The gaming laptop market is currently huge. We can easily find cheaper models with NVIDIA GeForce GTX series graphics cards 16 and more expensive with GeForce RTX systems 20 (soon also RTX 30) . Each manufacturer offers a variety of laptop models, characterized by a different design and the use of different components or cooling systems. However, not everyone can afford a very expensive laptop. However, if we do not need absolutely top performance, and we want a machine that allows for a smooth game of esports titles or less demanding AAA productions, then we can pay attention to cheaper laptops. Today we present three proposals for such devices.

Author: Damian Marusiak

Lenovo, Acer and HP currently offer the most cheaper notebooks that allow you to run games in Full resolution HD with appropriate selection of graphics settings. The market of affordable gaming notebooks is very wide and everyone should find something for themselves. We will present three proposals for devices equipped with Intel Core 9 processors and 10. generation, and more specifically laptops with Intel Core i5 units – 9300 HF and Intel Core i5 – 10300 H. For graphics cards, these will be GeForce GTX systems 1650 and GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, so representatives of the latest Turing generation in portable computers. The price range we will focus on is 3000 – 4000 zlotys, so the one that is most often chosen in Poland in the context of purchasing a gaming laptop.

If we are limited by budget and we cannot afford an expensive gaming notebook with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX card, we can choose among cheaper models that, with the right graphics settings, will allow for smooth Full HD game.

Intel Core 9 processors . and 10. Generation in combination with the above-mentioned graphics cards can easily cope with less demanding games that are focused on online games. Players can therefore count on smooth animation in titles such as Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Fortnite or Apex Legends, but also in newer, more demanding games such as Battlefield V or Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – and in native screen resolution. All you need to do is choose the right graphics settings. Often, a mix of medium and high settings will keep a satisfactory number of frames per second. This applies to all three laptops listed below that are equipped with NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics cards 1650 and GeForce GTX 1650 Ti.

Lenovo IdeaPad L 340 – 15 with Intel Core i5 – 9300 HF buy at Store x-com

L 340 – 15 with 4-core and 8-thread Intel Core i5 – 9300 HF and NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card 512 with GDDR5 VRAM. Lenovo IdeaPad L 340 – 15 has a very simple design, although it cannot be denied that the equipment is quite large. The casing is almost completely black, and the black color is broken only by the blue backlight of the keyboard. On the outer cover we will find nothing but the manufacturer’s logo – it also appears under the screen. The design is undoubtedly very minimalist and in many ways stands out from the Lenovo Legion brand.

Lenovo IdeaPad L 340 – 15 is a laptop that does not reach high component temperatures. In addition, his work culture is very good and the notebook is undoubtedly one of the quietest models I have encountered. With a high load, we can count on processor temperatures not exceeding 75 degrees, which is a very good result among gaming laptops. The work culture is also in favor of the Lenovo IdeaPad L 300 – 15. Under heavy load, the volume fluctuates around 40 decibels. This set will allow you to freely play popular online titles, but also in more demanding positions. It is also one of the most cost effective notebook models we can find for a price of around 3500 zlotys.

HP Pavilion Gaming with Intel Core i5 – 10300 H you can buy in the Media Expert store

The next laptop is the HP Pavilion Gaming 16 with a 4-core and 8-thread Intel Core i5 processor – 10300 H and NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card 1650 with GDDR5 memory. The Pavilion Gaming line from the American manufacturer is the second gaming brand next to OMEN. While the series is cheaper, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your attention. It has a more subdued design than the OMEN brand, and in addition, Pavilion Gaming is distinguished by a unique green keyboard backlight. In combination with the black color of the housing, it gives a very interesting visual effect. The stiffness of the housing is amazing. The entire area of ​​the palmrest does not bend even under strong pressure, which is related to the proper stiffening of the housing under the keyboard. The case is similar with the outer cover. The stiffness is very good and there are no problems even in the lower part of the lid. This is due to a solid hinge that effectively stiffens the upper part of the housing.

The HP Pavilion Gaming notebook is equipped with a full-size island chicklet keyboard, so we find here not only the main part of the keyboard, but also an additional numeric block. The comfort of use is very high and I have nothing to complain about. The keys have a relatively deep and clearly perceptible stroke. The keyboard used works well for both gaming and typing. Over the years, the manufacturer has also refined the cooling system in subsequent Pavilion Gaming models 15. Latest models, equipped with Intel Core processors 10. generation and NVIDIA GeForce GTX series graphics cards 15 are characterized by noticeably lower temperatures, allowing for a comfortable game even during longer sessions. Work culture is another asset of the equipment.

