Have you set a budget of $1200 for your new gaming laptop? We are here to find you some of the finest options available in the range. A price tag of USD 1200 positioned very well between $1000 and $1500. This is a decent amount to pick a budget gaming laptop. However, there might be some shortcomings due to budget limitations. But, overall, in terms of performance, there shouldn’t be any major problem. The presence of some powerful dedicated graphics cards takes the gaming experience to the next level.
Subsequently, we will look forward to some powerful CPU options under $1200 because it is equally important to have a compelling processor to avoid any potential bottleneck while playing AAA titles. Considering the performance aspect, it is buttery smooth despite having some heating issues. That is a common problem with most gaming laptops. Without any further delay, let’s get started!
Recommended: Best Laptops under $1200 for Everyone
Best Gaming Laptops under $1200 in 2025
Here is our list of best gaming laptops available under 1200 dollars in 2025:
1Asus TUF Dash F15 (Best Gaming Laptop under $1200)
The Asus TUF F15 is one of the finest gaming laptops available for under $1200. It arrives with a 15.6-inch Full HD display at a 144Hz refresh rate. The Intel Core i7-12650H chipset powers the laptop. This processor is a deca-core unit with a maximum clock speed of up to 4.7GHz while running into Boost Mode. As you know, along with a capable processor, a powerful GPU is necessary to available any potential bottleneck. To fill this gap, it bring s Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU with 6GB GDDR6 VRAM. This is the base processor available under the RTX 30 series with very good performance at an affordable price range.
- Display: 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080p (144Hz)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-12650H
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 3060 6GB VRAM
- RAM: 16GB DDR5
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Furthermore, it adds 16GB DDR5 RAM at 4800MHz. The provided Random Access Memory is super fast and sufficient to handle high-end tasks. It provides 512GB of storage space in terms of storage, which lets you store bigger files without any problem. The design is made of plastic material, just like other gaming laptops, to avoid excessive heat generation. Although it is a durable construction, it shouldn’t be any problem to use it for a longer period. The presence of the MUX Switch further enhances the overall gaming experience.
The laptop further supports a backlit keyboard with white Lightning to deliver an optimal gaming experience. But it could be RGB backlighting; it seems the company has cut the cost to make it more affordable. Along with that, thermals are optimized very well to avoid overheating. Obviously, it tends to become slightly hot while running high-end games. But it is normal for any gaming laptop. But it successfully manages the overheating with a twin-fan liquid cooling system. Collectively, this is a decent choice under $1200 if your pocket doesn’t allow you to use the full quota of $1200.
2Acer Predator Helios 300 (Runner Up)
Acer Predator Helios 300 is one of the best-selling gaming laptops in the budget segment, especially between the $1000 to $1500 price range. The 2021 edition of Helios 300 has several improvements in the hardware, such as the latest processors, RTX 30 series graphics card, and many others. The front side is surrounded by a 15.6-inch Full HD display with 1920 x 1080p resolution. The panel also supports the 144Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB coverage, having good color calibration.
- Display: 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080p (144Hz)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Moreover, the laptop is driven by the Intel i7-11800H octa-core CPU, having 16 threads with hyperthreading support. Regarding the clock speed, it uses a variable base clock that varies between 1.9GHz to 2.3GHz. The maximum clock speed is 4.6GHz while running the demanding application. Subsequently, it prevents excessive heating because of its 10nm SuperFin technology, which is highly power-efficiant. Apart from that, there is a 5th Generation AeroBlade Fan with 89 blades to absorb the overheating problems further.
Along with a powerful CPU, an equally powerful GPU is required to avoid potential bottlenecks. As a result, the laptop accommodates a powerful RTX 3060 GPU with a dedicated 6GB GDDR6 VRAM. Being part of the RTX 30 series, it designates the fully up-to-date graphics card from the industry leader Nvidia. Moreover, there is 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD storage. The RAM is comprehensive for smooth gaming and has a decent amount of storage space to store large gaming files. Overall, Acer Predator Helios 300 is the most powerful & profound gaming laptop under $1200.
3Lenovo Legion 5 (Best Value Pick)
Lenovo’s “Legion” series doesn’t need any introduction. Under the “Legion” lineup, the company has already launched some of the most successful gaming laptops, and there is no exception with Lenovo Legion 5. It is powered by the AMD 5000 series AMD Ryzen 7 5800H chipset and Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti GPU begging 6GB GDDR6 RAM. The graphics card is comparatively RTX 2060 but very well capable of delivering an immersive gaming experience. Almost all the games are playable, but you might face minor issues while running graphics-intensive titles.
