Budget Gaming Laptop ($400-$500)

JayRich

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Feb 2, 2013
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Hey Everyone,

I am looking to get a new laptop. I don't do too much gaming anymore but I would still like some sort of gaming capability if need be. I am also fairly notorious for running multiple pieces of software or windows/tabs when I am working on various things so I guess that should be taken into consideration.

Purpose:


  • School & Business (Spreadsheets, Office, etc.)
    Gaming - League of Legends

I am not too partial to anything and I am more so just looking to get the best bang for my buck. I live in Canada but obviously do not have an issue with ordering from the US if need be, I just don't want to end up sacrificing parts in exchange for S&H. Although the budget is not fixed, I would still like to try my best to keep it within reason.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to seeing what you guys can come up with!

Cheers
 
Solution
In that price range the best laptop you can get is one featuring an A10/A8. Heres a couple:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834313718
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834313719

Both can handle the small stuff and also play LoL with ease, the A10 has a better GPU then the A8, so if you want a better GPU for gamin then get the A10 otherwise the A8 is more then enough

Main thing I recommend because Ive notice these far too many times (applies to both laptops), upgrade the RAM to an dual channel kit at 1600mhz (most of these laptops come with only 1 stick of RAM so upgrade to 2) the size is up to you (4GB or 8GB) and you can sell the RAM you got with the laptop, so the cost for the upgrade isnt...

aloof11

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Dec 28, 2013
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In that price range the best laptop you can get is one featuring an A10/A8. Heres a couple:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834313718
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834313719

Both can handle the small stuff and also play LoL with ease, the A10 has a better GPU then the A8, so if you want a better GPU for gamin then get the A10 otherwise the A8 is more then enough

Main thing I recommend because Ive notice these far too many times (applies to both laptops), upgrade the RAM to an dual channel kit at 1600mhz (most of these laptops come with only 1 stick of RAM so upgrade to 2) the size is up to you (4GB or 8GB) and you can sell the RAM you got with the laptop, so the cost for the upgrade isnt as much
 
Solution

JayRich

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Feb 2, 2013
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Thank you very much for the suggestion. Is it an issue that those are on newegg.com instead of newegg.ca?

Also, still happy to hear any and all suggestions.

Thanks!
 

aloof11

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Dec 28, 2013
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Yea that is more then enough for what you plan to use you laptop for, so it might last you longer. Also if you would like a review, here is one:http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Acer-Aspire-V5-552PG-X809-Notebook.101315.0.html

Its not the exact same model but it should give you a good idea what you can expect, as you can see its quite good for the price
 

JayRich

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Feb 2, 2013
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Historically speaking, I have heard quite a bit of negativity surrounding the Acer brand. Any idea on this notion?

Also, taxes + S&H, that laptop comes to $681.37. Do you think this is an okay price for what I am getting?

Lastly, do you have any idea if a friend in the US can purchase a laptop on newegg.com and have it shipped to Canada?
 

aloof11

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Dec 28, 2013
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Here it is on amazon.ca, might be cheaper: http://www.amazon.ca/Acer-NX-MCTAA-003-V5-552G-X412-A10-5757M-15-6-Inch/dp/B00CTL9O1O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393103536&sr=8-1&keywords=Acer+V5-552G-X412

I would contact them to verify it features a HD 8750M, the model seems to be the same but the specs arent listed so you should ask just to make sure its the same as the newegg one

At $680 its a bit on the high side (by about maybe $50 imo) but its a good price from what other Canadian sites seem to offer

I havent had problems with Acer laptops (I used to have a Lenovo too and was told they were bad quality but didnt have any problems with that either, in fact, I really liked it the style/quality)

Sorry I wouldnt know much about shipping from US to Canada or about the taxes and possible custom fees etc
 

aloof11

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Dec 28, 2013
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It has the same CPU but has a separate GPU (8750M) along with the integrated GPU (8650g), in certain games you can get almost double the fps over just using the integrated GPU but in other games it doesnt work as well (you notice micro stuttering sometimes, older games have more of this problem).

Drivers have improved this its still not 100% perfect though, that is why a safer pick would be to go with 1 GPU over 2, as what you see is what you normally get while having 2 might give you a great performance in one game and "lag" randomly in another

At that price point its pretty good from what other laptops Ive seen (if it was a bit less it would be perfect) in the Canadian market, a GT 740M GPU is also good alternative and Ive seen it at low prices here in US, if you can find one for similar price in Canada as the one with HD 8750M (though I expect it to be at least $700, as its slightly better performer)

But from what you plan on using it for, the A10 alone with just one GPU should be enough, so its your choice what you want to do (get the basic one or the slightly better HD 8750M laptop or look for a laptop having a GT 740M)