Dell's G3 15 Series isn't the sexiest gaming laptop on the market, nor is its 15.6-inch FHD display the brightest, but it still offers plenty of power for less than $1,000. Especially when you factor in the optional GTX 1050 Ti graphics card, this is one of our top recommendations for budget gaming.
The black plastic lid sports a Dell logo and a red Dell Gaming label, which adds to the laptop's recognizable looks. It opens on a single hinge, revealing a plastic deck that feels smooth and sturdy to the touch. While it's not quite as premium-feeling as the XPS 13 and 15, the deck has enough heft to feel solid.
A standard Chiclet keyboard sits below the display, offering smooth flat keycaps and decent travel with a slight tactile bump for each press. It also includes a number pad on the right side and comes with a standard set of function-enabled hotkeys. A 720p webcam rests in the top bezel, which will suffice for gaming-related video chats with Twitch or YouTube followers.
The Dell's default software is a mix of typical Windows 10 bloatware and a few apps from Dell, including its SmartByte app for managing how you use bandwidth. Dell's MaxxAudio Pro application also automatically prompts you to choose whether to prioritize audio output when using the laptop with headphones, which is a nice touch. The Dell's bottom case is a bit obstructive, but after removing a few screws and the rubberized base cover, you can easily access the hard drive, SSD and RAM for replacement or upgrades.