In today’s digital age, owning a laptop is more than just a convenience; it’s now a necessity, whether for work or entertainment. However, for gaming enthusiasts, finding a gaming laptop that combines quality with an affordable price can seem challenging.
Historically, laptops designed for gaming have carried a high price tag, and surprisingly, even those with the most basic specifications are not exactly cheap. However, the good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a device that provides an optimal gaming experience.
Now more than ever, there are options on the market that, without compromising quality, deliver exceptional performance for both the latest game titles and video editing tasks. It’s not just about playing. These laptops, in addition to offering an outstanding gaming experience, are also versatile and efficient for other daily tasks, ensuring a balanced investment.
Below, we present a carefully curated selection of the most cost-effective options designed to maximize your gaming experience. In this article, we will highlight gaming laptops across various price ranges, always maintaining a balance between cost and performance. It’s probable that by spending more, you’ll get cutting-edge technology and greater durability.
The MSI GF63 Thin is one of the most reasonably priced gaming laptops, ideal for esports and everyday tasks. Despite being lighter than its competitors, it has limitations in power and performance. For a little more, the Asus ROG Strix G16 offers more advanced hardware and a better battery. However, the MSI GF63 is light and suitable for 1080p gaming, making it ideal for working and playing close to a power source. The MSI GF63 Thin 12VE-066US outperforms basic models and offers good value for money.
Unquestionably powerful is the Intel i7-12650H processor. It belongs to the 12th generation of the Intel Core i7 and is a high-end mobile processor that provides robust and efficient performance. With six high-performance cores and four cores optimized for efficiency, it supports up to 16 threads, enhancing multitasking capabilities. The frequency of the high-performance set is between 2.3 and 4.7 GHz, while the frequency of the efficient set is between 1.7 and 3.5 GHz.
In graphical terms, the combination of Intel UHD Graphics and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 with GDDR6 ensures an impressive visual experience in games and editing software. It combines RT and Tensor cores with high-performance graphics powered by the Ampere architecture. With NVIDIA’s DLSS, efficiency is enhanced; Reflex minimizes latency; and Game Ready drivers, along with NVIDIA Broadcast, enhance the gaming and streaming experience. This laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD screen, offering clarity and detail with its 1920×1080 resolution.
It combines premium aesthetics with high performance at a price that exceeds expectations. With an elegant brushed metal casing in black and a lightweight design of just 1.86 kg, it’s ideal for those seeking mobility without sacrificing power. The keyboard’s vivid red backlight, its edges, and the logos all match those of its predecessors. It is notably more sophisticated than the military-inspired Asus TUF Gaming A15 and more polished than the Acer Nitro 5. In this price range, only the Dell G5 15 Gaming looks more stylized, though it incorporates previous-generation components.
Additionally, the laptop integrates an NVMe SSD and DDR4 memory. Two DDR4-SDRAM modules have been included, adding the possibility of a memory increase of up to 64 GB. The MSI GF63 Thin 10UCXR-096US laptop has various ports: on the left, a power input and a USB 3.2 Gen 1; on the right, multiple USBs, a Type-C, and Ethernet. The HDMI port, located at the back, supports 4K at 30 Hz via the integrated Intel graphics. This current version adds DisplayPort support via USB Type-C directly to the RTX 4050, but it doesn’t allow charging the laptop. Most of the ports are located on the right, which could be uncomfortable for right-handed people, although a USB Type-A mouse can be connected without issue to the left port.
The laptop includes a 720p webcam; however, it’s not compatible with Windows Hello. It facilitates and clarifies communication by including an integrated microphone. Moreover, the MSI GF63 Thin is equipped with high-power speakers, ensuring a fully immersive multimedia experience. On the other hand, technologies like Intel VT-x, Intel VT-d, Execute Disable Bit, and Flex Memory Access work together to optimize and boost its performance, positioning the MSI GF63 Thin as an option to consider. For the most demanding gamers looking for optimal performance and fluidity, this laptop stands out and promises a balanced gaming experience.
Features
- CPU: Intel Core i7-12650H (6 Cores)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- Screen: 1920×1080 144Hz Full HD
PROS
- Optimal CPU and GPU performance
- Good value for money.
- Portability and lightness.
- Suitable for tasks like video editing and 3D modeling.
- Robust specifications.
- Ability to run design programs and render
- Expandable RAM is a possibility.
- SSD for fast loading speeds.
CONS
- Limited battery life.
- Frequent overheating.
- Noisy fan at peak performance.
- Keyboard with non-adjustable red backlighting
- Speakers’ sound is perceived as low.
- Aluminum material is uncomfortable when heated.
Buyers’ Opinion
The MSI GF63 Thin 12VE-066US laptop has received a range of reviews, mostly positive, especially in terms of its performance. Many users have highlighted the speed and responsiveness of the device, which facilitates not only daily tasks but also the running of current games and even those that share a platform with consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. Moreover, it is noted that, for its price, it offers excellent performance, making it an attractive option for those looking for a balance between cost and quality.
The cooling of the device, however, is a common complaint among users. It’s mentioned that during intense use, especially during gaming sessions, the laptop tends to heat up significantly, reaching considerable temperatures. This has led some users to recommend using a stand with additional fans to help keep it at an appropriate temperature and extend its lifespan. Despite this drawback, the built-in ventilation system has been able to maintain acceptable temperatures in most situations.
In terms of design and construction, the laptop has received mixed reviews. While some appreciate its lightness and portability, which facilitates its transportation and makes it ideal for travelers and students, others have pointed out certain aesthetic details they don’t like, such as the red keyboard backlighting. Furthermore, it’s mentioned that, although it has a simple appearance and is perhaps not so modern, the internal specifications are robust and suitable for a wide range of tasks, from video editing to 3D modeling.
Despite these drawbacks, the majority of opinions lean towards the positive. Many users have mentioned that the machine has exceeded their expectations in terms of performance and offers excellent value for money. It’s also notable that, in its price range, it seems to be one of the best options available on the market, as long as one considers the need for a possible additional cooling solution.
