I’ve been reading that Radeon integrated graphics and Intel Arc laptops can handle most modern games at 1080p. Is this accurate? Does anyone here use a laptop primarily for work but occasionally for gaming, and it works fine? I’m looking for something under $600, and it seems like non-gaming laptops with integrated graphics are better quality in this price range. A high-resolution screen and longer battery life are big pluses since gaming won’t be my main focus. Touchscreen would also be a bonus. Any suggestions?
Gaming on integrated graphics can be rough. At best, you’ll get basic 3D games like Minecraft running with reduced settings and some lag. I’d recommend a laptop with at least an RTX 3050 for gaming—it’s affordable and available in the $600 range.
@Bela
The issue is that laptops with integrated graphics have much better build quality, like OLED 2K touchscreens, compared to cheap gaming laptops. I missed out on a deal for some Lenovo Legions, though.
I’ve tried gaming on my laptop with the GPU turned off, and it’s not great for most games. But there are some VivoBooks with decent screens and GPUs for a reasonable price.
Darby said:
I’ve tried gaming on my laptop with the GPU turned off, and it’s not great for most games. But there are some VivoBooks with decent screens and GPUs for a reasonable price.
I’ve read that the latest AMD integrated graphics, like the 890M, can run games as well as a GTX 1650 and get around 60 FPS. Even high-end Intel Arc laptops seem capable. I don’t need anything fancy, just something that can handle gaming occasionally.
@Luca
Do you have any specific recommendations based on this? I’m not very tech-savvy.
@Luca
Laptops with those specs are way above $600 right now. The best integrated GPUs are only in higher-end laptops priced north of $800.
@Luca
I’ve used a GTX 980M, and it’s worse than a GTX 1650. Even the 1650 struggles with modern games. You’re not going to get great performance at 1440p, especially with a cheaper 2-in-1 laptop.
Darby said:
@Luca
I’ve used a GTX 980M, and it’s worse than a GTX 1650. Even the 1650 struggles with modern games. You’re not going to get great performance at 1440p, especially with a cheaper 2-in-1 laptop.
I don’t need 1440p. I’m fine with lowering settings to get 60 FPS at 1080p. That’s all I care about, really. This laptop isn’t meant for gaming primarily—I just want a decent laptop that can handle games on medium or low settings when needed.
Darby said:
@Luca
I’ve used a GTX 980M, and it’s worse than a GTX 1650. Even the 1650 struggles with modern games. You’re not going to get great performance at 1440p, especially with a cheaper 2-in-1 laptop.
I’d mostly be playing games like Call of Duty BO6, Destiny 2, Apex Legends, GTA V, and Elden Ring. I might also try new titles like Black Myth: Wukong. I’m planning to get a gaming PC for home use, so the laptop is more for work with occasional gaming. I figure better battery life and features like touchscreens and OLED make more sense if I get a good integrated GPU for medium settings.
@Luca
I tested BO6, and it’s playable on max performance mode but still choppy on medium or low settings. Medium is probably the best you’ll get with a non-gaming laptop.
Why not just look at the minimum specs for the games you want to play and find a laptop that matches those?
I use a ThinkPad E570 with a GTX 950M. I bought it used at an auction for $250, and it works fine for older games like Witcher 3 and Arkham Knight on low settings. If you’re okay with used laptops, you might find something with a decent GPU for under $600. Next year, I’m planning to upgrade to a used Dell Precision 7540 or 7740 with an RTX 4000 for better performance.