Acer Nitro 5 with Intel Core i5 – 10300 H i 144 Hz you can buy the screen in the x-com store

The third and most powerful laptop is the Acer Nitro 5. It is also equipped with a processor 10. Intel Core i5 generation – 10300 H, but it has a more powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card 1650 Ti with GDDR6 memory for smoother smoothness in every game . Here we find (which stands out from the rest of the models in the list) a matte IPS matrix with a refresh rate of 144 Hz. This translates into a noticeably greater comfort of playing, e.g. during dynamic online games, where the smoothest possible animation is a desirable feature. Acer Nitro 5 in this year’s version has a slightly changed design regarding the outer cover. The design of the laptop has become more minimalist, but it still resembles some Predator notebooks, i.e. the Predator Helios 300.

Acer Nitro 5 in this year’s version has been prepared as a cheaper alternative to playing, and it can also be seen in the materials from which the hull was made. The housing is made entirely of matte plastic. When using the device, we do not feel that they are premium materials, on the other hand, good quality plastic does not emit as much heat under greater load as cool aluminum – for some players it will certainly be an important thing. In combination with an efficient cooling system, we get a laptop that effectively resists thermal throttling. The components are constantly operating at maximum efficiency, even under prolonged load. This is the biggest advantage of the recommended Acer Nitro 5 notebook. The hardware itself is also very good. The keyboard has a sufficiently deep stroke, while the touchpad can successfully replace a classic mouse, of course, apart from playing. The Nitro series is currently the most frequently chosen gaming laptop by Poles and when testing the notebook, I am not surprised by this fact. Well-balanced design elements combined with adequate performance and an effective cooling system make the Acer Nitro 5 as a whole a very good notebook.

Lenovo IdeaPad L 340 – 15, HP Pavilion Gaming 15 and Acer Nitro 5 are the three laptops we recommend that will allow you to play comfortably in both online games and more demanding AAA games.

All laptops presented above , prove that trouble-free gameplay is possible, even in more demanding titles. With the appropriate setting of the graphics settings, we can enjoy the smooth 60 frames per second. In the case of less resource-consuming games focused on online modes, achieving a much larger number of FPS will also be possible. All this thanks to the powerful Intel Core 9 processors and 10. generation that are the best solution for players. When used with NVIDIA GeForce GTX series graphics cards 15 based on the Turing architecture, we get solid configurations that we can play on whenever we have time. For less demanding players who do not need the latest technological gadgets, the choice of a much cheaper laptop, such as the Lenovo IdeaPad L 340 – 15, HP Pavilion Gaming 15 whether Acer Nitro 5 will be better solution.

Specification	Lenovo IdeaPad L 300 – 15	HP Pavilion Gaming 15	Acer Nitro 5
Processor	Intel Core i5 – 4199 HF	Intel Core i5 – 10300 H	Intel Core i5 – 10300 H
Graphics Card	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4 GB GDDR5	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4 GB GDDR5	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4 GB GDDR6
RAM	8 GB DDR4 RAM 2400 MHz	8 GB DDR4 RAM 2666 MHz	8 GB RAM DDR4 3200 MHz
Disk	SSD M.2 512 GB PCIe 3.0 x4	SSD M.2 256 GB PCIe 3.0 x4	SSD M.2 512 GB PCIe 3.0 x4
Matrix	15, 6 “IPS, Matte Full HD Resolution	16, 1 “IPS, matte with Full HD resolution	15, 6 “IPS, 144 Hz, matte Full HD resolution
Connectors	1x USB 3.1 Type-C Gen.1 2x USB 3.1 Type A Gen.1 1x HDMI 2.0 1x Ethernet RJ – 45 1x SD card reader 1x 3.5mm audio jack	1x USB 3.1 Type-C Gen.2 3x USB 3.1 Type A Gen.1 1x HDMI 2.0 1x Ethernet RJ – 45 1x SD Card Reader 1x 3.5mm audio jack	1x USB 3.1 Type C Gen.1 3x USB 3.1 Type A Gen.1 1x HDMI 2.0 1x Ethernet RJ – 45 1x audio jack 3.5 mm
Battery	Lithium Polymer 45 Wh	Lithium Ion 70 Wh	Lithium Polymer 57, 48 Wh
Weight	2, 19 kg	2, 26 kg	2.2 kg
System	Lack	Windows 10 Home 64 – bit	Windows 10 Home 64 – bit
Price	3200 PLN	3970 PLN	4199 PLN