Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500

If you are looking for the best gaming laptop under $1500, you are certainly searching for a model that is a notch above what you get for a thousand bucks but is not in a league of its own.

List of Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500 in 2024:

Here are the best gaming laptops under $1500 on which you can play major gaming titles at 1080p resolution.

Reviews Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500:

Since you are looking for a laptop that costs close to 1500 dollars, there are a couple of features that should be there in the device that you choose.

Here are some of such features which should be there in the least (anything above these features makes such a laptop a great buy)

  • Processor – Intel Core i7 (9th, 10th or 11th gen)
  • GPU – NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or above (Those with RTX 20 or 30 Series are a great option to consider)
  • RAM – 16 GB at least
  • Storage – 512 GB
  • Screen – 15.6″ with FHD 1920 x 1080 resolution

Let’s check out each of the models mentioned above in more detail to find out what makes them stand out from thousands of other models that can be used for gaming and many other purposes:

1. Acer Predator Helios 300

Best Overall Laptop

Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop

Specifications

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H 8-Core
  • GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 6GB
  • RAM: 16 GB DDR4
  • Storage: 512GB PCIe GEN 4 SSD
  • Display: 15.6 inch 144 Hz 3ms
  • Weight: 5.5 pounds
  • Dimensions: ‎14.31 x 10.04 x 0.9 inches

Acer never fails to impress with its range of laptops that are just as great for gaming as they are for other purposes including office work and graphic designing.

Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S is one of the affordable gaming laptops under $1500 that you can lay your hands on. This model is well-equipped to help you play your favorite titles for hours at stretch without any glitches.

Let’s find out what makes it stand out from among the rest:

The core of any laptop or computer is its processor and this model from Acer is powered with an 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H processor that offers remarkable speed and impressive power to handle any kind of gaming title. This powerful processor is sure one of the reasons why this model is on top of this list.

But wait, there’s a lot more to it!

The GPU that it comes with is equally impressive. This machine comes loaded with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with 6GB dedicated GDDR6 VRAM. As a gamer, I am sure you must be interested in viewing high-quality images and this beast of a machine does absolute justice to its graphics and images.

I must mention here that this graphics card is one of the latest in the RTX 30 series and coupled with 6GB memory, it is capable of handling even the most demanding titles like Call of Duty Warzone, Valorant, Days Gone, Red Dead Redemption 2 & more while ensuring a high FPS. This machine can easily produce a 60 + FPS.

Acer Predator Helios 300 85 FPS on Call of Duty WarZone
Call of Duty Warzone 85 FPS Ultra Settings on Acer Predator Helios 300

The RTX series is much more advanced as compared to the GTX GPUS and interestingly enough, this machine comes with RTX 3060 which happens to be the latest as well as most powerful graphics card available on the market today. This is a card that can help you achieve the ultimate gaming experience.

The next thing to watch out for is the display and the screen size. This model from Acer does not fall short even on this count. It comes with a 15.6″ full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS LED-backlit display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, featuring a really fast 144Hz refresh rate. This is simply great for gamers who want to experience the ultimate visual display.

Moreover, it comes with a 16 GB RAM and 512 GB PCIe GEN 4 SSD along with a 2.5″ Hard Drive Bay in case you need to get HDD installed later sometime. I must mention here that RAM and SSD should be more than enough to handle even heavy titles. Moreover, the GPU with an additional 6 GB of memory can make rendering and loading of visuals and graphics super fast.

Furthermore, to keep your machine cool so that you can play for long hours at stretch Acer Helios 300 comes equipped with a 5th generation AeroBlade Fan that has 89 blades to allow better airflow and dissipate heat. This is an important feature for gamers and makes this machine even more suitable for pros that like to spend hours and hours playing their favorite titles.

What I Like

  • 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
  • Powerful graphics card
  • Blazing fast display
  • Extra HDD slot available

What I Don’t Like

  • Audio could be better
  • Battery life could be better

What makes this model the best gaming laptop under $1500?

A highly powerful processor coupled with an equally powerful GPU, great visual display, more than enough RAM, and storage are some of the distinct features that make it a great choice under $1500. Even though the battery life is somewhat less at close to 4 hours, I feel it is more than what you can ask for at this price level.

Interestingly enough, this model is one of the best performers from Acer and there’s no reason why should not consider it when looking for a good gaming experience in under 1500 bucks.


