8 Best Cyber Monday Gaming Laptop Deals Under $500 (December 2025)

I spent the last week tracking down every Cyber Monday gaming laptop deal under $500, and I found something interesting: the AI Overview claims there are “no dedicated gaming laptops under $500.”

That’s wrong. The ASUS TUF Gaming with a GTX 1650 Ti hits exactly $499 right now, and it’s a real gaming laptop with a dedicated NVIDIA GPU.

After reviewing 8 laptops in this price range, my top pick is the ASUS TUF Gaming for anyone serious about gaming performance. It’s the only laptop under $500 with a true dedicated gaming GPU that can handle modern titles at medium-high settings.

For buyers who need more versatility, the NIMO Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U offers desktop-class 8-core processing power at $499.99 with a 2-year warranty.

I tested these options across gaming, productivity, and everyday use. Every laptop here delivers real value during Cyber Monday 2025, with discounts ranging from 15% to 71% off regular pricing. If you’ve also been hunting Black Friday gaming laptop deals, many of those savings continue through Cyber Monday.

Our Top 3 Cyber Monday Gaming Laptop Picks for 2025

After comparing all 8 laptops, these three stand out for different buyer priorities. I selected them based on gaming capability, overall value, and real customer feedback.

The ASUS TUF is the only option with dedicated NVIDIA graphics in this batch. The NIMO Ryzen 7 Pro delivers workstation-level processing for content creators who game casually. The budget NIMO gives you the longest warranty and lowest entry point.

Complete Cyber Monday Gaming Laptop Comparison

This table includes all 8 laptops I reviewed. I organized them by gaming capability so you can quickly identify which tier fits your needs.

In-Depth Cyber Monday Gaming Laptop Reviews

1. ASUS TUF Gaming – The Only True Gaming Laptop Under $500

The ASUS TUF Gaming stands alone in this roundup. It’s the only laptop with a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU, which means actual gaming performance rather than compromised integrated graphics.

I tested this model on Fortnite, Minecraft, and older AAA titles. It handles 1080p gaming at medium-high settings smoothly. The Intel Core i5-10300H is a proper H-series gaming processor with 4 cores boosting to 4.5GHz.

Build quality impressed me. ASUS markets this as military-grade durable, and the chassis feels solid. The cooling system keeps temperatures manageable during extended gaming sessions, though the fan gets audible under load.

Customer reviews (145 total, 4.3 rating) consistently praise gaming performance. One buyer mentioned running Minecraft and Fortnite without issues. Another noted the screen quality exceeded expectations for this price point.

The limitations are real: 256GB fills fast with modern games, and 8GB RAM is the minimum. Plan on adding external storage and potentially upgrading RAM later. At exactly $499, this is premium pricing for the budget segment.

Who Should Buy This?

Gamers who want to play modern titles at respectable settings. If gaming is your priority and you have the full $500 budget, this is the only choice that delivers genuine gaming GPU performance.

Who Should Skip This?

Users needing all-day battery life or lightweight portability. At 6 pounds with 4-hour battery, this is a desktop replacement, not a mobile device.

2. NIMO Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U – Best Processor Power for Creators Who Game

The NIMO Ryzen 7 Pro delivers something unusual at this price: genuine 8-core, 16-thread processing power. The Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U boosts to 4.7GHz and handles demanding workloads that would choke lesser chips.

I was impressed by the 100W USB-C fast charging. Fifteen minutes plugged in gives roughly 2 hours of use. For productivity-focused users who also want to game casually, this balance works well.

Gaming capability centers on the AMD Radeon 680M integrated graphics. It’s one of the better integrated GPUs available, handling esports titles and indie games at 1080p medium settings. Don’t expect AAA performance, but League of Legends and Valorant run smoothly.

Reviews (29 total, 4.7 rating) highlight the speed. One network engineer with 25 years experience called it his “best choice of the year.” Another praised it for music production and multitasking. The 58% discount from $1,199.99 to $499.99 represents genuine value.

The 2-year warranty adds peace of mind. Battery life runs 3-4 hours in practice despite 9-hour claims, so plan to stay near outlets.

Who Should Buy This?

Content creators, students, and professionals who need serious processing power but only game occasionally. The 8-core CPU handles video editing, music production, and heavy multitasking exceptionally.

Who Should Skip This?

Dedicated gamers wanting to play AAA titles. The integrated graphics, while good, can’t match a dedicated GPU.

3. MALLRACE Ryzen 5 7430U – Best Upgrade Potential

At $437.99 (71% off the $1,499.99 list price), the MALLRACE offers the deepest discount percentage in this roundup. More importantly, it’s built for future upgrades.

The RAM expands to 64GB. The storage supports up to 4TB total with dual drive bays. If you plan to grow your system over time, this architecture gives you room.

The AMD Ryzen 5 7430U uses Zen 3 architecture, delivering 19% better performance than Intel’s i5-1135G7 according to benchmark comparisons. Combined with the Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics at 1800MHz, you get respectable light gaming capability.

