Best Dell Gaming Laptop for Under $1,200 Dell Inspires Powerhouse Gaming at an Affordable Price
Dell is a well-known brand for producing high-quality laptops, and their gaming laptops are no exception. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Dell gaming laptops that you can buy for under $1,200. These laptops offer great performance and features at a price that is affordable for most gamers.
What to look for in a Dell gaming laptop
- Processor: The processor is the heart of your gaming laptop, and it is important to choose one that can handle the games you want to play. For most gamers, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor will be sufficient. However, if you want to play the latest and greatest games, you may want to consider an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor.
- Graphics: The graphics card is responsible for rendering the visuals in your games, so it is important to choose one that can handle the games you want to play. For most gamers, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT graphics card will be sufficient. However, if you want to play the latest and greatest games, you may want to consider an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT graphics card.
- RAM: RAM, or random access memory, is the temporary storage that your computer uses to store data that it is currently working on. For gaming, you will want at least 8GB of RAM. However, 16GB of RAM is recommended for most gamers.
- Storage: Storage is where you will store your games and other files. For gaming, you will want at least 512GB of storage. However, 1TB of storage is recommended for most gamers.
- Display: The display is where you will see the visuals in your games, so it is important to choose one that you like. For gaming, you will want a display with a refresh rate of at least 144Hz.
Best Dell gaming laptops under $1,200
Dell G15 5511
The Dell G15 5511 strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious gamers. This laptop is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, providing ample power for handling mainstream games and everyday tasks. The 15.6-inch Full HD display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth and responsive visuals that enhance the gaming experience.
Dell G15 5511 Table of Description
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | 15.6 inch FHD 120Hz Display |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-11400H |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Color | Black |
Pros:
- Powerful processor and graphics for smooth gaming performance
- Large storage capacity for games and other files
- Fast refresh rate display for smooth gameplay
- Lightweight and portable design
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Limited RAM for demanding tasks
- Only 512GB of storage, which may fill up quickly with games
- Battery life is average for a gaming laptop
Overall, the Dell G15 5511 is a great option for budget-minded gamers who are looking for a powerful and portable laptop. It has a powerful processor and graphics card, a large storage capacity, and a fast refresh rate display. However, it is important to keep in mind that it has limited RAM and only 512GB of storage. If you need more RAM or storage, you may want to consider a different laptop.
Dell Inspiron 15 5515
For those seeking a more powerful gaming laptop under $1,200, the Dell Inspiron 15 5515 is a compelling option. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card, this laptop delivers impressive performance for a fraction of the price of its high-end counterparts. The 15.6-inch Full HD display features a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring responsive visuals that keep up with the action.
Table of Description
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) touchscreen display |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Weight | 4.8 pounds |
| Dimensions | 14.2 x 9.6 x 0.8 inches |
| Battery life | Up to 7 hours |
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Full HD touchscreen display
- AMD Ryzen 5 processor for everyday tasks
- Long battery life for productivity
- Lightweight and portable design
Cons:
- Limited RAM for demanding tasks
- Only 256GB of storage, which may fill up quickly with files
- Integrated graphics card for basic gaming
Overall, the Dell Inspiron 15 5515 is a great option for budget-minded users who need a laptop for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, streaming videos, and working on documents. It has a long battery life, a lightweight and portable design, and an affordable price.
Dell Inspiron 16 5620
If you prefer a larger screen for an immersive gaming experience, the Dell Inspiron 16 5620 is a great choice. This laptop boasts a spacious 16-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing ample screen real estate for enjoying your favorite games. Powered by an Intel Core i5-12500H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, this laptop delivers smooth and responsive gameplay for a wide range of titles.
Table of Specification
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | 16.0-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1920 x 1200) Display |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1255U |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce MX570 |
| RAM | 16GB Memory |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Weight | 4.04 lbs |
| Dimensions | 14.05” x 9.92” x 0.71” |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
Pros:
- Large and immersive display for productivity and entertainment
- Powerful Intel Core i7 processor for demanding tasks
- Discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX570 graphics for light gaming and creative work
- Ample RAM for multitasking
- Fast and reliable Intel Wi-Fi 6E
- Long battery life for a day of unplugged use
Cons:
- No touch screen option
- Limited storage capacity compared to higher-end models
- MX570 graphics is not suitable for heavy gaming
Overall, the Dell Inspiron 16 5620 is a great all-around laptop for students, professionals, and casual users who need a powerful and versatile device. It has a large and immersive display, a powerful processor, and discrete graphics, making it suitable for a variety of tasks. Additionally, its long battery life and lightweight design make it a great laptop for on-the-go use.