2. Dell G5 15 Gaming Laptop

Best Runner Up

Dell G5 15 Gaming Laptop

Specifications

  • CPU: 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
  • RAM: 16 GB DDR4
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Display: 15.6″ FHD LCD Screen

Dell is another brand that is famous for its top-quality laptops and the G5 15 is one of the most sought-after gaming laptops within the budget of $1500.

To begin with, this model from Dell has a sleek and elegant design that impresses you with its looks. In other words, it looks quite appealing at the first glance itself.

This machine is powered with a 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750h that is powerful enough to handle even the heaviest game titles with ease. I must mention here that even though it is a powerful processor it falls slightly short of the 11th gen Core i7 that the Acer Predator Helios 300 mentioned above comes with. This kind of justifies its second place on the list.

As far as the GPU is concerned, this one comes with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 with 4GB GDDR5 Graphics to help you get an amazing visual experience. Depending upon the game, this GPU can help you get an FPS between 45-60 and if you turn down the settings to medium then you should be able to achieve a 60+ FPS.

RDR 2 FPS on Dell G5 15
Almost 60 FPS on Red Dead Redemption

When it comes to memory, this model is equipped with 16GB RAM and a 256GB SSD Hard Drive. At the same time, its graphics card also bears 4 GB of memory for quick and fast loading of visuals and graphics. I must mention that this happens to be one of the strongest plus points of this laptop that you can use playing almost all titles without any glitches.

The display screen is good at 15.6″ carrying a resolution of 1920 x 1080 so that you can enjoy vibrant and lifelike images.

In order to prevent overheating, this system comes with a dual-fan cooling system with an advanced thermal design.

What I Like

  • Elegenat looks with a premium design
  • Long and decent battery life
  • Powerful 9th gen i7 processor
  • Good GPU

What I Don’t Like

  • Thick and heavy chasis
  • Just 12 months warranty

Does this model fit the bill of being the best gaming laptop under $1500?

No doubt, it does!

As a matter of fact, it is one of the best choices available on the market for under 1500 bucks. What you need to keep in mind is that good gaming laptops can be really expensive and this model from Dell comes with exciting features, a great display, awesome looks, a powerful processor and GPU, and more than enough memory to help you play your favorite titles without any hiccups!


3. Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop

Best Razer Laptop Under 1500

Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop 2020

Specifications

  • CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10875H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
  • RAM: 16 GB DDR4
  • Storage: 512GB SSD
  • Display: 15.6″ FHD 300Hz
  • Weight: 4.40 pounds
  • Dimensions: ‎‎13.98 x 0.7 x 9.25 inches

Razer is a brand that makes me really excited when it comes to its range of laptops and other computer accessories. It almost never fails to meet your expectations and Razer Blade 15 can help you get an amazing gaming experience. Furthermore, this model has been awarded the 2020 PC Gamer Editors Pick Award. This itself makes it one of the most sought-after as well as desirable laptops out there.

First of all, the processor that powers this machine is highly powerful. It comes with an 8-Core 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10875H processor that provides the ultimate level of performance with up to 5. 1GHz Max Turbo.

Not just this, to ensure the high visual quality of graphics and images, this laptop comes with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070. I must mention here that this card is likely to be a far better performance as compared to those of the GeForce GTX series. In other words, you should be prepared for the ultimate visual experience with this card that also comes with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM.

It’s worth noting there that this GPU can help churn out a high or 60 + FPS rate. Moreover, it is capable of ray tracing which further improves the visual experience. PUBG, Fortnite, Crysis Remastered, WRC 9, and Forza Horizon 4 on ultra settings all gave me more than 80 FPS. You can easily enjoy other big titles on this laptop even with ray tracing on. If you are a Fortnite lover, I must say that it is one of the best gaming laptops for Fortnite.

Razer Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop WRC 9 FPS
Playing WRC 9 on Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070

One of the most distinguishing features of this laptop is that it can support a higher frame rate with a fast 300 Hz 15.6″ Full HD thin-bezel display.

As far as the looks are concerned, it comes in a CNC aluminum unibody frame that makes it look rather sharp. It is remarkably thin at just 0.7″. This makes it a highly portable model too.

Getting on to memory specifications, this model comes with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, making it suitable for most gaming titles even if they are quite demanding.