Setup takes under 5 minutes according to reviewers. The 180-degree hinge design helps for sharing your screen in presentations. WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 provide modern connectivity.

One concern: a single 1-star review reported device failure after 2 days. The 81% 5-star rate suggests this is an outlier, but it’s worth noting. The physical camera privacy switch adds security.

Who Should Buy This?

Budget buyers planning to upgrade over time. Students who want to start basic and add RAM/storage as budgets allow. Users who value long-term expandability over immediate performance.

Who Should Skip This?

Anyone needing portability (5.66 pounds is heavy) or immediate high performance. The value here is in potential, not out-of-box power.

4. HP 17.3″ Ryzen 5 7520U – Largest Display Under $500

HP brings brand trust to this roundup. With 255 reviews (4.5 rating) and “2K+ bought in past month” sales volume, this model has proven market acceptance. The 17.3-inch screen towers over the 15.6-inch competition.

That screen size matters for spreadsheets, documents, and media consumption. The narrow bezel design maximizes usable display area. I found the lift-hinge keyboard elevates for more comfortable typing angles.

Gaming capability is limited. The integrated AMD Radeon graphics handles casual games and older titles at low settings. This laptop shines for productivity with gaming as a secondary consideration.

Amazon sells this directly (not third-party) at $429.99. The EPEAT Gold and ENERGY STAR certifications indicate environmental considerations. HP uses ocean-bound recycled plastics in construction.

The HD+ resolution (1600×900) is lower than Full HD. Some reviewers describe colors as washed out. The 16GB RAM is soldered and not upgradeable. For buyers prioritizing screen real estate and brand reliability over specs, this works well.

Who Should Buy This?

Older users who benefit from larger text and interface elements. Office workers needing screen space for spreadsheets. Anyone who values HP’s support infrastructure and 1-year warranty.

Who Should Skip This?

Gamers or anyone prioritizing resolution over size. The 1600×900 panel limits visual quality.

5. NIMO Ryzen 5 15.6″ – Best Budget Value with Longest Warranty

At $369.99, this NIMO model delivers the most affordable entry point with a 2-year warranty backing it up. That warranty length beats every other option here.

The 65W USB-C PD fast charging provides quick top-ups. Boot time hits Windows 11 in about 7 seconds according to reviewers. The fingerprint reader adds convenience for secure logins.

Gaming handles titles like Minecraft and Stardew Valley smoothly. Expect to play at lower settings for anything more demanding. The integrated graphics limit AAA gaming potential.

Reviews (147 total, 4.4 rating) praise the value consistently. Users note it handles Photoshop and light creative work capably. The partial USA assembly with quality control adds a manufacturing angle competitors lack.

Battery life runs 3-4 hours in real use, well below the 9-hour advertising claim. Speaker volume disappoints. The BIOS remains locked through NIMO, limiting advanced tweaking.

Who Should Buy This?

Students on tight budgets who can stay near outlets. Anyone prioritizing warranty protection over raw performance. Light users who game casually with Minecraft, indie titles, or cloud gaming.

Who Should Skip This?

Users needing all-day battery or wanting to play demanding games locally.

6. Tunhail 16″ i5 – Best Storage Value

The Tunhail offers something unique: 1TB of SSD storage at $339.99. Every other laptop here tops out at 512GB. For users who store large media libraries, game collections, or creative projects, this capacity matters.

The 16-inch display at 1920×1200 resolution provides comfortable screen real estate. The 16:10 aspect ratio adds vertical space compared to standard 16:9 panels.

Gaming capability is basic. The Intel i5-8210Y is a Y-series low-power processor designed for efficiency, not performance. The Intel UHD 617 integrated graphics handles casual games and video streaming, but don’t expect modern title performance.

Reviews (7 total, 5.0 rating) praise everyday performance. Users describe fast tab switching, smooth multitasking, and responsive operation. Battery life runs 6-8 hours, among the best in this roundup.

Windows 11 Pro comes included, adding business features over Home edition. The backlit keyboard helps in low-light situations. Multiple ports include USB-C, USB 3.0, mini HDMI, and RJ45 ethernet.

Who Should Buy This?

Users prioritizing storage capacity and battery life over gaming performance. Students, office workers, and casual users who need space for files, documents, and media collections.

Who Should Skip This?

Anyone expecting real gaming performance. Despite marketing language, this is a productivity laptop, not a gaming machine.

7. NAIKLULU MX350 – Dedicated GPU at Budget Price

At $314.49, the NAIKLULU offers something rare: a dedicated NVIDIA GPU in the budget tier. The MX350 isn’t a gaming powerhouse, but it significantly outperforms integrated graphics.

This GPU handles older games (2015-2020 era) and esports titles at medium settings. League of Legends, CS:GO, and Dota 2 run smoothly. Don’t expect modern AAA performance.

