The RTX 4050 is a great GPU for a budget gaming laptop. However, buying a gaming laptop with this graphics card on a budget can be confusing in 2024. That's because while there are a ton of laptops in the segment, not all of them feature the RTX 4050. A lot of models still feature the older RTX 3050, which is outdated and doesn't support the latest Nvidia technologies, such as DLSS 3 Frame Generation.
In this article, we present a few budget RTX 4050 gaming laptops, which you can buy confidently without worrying.
Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.
What are the best budget RTX 4050 gaming laptops to buy?
1) Lenovo LOQ gaming laptop
Price: $999 - 1,059
The Lenovo LOQ is a gaming laptop that packs high-end specs and features. It has an RTX 4050 graphics card with a MUX switch, which provides more performance when you use an external display. It bundles an HDMI cable to deliver the most out of this MUX feature.
The Lenovo LOQ is the best gaming laptop with RTX 4050 under $1000, but it will only have 16GB of RAM at this price. If you want 32 GB RAM pre-installed in the notebook, you will have to pay $60 more. These days, many games require 32 GB RAM, so getting this option is better in the long run.
Pros
- This is the only laptop on this list to have a MUX switch.
- The RTX GPU here has the highest TGP, which leads to higher boost clocks.
- This laptop is available with up to 32 GB of RAM.
Cons
- It is a bit on the expensive side.
2) MSI Thin GF63 12VE-066US gaming laptop
Price: $958
If you are a fan of MSI laptops, you will love the Thin GF63. It features the company's signature design language that you will probably love. It has large vents on the bottom panel and features the Cooler Boost 5 technology that should deliver better cooling and acoustics than other laptops.
The Thin GF63 comes with an Intel Core i7 processor, which has a total of 10 cores, so your games won't have any issues running. The default RAM and storage configuration should be enough for most titles, but if you need more, MSI offers expandable options.
Pros
- It has a decently powerful 10-core CPU.
- The laptop stays relatively cool during gaming.
- It features upgradable RAM and storage options.
Cons
- The GPU's TDP is quite limited to 45W, which means its clock speeds will be lower.
- It has DDR4 RAM
3) Acer Nitro V ANV15-51-73B9 gaming laptop
Price: $849
The Acer Nitro V ANV15-51-73B9 is one of the most powerful RTX 4050 laptops and comes packed with every feature possible at this price bracket. Even though it costs under $850, it still has 16GB of DDR5 memory, which is usually reserved for more expensive laptops.
The Nitro V ANV15-51-73B9 also has a 13th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU, which is more than enough for this level of gaming. The processor, combined with the DDR5 RAM, will lead to stuttering-free and smooth gameplay.
Pros
- The RTX GPU on this list has up to 75W of TGP for higher boost clocks.
- It has a powerful 13th Gen CPU that will deliver a solid performance.
- it has support for Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.
Cons
- The battery capacity is a bit lower.
4) HP Victus 15 15-fa1300nr gaming laptop
Price: $799
The HP Victus 15 has a good-looking design that will surely impress you. It has a decent octa-core CPU that can keep up with the RTX 4050 GPU inside.
Unlike other laptops in this price range, the RTX graphics card is not hamstrung by lower TGP. It has up to 75W TGP for the GPU of this laptop, which should be enough to get decently higher clocks and better gaming performance.
However, this is not the best feature of the Victus 15. The best part is its high-capacity battery.
Pros
- It has an octa-core processor.
- It features a solid and sleek design.
- It has the best battery life on this list.
Cons
- It has DDR4 RAM and only 8GB capacity.
5) Acer Nitro V ANV15-41-R5N6 gaming laptop
Price: $779
This is the cheapest RTX 4050 gaming laptop on this list. It provides a decent experience if you can look past some of the downsides.
The device has an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, which is a six-core CPU that has decent power. Ryzen processors are known for good performance, and it's no different here.
Even though the Acer Nitro V ANV15-41-R5N6 is relatively inexpensive, it still has DDR5 RAM, which will further boost the CPU's capabilities. The RTX 4050 inside will deliver satisfying gaming performance since it has 75W of TGP.
Pros
- It has a Ryzen 5 processor for substantial CPU performance.
- It has a decent display with 144Hz refresh rate.
- The RTX GPU is powered with up to 75W of TGP.
Cons
- It only has 8GB RAM.
These are some of the best budget gaming laptops with RTX 4050. Each option on this list offers something unique. For example, the Lenovo LOQ gaming laptop provides a MUX switch and a 32 GB RAM option. If you are on a budget, the HP Victus 15 is a great option as it provides many features under $800. Some laptops have Intel CPU, while others have AMD Ryzen.
There are no limits to the choices you have here, so buy a laptop that best suits your requirements.