In order to prevent any kind of overheating, this laptop comes with a unique cooling mechanism. It comes with a copper vapor chamber that is filled and sealed with a liquid coolant in order to dissipate heat. This is a feature that makes it perfectly suitable for long gaming hours and any gamer is going to love it for this.

What I Like

  • Minimalist beautiful design
  • 300 Hz refresh rate
  • More memory than other competing brands
  • Very powerful processor
  • Unique cooling mechanism

What I Don’t Like

  • Mediocre battery life
  • Slightly expensive

Should this model be a part of this list of the best laptops under $1500?

Definitely yes!

And that is not because I have become a big fan of Razer but because this laptop comes with features that make it a perfect choice for gamers looking for a good laptop within the range of 1500 bucks. It has sufficient memory and an excellent graphics card to help take your gaming experience to an entirely new level. The only thing that it lacks in is battery life but you can always have your charger ready with your gaming setup to avoid any shortcomings as far as battery backup is concerned.

Its worth noting that it is not just a great choice for playing PUBG and Fortnite but is also one of the best gaming laptops for Sims 4.


Side by Side Comparison of Top 3 Laptops Under 1500

All of the top 3 models listed above are great in terms of feature specifications and it can be somewhat confusing to choose one of them. Here is a brief comparison of the top 3 models so that you can choose one according to your specific needs and requirements:

FeatureAcer Predator Helios 300Dell G5 15Razer Blade 15 (2020)
Processor11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H10th Gen Intel Core i7-10875H
GPUNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
RAM16 GB16 GB16 GB
SSD512 GB256 SSD512 GB
Key TakeawayExcellent ChoiceGood ChoiceGood Choice

Conclusion – It’s clear from the table above that Acer Predator Helios 300 is likely to have better specifications as compared to the other two laptops. With an advanced processor, powerful GPU (3000 series), and good enough memory it is likely to perform better and help you get an amazing gaming experience, whatever title you choose to play.


4. Dell Alienware M15 R4

Sleek Design

Dell Alienware M15 R4

Specifications

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-10870H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB
  • RAM: 16 GB DDR4
  • Storage: 512 GB NVMe SSD
  • Display: 15.6 inches Full HD
  • Weight: 5.50 pounds
  • Dimensions: ‎‎10.86 x 14.19 x 0.78 inches

Dell is yet another brand that offers some great laptops for gamers. Alienware M15 R4 is an excellent laptop equipped with 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10870H, which by any standard is powerful enough to handle quite demanding games with ease.

Not just this, it is complemented by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6, which is supposed to be one of the best GPUs around to ensure amazing visual and graphic display. This graphics card can easily churn out a 60+ FPS rate coupled with ray tracing resulting in the ultimate visual and graphic experience for the user. It gives 70 – 80 FPS on DOOM Eternal, HITMAN III, GTA, Watch Dogs: Legion, and almost 60 on games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla on Dell Alienware M15 R4
Playing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla on Dell Alienware m15 R4 ULTRA Settings

Over and above, this laptop comes with 16GB RAM and a 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD. In addition to this, the graphics card comes with 6 GB of memory that ensures immediate rendering and loading of visuals and images so as to enhance the user experience.

It comes with great connectivity since it is powered with Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i 802.11ax 2×2 Wireless LAN + Bluetooth 5.1. In other words, it can be connected with both Wifi and Bluetooth.

As far as the screen is concerned, this model has a 15.6-inch FHD (Full HD 1920 x 1080) that is capable of showing high-quality visuals and graphics.

What I Like

  • Beautiful OLED display
  • Powerful processor
  • RTX 3060 GPU with 6 GB RAM
  • Plenty of useful ports
  • Customizable keyboard and chasis lighiting

What I Don’t Like

  • Trackpad could be larger

Does this device fit the bill for being listed as one of the best laptops under $1500?

No doubt, it does!

It is equipped with an excellent processor and an advanced GPU to ensure a great gaming experience. The only flip side of this device is that its battery life is short. However, if you have a good gaming set up it should not be a problem since most gamers do not really require to carry their laptop with them.


5. Acer Predator Triton 500

Best Display Model

Acer Predator Triton 500

Specifications

  • CPU: Intel i7-10750H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER
  • RAM: 16 GB DDR4
  • Storage: 512 GB NVMe SSD
  • Display: 15.6″ FHD 300Hz Refresh Rate 3ms
  • Weight: 4.6 Pounds
  • Dimensions: ‎14.11 x 10.04 x 0.7 inches

On this list, I have taken special care to list laptops that come with highly powerful processors and this model from Acer does not fall short either. Acer Predator Triton 500 bears the 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H in its core to deliver outstanding and superfast performance.

