Gaming laptop or Prebuilds: Best option for under $500 budget

Gaming laptop

Are you on the lookout for a gaming device but dealing with a specific budget of somewhere around $500? We got you! You might be puzzled whether to buy a gaming laptop or a pre-built desktop PC. However, both come with their own pros and cons that can make your decision-making process whether to buy a gaming laptop or not more hectic. But no more worries now. In this article, we will give you an exposure to the potential advantages and disadvantages of both a gaming laptop and a pre-built desktop PC.

A Gaming Laptop under $500: Buy or Not?

In recent times, gaming laptops have earned a varied audience in the gaming field due to their promise to deliver portability and convenience. But if you are looking to buy a gaming laptop under a constrained budget of $500, it can be a daunting task as purchasing a gaming laptop at this price point asks for some compromise on performance and specifications.

Gaming Laptop: Potential ‘Advantages’

Portability

If you are a gamer who is always on the go, then purchasing a gaming laptop can offer you a compact device, hence easily carryable anywhere. Due to the built-in display in a gaming laptop, it’s perfect for gamers who prioritize portability.

Integrated Setup

If you suffer from limited space, then an all-in-one integrated setup provided by a gaming laptop can eliminate the need for extra space in your working area. Plus, you won’t need any additional peripherals ultimately saving your pockets too. Additionally, the battery is also integrated. You don’t need to rush every time to plug it in, you can enjoy your gaming from the comfort of your bed.

Gaming Laptop: Considerable ‘Disadvantages’

Limited Performance

A gaming laptop under a $500 budget is not for top-tier gamers at all. At this price range, a gaming laptop can offer only entry-level components. Ultimately, you will have to compromise on performance for demanding games and applications. However, if you are a casual gamer at the beginning level, a gaming laptop at this price point can be a cost-effective option for you to consider.

Limited Upgradability

While going to purchase a gaming laptop for around $500, keep in mind that a budget-friendly laptop has its parts like the CPU and GPU glued onto the main circuit board. As a result, you can’t easily swap out later on if and when you wish to upgrade anytime in the future.

Limited Cooling

As a gaming laptop offers a compact design, sometimes it struggles with heat dissipation, leading to thermal throttling. Ultimately, your performance suffers.

Shorter Lifespan

A compact and tightly packed gaming laptop with varied components can lead to higher temperatures and increased wear and tear at times. Hence, a gaming laptop won’t be able to stay for a longer time with you.

Gaming Laptop under $500: Some Possible Options to Consider

HP Victus 15

Specification Value
Processor AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050
RAM 16GB DDR5
Storage 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD
Display 15.6″ FHD 144Hz
Keyboard Backlit
Webcam Yes
Operating system Windows 11 Home
Dimensions 13.98 x 9.45 x 0.79 inches
Weight 4.46 pounds

MSI Computer GF63

Specification Value
Processor Intel Core i5-10300H
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
RAM 8GB DDR4
Storage 256GB SSD
Display 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080)
Keyboard Backlit
Webcam Yes
Operating system Windows 10
Dimensions 13.8 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches
Weight 4.4 pounds
Battery Life Up to 7 hours

Asus Vivobook

Specification Value
Processor Intel Core i3-1005G1
Graphics Intel UHD Graphics
RAM 20GB DDR4
Storage 512GB SSD
Display 15.6″ HD (1366×768)
Webcam Yes
Operating system Windows 11 Home
Dimensions 14 x 9.6 x 0.7 inches
Weight 3.75 pounds

Acer Aspire 5

Specification Value
Processor AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
Graphics AMD Radeon
RAM 8GB DDR4
Storage 256GB NVMe SSD
Display 15.6″ Full HD IPS (1920×1080)
Keyboard Backlit
Webcam Yes
Operating system Windows 11 Home
Dimensions 13.8 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
Weight 4.4 pounds
Battery Life Up to 7.5 hours

IdeaPad 1i

Specification Value
Processor Intel 4-Core CPU
Graphics Integrated Intel Graphics
RAM 20GB DDR4
Storage 1152GB SSD (128GB+1TB)
Display 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080)
Operating system Windows 11 Home
Dimensions 13.8 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
Weight 4.4 pounds
Battery Life Up to 8 hours

ANMESC AN-X17

Specification Value
Processor Quad-Core Intel Celeron N5095
Graphics Intel UHD Graphics
RAM 12GB DDR4
Storage 512GB SSD
Display 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080)
Operating system Windows 11 Home
Dimensions 13.8 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
Weight 3.97 pounds

Prebuilds under $500: A Smart Choice than a Gaming Laptop?

Coming to pre-built desktop PCs, they are at a more attractive point for many gamers dealing with a specified budget than a gaming laptop. Undoubtedly, a pre-built desktop PC is a potential choice to consider if you aren’t into buying a gaming laptop with a value-for-money device and whole setup customization in your hands.

Pre-builds: ‘Advantages’

Better Performance

If you are an exceptional gamer looking for top-notch performance at this price range, going with a pre-built desktop PC would be a safer option than a gaming laptop. The former offers powerful components like discrete GPUs and faster processors to bring your gaming experience to a different level.

Upgradability

Unlike a gaming laptop, here you do not need to worry about future upgrades at all. Purchasing a pre-built desktop PC allows you to swap individual parts whenever you want to. As a gamer, your choices might change in the coming time: so here you have an advantage with pre-builds to evolve your system with the innovations.

Better Cooling

In a pre-built desktop PC, you get larger cases and better airflow, ultimately allowing more space for airflow and more effective cooling of the components. Even under load, it can offer a fair enough performance.

Pre-builds: ‘Disadvantages’

Lack of Portability

While a pre-built desktop PC offers optimal performance as compared to a gaming laptop, it lacks portability. You can’t carry the bulky system anywhere or anytime you wish to limit the usage to a single place only.

Additional Peripherals Required

Here, you will have to spend a little extra to purchase additional peripherals such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Eventually, it can add up to the total cost and setup complexity.

Major Differences: Gaming Laptop vs. Pre-built Desktop PC

Features Gaming Laptops Prebuilt Desktop PCs
Portability
Built-in Display
Integrated Battery
Limited Upgradability
Limited Cooling
Shorter Lifespan
Better Cooling
Customization Options
Peripheral Compatibility
Bulkier Design
Assembly Required
Additional Costs

Conclusion

Overall, whether to purchase a gaming laptop or a pre-built desktop PC while dealing with a specific budget of $500, make sure that you take care of what exactly you require. If you don’t want to compromise on the gaming performance and portability isn’t a major issue for you, go with a pre-built one without thinking more. But if not, a gaming laptop is there to cater to every need of yours. No matter what you choose, you always find the best devices at the very best of prices, only with Gizmogo. The choice is yours only at the end. Make sure you make it worth a while. Happy Shopping! sell used electronic devices #sell_laptop #sell_gaming_laptop

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