Are you tired of feeling left out when your friends talk about the latest games, all because you can’t afford a gaming laptop? Gaming laptops can be notoriously expensive, but with a little bit of research, you can find a great machine that won’t break the bank.
We understand that finding the perfect balance between performance and affordability can be challenging, which is why we’ve done the work for you. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on the best budget gaming laptops under RM4,000, so you can enjoy all the latest games without breaking the bank.
How To Choose A Gaming Laptop?
Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing a budget gaming laptop:
- Graphics card: A dedicated graphics card is essential for a good gaming experience. Look for laptops with an NVIDIA or AMD graphics card, preferably with at least 4GB of VRAM.
- Processor: A good processor is important for smooth gameplay. Look for laptops with an Intel Core i5 or i7, or an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7.
- RAM: The more RAM, the better. Look for laptops with at least 8GB of RAM, although 16GB is ideal for more demanding games.
- Storage: A solid-state drive (SSD) is recommended for faster boot and load times. However, if you need more storage, a hard disk drive (HDD) is a more affordable option.
- Display: Look for laptops with at least a 1080p display and a high refresh rate for smoother gameplay.
ASUS TUF Dash F15 (FX517Z-CHN112W)
We kick things off with the ever dependable ASUS TUF series of gaming laptops. As it is a 2022 model, the FX517Z-CHN112 is a capable performer that has come down in price significantly, making it a great option for budget gamers. This particular trim comes with an Intel Core i5-12450H processor and an RTX 3050 4GB DDR6 GPU.
It is also equipped with a fast 144Hz display, perfect for fast-paced competitive FPS titles such as CS:GO and Overwatch. However, don’t expect great colour gamut from this panel. You also get 8GB of DDR5 RAM, that can be upgraded to up to 32GB. Overall, this configuration allows you to have an enjoyable eSports gaming experience at medium settings.
Where to buy: Shopee and Lazada
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 16ACH7 (82SC0019MJ)
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a well-rounded hybrid laptop for both work and play. It’s subdued design helps it blend in at the workplace, while still providing decent performance under the hood.
This laptop is powered by a speedy AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor and is equipped with 8GB of DDR5 RAM. There is also an additional RAM slot so you can add more memory if needed. On the graphics front, you get an RTX 3050 4GB DDR6 GPU. If you love FPS shooters, you will be delighted by the speedy 165Hz IPS display with a 1920×1200 resolution.
Where to buy: Shopee and Lazada
MSI Katana GF66 (11UE-854MY)
The MSI Katana GF66 gaming laptop has the best hardware configuration while staying right under RM4,000. It has a peppy Intel Core i5-11400H processor and a powerful Nvidia RTX 3060 6GB GPU, allowing it to run most AAA titles at high settings. You can even configure it with 16GB of RAM without exceeding the budget.
However, the screen quality is not great. Despite having a speedy 144Hz display, the colour gamut is plain meh. But if your priority is gaming, it is not a dealbreaker.
Where to buy: Shopee and Lazada
HP Victus Gaming Laptop (15-FB0034AX)
The HP Victus is the most affordable gaming laptop in our lineup, which can be had for less than RM3,000. While the hardware is dated when compared to the other laptops here, it is hard to beat at this price point. You get an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor and an Nvidia GTX 1650 4GB GPU. As DDR4 SODIMM memory has come down in terms of pricing, you can easily upgrade to an extra RAM stick for better performance.
You also get a fast 144Hz display great for eSports titles, however the colours can look washed out due to the poor colour gamut. At this price point, you can get decent performance with low to medium graphical settings.
Where to buy: Shopee and Lazada
Acer Nitro 5 (AN515-58-58G4)
The Acer Nitro 5 has excellent gamer aesthetics for the price point. It has red accents at the rear air vents, and 4 zone RGB at the keyboard. In terms of hardware, it is similar to other laptops in this price range, with an Intel Core i5-12500H processor and an RTX 3050 4GB DDR6 GPU.
Just like the other laptops in this lineup, display colour gamut is mediocre. It does have a fast 144Hz refresh rate though, which is a plus in my book.
Where to buy: Shopee and Lazada
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our list of gaming laptops under RM4,000. Despite being more modest in terms of hardware when compared to high end laptops with top of the line hardware, you can still get a decent gaming experience by lowering the settings.
For more buyer’s guides like this, check out our full list here.