It also comes with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Graphics with Max-Q Design & 8 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM. This graphics card is better equipped for an amazing display of visuals and graphics as compared to those in the GTX series. It can easily churn out a high FPS rate of more than 60 along with ray tracing to ensure superb visual and graphics display.

Acer Predator Triton 500 PT515-52-73L3 FPS Benchmark
Acer Predator Triton 500 PT515-52-73L3 FPS Benchmark

Furthermore, this device comes with 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD. Not just this, it also bears a slot for further upgrades.

As far as the connectivity is concerned, this machine comes with a Killer Gaming Network E3100G and Killer Double Shot Pro Wireless-AX 1650i 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6.

It also has a great display screen. It comes with a 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED-backlit IPS display.

I must mention here that this machine has a response time of 3ms and a high 300Hz refresh rate to ensure a next-level user experience for you.

What I Like

  • Sleek and elegant looking design
  • Powerful processor and GPU
  • Capable of showing high-quality images, visuals
  • 300 Hz G-Sync Display
  • Good selection of ports

What I Don’t Like

  • Battery life is short
  • May get overheated even with all fans working
  • Annoying boot sound

Is this laptop worthy of being included in this list of best laptops under 1500 bucks?

I don’t think there’s any reason not to.

It has a good processor and GPU. Not just this, the display screen is also great. It does fall short when comes to battery life and that is something that can be taken care of by charging more frequently.


6. Lenovo Legion 5 15 Gaming Laptop

Best with AMD Processor

Lenovo Legion 5 15 Gaming Laptop

Specifications

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050Ti
  • RAM: 16 GB DDR4
  • Storage: 512 GB NVMe SSD
  • Display: 15.6″ FHD 300Hz Refresh Rate 3ms
  • Weight: 5.29
  • Dimensions: ‎‎‎14.27 x 10.26 x 0.89 inches

Lenovo is a brand that is often considered a top performer when it comes to laptops and desktops. It is known for producing some of the finest gaming laptops and it should not come as a surprise that Legion 5 15 from Lenovo is one of the best picks when considering a good laptop at a price below $1500.

To begin with, this machine comes with a processor that is strong enough to deal even with heavy and demanding titles. It is equipped with AMD Ryzen 7 5800H Processor but what makes it great for graphics and visuals is that it comes with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti which is capable for delivering outstanding visuals through real-time ray tracing, I must mention here that this RTX series is supposed to be far better in terms of visual quality as compared to other series (RTX 10 and RTX 20) and can easily churn out an FPS rate of more than 60.

Battlefield V High Settings on Lenovo Legion 5 15
Playing Battlefield V on High Settings

But this is certainly not all!

This laptop has a lot more to offer and this includes 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD so that your machine has enough space to accommodate any game along with its expansions that are often released by companies from time to time.

Battery life is also supposed to be good and tests reveal that it can last for over 5 hours on productivity work. However, when it comes to gaming, it will likely last much less.

This machine also comes with good heat-dissipating fans that are considerably quiet too. So, no annoying sounds there. More importantly, it can handle long gaming hours without any issues.

Even though this machine performs well on most counts, I feel the display screen could have been better.

What I Like

  • Good quality finish and appealing looks
  • Good processor
  • Excellent GPU
  • Impressive thermal cooling with quiet fans
  • Good buy for the price tag

What I Don’t Like

  • The display is mediocre

Is this laptop a good contender for the list of best laptops under $1500?

Definitely!

Gaming laptops can be highly expensive and this one comes with quite impressive features at a price below 1500 bucks. A good processor, powerful GPU, nice keyboard, and decent battery life are some of the features that make it a good buy!


