Finding a good Black Friday gaming laptop deal can be a daunting task. The market is constantly changing, retailers often inflate prices, and it’s difficult to know how much is too much to pay for a gaming laptop. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to navigating the deals season and help you determine whether a deal is a genuine bargain or not.
When tracking down a gaming laptop deal for Black Friday, it’s important to remember that just because a discount is large, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good deal. Some prices may seem low because they are compared to artificially raised older prices. To ensure you’re getting the best deal, consider using tools like camelcamelcamel, which will show you price history graphs on Amazon. By looking at the price trends over time, you can easily spot any nefarious activities.
When choosing a gaming laptop, it’s essential to take a holistic approach and look at the broader picture of what you’re getting for your money. The configuration options for gaming laptops are more limited than desktops, so it’s crucial to consider the overall package rather than focusing on a single aspect.
At the $1200 mark, you can expect gaming laptops with 16 or 17-inch screens, IPS panels with a resolution of 1080p, and refresh rates around 144Hz. Paying more for higher resolution screens is worth considering, but it’s important to check the overall specifications of the laptop before making a purchase.
The discrete graphics chip plays a significant role in the price of a gaming laptop. For low-end gaming, expect to find laptops with RTX 4050 graphics chips for under $1,000. While higher-end RTX 30-series cards are worth grabbing at the right price, it’s not recommended to go for anything older than an RTX 30-series GPU.
It’s important to choose a gaming laptop with an up-to-date CPU. Avoid anything older than an AMD Ryzen 4000-series or a 10th Gen Intel CPU. Ryzen 5000-series or 12th Gen Intel processors offer excellent gaming performance for the price. When it comes to memory, go for at least 16GB or more, ideally with two sticks of RAM.
Storage is another crucial factor to consider. Aim for a gaming laptop with at least a 500GB NVMe SSD or larger. With games increasing in size, a 1TB drive would be a better long-term investment. Top-end laptops might have 2TB drives, but it’s important to check their speed. Some laptops allow for easy SSD upgrades, while others may have soldered drives, making upgrades impossible.
To give you an idea of acceptable price ranges, here are approximate values for different graphics chips in a 1080p gaming laptop:
– RTX 4050: around $700
– RTX 4060: around $1,000
– RTX 4070: around $1,300
– RTX 4080: around $1,700
– RX 6700M: around $700
– RX 7600S: around $1,000
– RX 6800M: around $1,300
While the above prices can serve as a guide, it’s important to consider all aspects of the laptop when making a purchase. For example, laptops with larger screens or higher resolutions will naturally cost more. When it comes to portable gaming, focus on RAM and storage rather than going for anything more than 1440p resolution.
Finding the best Black Friday gaming laptop deals can be a challenge, but armed with the right knowledge, you can navigate the deals season with confidence. Remember to be critical of large discounts, take a holistic approach when choosing a laptop, and carefully consider the specifications that matter most to you. By following these tips, you can land a great deal on a gaming laptop that suits your needs and budget. Happy shopping!
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