The Intel N95 processor is entry-level, limited to 4 cores at 3.4GHz maximum. It handles everyday tasks and light gaming but bottlenecks in demanding scenarios. Think of this as a budget entry point to dedicated graphics.

Reviews (49 total, 4.1 rating) show mixed experiences. 63% give 5 stars, praising value and game compatibility. Some report performance inconsistencies and overheating during extended sessions. The 4-hour battery life is below average.

Limited stock warning: only 2 units remain as of this writing. The 16GB RAM expands to 32GB for future upgrades. The 1TB SSD matches the Tunhail for storage capacity.

Who Should Buy This?

Budget gamers wanting dedicated graphics for esports and older games. Students who need better-than-integrated performance without the ASUS TUF premium.

Who Should Skip This?

Anyone wanting reliable long-term performance. The mixed reviews and entry-level CPU suggest compromises.

8. Acer Aspire 3 – Most Reviewed Budget Option

With 4,560 reviews (4.2 rating) and “500+ bought in past month” sales, the Acer Aspire 3 has more market validation than any other laptop here. At $319.99, it represents mainstream budget computing.

The AMD Ryzen 3 7320U is a modern processor from AMD’s 7000 series. Combined with WiFi 6 and 11-hour rated battery life, this laptop excels at portability and everyday tasks.

Gaming capability is minimal. The integrated AMD Radeon graphics barely handles casual games. For gaming, I recommend cloud services like GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming, which run smoothly on this hardware.

Storage severely limits this model. The 128GB SSD barely fits Windows 11 plus a few applications. External storage or cloud solutions become necessary quickly. The 8GB RAM is soldered and not upgradeable.

Windows 11 comes in S mode, restricting apps to the Microsoft Store initially. You can switch to full Windows 11 Home for free. Multiple reviewers report hinge durability concerns after 9+ months of use.

Who Should Buy This?

Cloud gaming enthusiasts who need minimal local hardware. Students focused on web-based work and cloud storage. Buyers who prioritize brand trust and extensive review validation over specs.

Who Should Skip This?

Anyone needing local storage, local gaming, or upgrade potential. The 128GB/8GB combination limits future use.

How to Choose a Cyber Monday Gaming Laptop Under $500

I’ve tested dozens of budget laptops, and the priority order matters. Here’s how to evaluate your options based on actual gaming impact.

GPU Comes First

The graphics processor determines gaming capability more than any other component. In this price range, you’ll encounter three tiers:

1. Dedicated GPU (GTX 1650 Ti, MX350): Real gaming performance for modern titles at medium settings. Only the ASUS TUF and NAIKLULU offer this.
2. Strong Integrated (Radeon 680M, Vega 7): Esports and indie games at 1080p. Acceptable for casual gaming.
3. Basic Integrated (Intel UHD, Radeon Graphics): Cloud gaming recommended. Limited local gaming capability.

If gaming is your priority, the dedicated GPU options justify their premium. For more perspective on what graphics cards deliver, check our guide to gaming laptop GPUs.

RAM Requirements

Every laptop here with 16GB RAM handles modern gaming better than 8GB models. The Acer Aspire 3’s 8GB limitation shows in multitasking performance.

More importantly: check if RAM is upgradeable. The HP and Acer models have soldered memory. The MALLRACE expands to 64GB for future-proofing.

Storage Considerations

Modern games easily consume 50-100GB each. The 128GB Acer and 256GB ASUS fill instantly. The 1TB options (Tunhail, NAIKLULU) provide breathing room.

Check for expansion slots. M.2 slots and dual-drive bays let you add storage later without replacing your primary drive.

Display Quality Matters

Full HD (1920×1080) should be minimum for gaming. The HP’s 1600×900 resolution sacrifices visual quality for screen size. Refresh rate matters less in budget laptops since these GPUs rarely push beyond 60fps anyway.

Looking for dual-purpose machines? Our budget laptops for work and gaming guide covers versatility considerations in depth.

Cloud Gaming Alternative

If local gaming performance disappoints, cloud services like GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Amazon Luna run AAA titles on modest hardware. The Acer Aspire 3 particularly suits this approach.

Requirements: stable WiFi (the WiFi 6 models help here) and acceptable internet latency. Cloud gaming eliminates GPU concerns entirely.

For users willing to stretch their budget slightly, the gaming laptops under $800 tier offers significantly better dedicated GPU options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

For serious gamers, the ASUS TUF Gaming GTX 1650 Ti at $499 remains the only genuine gaming laptop in this price range. The dedicated GPU makes the difference.

For versatility, the NIMO Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U delivers desktop-class processing with capable integrated graphics and a 2-year warranty.

For extreme budgets, the NIMO Ryzen 5 at $369.99 offers the best protection with its 2-year warranty and solid everyday performance.

Remember: Amazon offers 30-day returns, Walmart provides 90 days, and Best Buy extends to January 15th for holiday purchases. Use these policies to test your choice confidently. For even more options, explore our gaming laptop deals under $1000 if your budget has flexibility.