag free performance.

You’ll also love its sleek and modern aluminum design along with the high performance components that’ll help you tackle any and every game. This new generation gaming laptop comes with an expansive 15.6” Non-reflective display that offers you an impressive 1920X1080 resolution. This super powerful resolution is made tad more impressive with the NVIDIA Geforce Graphics card.

With its graphics card and superb features, this laptop is designed to offer you a desktop-level gaming experience. To put it simply: there’s absolutely no lags and high accuracy of the colors. So if you’re looking for an affordable laptop that offers high resolution gaming- this is one product that’ll definitely live up to your expectations.

Manufacturer Specifications

• CPU: Intel i7-7700HQ 2.8 GHz Quad-Core
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 240GB SSD
• Display Size: 15.6 inches
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
• Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
• Weight: 6.11 lbs.

Dell i7577-5241BLK-PUS Inspiron LED Display Gaming Laptop – Editor’s Choice

Summary

We can’t really have a list of gaming PCs without mentioning Dell. Don’t go by its rating, because although we’ve listed it at the bottom, it isn’t any less than the other top notch products on this list. The Dell i577 offers you a truly sensory experience with its excellent display, superior speed and super-dynamic audio.

When you start using the laptop, you’ll be totally blown away with its next level graphics. Yes! The latest NVDIA GeForce GTX Graphics Card offers you a lag free, unparalleled gaming experience. You’ll be able to witness everything on your screen with utmost clarity, and hear everything in superior quality with the MaxxxAudio Pro.

The device also comes backed with the 7th Generation Intel i5 processor that renders superior speed. This simply means: you’ll be able to enjoy a powerful, fast and lag free gaming experience. The battery life is decent and considering all its features, it’s definitely worth your money.

Manufacturer Specifications

• CPU: 7th Generation Intel Core 3.5 GHz i5-7300HQ Quad Core
• RAM: 8GB 2400MHz DDR4
• Storage: 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD SATA
• Display Size: 15.6 inches
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
• Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
• Weight: 5.76 lbs.

Gaming Laptop Buyer’s Guide

Interested in buying a gaming laptop but don’t know what to look for?

The gaming laptops of today have evolved from being huge, bulky portable PCs to sleek and svelte powerhouses capable of competing with their desktop counterparts. Aside from having powerful tech components, gaming laptop manufacturers have even included bells and whistles such as multi-color keyboards, crisp 4K displays and surround sound audio. Selecting the right one can be a daunting task, but don’t worry because we’re here to help.

So, what to look for when buying a gaming laptop? You’ll want a gaming machine that’s capable of running the latest games on ultra-high settings. You’ll want slick graphics running on buttery-smooth framerates. You’ll want total immersion with a killer screen and explosions that rock your core. Most of all, you’ll want a gaming laptop that performs, has all the features you need and comes with a reasonable price tag.

First, Let’s Start With The GPU

GPU, or simply known as graphics card is the single most important part of a gaming laptop. This is what you should be looking at first, because GPUs are mainly responsible for pushing out graphics on your display screen. Games, especially the newer, more intensive ones demand a lot of graphics and this can slow down your laptop if you have a mediocre video card.

There are currently 2 brands on the graphics card scene- Nvidia and AMD. First off, you shouldn’t settle for integrated GPUs. Get a GPU that has its own memory of at least 2 or 4GB. Nvidia’s 10 Series cards are one of the best in the market as they compete directly with desktop GPUs in terms of performance and graphical prowess. What’s more, they are VR ready, don’t heat up as much and can fit into slimmer cases.

The more powerful the GPU, the better. You’ll need at least 1080p resolution display capability, with 4K resolution being a plus. If you’re into VR you’ll need one that can push the polygons without frame rate lag or stutter. Performance to value goes up when it comes to GPU- be prepared to spend an extra $50 to $200 to get to mid-range gaming laptops, and more if you really want to see the best of what games have to offer.