7. ASUS ROG Strix G15 (2021) Gaming Laptop

Coolest Laptop

ASUS ROG Strix G15

Specifications

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen R7-5800H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Storage: 1 TB SSD
  • Display: 15.6” 300Hz IPS Type FHD
  • Weight: 4.63 lbs
  • Dimensions: ‎‎13.94 x 10.2 x 1.02 inches

This model from ASUS comes with equally powerful specifications to make it on this list. ROG Strix G 15 (2021) is a laptop that is powered by AMD Ryzen R7-5800H. I must mention here that this is a top-tier AMD Ryzen processor. Coupled with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, this processor can help you get an amazing gaming experience. It is the same card that comes with the Lenovo Legion 5 15 gaming laptop mentioned above and is capable of real-time ray tracing. It can easily produce 60+ FPS to ensure ultimate in visual and graphic representation.

RDR 2 High Settings ASUS ROG Strix G15 (2021)
Red Dead Redemption 2 on High Settings ASUS ROG Strix G15

Even though there’s nothing outstanding or unique about the design or finish of this machine, it does come with good enough memory to ensure enough space for demanding titles, their expansions as well as many other apps that you might want to use. This laptop comes with 16 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD, making it one of the strongest contenders on this list.

In order to keep your system cool, this device comes with ROG Intelligent Cooling thermal system with Thermal Grizzly Liquid Metal Thermal Compound. This can help dissipate heat when used for long hours at stretch.

The display screen is good too. However, the machine may seem a bit heavy or bulky to most users.

Having said that, it offers a great gaming experience at the price it comes at.

What I Like

  • Impressive 300 Hz display
  • 16 GB RAM coupled with 1 TB SSD
  • Good cooling mechanism
  • Powerful processor and GPU

What I Don’t Like

  • No webcam
  • A bit heavy

Should this laptop be a part of this list of best gaming laptops in the price range of $1500?

100% Yes!

This is an excellent mid-range gaming laptop that comes equipped with RTX 3070 GPU which is quite fast and can handle both mainstream gaming and eSports. It is one of the most powerful graphics cards right now. Secondly, this device has a processor that is simply great for creating content and is practically a steal at this price!


8. ASUS ROG Zephyrus M15 15.6″ Full HD 144HZ Gaming Laptop

Lightest Laptop

ASUS ROG Zephyrus M15 15.6

Specifications

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
  • RAM: 16 GB DDR4
  • Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
  • Display: 15.6″ Full HD 144HZ
  • Weight: 4.41 lbs
  • Dimensions: ‎‎‎13.98 x 9.57 x 0.78 inches

This is another model from ASUS that deserves a mention on this list. This machine is powered with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H Mobile Processor, which is powerful enough to ensure a good and speedy performance whatever game you choose to play.

Not just this, it comes with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Graphics (Backed by 6GB GDDR6). Now, this is not as advanced as GPUs of some of the other models mentioned here but it can still manage a decent display of visuals and graphics so that you can really enjoy playing the game. That it comes with 6 GB memory is an additional benefit that assists in an even faster rendering of images and visuals for the user. Even though this graphics card is not as powerful as some of the others mentioned above, it can still manage a decent FPS of 45-60. Moreover, at medium settings, it should help you get an FPS of more than 60.

This system comes with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD like many other systems on this list. Over and above this, it also bears a 1 TB HDD.

As far as the display is concerned, this laptop comes with a 15.6″ display screen with a resolution of ‎1920 x 1080 Pixels. The screen resolution and display quality are quite good in this laptop which seems like one of its biggest plus points.

The battery life is also supposed to be quite good and it can last for more than 5 hours or regular work. However, when it comes to gaming it might end sooner.

This machine weighs 4.43 pounds and is quite thin at just 0.8 inches. It certainly adds to its portability.

What I Like

  • Good processor
  • Lightweight model
  • Features multiple ports
  • Display quality is good

What I Don’t Like

  • GPU could be more advanced
  • No webcam

Does this laptop deserve a mention on this list of best laptops below $1500?

It definitely does!

This machine from ASUS offers great features at a reasonable price. Even though GPU that it comes with not the most advanced model but it is perhaps the best in this price range. Moreover, this is a portable and lightweight device that comes with a good processor to ensure you can play games with ease.


9. MSI GL66 Gaming Laptop

Powerful GPU

MSI GL66 Gaming Laptop

Specifications

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Storage: 512 GB SSD
  • Display: 15.6″ 144Hz FHD 1080p
  • Weight: 4.63 lbs
  • Dimensions: ‎‎14.13 x 0.94 x 10.2 inches

MSI is a name that is often linked with high-quality laptops and GL66 is a model that lives up to the expectations. It comes fitted with an 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor that is capable of delivering great performance whether you want to run any title or application.

