Are you on the lookout for a gaming device but dealing with a specific budget of somewhere around $500? We got you! You might be puzzled whether to buy a gaming laptop or a pre-built desktop PC. However, both come with their own pros and cons that can make your decision-making process whether to buy a gaming laptop or not more hectic. But no more worries now. In this article, we will give you an exposure to the potential advantages and disadvantages of both a gaming laptop and a pre-built desktop PC.
A Gaming Laptop under $500: Buy or Not?
In recent times, gaming laptops have earned a varied audience in the gaming field due to their promise to deliver portability and convenience. But if you are looking to buy a gaming laptop under a constrained budget of $500, it can be a daunting task as purchasing a gaming laptop at this price point asks for some compromise on performance and specifications.
Gaming Laptop: Potential ‘Advantages’
Portability
If you are a gamer who is always on the go, then purchasing a gaming laptop can offer you a compact device, hence easily carryable anywhere. Due to the built-in display in a gaming laptop, it’s perfect for gamers who prioritize portability.
Integrated Setup
If you suffer from limited space, then an all-in-one integrated setup provided by a gaming laptop can eliminate the need for extra space in your working area. Plus, you won’t need any additional peripherals ultimately saving your pockets too. Additionally, the battery is also integrated. You don’t need to rush every time to plug it in, you can enjoy your gaming from the comfort of your bed.
Gaming Laptop: Considerable ‘Disadvantages’
Limited Performance
A gaming laptop under a $500 budget is not for top-tier gamers at all. At this price range, a gaming laptop can offer only entry-level components. Ultimately, you will have to compromise on performance for demanding games and applications. However, if you are a casual gamer at the beginning level, a gaming laptop at this price point can be a cost-effective option for you to consider.
Limited Upgradability
While going to purchase a gaming laptop for around $500, keep in mind that a budget-friendly laptop has its parts like the CPU and GPU glued onto the main circuit board. As a result, you can’t easily swap out later on if and when you wish to upgrade anytime in the future.
Limited Cooling
As a gaming laptop offers a compact design, sometimes it struggles with heat dissipation, leading to thermal throttling. Ultimately, your performance suffers.
Shorter Lifespan
A compact and tightly packed gaming laptop with varied components can lead to higher temperatures and increased wear and tear at times. Hence, a gaming laptop won’t be able to stay for a longer time with you.
Gaming Laptop under $500: Some Possible Options to Consider
HP Victus 15
| Specification | Value |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD 144Hz |
| Keyboard | Backlit |
| Webcam | Yes |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home |
| Dimensions | 13.98 x 9.45 x 0.79 inches |
| Weight | 4.46 pounds |
MSI Computer GF63
| Specification | Value |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-10300H |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080) |
| Keyboard | Backlit |
| Webcam | Yes |
| Operating system | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 13.8 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches |
| Weight | 4.4 pounds |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 hours |
Asus Vivobook
| Specification | Value |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-1005G1 |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 20GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 15.6″ HD (1366×768) |
| Webcam | Yes |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home |
| Dimensions | 14 x 9.6 x 0.7 inches |
| Weight | 3.75 pounds |
Acer Aspire 5
| Specification | Value |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB NVMe SSD |
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD IPS (1920×1080) |
| Keyboard | Backlit |
| Webcam | Yes |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home |
| Dimensions | 13.8 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches |
| Weight | 4.4 pounds |
| Battery Life | Up to 7.5 hours |
IdeaPad 1i
| Specification | Value |
| Processor | Intel 4-Core CPU |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel Graphics |
| RAM | 20GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1152GB SSD (128GB+1TB) |
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080) |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home |
| Dimensions | 13.8 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches |
| Weight | 4.4 pounds |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours |
ANMESC AN-X17
| Specification | Value |
| Processor | Quad-Core Intel Celeron N5095 |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 12GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080) |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home |
| Dimensions | 13.8 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches |
| Weight | 3.97 pounds |
Prebuilds under $500: A Smart Choice than a Gaming Laptop?
Coming to pre-built desktop PCs, they are at a more attractive point for many gamers dealing with a specified budget than a gaming laptop. Undoubtedly, a pre-built desktop PC is a potential choice to consider if you aren’t into buying a gaming laptop with a value-for-money device and whole setup customization in your hands.
Pre-builds: ‘Advantages’
Better Performance
If you are an exceptional gamer looking for top-notch performance at this price range, going with a pre-built desktop PC would be a safer option than a gaming laptop. The former offers powerful components like discrete GPUs and faster processors to bring your gaming experience to a different level.
Upgradability
Unlike a gaming laptop, here you do not need to worry about future upgrades at all. Purchasing a pre-built desktop PC allows you to swap individual parts whenever you want to. As a gamer, your choices might change in the coming time: so here you have an advantage with pre-builds to evolve your system with the innovations.
Better Cooling
In a pre-built desktop PC, you get larger cases and better airflow, ultimately allowing more space for airflow and more effective cooling of the components. Even under load, it can offer a fair enough performance.
Pre-builds: ‘Disadvantages’
Lack of Portability
While a pre-built desktop PC offers optimal performance as compared to a gaming laptop, it lacks portability. You can’t carry the bulky system anywhere or anytime you wish to limit the usage to a single place only.
Additional Peripherals Required
Here, you will have to spend a little extra to purchase additional peripherals such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Eventually, it can add up to the total cost and setup complexity.
Major Differences: Gaming Laptop vs. Pre-built Desktop PC
| Features | Gaming Laptops | Prebuilt Desktop PCs |
| Portability | ✓ | |
| Built-in Display | ✓ | |
| Integrated Battery | ✓ | |
| Limited Upgradability | ✓ | |
| Limited Cooling | ✓ | |
| Shorter Lifespan | ✓ | |
| Better Cooling | ✓ | |
| Customization Options | ✓ | |
| Peripheral Compatibility | ✓ | |
| Bulkier Design | ✓ | |
| Assembly Required | ✓ | |
| Additional Costs | ✓ |
Conclusion
Overall, whether to purchase a gaming laptop or a pre-built desktop PC while dealing with a specific budget of $500, make sure that you take care of what exactly you require. If you don’t want to compromise on the gaming performance and portability isn’t a major issue for you, go with a pre-built one without thinking more. But if not, a gaming laptop is there to cater to every need of yours. No matter what you choose, you always find the best devices at the very best of prices, only with Gizmogo. The choice is yours only at the end. Make sure you make it worth a while. Happy Shopping! sell used electronic devices #sell_laptop #sell_gaming_laptop