GPUs Ideal For Mainstream Gaming

Nvidia GTX 1060

Gaming laptops sporting the 1060 GPU will be able to play the most graphically demanding game titles such as Witcher 3 and Mass Effect Andromeda with all the eye candy turned on, including a 1080p resolution, water reflections and all that. In 4K resolution you’ll have to compromise by tuning out some of the extras down to medium or low. Best of all, you’ll be able to don your VR headset and play without hiccups.

Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti

This GPU is a notch below the GTX 1060, but can still hold its own well with the newer games. You’ll be able to play Battlefield 1 in mid-settings and still enjoy the graphical goodness, while VR games using Oculus Rift and Vive won’t be a problem.

Great For Hardcore Gaming

Nvidia GTX 1080

Arguably the best graphics card in the latest gaming laptops today. With the GTX 1080, you can crank the settings in GTA V and Rise of the Tomb Raider as high up as it can go and turn on all the special effects for a truly wonderful gaming experience. VR experience is seamless and enjoyable. Be prepared to spend a lot as the GTX 1080 can only be found on high-end gaming laptops such as the Predator 17X and the Razer Blade Pro.

SLI Technology. GPUs are stackable and combine together to push out the pretty graphics as compared to just one video card working alone. This becomes handy if you want to get the highest frame rate possible. SLI-enable laptops include the MSI Titan GT83 and the Acer Predator 21.

Next, Let’s Check The CPU

CPU, or known as Central Processing Unit is the one doing the computing for the programs you run. Like GPUs, Intel and AMD are the top brands out there. Intel is way ahead of AMD when it comes to CPU, with the flagship i7 leading the way.

Newer-gen processors are better than their older counterparts. Look for 6th gen Intel CPUs; if you can get a gaming laptop that has the quad-core i7 version, the better. Intel 6th gen i5 processors work in a pinch if you’re hard-pressed for options. Your choice of processors is important but GPUs should still be the top priority if you’re buying a gaming laptop.

How About The RAM?

RAM, or memory is needed for running today’s games. Laptops that have about 8GB of RAM should be enough for gaming and multi-tasking, but if you’re also using your laptop to stream games in high resolution or doing plenty of video editing, then you’ll want to get 12 or 16GB of memory. RAM is actually one of the easiest components to upgrade should you want more later on. Don’t customize your gaming laptop for more RAM unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Let’s Check The Screen Display

Your gaming laptop’s screen should be good enough to display the graphics in all its glory. Laptops vary in screen size, and each one has its own pros and cons. Big screens emulate desktop gaming and allow you to see more detail but at the expense of portability and energy consumption. Plus, you’ll have to lug around a heavy and bulky laptop in the process. Smaller screens are more portable but the graphics won’t be as immersive and 4K resolutions are largely wasted.

1080p should be the starting point, with 4K resolution being available on higher-end laptops. Gaming on a 4K display with all the graphics turned up to maximum will push your gaming laptop’s hardware to its limit. Any less than 1920 by 1080 won’t do your game graphics justice. Just so you know, QHD is set at a resolution of 2560 by 1440 and 4K resolution is set at 3840 by 2160. Having a screen size of 1366 by 768 may still be acceptable because of the increase in frame rate, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t opt for full HD.

Touch screens are good to have but they aren’t really a necessity for gaming because the equipment of choice is still the trusty mouse and keyboard combo. But if you intend to get in some casual gaming then it can come in handy. Touch screens are best suited for 2-in-1 laptop convertibles, but there aren’t really many gaming laptops in that configuration. Plus, they’re more expensive and tax your batteries.

Moving down the screen choices, you’re also faced with the decision of whether you want a glossy surface or a matte one. Glossies are great because they show off the graphical goodness in a more vibrant light but they are prone to screen glare. Matte types aren’t subject to glare but some gamers complain of duller detail and visual wash-outs.