- Display: 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080p (165Hz)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050Ti 4GB GDDR6
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Regarding the processor, Ryzen 7 5800H is an octa-core chip running on TSMC’s 7nm FinFET technology. Hence, it becomes highly power-efficient due to the small structure. The base clock speed is 3.2GHz, which can be overclocked up to 4.4GHz. Collectively, the CPU & GPU combination produces outstanding performance. Moreover, it packs 16GB DDR4 RAM at 3200MHz combined with 512GB SSD storage. You can sufficiently store large files, and a satisfactory amount of RAM helps to process data more efficiently.
The laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD display, which runs at a 165Hz refresh rate, ideal for smooth gaming operation. It is a highly color-accurate panel with 100% sRGB coverage, which could be useful for Photoshop, AutoCAD, Video Editing, Photo Editing, and other productivity tasks. Overall, the display is okay, and there shouldn’t be any problem with gaming. Apart from that, it carries a backlit keyboard to enhance usability. The device is made of durable plastic material, and all the basic ports are available. The weight management is good, and it weighs under 6lbs, making it a lightweight gaming machine. In conclusion, it is a worthy choice available for under $1200.
4Acer Nitro 5 (Best 17-inch Gaming Laptop under $1200)
Acer Nitro 5 is another gaming-centric laptop that comes with a slightly older CPU. We have picked this option due to its powerful graphics performance. The laptop comes with the latest RTX 3050Ti, offering 4GB GDDR6 Video RAM. The provided GPU is barely available on a few devices in this price range, which is a clear advantage for Nitro 5. It is backed by the Intel Core i7-11800H processor belonging to the latest 11th generation.
- Display: 17.3-inch 1920 x 1080p (144Hz)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050Ti 4GB GDDR6
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
It has an octa-core CPU with 16 threads, ideal for multi-thread tasks running on a base clock speed of 2.3GHz and maximum boosted up to 4.6GHz. Due to the usage of the latest CPU, the laptop doesn’t seem to underperform and is capable of running all the AAA titles at high settings. As far as memory is concerned, it has sufficient 16GB DDR4 RAM, a decent capacity for a gaming laptop. Moreover, the storage of 1TB SSD remains to be on the acceptable side. But the good thing is that this computer arrives with additional slots to expand the RAM & storage straightforwardly.
To enhance the gaming experience, a single-zone backlit keyboard is provided with red backlighting. Of course, RGB lighting is always battered, but this is not bad either, looking at the competition. Other notable features are very well-managed thermals, decent sound output, and a 17.3-inch Full HD display having a 144GHz refresh rate. Considering all the features, this is the best laptop at this price range and the finest machine to arrive with the latest RTX 3050Ti GPU.
5MSI GF65 Thin (Powerful RTX 3060 GPU)
If you are looking for the cheapest RTX 3060 gaming laptop, you don’t have a better choice than to pick the MSI GF65 Thin. Not just a bigger display, but from the hardware perspective, it makes its name in our list of best gaming laptops under $1200. Starting with the display, a 15.6-inch display sports Full HD resolution at a 144Hz refresh rate. The panel is extremely smooth, with a faster 3ms response time. So, real-time rendering becomes even smoother.
- Display: 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080p (144Hz)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-10750H
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 2666MHz
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
The laptop is backed by the 10th generation Intel Core i7-10750H SoC, the top-of-the-line chip from Intel, made for heavy multitasking and gaming. Further, it combines the Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics card with 6GB GDDR6 RAM. Undoubtedly, this combination is perfect for any gaming laptop in this price category. As we know, RTX 3060 GPU belongs to Nvidia’s latest RTX 30 series (RTX 3050, RTX 3060, RTX 3070, RTX 3080) by adopting all the latest optimizations and dedicated DLSS for advanced machine learning. This combination delivers an extraordinary gaming experience at this price range.
Anyway, it doesn’t compromise performance by any means, and you can throw heavy tasks without any major lag. The memory offering is 16GB DDR4 RAM along with 512GB. This memory option is good enough for storing large gaming files and accelerated data processing. Besides, there is a Backlight Keyboard with Anti-Ghost Key + Silver Lining; however, it is not RGB. All the essential connectivity options are present. Altogether, this is the ultimate choice for people looking for an MSI gaming laptop.
