What Cheap Laptops Run Steam?
If you’re looking to play Steam games on a budget, you’re not alone. Affordable laptops have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. However, finding the right balance between price and performance can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best cheap laptops that run Steam, without breaking the bank.
What You Need to Run Steam on a Laptop
Before we dive into our recommendations, it’s essential to understand what you need to run Steam on your laptop. Here are some basic requirements:
- A Windows operating system (macOS and Linux are also supported)
- A computer that’s connected to the internet
- A Steam account (which is free)
- A graphics card and processor that meet the system requirements of the games you want to play
Cheap Laptops That Run Steam
Now that we have our basics covered, let’s look at some budget-friendly laptops that can handle Steam. Here are our top picks:
| Model | Processor | RAM | Graphics | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asus TUF A15 | AMD Ryzen 5 4600H | 8GB DDR4 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | $500 |
| Dell G15 Ryzen Edition | AMD Ryzen 5 4600H | 8GB DDR4 | AMD Radeon RX 560X | $450 |
| Acer Nitro 5 | AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS | 8GB DDR4 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 | $600 |
| MSI Bravo 15 | Intel Core i5-10300H | 8GB DDR4 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | $400 |
| HP Victus 15 | AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS | 8GB DDR4 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | $550 |
Top Pick: Asus TUF A15
The Asus TUF A15 is our top pick for running Steam on a budget. With an AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor, 8GB of RAM, and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, this laptop is perfect for casual gaming. You can expect smooth performance while playing lighter games like Roblox and Minecraft.
Honorable Mention: MSI Bravo 15
The MSI Bravo 15 is another budget-friendly option that’s great for playing Steam games. With an Intel Core i5-10300H processor, 8GB of RAM, and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, this laptop provides a solid balance between price and performance. While it’s not as powerful as our top pick, it’s still a great option for those who want to play more demanding games.
Other Options to Consider
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, here are some other laptops that are worth considering:
- Alienware M15: This high-end gaming laptop is available for around $1,000, with a AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS processor, 16GB of RAM, and a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card.
- Asus ROG Zephyrus G14: This slim and lightweight gaming laptop is available for around $1,300, with a AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS processor, 16GB of RAM, and a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card.
- Dell Alienware Aurora R10: This desktop replacement laptop is available for around $2,000, with an AMD Ryzen 9 5900X processor, 16GB of RAM, and a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card.
Conclusion
Running Steam on a cheap laptop requires a bit of compromise, but with our recommendations, you can get started with minimal investment. The Asus TUF A15 and MSI Bravo 15 are our top picks for casual gaming, while the Alienware M15, Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, and Dell Alienware Aurora R10 are great options for those willing to spend more.
When it comes to choosing the right laptop for Steam, here are a few key points to remember:
- A budget-friendly processor like the AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 should suffice for casual gaming.
- 8GB of RAM is a good starting point, but 16GB is recommended for smoother performance.
- A NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 560X graphics card can handle most Steam games.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying Steam games on your budget laptop.