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Laptops come with different processor configurations. However, we are more interested in the best i7 Laptop Under 500 dollars. So, if you are on a budget or you don’t want to spend much but need a high-performing laptop, you are in luck. In this review, you’ll find one or two affordable laptops that may suit your desire. We have shortlisted the seven best i7 laptops under 500, with the ✅HP EliteBook 840 G3 Business Laptop as our overall best.
Apart from the HP EliteBook 840 G3 Business Laptop, there are six others with high-performing processors with which you can handle all intensive tasks without struggle.
Before we proceed, below is the comparison table of all the seven best i7 laptops with their configurations.
Comparison Table For The Best i7 laptops under 500
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| Product Name | Product Image | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| HP EliteBook 840 G3 Business Laptop |   | Processor: Intel Core i7-6600U Display: 14-inch RAM: 16 GB DDR4 Storage: 512 GB SSD Operating System: Windows 10 Pro |
| Dell Latitude E6430 14.1 Inch Business Laptop computer |   | Processor: i7-3520M Display: 14-inch RAM: 16 GB DDR4 Storage: 240 GB SSD Operating System: Windows 10 Pro |
| Dell Latitude E7250 12.5 Touchscreen Ultrabook Business Laptop |   | Processor: Intel Core i7-5600U Display: 12.5-inch RAM: 16 GB DDR4 Storage: 512 GB SSD Operating System: Windows 10 Pro |
| HP EliteBook 820 G3 Laptop |   | Processor: Intel Core i7-6600U Display: 12.5-inch RAM: 16 GB DDR4 Storage: 256 GB SSD Operating System: Windows 10 Pro |
| HP Elitebook 840 G3 Business Laptop |   | Processor: Intel Core i7-6600U Display: 14-inch RAM: 16 GB DDR4 Storage: 256 GB SSD Operating System: Windows 10 Pro |
| Dell Latitude E6440 |   | Processor: Intel Core i7-4600M Display: 14-inch RAM: 8 GB DDR4 Storage: 128 GB SSD Operating System: Windows 10 Pro |
| Dell Latitude 7000 7280 Business Ultrabook |   | Processor: Intel Core i7-7600U Display: 12.5-inch RAM: 16 GB DDR4 Storage: 256 GB SSD Operating System: Windows 10 Pro |
Compare The Top 7 On One Page
Best i7 Laptops Under 500; An Overview
Generally, we all know that laptops with i7 are high-ends that can tackle demanding tasks.
As such, they are expensive.
Given that, it is difficult to find a laptop with a Core i7 processor under 500.
However, the available ones in the market are mostly from Dell and HP brands, and they are all renewed.
Speaking of renewed laptops, these are laptops that have been pre-owned, inspected, tested, and repacked to work like a new one.
Speaking of high-demanding tasks, by this, we mean tasks that require lots of power to run smoothly.
These include; graphics design, photo/video editing, gaming, 3D rendering, music production, and so many others.
So, if you desire to enjoy a seamless and hitch-free performance, you need a laptop with a Core i7 processor.
Similarly, Core i7 processors can handle the most demanding applications and software such as Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Rush, Drum Loops, Filmora, and so many others.
Note that a laptop with a Core i7 processor does not necessarily have seven cores.
Instead, some factors determine the processing power of any processor, which include; the number of threads, boost clock, clock speed, cache size, and the number of cores.
For instance, there are core i7 laptops usually come with 4-core, 8-core, and 16-core, respectively.
Likewise, some come with 3-4.90 GHz boost frequency and 8-16MB cache.
So, if you want to enjoy an extraordinary performance for video editing and other intensive function, your core i7 processor should have multiple threads and cores and at least a 3.8 GHz boost frequency.
Furthermore, among different types of processors in the market, Intel and AMD outshine them all.
Specifically, the AMD processor is preferable when handling multifunctional tasks, while the Intel functions well in single-core tasks.
The big question is, is it possible to find all these features in a Core i7 processor under 500?
The answer is yes but on renewed laptops.
Hence, we have gone ahead of you to select the very best out of the many laptops out there.
The next section of this review will discuss in detail the essential features you need to keep in mind when searching for the best i7 laptops under 500.