6Dell G15 5511 (Best from Dell)
Dell is a well-known brand in the laptop industry, and different types of consumers widely use its laptops. The company has expertise in manufacturing laptops in each category, whether gaming, business notebook, or traditional laptops. In this section of best gaming laptops under $1200, Dell G15 5511 is one of the finest choices with extraordinary configurations and flawless performance. The front portion features a 15.6-inch Full HD display bringing 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution at 120Hz. For gaming, this is a suitable screen, but color accuracy is not that good.
- Display: 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080p (144Hz)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H
- GPU: RTX 3050Ti 4GB GDDR6
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Besides, its display offers good viewing angles and decent brightness. Regarding the processing power, it is powered by the Intel Core i7-11800H processor, belonging to the 11th generation i7 family. This is a prominent name for high-end gaming laptops with a Hexa-core CPU delivering the base clock speed of 2.3GHz, expandable up to 4.6GHz using Intel’s Turbo Boost technology. As you might be aware, Intel “H” series processing tends to handle high-end tasks, such as gaming, AutoCAD, Game Development, 3D Rendering, 4K video editing, etc.
Without knowing the GPU, we can’t assess the gaming performance. The laptop packs a compelling RTX 3050Ti graphics card with a dedicated 4GB GDDR6 VRAM. This is the best offering you can get in this price range, which allows you to run AAA titles at a high setting without any major problems. It also shines in the memory front with 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD storage. Other notable features include WiFi 6 support, a backlit keyboard, a thunderbolt port, and Bluetooth 5.1. Considering all the specs, this is an undisputed contender for being the best laptop under 1200 dollars.
7ASUS ROG Strix G15 (Best Budget Gaming Laptop)
The ASUS ROG Strix G15 is a lightweight gaming laptop; also, you can finish other productivity tasks. It is an all-in-one gaming machine with solid hardware. The laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD display at standard 1920 x 1080p resolution. The panel supports up to 300Hz refresh rate, which is a must-have addition for any gaming laptop. Considering the main hardware, it employs AMD Ryzen 7 processor with an octa-core CPU. As we have already discussed, this is a mighty processor that easily manages high-end multitasking and gaming operations.
- Display: 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080p (144Hz)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050Ti 4GB GDDR6
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 3200MHz
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
The provided chipset produces a 2.9GHz base clock speed, going up to 4.2GHz in burst mode. More importantly, the chipset is manufactured on the 7nm processing node, which is extremely power-efficiant. Moreover, the GPU department is taken care of by Nvidia’s RTX 3050 graphics card with 4GB of GDDR6 RAM. However, this is not the best GPU offering, but you can see a balanced performance due to the good software optimizations. The RAM capacity is 8GB DDR4 coupled with a 512GB SSD. We must applaud the storage offering, which allows you to store large gaming files and other important documents.
The support of WiFi 6 enhances connectivity by allowing faster internet speeds. Further, it has god a sturdy body construction. This is probably one of the lightest gaming laptops in this price range in terms of weight distribution. The laptop weighs only 4.6lbs, making it the lightest gaming machine in this category. A backlit keyboard surrounds the front side, and all the basic ports are present. Overall, this laptop could be a choice for those seeking a complete package to do some gaming along with productivity stuff.
8MSI Stealth 15M (Good Pricing)
MSI Stealth 15M is our preliminary choice when it comes to choosing the best gaming laptop under $1200. Indeed, this is one of the best value gaming machines with a reasonable price tag. The laptop is powered by 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11375H Processors for processing data, ensuring all games’ fastest and speedy performance on your laptop. The provided chipset uses a quad-core CPU with a base clock speed varying between 3.0GHz to 3.3GHz and going up to 5.0GHz using Intel’s Turbo Boost technology. We need an equally powerful graphics card to avoid a potential performance bottleneck with a powerful CPU.
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (144Hz)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-11375H
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3060 6GB
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
The NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3060 Graphics with 6GB GDDR6 VRAM makes your game more thrilling and captivating with solid colors and the most excellent quality display. As far as display is concerned, it comes with a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display to provide a realistic image of the virtual world. The laptop packs 16GB RAM, upgradeable up to 64GB, which permits you to play the latest games such as PUBG, COD, Fortnite, and more without any thought about storage or memory. All functions will work perfectly fine with the fastest speed.
In addition to these specs, it is light in weight and thin to hold without being tired. Moreover, you can have fun without interruption with its long-lasting, powerful battery that works for more than 4 hours. The keyboard comes with multi-color RGB backlighting and an Anti-Ghost Key that helps in shooting games. It features all the essential ports, including 2 USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, and one USB TypeC 3.1 Gen 1 port with Thunderbolt 4 support, alongside an HDMI output. In a nutshell, if you are looking for the best gaming laptop under 1200 dollars, this is one of your best picks.
