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My review of the Lenovo LOQ Gaming Laptop (RTX 4060 + i7-13700H) (2024)
Introduction
I recently got my hands on the Lenovo LOQ gaming laptop - quite a good laptop for its price. My experience with it I elaborate on below.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Lenovo | Model Name | LOQ |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches | Color | Grey |
| Hard Disk Size | 2 TB | CPU Model | Core i7 Family |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 32 GB | Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Special Feature | Backlit Kb | Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
Photos
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Prices
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Hardware and Performance Review of the Lenovo LOQ Gaming Laptop
Diving right into the guts of the Lenovo LOQ I’ve been testing, the hardware specs stand out for a blend of high performance without breaking the bank. The 32GB of DDR5 RAM is more than enough to juggle several applications without a hitch, and with a 2TB Western Digital Black PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, load times are practically non-existent. Coming from an older model, the speed boost is night and day, and with such ample storage, I haven’t had to worry about space constraints in the slightest.
The Intel Core i7-13700H processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 keeps everything running smoothly, whether I’m gaming or multitasking between work apps. Honestly, it’s gratifying to see my machine not even flinch handling more resource-intensive games like Star Citizen. The Lenovo LOQ doesn’t pack the luxurious touches of some higher-end competitors, but it’s a powerhouse where it counts.
Here are the highlights of my experience:
Powerful performance: With a 14-core, 20-thread CPU, and dedicated RTX graphics, I’m set for gaming, video editing, and more.
Rapid memory and storage: 32GB of DDR5 RAM is a treat for multitasking, and the 2TB NVMe SSD means I’m never left twiddling my thumbs waiting for load screens.
Build quality: It’s a Lenovo trademark to fuse simplicity with durability. The laptop’s plastic build feels sturdy enough to withstand regular use.
Despite my praises, it’s not perfection - the LOQ is a bit hefty, an observation echoed when I considered it for my daughter’s college use. Weight could be a factor if you’ll carry it around often. Plus, the stuck pixel issue that I noticed on the screen out of the box is a little disappointing, even though it’s a minor gripe against the overall solid performance.
For the money, the Lenovo LOQ feels like a wise investment for a gaming laptop - you sacrifice some of the bells and whistles, but the internals are competitive. The whisper-quiet thermal management and the quiet yet responsive Lenovo LOQ keyboard add to a pleasurable user experience, without disturbing the peace. Overall, the Lenovo LOQ packs a serious punch, offering a strong balance of power and portability for gamers and professionals alike. While it’s not the sleekest kid on the block and could slim down a bit, it’s a workhorse, and those in the market for reliable performance will find it a compelling choice.
Display and Visual Experience on the Lenovo LOQ
When it comes to the Lenovo LOQ, the display is a significant factor in the overall experience, especially from a gamer’s perspective. Here’s a breakdown of what stood out to me regarding the visual experience:
Impressive Refresh Rate: The 144Hz screen is fantastic for gaming. Fast-paced action looks incredibly smooth, which is a game-changer in competitive scenes.
Brightness and Clarity: With a brightness of 350 nits, the visuals are clear and vibrant, even in well-lit environments.
Resolution: The FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution is standard for 15.6” displays, ensuring sharp and detailed graphics.
While the positives do make a strong case, I have to note a few drawbacks. Not having a higher resolution option like 4K isn’t a big deal for me personally, as it helps keep the price down, and on a 15.6” screen, FHD is adequate. However, the presence of a stuck pixel is a bit disappointing given the quality one expects at this price point—though, it’s not an issue unique to Lenovo and something that can be fixed under warranty.
Also, for those who like to use their laptops outdoors or in brightly lit rooms, even though 350 nits is adequate, some might prefer a display that can push out a bit more brightness to counteract glare. For a gaming laptop, though, where I tend to play in controlled lighting to get immersed in the game, it’s less of an issue.
The IPS panel also means that the colors are accurate and viewing angles are generous, a welcome feature when showing off gameplay or watching movies with friends. And, although it’s a non-touch screen, I find this to be an advantage for gaming since it helps reduce reflections and keeps smudges to a minimum.
In my usage, the Lenovo LOQ creates a very engaging experience for a variety of content. Whether I’m gaming or watching videos, the vivid display and smooth visuals are pleasing to the eye. And let’s be honest, for most games and general media consumption, this screen hits the sweet spot in terms of performance and quality.
I also appreciate that a dedicated GPU backs the display capabilities—having the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 ensures that not only is the display capable of great things, but the graphics horsepower is there to support it.
