Looking for a new laptop to do some gaming/animating.

Based on brand I would go ASUS over Acer but with the price difference it would be a good idea to look at the specs side by side as well as the reviews.

Unless they’ve changed it, the Amazon Prime Visa card also gives a couple of years warranty (and 5% cash back too).

 

Since you are price constrained, you should go Ryzen.

Look for these specs
Ryzen 2700, 3300 or 3600
2 x 8 ram @ 3000mhz
Nvidia gtx 1650, 1660, 1660s, 1660ti
500gb sad

the manufacturer doesn’t matter.

 

ASUS makes solid gaming laptops, but they're on the upper end. I got a new G14 last year. I was also lucky to snag a 360 Ti from Best Buy when they dropped.

 

I looked around on that budget and I can't find anything to recommend.

Anything you buy will be quickly outdated for gaming.

 

These archaic proof of work crypto bastards wrecked my chances of building a good new pc. They've got me over here looking at freaking Alienware pre-built crap that I probably won't get for 2 months. Screw bitcoin and the like.

 

Here, here! .

 

If you're a costco member, there's a 17" laptop similar to the Asus & Acers mentioned earlier for $699. I'm pretty sure they offer an extended warranty free (double check)

https://www.costco.com/.product.100684897.html

 

that's a pretty sweet deal. especially w/ an NVME drive.

 

Many laptops do have RAM soldered on, whether it's one or both sticks. I suggest asking subreddits about these models. You'll find a subreddit for the model or the brand. That Costco one isn't bad if you're comfortable with a 17" beast. MSI makes decent budget gaming laptops.

 

Upgrading the components only takes a few minutes. Obviously, depends on the model but for the Acer gaming models it's as simple as unscrewing all the bottom case screws and prying the bottom case open and then you have access to all the components.

You can check youtube for reference videos on your particular model for disassembly. Also, you can check the manufacturers website for your model for the QVL(qualified vendor list) which will tell you the ram the manufacturer tested that is guaranteed to work with the laptop.

 

Nice! Let me know how you like it. My 15yo needs a new rig. I told him to save his money and I would match to build out a PC for his Birthday/X-Mas but he tends to want to buy stupid **** and may only have $400-500 by that time.