Important Factors To Consider When Buying The Best i7 Laptops Under 500
Aside from a high-end processor, below are other features you need in a good laptop with an i7 processor.
Display/Weight
Getting a decent screen display will deliver an excellent viewing experience.
A laptop with a bright and clear display will deliver high-quality visual output without compromise.
As such, it will be nice if your desired laptop comes with an IPS panel, an anti-glare feature, Full HD resolution, and other features.
That said, the display size will directly or indirectly affect your working experience because it will determine how pleasant and heavy the laptop will be.
By this, we mean laptops with bigger screens will offer you a wide-angle view and are heavyweight as well.
To this effect, you need a considerable screen size of 13-15 inches so you can easily move around with it.
Speaking of the weight, we suggest you consider a laptop that weighs at least 4 pounds for easy carriage.
Graphics/RAM/Storage
The GPU works with the CPU to process all graphics tasks.
So, you’ll need a dedicated graphics card to handle high-intensive functions like high-definition games, graphics design, video editing, Aminations, and others.
For more details, dedicated graphics comes with a dedicated VRAM which allows them to work effortlessly without the help of the internal memory.
On the other hand, laptops with integrated graphics cards will handle less demanding tasks like writing, documentation, photo storage, and school projects.
Furthermore, RAM is essential in any given laptop.
This is because it will allow you to handle multiple functions at a time without changing the system.
Also, it assists the processor in computing and storing data in the computer temporally as you work on various tasks.
So, to enjoy a hitch-free working experience, your core i7 laptop should come with a minimum of 8 GB RAM.
For storage, a laptop with plenty of storage will work effortlessly without slowing down.
Also, a good storage option will allow you to save, access, and retrieve your files without stress.
As such, we suggest you get a core i7 laptop with at least 128 GB SSD storage.
Ports/Connectivity
For connectivity, your laptop should have a wireless connection which is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can easily get access to online and audio content.
Moving on, there’s a need for an HDMI port that will allow you to transfer video and audio content via HDMI cable.
Also, USB ports will allow you to copy files from one laptop to another without stress.
These and many others are the essential ports you will need in the best core i7 laptop.
Operating System/Battery Life
Lastly, it will be wise you consider the Operating System you are more familiar with.
Among other popular OS, Windows, Chrome, and Mac come top-notch in terms of compatibility and performance.
Finally, it is advisable to consider the laptop’s battery life.
This is because a good battery life will allow you to work for long hours without interruption.
Therefore, get a laptop that can last at least 6 hours on a single charge.
Now, it’s time for the review proper.
Our 7 Best i7 Laptop Under 500
HP EliteBook 840 G3 Business Laptop
Overall best i7 laptop under 500 is HP EliteBook 840 laptop.
It has all the features that a good core i7 laptop should have with amazing design and excellent performance.
Design Features
The laptop is designed with wide bezels, which cover the bulk of the screen.
Despite the wide bezels, the laptop still maintains a considerable weight size convenient to carry about.
As such, it measures 12.7 x 16 x 12.5 inches and weighs 0.2 ounces.
Furthermore, the laptop is affordable, so you don’t need to spend a fortune to get it.
It has a 14-inch LED-backlit screen display with a Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution pixels.
Also, it is a touch screen with an anti-glare feature that supports swift navigation and regulates reflections.
Still, on the features, the EliteBook 840 has arrays of ports like USB 3.0, USB 2.0, RJ45, and Bluetooth connectors, among others.
On the top bezel is a webcam that produces low sharpness and washed-out colors during video chats.
In a nutshell, this laptop strikes a balance between a good price and excellent performance.
Performance
The Intel Core i7-6600U processor is equipped with 4 threads, 4MB Smart Cache memory, 2.60 GHz base frequency, and up to 3.40 GHz boost frequency.
This high-end processor is backed up with Intel HD Graphics 520, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and 512 GB SSD storage.
With Windows 10 Pro Operating System, all operations work perfectly well.
Arguably, the EliteBook 840 can run all applications with ease, produces high-quality visuals, multitask swiftly, and store as many files as possible.
Pros
- It has ample storage.
- Thin and portable.
