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.
A gaming laptop with an eSports-ready display and a slim design is the Asus TUF Dash F15 (2022). The TUF typography on the lid, possibly inspired by Alienware, ensures it stands out even though it is not as flashy as some others. Also, like all previous TUF products, this model meets the MIL-STD-810H standard, reflecting ASUS’s commitment to durability in its TUF line. While it surpasses its predecessor, with some additional tweaks, it could stand out even more. Despite its strengths, it faces tough competition in terms of value for money, with other options on the market offering similar performance at a lower cost. However, if you’re looking for a robust, thin, and gaming-capable laptop, the TUF Dash F15 (2022) should definitely be considered.
The Intel Core i7-12650H is a high-performance processor that powers the Asus TUF Dash F15. It’s more powerful than most processors, with a CPU speed of up to 4.7 GHz, 16 CPU threads, and a 9.5 MB L2 cache. It is also more energy-efficient than average, with a TDP of only 45 W.
The GeForce RTX 3070 is a high-end graphics card that offers excellent performance for 1440p and 4K gaming. Its Ray Tracing technology allows for more realistic and detailed graphics, and its DLSS boosts performance without compromising image quality. The ASUS TUF Dash 15 Gaming 2022 is a laptop that includes this graphics card, which, combined with the processor, makes it an excellent choice for gamers seeking a smooth and high-quality gaming experience.
With its 4800 MHz DDR5 RAM and PCIe 3.0 SSD storage, it offers quick performance, making it ideal for gaming and business use. Additionally, its versatility stands out as it allows for expansion or upgrades of both RAM modules and storage units. It has two expandable storage slots of up to 1 TB and two RAM slots that support up to 32 GB.
For a thin and light device, this laptop provides a standard port selection. If you have multiple peripherals, an additional hub might be helpful. On the left side of the laptop, you’ll find ports such as Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 2.0b, RJ45 LAN, and the 3.5mm port. Additionally, this laptop benefits from Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 (Dual Band) connectivity, which are common features in current models.
The 15.6-inch Full HD 144Hz display with a resolution of 1920×1080 has adaptive sync to reduce screen tearing and make gaming smoother and more immersive. And, for those looking to customize their experience, the Armoury Crate software is essential. It allows users to tailor the system to individual preferences, from lighting to performance.
In conclusion, the Asus TUF Dash F15 is a combination of design, power, and innovation. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a laptop that not only meets but exceeds their expectations. The performance challenge of a slim gaming laptop is something Asus hasn’t entirely tackled with the Dash F15. However, if you’re looking for a lightweight laptop with a premium screen and high-end components capable of handling advanced games at good frames per second and at a reasonable price, the Dash F15 might be your pick.
Features:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12650H (10 Cores)
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 8GB GDDR6
- RAM: 16GB DDR5 4800Mhz
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
- Display: 1920×1080 144Hz Full HD
PROS:
- Optimal CPU and GPU Performance
- Elegant Design
- High-Quality Display
- Responsive and Spacious Keyboard
- Some components are replaceable.
CONS:
- Poor Cooling System
- Limited Battery Life
- LED Backlighting only in White
- Screen brightness is not enough to stop glare
Buyers’ Opinion:
The Asus TUF Dash F15 has been praised for its standout construction, both in design and sturdiness. Many users have highlighted the laptop’s “undeniable performance,” especially with its high-end processor and graphics card.
However, one aspect that has drawn criticism is heat dissipation. Despite its powerful processor and efficient graphics card, which at times even exceeds 105 watts of consumption, the cooling system is not ideal. Due to the laptop’s very slim design compared to other gaming laptops, some point out that the cooling system is inadequate, reaching temperatures close to 100°C.
On the other hand, many users have emphasized its gaming performance. With its advanced configuration, which includes a 12th generation i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and the 3070 graphics card, it has been able to run most recent video games on high or ultra settings. Additionally, the design is appreciated for its lightness and ease of hardware upgrades, though some mention they would prefer a single 16GB RAM instead of two 8GB ones.
Beyond its gaming capability, the laptop has stood out for its versatility and utility in remote work. The ECO mode extends battery life, which is perfect for those on the go. Furthermore, the understated design without excessive LEDs and colors makes it ideal for professional settings. It’s a powerful, efficient, and versatile laptop, though with certain reservations about the cooling system.