Keep an eye out for OLED technology in gaming laptops. OLEDs, or organic light emitting diodes is made up of a thin film of compounds that change color when electricity runs through them. It’s almost the same type of screen technology for smart phones. It’s energy efficient, thinner and displays incredible detail and vibrant colors. As of the moment the Alienware R3 is the only gaming laptop that has this screen technology.

Solid State Drive or HDD?

Gamers have a propensity for speed- the more of it, the better. So in this case solid state drives are better than conventional drives as they perform faster in terms of data access and file transfers. You get faster game loading time and reduced hitchings, which happens when the disk drive can’t catch up with the game’s pace.

SSDs are typically more expensive as compared to HDDs. If you’re on a budget you should get a hard disk drive with at least 1TB of storage space. The games of today take up anywhere between 20 to 60GB of hard drive space, so a standard 500GB wouldn’t be enough. If you can, choose a configuration that combines the best of both worlds. The SSD can take care of the operating system and the loading part, while the HDD can be used for essential files such as photos, music, video and everything else.

It’s not a bad idea to pay more just to get the SSD. You’ll be impressed at the speedy loading times and the survivability of SSDs as compared to hard disk drives.

Portability And You

There’s a significant trade-off when it comes to a gaming laptop’s portability and its power. The 13, 14 and 15-inch variants are typically built to be slimmer and more portable at the expense of high-end components, while giant 17-inchers such as the Alienware 17 will have the best tech components but will be a pain to carry around with you on the go.

The question to ask is, do you intend to carry your gaming laptop out the house regularly? If so, then you should spring for a more compact gaming laptop. If you plan to just leave the gaming laptop at home, then you’ll be better served with a bigger machine.

The only disadvantage you’ll have to deal with is that you can’t leave it unplugged for too long and that it probably won’t fit into most carry bags. A 15-inch gaming laptop like the Origin Eon 15 is great for when you need a balance between portability and battery life. 13 or 14-inch machines, i.e., the Razor Blade are very portable but they don’t have as much in terms of graphical power.

Battery Life

Battery life is important if you don’t want to be disturbed with a “low battery” sign while playing games. Keep in mind that a longer-lasting battery equals more weight and heat so you’ll have to consider the environment and portability factor. Some people would like to have the convenience of playing on a gaming laptop for hours on end, so for this we’d recommend buying extra power packs for on-the-go sessions.

What About Sound?

You’ll have several options when it comes to the audio department. The thing you should remember is that not all built-in speakers are great as compared to their external audio counterparts, with the notable exception of the Nahimic Audio that comes with MSI gaming laptops. If Alienware is your preferred brand then you get access to the Dell Audio software. Lastly, Lenovo’s Dolby Home Theater is great for all-around audio needs such as gaming, watching movies or listening to music.

It comes down to whether you want an external speaker or a noise-canceling headphone for a more personal experience. The exclusive softwares mentioned above will definitely add an extra oomph to your auditory senses and make gaming much more enjoyable.

Lastly, The Keyboard

You’ll be using the keyboard most of the time you’re on your gaming laptop, so it’s best to try it out first before you open your wallet. It should be comfortable to use, easy to press and most of all, it should be very responsive to your input. In competitive multiplayer games, a fraction of a second in keyboard input can mean the difference between a successful kill and staring at the “You’re Dead” sign. Aside from functionality and response time you can choose between backlit keys and pre-programmed features for your gaming preferences.

Don’t compromise if you feel that the keys are too stiff or if you feel that pressing feels spongy as you’ll be stuck with your laptop for a long time. Don’t forget to invest in a gaming mouse that has a high DPI technology and a slew of features that you may need for certain game genres, i.e., pre-programmable buttons or higher DPI for more accuracy.

Conclusion

These are the general guidelines you can follow if you want to buy the perfect gaming laptop that suits your needs. The choice between power, portability, battery life and budget is yours. You’ll know that you’ve bought the best gaming laptop when you can run and play your games the way you want without compromise.