Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 Gaming Laptop Review: Powerful Performance for Gamers
Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 Gaming Laptop Review: A Deep Dive into Performance
Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 gaming laptop. We’ve put this machine through its paces, testing its performance in a variety of games and real-world scenarios to provide you with a detailed and unbiased evaluation.
This review delves into the heart of this gaming laptop, exploring its key features, performance, pros and cons, and offering a final verdict on whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 is a mid-range gaming laptop designed to deliver a smooth and immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank. It’s powered by the latest Intel Core i7-13650HX processor, boasts a 144Hz display, and packs a GeForce RTX 4060 8GB GPU – promising a balance between performance and value.
In this review, we aim to dissect the LOQ 15IRX9’s strengths and weaknesses, highlighting its suitability for gamers who prioritize performance without compromising on affordability.
Key Features
The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 is packed with features designed to enhance your gaming experience. Here’s a breakdown of its key specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i7-13650HX, 14C (6P + 8E) / 20T, P-core 2.6 / 4.9GHz, E-core 1.9 / 3.6GHz, 24MB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 8GB GDDR6, Boost Clock 2370MHz, TGP 115W |
| Chipset | Intel® HM770 Chipset |
| Memory | 1x 12GB SO-DIMM DDR5-4800 |
| Memory Slots | Two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, dual-channel capable |
| Max Memory | Up to 32GB DDR5-4800 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe® 4.0×4 NVMe® |
| Storage Support | Up to two drives, 2x M.2 SSD • M.2 2242 SSD up to 1TB |
| Storage Slot | Two M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0 x4 slots |
| Card Reader | None |
| Optical | None |
| Audio Chip | High Definition (HD) Audio, Realtek® ALC3287 codec |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers, 2W x2, optimized with Nahimic Audio |
| Camera | FHD 1080p with E-shutter |
| Microphone | 2x, Array |
| Battery | Integrated 60Wh |
| Power Adapter | 230W Slim Tip (3-pin) |
| Special Features | AI Chip: LA1 |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 100% sRGB, 144Hz, G-SYNC® |
| Touchscreen | None |
| Color Calibration | None |
| Keyboard | White Backlit, English |
| Touchpad | Buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch touchpad, supports Precision TouchPad (PTP), 75 x 120 mm (2.95 x 4.72 inches) |
| Case Color | Luna Grey |
| Surface Treatment | Painting |
| Case Material | PC-ABS (Top), PC-ABS (Bottom) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 359.86 x 258.7 x 21.9-23.9 mm (14.17 x 10.19 x 0.86-0.94 inches) |
| Weight | Starting at 2.38 kg (5.25 lbs) |
| Operating System | None |
| Bundled Software | None |
| Ethernet | Integrated 100/1000M |
| WLAN + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi® 6, 11ax 2×2 + BT5.2 |
| Standard Ports | 3x USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1)1x USB-C® (USB 10Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2), with Lenovo® PD 140W and DisplayPort™ 1.41x HDMI® 2.1, up to 8K/60Hz1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)1x Ethernet (RJ-45)1x Power connector |
| Docking | Various docking solutions supported via USB-C®. For more compatible docking solutions |
| Security Chip | Firmware TPM 2.0 Enabled |
| Fingerprint Reader | None |
| Other Security | E-shutter |
| Bundled Accessories | None |
| Green Certifications | ErP Lot 3RoHS compliant |
| Other Certifications | TÜV Rheinland® Low Blue Light (Software Solution) |
| Mil-Spec Test | MIL-STD-810H military test passed |
Performance Analysis
We subjected the LOQ 15IRX9 to a battery of tests, evaluating its performance in various scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of our findings:
Gaming Performance
The LOQ 15IRX9’s performance in games was impressive. With its RTX 4060 GPU, we were able to run popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II at high settings with consistently smooth frame rates. The 144Hz display was a real asset, delivering a crisp and responsive experience, making for an enjoyable and immersive gaming experience.
Productivity and Daily Use
Outside of gaming, the LOQ 15IRX9 proved capable for productivity tasks. Its Intel Core i7-13650HX processor handled multitasking with ease, allowing us to comfortably juggle multiple applications and browser tabs. The 12GB RAM, while not the highest in the market, proved sufficient for most daily tasks, including video editing and web browsing.
Battery Life
While not the best, the battery life was adequate for a gaming laptop. We found the LOQ 15IRX9 could handle about 5-6 hours of light usage (browsing, word processing). For gaming, the battery was a lot less impressive, lasting only 1-2 hours. Of course, this depends on the game and settings you’re using.
Thermal Performance
The LOQ 15IRX9 handled heat surprisingly well. While we did notice the fans ramping up during intense gaming sessions, the laptop remained comfortably cool and never felt uncomfortably hot. This suggests effective cooling system that prevents overheating.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a summarized list of the LOQ 15IRX9’s pros and cons:
Pros
- Powerful performance for its price point
- Smooth 144Hz display with G-SYNC
- Good thermal management
- Solid build quality and design
- Adequate port selection for connectivity
Cons
- Average battery life
- Only 12GB RAM, which could be restrictive for heavy multitasking
- No pre-installed operating system (FreeDOS)
- Limited upgradeability in terms of memory and storage
Final Verdict
The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 is a solid mid-range gaming laptop that offers a great balance between performance and value. It’s a fantastic option for gamers looking to step up their gaming experience without breaking the bank.
However, its average battery life, limited RAM, and lack of a pre-installed operating system are drawbacks to consider. If you’re looking for longer battery life, more RAM, and don’t want the hassle of installing an operating system, you might want to consider other options.
Ultimately, the LOQ 15IRX9 is a strong choice for gamers who prioritize a good gaming experience and value. It’s a capable machine for everyday tasks too, but its battery life and RAM limitations might be a deal breaker for some.