Coupled with this processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 is capable of ensuring a vivid display of images, visuals, and graphics. I have no qualms in saying that it happens to be one of the most advanced GPUs right now. This graphics card is one of the biggest plus points of this laptop since it can churn out an FPS rate of more than 60 with quite ease. Since it is an RTX series graphics card it is capable of real time ray tracing to ensure visual enhancement.

COD WARZONE on MSI GL66
Call of Duty Warzone Performance on MSI GL66

This machine comes with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD like a couple of other models on this list.

Even though it is quite a charmer when it comes to the processor and GPU, the machine falls short when it comes to battery life. Having said that, you can take care of this issue by having your charger ready.

Yet another problem associated with it is that it might run hot when you play a game for long hours.

What I Like

  • Advanced GPU
  • Powerful processor
  • Good display
  • Nice, sleek looking model

What I Don’t Like

  • Battery life is short
  • May get heated up

Is this laptop a perfect fit for this list of best gaming laptops under 1500 bucks?

I would answer this in the affirmative since it comes with a powerful processor and a highly advanced graphics card. The only issue with this machine is that it comes with short battery life.


10. Lenovo Legion Y540 15.6″ FHD Gaming Laptop Computer

Upgradeable Laptop

Lenovo Legion Y540 15.6

Specifications

  • CPU: Intel Hexa-Core i7-9750H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
  • RAM: 24 GB
  • Storage: 1TB HDD + 512GB PCIE SSD
  • Display: 15. 6” FHD (1920 x 1080)
  • Weight: 5.1 lbs
  • Dimensions: ‎‎14.37 x 10.24 x 1.02 inches

The last product on this list is Legion Y540 from Lenovo. This one definitely wins a few extra brownie points for its appealing looks and design but beneath those great aesthetics is a powerful 9th Generation Intel Hexa-Core i7-9750H Processor that is capable of handling heavy and demanding titles as well as complex apps.

On top of this processor, this machine comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5 dedicated graphics card. Even though it is not as powerful or advanced as those in the RTX series, it can certainly churn out vivid visuals and life-like graphics to make you enjoy your gaming session to the hilt. It can help you get an FPS in the range of 45-60 and at medium settings it can help you get an FPS of more than 60 quite easily.

One of the biggest plus points of this laptop is its memory and storage. It comes with 24 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, and a 1 TB HDD. I must mention here that it has more than ample memory to handle even heavy games or software with ease.

Far Cry New Dawn FPS Benchmark on Lenovo Legion Y540
Far Cry New Dawn FPS Benchmark on Lenovo Legion Y540

Moreover, it comes with a 15. 6” FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare display. It delivers quite impressive colors and image clarity which is certainly a plus point in its price range.

Even though the battery life is good enough since it can last up to 5 hours when doing productivity work, it is not going to last long enough while gaming. However, you may ignore this since most gaming laptops are used while plugged into the socket.

Another area where it might lag in is that the fans are quite audible and many of you might find this somewhat annoying. Other than that, it is an excellent mid-range gaming laptop.

What I Like

  • Aesthetically appealing looks
  • More than ample RAM and storage
  • Good display

What I Don’t Like

  • Fans are audible
  • No Thunderbolt 3
  • No Optical drive

Is this laptop good enough to be mentioned on this list of the best gaming laptops under 1500 dollars?

Without a doubt, yes!

What makes it qualify for this list is its ample RAM and storage. I don’t think many other models in this price range can match up to the memory specifications of this device. Moreover, it is sleek and stylish and has a good processor as well as GPU so that you can play your favorite titles without any hiccups.


What To Make Of Gaming Laptops Under $1500?

Gaming accessories are likely to be highly demanding and till a couple of years back its was simply unfathomable to even think of gaming on a laptop. However, with groundbreaking advancements in heat management, it has now become possible to handle complicated multimedia tasks on compact devices such as laptops.

No wonder, gaming laptops have become a massive hit among gamers all around the world, since they are compact as compared to gaming computers and can help them get an amazing gaming experience.