9HP OMEN 15 (Optional)
Omen is gaming series from prominent laptop player HP, and we have already seen some great gaming laptops under this lineup. Being an older series, we can trust its durability and HP brand value also there. Regarding the specs, this laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD display at 1920 x 1080 resolution coupled with a 144Hz refresh rate. The provided panel produces good image quality and sharp visuals; especially, a higher refresh rate allows smooth gameplay.
- Display: 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080p (144Hz)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1660Ti 6GB GDDR6
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 3200MHz
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
The laptop is powered by a common AMD Ryzen 7 4800H chipset, which produces immersive power using its octa-core CPU. Apart from being extremely powerful, this chip is power-efficient using the TSMC’s 7nm architecture. Besides, the laptop approaches with 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD. The memory department is very ordinary with pre-supplied only 8GB DDR4 RAM. But storage offering is satisfactory.
Regarding the design, it is surrounded by a durable frame using plastic body construction. At the front, it begs RGB-supported backlit lighting and an HD Webcam for video conferencing and streaming. Other than gaming, it fits into productivity tasks due to the good accuracy provided by its display. The front panel provides 72% NTSC or 100% sRGB coverage and 300-nits brightness. The collective offering of above-average specifications makes it an ideal gaming laptop for under $1200.
Buying Guide – How to Choose a Best Gaming Laptop under $1200?
Here we have discussed some important points that could be deciding factors to choose the best gaming laptop under 1200 dollars:
A Powerful Processor
As you are known, a processor designates the heart of a computer machine and pumps the blood to produce data. Hence, a powerful processor is the primary requirement of a good gaming laptop. It helps to process data as its name suggests. With the price of $1200, we strongly recommend going for the Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 Processor. Both of these chipsets produce excellent performance.
Dedicated Graphics Card
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is another component that significantly affects graphics performance. Gaming, being a graphics-hungry task, requires a potent dedicated graphics card. The dedicated GPU brings additional VRAM to boost the graphics performance. So, it is essential to have a dedicated GPU on a gaming laptop. Under the given price range, the minimum required GPU is RTX 2060, and RTX 3060 is recommended.
Sufficient RAM & Storage
RAM majorly requires processing data more efficiently. It is eventually a temporary memory of a laptop that helps to remind which task is being executed. To generate a flawless performance, a gaming laptop relies on RAM. So, it is essential to have a decent amount of RAM, at least 16GB RAM, given a decent budget of $1200. On the other hand, the storage drive grants to store data. In this price range, you should accept at least 512GB SSD storage or an additional 1TB HDD drive.
High Refresh Rate Display
The display visualizes the output of internal components. It essentially works like the human eyes to display the brain output. A computer machine is more or less inspired by the human structure. To describe the refresh rate, it represents the number of times visual refreshes in each second, something like 60Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz. For a gaming laptop under $1200, we recommend you to find at least a 144Hz refresh-rate display.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some quick answers to frequently asked questions regarding gaming laptops under $1200:
Can I get a good gaming laptop for under $1200?
Yes, you can get a very good gaming laptop for under $1200 with a powerful dedicated GPU, such as Nvidia RTX 3050Ti or RTX 3060. You don’t need to compromise with performance; the only thing is that you might not get an attractive design.
What are some of the best gaming laptops under $1200?
Asus TUF F15, Acer Predator Helios 300, and Lenovo Legion 5 are some of the most recommended gaming laptops under $1200. There are plenty of other laptops available which you can choose from the above list.
Final Verdict – Which is the best gaming laptop under $1200?
Wrapping it up, after reading the whole story, you might have made your fair opinion on which gaming laptop suits your requirements. We have tried to list some of the most powerful gaming laptops with high-end configurations. In our opinion, Acer Predator Helios 300 is the ideal choice for gaming in this price range. It borrows a compelling RTX 3060 graphics card along with an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor. I don’t think you can make a better choice than this. The only major drawback we found is its ordinary design. It doesn’t look attractive at all.
Some other notable choices are Lenovo Legion 5 and Dell G15 5511. You can consider any of these laptops according to your convenience. Moreover, if you are fond of using a bigger display, the Asus TUF G15 gaming laptop is there to serve you with an affordable price range. In terms of portability, Asus ROG Strix G15 accumulates a compact body in order to serve you with great portability. Collectively, we have mentioned all the worthy choices leaving the rest of the work to your necessity. Do you have anything else to ask? The comment section is open for you!
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