Cheap gaming laptop?

times_champion · 27 Nov 2014 at 10:16

I'm planning to get rid of my bulky and pretty outdated PC next year to make some space, and was thinking about getting a cheapish laptop to replace it. I will mainly be using it for a media/storage hub and word processing (uni work etc) but I would like to be able to play the odd game on it as well. I do most of my gaming on a PS4, but I have a few games like Dawn of War II (and expansions), World in Conflict and Blood Bowl that I like to play on PC - mainly strategy titles. I also have a few Steam games like Alan Wake and Castlevania special edition that I would ideally like to be able to play on the laptop as well.

Can anyone point me in the direction of the best laptop for my needs, at a minimum price?

times_champion · 29 Nov 2014 at 20:16

Any thoughts on this at all guys? I was perhaps aiming for something around £400-£500?

StokieBen · 1 Dec 2014 at 10:36

It's pretty much impossible to get a laptop that's even worth looking at in that price range for gaming. In your situation a new gaming PC is always going to be better, I'd recommend just making a entry level PC to fit all your needs, if like me you're at uni and want a laptop you've got two choices.

1) Buy a laptop on the cheap end (None gaming) and build a gaming PC up over time
2) Invest into higher end gaming laptop http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=LT-023-GI&groupid=959&catid=1828
Is one of the best in terms of value, however with all laptops you're going to be paying a premium so not good if you're on a budget.

CEUOTC · 1 Dec 2014 at 23:08

You could also look at Dell refurb, you should be able to find a laptop within your budget.

However this GIGABYTE P15F v2-CF1 Gamer 15.6" Full HD Display, Intel Core i7-4710MQ, 8GB DDR3L, 1TB 5400TPM HDD, NVIDIA GTX850M 2048MB DDR3 - Windows 8 is as close as they have here on OcUK.

times_champion · 2 Dec 2014 at 11:23

I know there is no chance of getting a decent gaming laptop for that price - I just want something that will be able to handle Dawn of War II, Alan Wake, Blood Bowl and Castlevania Lords of Shadow, ie games that are a few years old that arent overly demanding. Would a £400-£500 laptop be able to handle those?

StokieBen · 2 Dec 2014 at 11:27

You could defiantly have to look around but maybe some custom laptop websites will be able to help you get a lower end laptop which can do light gaming. Intel 4600 Intergrated laptops could possible handle older games / 840m Nvidia however like CEUOTC said OCUK doesn't really have tight budget laptops so can't really link you any.

times_champion · 2 Dec 2014 at 11:29

OK great - thanks. I will check those out. Dawn of War II is the priority really as thats the game I play most on PC and there is nothing like it on PS4.

Richdog · 2 Dec 2014 at 15:52

times_champion said:
OK great - thanks. I will check those out. Dawn of War II is the priority really as thats the game I play most on PC and there is nothing like it on PS4.

Is it not possible to buy a better machine, but find a place that will give 0% (or very low rates) finance over 1 year, and pay it off monthly? That's without knowing if you're unemployed/student/working of course.