Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16IRX8 Gaming Laptop Review: Powerful Performance, But With Drawbacks – 82WK00NUAX
Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16IRX8 Gaming Laptop Review: Powerful Performance, But With Drawbacks – 82WK00NUAX
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16IRX8 is a mid-range gaming laptop aimed at those seeking a powerful machine without breaking the bank. It boasts an impressive spec sheet, including an Intel Core i9-13900HX processor, a GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, and a 165Hz display. But is it worth the price tag? I spent several weeks putting this laptop through its paces to find out.
Features
The Legion Pro 5 16IRX8 packs in a wealth of features, including a high refresh rate display, an impressive cooling system, and a decent selection of ports. Here’s a closer look:
Display
The 16-inch WQXGA (2560×1600) IPS display is a standout feature. The 165Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay and a responsive experience, while the 100% sRGB color gamut delivers vibrant and accurate colors. The Dolby Vision and G-SYNC support add further visual enhancements.
Performance
The Legion Pro 5 16IRX8 is a powerhouse when it comes to performance. The Intel Core i9-13900HX processor and the GeForce RTX 4050 GPU handle demanding games and multi-tasking with ease. I played a variety of titles, including Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Red Dead Redemption 2, all at high settings with consistent frame rates. Even with multiple tabs open and programs running in the background, the laptop never showed any signs of slowdown.
Cooling
Lenovo’s Coldfront 5.0 cooling system is impressive. Even during intense gaming sessions, the laptop remained surprisingly cool. The fans do get a bit noisy at times, but the overall thermal performance is excellent.
Ports
The Legion Pro 5 16IRX8 offers a decent selection of ports: three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with power delivery, one HDMI 2.1 port, and an Ethernet port. However, the lack of Thunderbolt 4 is a notable omission.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i9-13900HX, 24C (8P + 16E) / 32T, P-core 2.2 / 5.4GHz, E-core 1.6 / 3.9GHz, 36MB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 6GB GDDR6, Boost Clock 2370MHz, TGP 140W |
| Chipset | Intel® HM770 Chipset |
| Memory | 2x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR5-5600 |
| Memory Slots | Two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, dual-channel capable |
| Max Memory | Up to 32GB DDR5-5600 offering |
| Storage | 512GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0×4 NVMe® |
| Storage Support | Up to two drives, 2x M.2 SSD • M.2 2280 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® ALC3306 codec |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers, 2W x2, optimized with Nahimic Audio |
| Camera | FHD 1080p with E-shutter |
| Microphone | 2x, Array |
| Battery | Integrated 80Wh |
| Power Adapter | 300W Slim Tip (3-pin) |
| Special Features | AI Chip: LA1Legion Coldfront 5.0 cooling system |
| Display | 16″ WQXGA (2560×1600) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 100% sRGB, 165Hz, Dolby Vision®, G-SYNC®, Low Blue Light |
| Touchscreen | None |
| Color Calibration | Factory Color Calibration |
| Keyboard | 4-Zone RGB Backlit, Arabic |
| Touchpad | Buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch touchpad, 75 x 120 mm (2.95 x 4.72 inches) |
| Case Color | Onyx Grey |
| Surface Treatment | Anodizing |
| Case Material | Aluminium (Top), PC-ABS (Bottom) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 363.4 x 260.35 x 22.45-26.75 mm (14.31 x 10.25 x 0.88-1.05 inches) |
| Weight | Less than 2.55 kg (5.6 lbs) |
| Operating System | None |
| Bundled Software | None |
| Ethernet | 100/1000M (RJ-45) |
| WLAN + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi® 6E, 11ax 2×2 + BT5.2 |
| Standard Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)3x USB 3.2 Gen 11x USB-C® 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer and DisplayPort™ 1.4)1x USB-C® 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Lenovo® Power Delivery 140W and DisplayPort™ 1.4)1x HDMI® 2.1, up to 8K/60Hz1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)1x Ethernet (RJ-45)1x Power connector |
| 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 (Hardware Solution) |
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16IRX8’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros
- Powerful performance with the Intel Core i9-13900HX and RTX 4050 GPU
- Excellent 165Hz display with vibrant colors and smooth visuals
- Effective cooling system keeps the laptop cool under pressure
- Good selection of ports, including HDMI 2.1 and USB-C with power delivery
Cons
- Lack of a bundled operating system can increase the overall cost
- High price point compared to other gaming laptops with similar specs
- No Thunderbolt 4 support
Final Verdict
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16IRX8 is a capable gaming laptop that offers impressive performance and a stunning display. However, its lack of a bundled operating system, high price point, and absence of Thunderbolt 4 make it a difficult recommendation. If you’re looking for a powerful machine at a more affordable price, other options might be more suitable. But if you prioritize performance and visuals and are willing to pay a premium, the Legion Pro 5 16IRX8 is a solid choice.