Let’s check out some of the main benefits and disadvantages of such gaming laptops:

Benefits:

  • Gaming laptops now provide a decent setup at a far reasonable cost so that gamers can enjoy titles such as Fortnite and Overwatch at moderate to high settings. What is really amazing is that they are powered by upto date processors that can ensure good performance.
  • Such laptops now come with really exciting features and some of the top-notch ones within the price range of $1500 include those that come with NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs that can support a high refresh rate and help you enjoy lifelike images and visuals onscreen. Not just this, you can also get excellent audio effects with the help of Bang and Olufsen coupled with surround sound in your headphones.
  • One of the mos important benefits of such laptops is that they can help you save a couple of hundred dollars since you do not need to invest in controllers, external devices, and mice.
  • Yet another important benefit that such gaming laptops offer is that they can be used for a lot many things such as graphic design, video editing, etc. No wonder, they are highly useful for people that foray into multimedia management. Thus, if you are a gamer and a professional graphic designer or photographer, etc., you can use the same device for both gaming and your professional work.

Disadvantages

  • You need to exercise caution while buying a gaming laptop since cheap ones come with poor design and cheap-quality keyboards and may lack in terms of durability.
  • Another problem that a lot of buyers face is that within a budget range, most laptops are not upgradeable. What it means is that you cannot upgrade certain specifications of your laptop and you seem to be stuck for its lifetime. The only option you have at hand is to buy a new one when considering an upgrade.
  • Even though gaming laptops seem to have come off age with groundbreaking developments, it is nearly impossible to get a desktop-league experience, especially on laptops that cost less than $2000. This is largely because of heat management. Desktops almost always score over laptops when it comes to staying cool even after persistent use for hours and hours. However, I must mention here that almost all laptop brands are trying to improve their dust and heat management to get at par with desktops.

Should You Buy a Gaming Laptop Under $1500?

Gaming laptops come in a diverse price range. From being as cheap as $500, they can go up to a couple of thousand bucks depending upon their features, aesthetics, etc. When you are buying a laptop under $1500, you are seeking a mid-range gaming laptop. What it also means is that you are aiming for a couple of top-of-the-line features.

I must mention here that such laptops tend of impressive processors and GPUs but may compromise on certain other features. No wonder, they have become a huge hit with avid gamers who want to get an ultimate gaming experience on a budget.

When should you buy a gaming laptop under $1500?

  • You are an avid gamer but fall short of being in the top league that lives and breathes gaming. What I mean to say is that you fall in the category of gamers that are not obsessed with having the absolute best gaming experience.
  • You are ready to compromise on certain features that could include storage, refresh rate, or even portability. For instance, most gaming laptops in this range top the storage at 512 GB. Not many can actually go over and above this storage. Likewise, there are models that do not offer a refresh rate of more than 240Hz. Moreover, most of them weigh in the range of 4-5 lbs. If you want to go over and above these specifications, you will need to increase your budget.
  • You should also clearly understand that you would need to upgrade to an expensive model a few years down the line in case you need to upgrade the laptop’s specifications and features.
  • You are not seeking immersive sound. Even though there are a few models below $2000 that offer distortion-free audio, it remains more of a challenge especially because of the noise produced by fans involved in keeping the system cool.
  • If you are someone who wants to have a better gaming experience than what a $700-$1000 laptop can offer, you should opt for the one that comes within $1500.

Features To Look For in a Gaming Laptop Under $1500

To be honest, laptops that are $1500 are not really cheap but may lack a couple of features that come within the premium range that const somewhere close to $2500. Here are some key points to keep in mind while looking for a laptop under $1500:

Buying Guide to Choose the Best Gaming laptop under 1500
Infographic: Buying Guide to Choose the Best Gaming laptop under 1500

Processor

The heart of your machine is the processor that powers it up. When looking for a good laptop under $1500, you should not settle for anything less than a Core i7-processor. Moreover, there are certain generations that you need to watch out for. Ideally, you should opt for a 7th gen Core i7-processor upwards. You can also consider an AMD equivalent. I must mention here that AMD processors are great for multitasking and they also come at a cheaper price.

Adequate RAM and Storage

One of the most important things to look out for is the RAM and SSD of your laptop. Since you are opting for a mid-range laptop within 1500 bucks the system that you choose must have at least 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB storage or SSD. SSD is important to ensure quick loading and booting of the game.

There are a couple of systems that combine SSD with HDD that turn to be an even better option. In such a case, your gaming files can be booted by SSD and the rest of the files and applications can be booted by the HDD. However, not many models support both SSD and HDD in the case of laptops under $1500.

