Seems like a gaming-spec type machine may be a decent fit for your needs mate.

I’m a Brit so don’t know what’s a bargain your side of the pond - though if you were over here I’d recommend trying something like the Dell Outlet store (and other outlet stores) - and look around for an Alienware laptop (they are usually heavily discounted as they are ‘returns’ or ‘scratch and dents’. There are a few (if you’re quick) going for just over half-price / a third off retail price.

https://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/22/campaigns/outlet

Best thing is to likely phone them instead of ordering online - the sales girls and lads are quite friendly and knowledgeable (the UK ones are, anyway) and will usually throw in a laptop bag or other extra to seal the deal - and they’ll be able to describe in detail any scratch or dents - or maybe why it was returned (unwanted gifts are the main reason).

You should get a full 12 month guarantee (though again I’m only guessing you’d get that in the US as you would in the UK) - so best check beforehand.

Am sure there are better / cooler makes than Alienware out there - though I find them reliable, tough, well-built, likely to last a good few years, and are good value for money on the whole. Sort of safe bet for people who want/need a good spec machine - without having to be a laptop spec guru 😃

(an i5 or i7, with 16gb RAM, 256GB SSD & 1TB HD, with a GTX 1060 graphics card - or higher… should suffice for a few years)

Good luck with it - hope someone else can offer you more detailed / better info Stateside.