Dell G15 5520
For those seeking a more future-proof gaming laptop, the Dell G15 5520 is worth considering. Equipped with an Intel Core i5-12500H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, this laptop provides a solid foundation for handling demanding games and applications. The 15.6-inch Full HD display features a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and responsive visuals that keep up with the action.
Table of Description
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) Display |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1135G7 vPRO |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 14.09” x 9.19” x 0.78” |
| Battery life | Up to 11 hours |
| Security Features | vPro hardware security, TPM 2.0, fingerprint reader, optional IR camera |
| Business-Oriented Features | Docking port, RJ-45 Ethernet, HDMI port, Thunderbolt 4 port |
Pros:
- Powerful Intel Core i5 processor for demanding business tasks
- Long battery life for a full day of work
- Comprehensive security features to protect sensitive data
- Business-oriented features for enhanced productivity
- Optional IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition
- Backlit keyboard for working in low-light conditions
Cons:
- Integrated graphics card limits gaming and graphics-intensive tasks
- No touchscreen option
- Relatively expensive for a business laptop
Overall, the Dell Latitude 5520 is a well-rounded business laptop that offers a balance of performance, security, and productivity features. It’s a great choice for business users who need a reliable laptop for everyday tasks and who value security and data protection.
Dell G15 5525
For those seeking the ultimate gaming performance under $1,200, the Dell G15 5525 is the top choice. This powerhouse laptop is equipped with an Intel Core i7-12700H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, capable of handling even the most graphically demanding games with ease. The 15.6-inch Full HD display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring responsive visuals that enhance the gaming experience.
Table of Specification
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | 15.6-inch FHD IPS 120Hz display |
| Processor | 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 6600H processor |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 graphics card |
| RAM | 64GB DDR5 RAM |
| Storage | 2TB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Weight | 5.29 pounds |
| Dimensions | 14.3 x 9.6 x 0.9 inches |
| Battery life | Up to 6 hours |
Pros:
- Powerful processor and graphics card for smooth gaming performance
- Large storage capacity for games and other files
- Fast refresh rate display for smooth gameplay
- Upgradable RAM and storage
- Backlit keyboard for gaming in low-light conditions
- Windows 10 Pro with Optical Networking Technology (ONT) for fast and reliable internet connectivity
Cons
- Average battery life for a gaming laptop
- Relatively expensive for a mid-range gaming laptop
Overall, the Dell G15 Gaming 5525 is a great option for gamers who are looking for a powerful and versatile laptop. It has a powerful processor and graphics card, a large storage capacity, and a fast refresh rate display. Additionally, it is upgradable, so you can add more RAM and storage if needed.
Dell Inspiron 16 5625
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 is a great option for gamers who need a large display. It has a 16-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 6600H processor and an AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT graphics card. It also has 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Image | |
| Display | 16-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) Display |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 5825U Processor |
| Graphics | Radeon Graphics |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Weight | 4.04 lbs |
| Dimensions | 14.05″ x 9.92″ x 0.71″ |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
| Price | Starts at $999 |
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable design
- Large and immersive 16:10 display
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor for demanding tasks
- Ample RAM for multitasking
- Long battery life for a day of unplugged use
Cons:
- Integrated Radeon graphics is not suitable for heavy gaming
- Limited storage capacity compared to higher-end models
Overall, the Dell Inspiron 16 5625 is a great all-around laptop for students, professionals, and casual users who need a powerful and versatile device. It has a large and immersive display, a powerful processor, and long battery life, making it suitable for a variety of tasks. Additionally, its lightweight and portable design makes it a great laptop for on-the-go use.
Conclusion
Dell’s range of gaming laptops under $1,200 offers exceptional value for gamers seeking a balance of performance, affordability, and features. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, there’s a Dell gaming laptop that suits your needs and budget. With its commitment to innovation and performance, Dell continues to set the benchmark in the gaming laptop industry.
