The CHEAPEST Legit Gaming Laptop - Gateway Performance Notebook

The video evaluates the Gateway 15.6 inch Performance Notebook as a budget gaming laptop option, bought on sale at Walmart for about $700 with an RTX 2060, and asks whether it can deliver a credible AAA gaming experience without breaking the bank. The creator tests real-world gaming performance, noting that Cyberpunk 2077 runs on medium settings at roughly 60 FPS, which the reviewer calls acceptable for an affordable system. He also confirms solid performance in titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Rainbow Six Siege, where frame rates exceed 120 FPS on Ultra, thanks in part to a high refresh rate 120 Hz IPS display. In addition to raw gaming chops, the video systematically disassembles the unit to inspect upgradability, revealing two accessible SO-DIMM RAM slots and two M.2 slots, all under ten screws, making future upgrades feasible for a year or two. The comparison with the HP Omen 15 highlights where gateways cut costs, particularly in build quality, cooling, and display performance, while acknowledging similar IO options and a competitive on-paper spec sheet. Battery life emerges as the first major downside; initial testing shows only about 1.5 hours in modern office use, though the tester later improves results by addressing a Norton antivirus drain, nearly reaching six hours. By the end, the reviewer concludes that at $700 the Gateway offers strong value for budget-conscious gamers who are willing to upgrade RAM, storage, and potentially the battery over time, while suggesting the HP Omen as the better overall machine when sales align. The video closes with sponsor mentions and a reminder that price dynamics can swing quickly in the budget laptop market, leaving the Gateway as a certified cheapskate legit option rather than a flawless choice for creators or power users.

Topics · technology · hardware · gaming laptops · budget tech · consumer electronics