- Efficient multitasking
Cons
- There’s no HDMI port
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2. Dell Latitude E6430 14.1 Inch Business Laptop compute
The Dell Latitude E6430 is an amazing laptop you wouldn’t want to miss.
Why not check it out?
Design Features
The Dell Latitude E6430 weighs 4 pounds and measures 13.2 x 1.2 x 8.8 inches.
Therefore, you can easily move around with it from one place to another, as it is lightweight.
The keyboard area has a plastic palm rest where you can place your palms comfortably while typing experience.
Additionally, it features a 14-inch HD 1366 x 768 resolution display which can deliver a decent view without clutter.
It offers good arrays of ports like HDIM, VGA, Ethernet, Smart Card Reader, 4 USB 2.0, and Wi-Fi connectors.
With the HDMI port, you can view audio and video content.
The Ethernet and Wi-Fi port allows you to connect to the internet.
Performance
You’ll experience no lag working with a laptop thanks to its Intel Core i7-3520M processor that operates with a 3MB cache, 2.9GHz base frequency, and up to 3.6GHz boost frequency.
Even more, it is equipped with Intel HD Graphics 3000 to deliver clear and vibrant visual output when it comes to photos and videos.
For easy multitasking function, the laptop comes with a whopping 16 GB DDR3 RAM.
Finally, 240 GB SSD storage is decent enough to store whatever files you have in your system.
Pros
- Speedy processor.
- Windows 10 Pros Operating System.
- Good arrays of ports.
Cons
- Poor battery life.
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3. Dell Latitude E7250 12.5 Touchscreen Laptop
Here’s Dell Latitude E7250 laptop with a high-end processor.
Design Features
This laptop has a unique chassis designed with a magnesium alloy, making it more durable.
It is decorated with all-black color, making it fit nicely into a business environment.
Additionally, it has a Woven carbon-fiber texture, giving it a classy and professional outlook.
On opening the lid, it is fitted with a 12.5-inch touchscreen display.
The display features Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution pixels.
The above screen size might not be big enough to give you the best angle view.
However, the FHD resolution offers nothing but the best images with rich colors.
At 12.2 x 8.3 x 0.8 inches, the E7250 weighs 7.19 pounds.
Hence, this is one of the areas this laptop lags behind.
Arguably, the E7250 has a generous key travel distance of 1.8mm, which provides a stress-free typing experience.
More so, it comes along with a backlit with which you can comfortably work at night/darkroom.
The laptop boosts 3 USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, an SD card reader, a DC port, a smart card reader, a Mini display port, and an Ethernet cable.
With the above ports, you won’t have issues plugin your devices.
Performance
The Dell Latitude E7250 is configured with an Intel Core i7-5600U processor.
This processor runs on a base frequency of 2.60 GHz, a boost frequency of 3.20, and 4MB of cache memory.
Furthermore, it is equipped with 16 GB DDR3L RAM and 512 GB SSD storage capacity.
From the look of the specs, the laptop can run all kinds of tasks regardless of the workload.
Lastly, it works with a Windows 10 Pro Operating System.
Pros
- It has powerful hardware.
- Soft-touch keyboard layout.
- Responsive touchscreen.
Cons
- It has thick bezels.
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4. HP EliteBook 840 G3 Business Laptop Computer
Design Features
This is another HP EliteBook 840 laptop computer with a different configuration.
This comes available in a 12.5-inch Full HD display which produces sharper and clearer contents.
In addition, this option comes touch-enabled, which means that you can make screen input with just a tap of your finger.
Meanwhile, the touch functionality is amazingly responsive to navigating and switching.
Adding to the display is an HD webcam placed on the top bezel of the laptop display.
Impressively, this webcam works out rightly well in video conferencing, zoom meetings, and one-on-one communication.
On the bottom bezel is an HP logo inscribed to represent the brand’s identity and add beauty to the laptop.
For extensive connectivity, the laptop comes with an Ethernet port, USB 2.0 Type-C, USB 3.0, and an SD card slot, among others.
Performance
It features a dual-core Intel Core i7-6600U processor that works with 4MB cache memory, 2.60 GHz base clock, and up to 3.4 GHz boost clock.
In addition to that, it comes with Intel HD Graphics 520, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage.