Bottom line, the Lenovo LOQ strikes a neat balance in its display offering—enough to satisfy the gaming buffs without dialing the specs too high to inflate the price unnecessarily. A stuck pixel out of the box is a letdown but not a dealbreaker thanks to warranty support. For its price point, I believe it punches above its weight on the visual front.
Connectivity and Expansion Options
When I got my Lenovo LOQ gaming laptop, one thing I knew I needed was plenty of ports for all my devices and peripherals. Thankfully, the connectivity and expansion options didn’t disappoint.
Here’s a quick rundown:
1 x USB Type-C (10Gbps, DisplayPort 1.4 + 140W Power Delivery): This is a godsend. I can charge the laptop, hook up an external display, or transfer data with just this single port.
1 x Audio Combo Jack: Standard but necessary.
1 x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen1 (5Gbps): Good for regular USB devices.
1 x E-Shutter Button: Nifty little privacy feature here.
1 x DC-in: To charge up the laptop the traditional way.
1 x RJ45: For stable wired internet, a must-have for online gaming.
2 x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps): Faster data transfer for high-end USB peripherals.
1 x HDMI 2.1: Great for 4K monitors or TVs.
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth: For wireless connectivity that’s both fast and reliable.
The inclusion of a USB Type-C port with such versatile capabilities is excellent. I can easily say, docking stations are almost unnecessary when you have such a jack-of-all-trades port. The Wi-Fi 6 support is spot-on for a gaming laptop – nobody wants a lag due to a poor connection, and this hits the mark for stability and speed.
But it’s not all roses; the number of USB ports might feel limited if you use a lot of accessories simultaneously. Although, thankfully, the ones provided are fast and support the latest USB standards—Gen2 makes a difference when you’re in a rush. I would have appreciated an additional USB-C port though; it always seems like I can never have too many.
Another slight drawback is the weight when considering the port variety. I get that more features typically mean more to carry, but it’s something to consider if portability is a priority for you.
Still, when it comes to performance and connectivity, the Lenovo LOQ is like having a desktop-like setup that you can pack up and take on the go. For dedicated gamers or even professionals who don’t mind a little extra bulk for the benefit of superior connectivity, it’s a compelling package. The LOQ balances power, connectivity, and portability admirably, and for someone like me who values a seamless transition from work to play, these features matter a lot.
Gaming Efficiency and Battery Management
Diving straight into the heart of gaming efficiency and battery management on the Lenovo LOQ, I’ve found it’s essential to weigh both the highs and lows. This laptop comes equipped with cutting-edge features that can make or break the gaming experience. Here’s my take, with a practical lens on what matters for gamers like myself.
Pros of Gaming Efficiency:
The 144Hz refresh rate breathes life into games, making every motion smooth.
With a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, graphics are crisp and the gameplay is fluid.
The Lenovo AI Engine+ and LA1 AI Chip come together for performance that seriously impresses.
The 32GB DDR5 RAM means multitasking is a breeze, keeping lag at bay even with several apps open.
Cons:
A stuck pixel issue out of the box can be a downer, though this seems more like an isolated issue rather than the norm.
Some users might find the laptop heavy, which can be a drawback for portability.
Now, a major plus for me is how this rig manages power. The Super Rapid Charge gives you a good amount of juice in very little time – 0-30% in just about 10 minutes. As someone who can’t always be tethered to a power outlet, this is huge. However, I haven’t tested the max battery life during intense gaming sessions, so I’m reserving judgment there.
Thermals are another aspect I’m keen on. The Lenovo LOQ has a robust cooling system, keeping it from turning into a miniature furnace. With up to four heat pipes and dual fans, even my longest gaming stints are whisper-quiet and cool.
One minor gripe would be the offered storage capacity. While 2TB is ample, I noticed that selected devices offer up to 4TB, which leaves me with a case of storage envy. Nonetheless, the included 2TB NVMe SSD by Western Digital is ridiculously fast, slashing load times drastically.
Performance-wise, the laptop chews through any task I throw at it. Everything from graphics-heavy gaming to everyday productivity is handled without a hiccup, courtesy of the i7-13700H processor and that beast of a GPU. Despite its benefits, the weight can be a drawback, as it leans towards the heftier side, which isn’t ideal for some, especially college students on the go.
In summary, my personal experiences with Lenovo laptops have set a precedent for reliability. This model is no exception; although not the fanciest-looking machine, it certainly packs a punch where it counts. Sure, it’s no featherweight champion, and the quality control could be tighter regarding screen pixels, but these are small trade-offs. For a gamer taking their play seriously without breaking the bank, the Lenovo LOQ stands tall—a testament to balancing power and portability without burning a hole in the pocket.