Best Intel-Powered Gaming Laptops Under $1200 at Best Buy (2024)
If you’re a gamer on a budget, finding the perfect laptop that delivers both performance and value can be a challenge. Fortunately, with the latest generation of Intel-powered laptops, you can experience top-tier gaming without breaking the bank. We’ve rounded up some of the best gaming laptops under $1200 available at Best Buy in the U.S., ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
Here are some excellent options:
1. MSI Katana 15.6″ Gaming Laptop
Key Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13620H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 6GB
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6” Full HD, 144Hz refresh rate
Why It’s Great:
The MSI Katana is a powerful gaming laptop designed for serious gamers. With its Intel Core i7-13620H processor and the latest NVIDIA RTX 4050 graphics card, this machine handles even the most demanding games with ease. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures buttery smooth gameplay, making it perfect for competitive gaming.
2. ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6″ Gaming Laptop
Key Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-12700H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6” Full HD, 144Hz refresh rate
Why It’s Great:
The ASUS TUF series is known for durability and performance. This model pairs an Intel i7-12700H with an RTX 3050, offering solid performance for modern AAA games. The laptop also comes with military-grade durability, ensuring it can handle the wear and tear of daily use.
3. Dell G15 15.6″ Gaming Laptop
Key Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13650HX
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6” Full HD, 120Hz refresh rate
Why It’s Great:
The Dell G15 offers an affordable entry into gaming without sacrificing much in the way of performance. With its Intel i7-13650HX and RTX 3050 GPU, it’s a capable machine for 1080p gaming. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, making it an excellent choice for esports titles and fast-paced games.
4. Acer Predator Helios 300 15.6″ Gaming Laptop
Key Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6” Full HD, 144Hz refresh rate
Why It’s Great:
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a crowd-favorite in the gaming laptop scene. With an Intel i7-11800H and RTX 3060, it delivers excellent performance for gaming and creative tasks. The Predator series is also known for its superior cooling system, making it ideal for long gaming sessions.
5. HP Omen 16.1″ Gaming Laptop
Key Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 16.1” Full HD, 144Hz refresh rate
Why It’s Great:
The HP Omen series is well-regarded for its gaming pedigree, and this model is no exception. Equipped with an Intel i7-13700H and RTX 3060, this laptop can handle most modern games at high settings with ease. Its 16.1-inch display gives you more screen real estate, perfect for immersive gaming experiences.
What to Consider When Buying a Gaming Laptop Under $1200
When shopping for a gaming laptop, especially under $1200, it’s essential to keep a few key factors in mind to ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment:
- Processor: Look for laptops with Intel Core i7 or better for optimal gaming performance, especially for demanding titles.
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA’s RTX series (3050 or above) is the standard for gaming laptops in this price range, providing excellent performance for both gaming and content creation.
- RAM: At least 16GB of RAM is ideal for gaming and multitasking, ensuring that you can run multiple applications and games smoothly.
- Display: A Full HD (1080p) resolution with a high refresh rate (120Hz or above) provides a better gaming experience with smoother visuals.
- Storage: Solid-state drives (SSD) are much faster than traditional hard drives, reducing load times and improving overall performance.
Final Thoughts
Gaming on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance. The above Intel-powered laptops under $1200 offer a balance of power, speed, and display quality to ensure a fantastic gaming experience. Whether you’re into competitive esports or immersive AAA games, you’ll find a laptop that meets your needs at Best Buy.
Explore these models with Damian at Best Buy in Annapolis. Price and product availability subject to change. Damian only sells intel laptops on behalf of intel.