Overall, this laptop can deliver well in all-around work and light multitasking.
Pros
- Lightweight at 2.78 pounds.
- It has a fingerprint reader.
- Functional backlit keyboard.
Cons
- The graphics card isn’t strong enough.
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5. HP EliteBook 840 G3 Business Laptop Computer
Display Features
HP EliteBook 840 G3 made it to the list of the best i7 laptop under 500.
The color option of the EliteBook is silver, making it look more professional than other laptops in its category.
It has a well-polished surface that makes it feel pleasant to touch.
There’s an HP logo enclosed at the center of its top lid for quick and easy identification.
Furthermore, the keyboard deck has plenty of space where you can rest your palms while typing.
The chiclet-style keys on the keyboard are well-spaced and evenly spaced to offer a fantastic typing experience.
Both sides of the laptop feature an array of ports which include VGA, 2 USB 3.0, card reader, power connector, Ethernet port, USB-C, Display Port, and Headphone/Microphone combo.
Performance
This laptop is equipped to handle high-intensive tasks without wasting time.
It has an Intel’s premium Core i7 processor for high-demanding functions.
Then, integrated Intel graphics for lesser graphics demands like minor photo editing and other tasks in its category.
The laptop comes with 16 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage to enhance your productivity.
Finally, it gets work done with Windows 10 Operating System.
Pro
- Well-spaced keyboard.
- Powerful processor.
- Sufficient RAM.
Cons
- Integrated graphics card.
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6. Dell Latitude E6440
We have the Dell Latitude E6440 in the sixth position of the best i7 laptops under 500.
Design Features
The 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) screen display offers a wide-angle view with the best pictorial output.
Likewise, its anti-glare, LED-backlit display offers accurate brightness without a strain on the eyes.
Away from that, the E6440 comes top-notch with high-quality speakers which offer amazing audio sound with enough bass.
Also, it comes with a Multi-touch Touchpad, which enhances easy and swift navigation.
With 1 HDMI, 3 USB 3.0, 1 RJ45, and 1 Headphone/Microphone combo, you will have no issue connecting your devices.
Performance
In terms of performance, Dell powered the laptop with Dual-Core Intel Core i7-4600M having a 4MB cache, 2.9 GHz base frequency, and up to 3.6 GHz boost frequency.
Even more, it handles all graphics demands with Intel HD Graphics 4600.
Then, 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM for multifunctional functions.
While 128 GB SSD storage for data savings.
Pros
- Sharp and bright display.
- Core i7 CPU.
- Strong multitasking ability.
Cons
- It has small storage space.
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7. Dell Latitude 7000 7280 Business
This is the last Dell and a renewed laptop on our list.
Design Features
The E6440 has an all-black color suitable for business purposes.
It is designed thin and light, ready for all kinds of movement.
As such, it weighs light at 2.61 pounds and measures 8.19 x 12 x 0.68 inches.
The display features a 12.5-inch screen with an HD 1366 x 768 resolution.
Undoubtedly, this is not the brightest display, but it delivers decently in less demanding functions.
Performance
The Intel Core i7 7600U processor scales up to a 3.9GHz boost frequency that can handle your computing tasks.
Additionally, it is equipped with Intel HD Graphics 620 that can handle light graphics tasks.
Further, It comes with 16 GB DDR4 RAM that can allow you to switch between different tasks while leaving many tabs open.
For storage, it has 256 GB SSD storage space with which you can save all your personal and official documents.
Finally, with Windows 10 Pro, you’ll have nothing to regret about buying this laptop.
Pros
- Attractive all-black chassis.
- Unbeatable Windows 10 Pro.
- Quality webcam.
Cons
- Limited ports.
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Conclusion On The Best i7 Laptop Under 500
To wrap it up, laptops in this category are suitable for high-insensitive tasks like photo editing, music-making, graphics design, etc.
This is because of their high-end components.
Although, the laptops featured here are all renewed because a sub 500 budget is quite low for high-end laptops.
All you need is to stick to the above guidelines, and you’ll enjoy the best performance from your selected laptop.
On the whole, we recommend the ✅HP EliteBook 840 G3 Business Laptop for all-around work.
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