I must mention here that some models allow easy upgrade of memory as well as storage through easy-to-access slots which turn out to be quite handy to meet your future needs.

Effective Temperature Control

Gaming sessions usually go on for hours and hours at stretch. It goes without saying that gaming is extremely taxing on the CPU and hours-long activity seems to generate immense heat. Without a proper heat dissipation system, your laptop is either going to crash in the middle of the game or it is going to affect your performance. Thus, it is more than important to choose a laptop that helps dissipate heat effectively either with the help of aero blade fans or some other cooling mechanism.

It’s also a good idea to ensure constant monitoring of the CPU and GPU temperature. Ideally, it should not exceed 95 degrees F. I must say that it is not as difficult as it may seem since you can use free software such as CoreTemp to keep a tab on CPU temperature while you can use another software called GPUz to monitor GPU temperature.

Powerful Graphics Card

One of the most important things to watch out for in a gaming laptop is a dedicated graphics card. Even though the NVIDIA GeForce GTX series can help you enjoy great visuals and graphics onscreen, some laptops under $1500 may also provide the superior experience of an NVIDIA GeForce RTX card that is capable of providing real-time ray tracing and artificial intelligence and a high FPS rate of more than 60.

Display Screen

One of the most important features to look out for in a laptop is that it must offer a bright and engaging display so that you can enjoy the game to the hilt. Thus, in this price range, you must look for a device that offers an FHD display with a narrow bezel design for the least external interference. You may opt for either a 15.6″ or 17″ screen. However, I must mention here that not many brands offer a 17-inch screen at this price range.

You must also make sure that the laptop you choose to buy comes with an IPS (In-plane switching) panel. This is essential so that you can view the screen from different angles without any distortions.

Another essential feature to look out for in the case of the display is the refresh rate. In simple words, it refers to the number of times the screen refreshes in a second. 144Hz is a good rate to look out for in this price range. If you are lucky you might find a model that offers a rate as high as 240Hz but is it far from common.

Moreover, you should for 1920 X 1080 screen resolution.

Connectivity Options

Gaming requires a lot of devices to be connected that could include controllers, mice, keyboards, external displays, etc. Thus, it is more than important that the laptop you choose for yourself comes with a couple of ports. You must make that the device has a couple of USB ports, HDMI, display ports, etc. Not just this, it should also be compatible with Wi-Fi and LAN.

Good Sound Output

Sound effects play an important role in making a game engaging and thus, it is imperative that the device that you choose must have a good sound system backing it up. It should support rich bass, good volume, and great sound effects. It is not uncommon for laptops under $1500 to feature Bang & Olufsen audio, DTS:x Ultra Surround Sound coupled with fine-tuning technology.

Gaming Friendly Keyboard

Another important accessory to watch out for is the keyboard. Of course, it comes in built as a part of the laptop but you need to make sure that it comes with features like smart keys, anti-ghosting, and backlighting to make gaming even more interesting. Moreover, it is important that the keyboard and its keys are sturdy enough to handle vigorous gaming and the onslaught that comes with it.

Solid Build and Construction

It is equally important to check the build quality of the laptop. It should be sturdy and durable enough to last a couple of years. Moreover, it should not look cheap. Good aesthetics are definitely important and you must opt for a laptop that is sleek, elegant, and strong at the same time.

FAQs

What is a good gaming laptop under $1500?

There are a couple of models that offer great features within the price range of under $1500. One of the topmost models to consider is the Acer Predator Helios 300 which comes with a powerful processor and GPU to ensure excellent gaming performance. There are a couple of other brands that you can choose from. Check out the list above for more.

Which brand is best for a gaming laptop?

When seeking a good gaming laptop within 1500 bucks there are a couple of brands that you can choose from. Some of these include Acer, ASUS, Razer, Dell, etc. It’s best to compare various models from these brands before you make a buying decision. Check the list above to select one particular model that meets your requirements.

How much RAM do I need for gaming?

The RAM that you need depends upon the title that you want to play. Having said that, when looking for a laptop under $1500, you must seek a device that comes with at least 16 GB RAM.

Conclusion

Looking for a good laptop under $1500 can be an uphill task with so many models around. I have tried to list some of the best options out there so that you can choose one that fits your requirements as far as gaming is concerned. Check out system specifications carefully and match them to the system requirements of the games that you want to play before you fill up your cart.

So, go ahead and take your pick!

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