Lenovo Legion 5 16IRX9 Gaming Laptop Review: A Powerhouse For Gaming And More
The Lenovo Legion 5 16IRX9 gaming laptop is a beastly machine, boasting an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card. Designed for serious gamers and creative professionals, this laptop packs a punch in terms of performance and features. I’ve been putting it through its paces for the past few weeks, and I’m ready to share my thoughts in this detailed review.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo Legion 5 16IRX9 is a powerful gaming laptop aimed at users who demand top-of-the-line performance and immersive visuals. It’s a solid choice for those who want to run the latest games at high frame rates, create demanding 3D models, or tackle complex video editing projects. This review will delve into the core features, performance, and overall user experience to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Key Features
The Lenovo Legion 5 16IRX9 boasts a formidable collection of features that contribute to its impressive performance and gaming experience:
- Intel Core i9-14900HX Processor: This 24-core (8P + 16E) CPU delivers exceptional processing power, handling demanding tasks with ease.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Graphics: The RTX 4070 GPU with 8GB GDDR6 memory provides stunning visuals and smooth frame rates in even the most graphically intensive games.
- 16″ WQXGA Display: The 165Hz refresh rate and WQXGA (2560×1600) resolution offer a visually captivating gaming experience, with fluid motion and crisp details.
- 32GB DDR5 RAM: The ample memory ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of demanding software applications.
- 1TB SSD: The fast NVMe SSD provides blazing-fast boot times and swift loading of applications and games.
- RGB Keyboard: The customizable RGB backlit keyboard adds a touch of personalization and enhances typing and gaming in low-light conditions.
- Nahimic Audio: The speakers, optimized with Nahimic audio technology, deliver immersive and high-quality sound for games and multimedia content.
Performance Benchmarks
I put the Lenovo Legion 5 16IRX9 through its paces by running a variety of benchmarks and real-world tests. Here’s a summary of the results:
- CPU Benchmarks: In CPU-intensive tasks, the i9-14900HX delivered exceptional performance, consistently exceeding the benchmarks set by previous-generation processors. The laptop handled multi-core workloads with impressive efficiency.
- GPU Benchmarks: The RTX 4070 GPU effortlessly pushed high frame rates in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, even with Ray Tracing enabled. It consistently delivered smooth gameplay and stunning visuals.
- Gaming Performance: I was able to run modern games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Forza Horizon 5 at Ultra settings with smooth frame rates above 60fps. The laptop handled these demanding titles without breaking a sweat.
- Thermal Performance: Despite the powerful components, the Legion 5 16IRX9 managed thermal performance quite well. The fan noise was noticeable during intense gaming sessions, but not overly intrusive. The laptop stayed cool and stable even under sustained loads.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Powerful Intel Core i9-14900HX processor
- Excellent gaming performance with GeForce RTX 4070 GPU
- Vibrant 16″ WQXGA display with a high refresh rate
- Ample RAM and fast SSD storage
- Solid build quality and comfortable keyboard
Cons:
- The fan noise can be noticeable during intensive tasks
- The weight can be a bit heavy for portability
- The battery life is average, not ideal for long sessions away from a power outlet
Final Verdict
The Lenovo Legion 5 16IRX9 is a fantastic gaming laptop that delivers outstanding performance and an immersive gaming experience. It’s a great choice for users who prioritize raw power, high frame rates, and a visually stunning display. However, its weight and battery life could be drawbacks for some users. Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful gaming laptop that can handle the latest games and demanding applications, the Legion 5 16IRX9 is a top contender.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i9-14900HX, 24C (8P + 16E) / 32T, P-core 2.2 / 5.8GHz, E-core 1.6 / 4.1GHz, 36MB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 8GB GDDR6, Boost Clock 2175MHz, TGP 140W, 321 AI TOPS |
| Chipset | Intel® HM770 Chipset |
| Memory | 2x 16GB SO-DIMM DDR5-5600 |
| Memory Slots | Two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, dual-channel capable |
| Max Memory | Up to 64GB DDR5-5600 |
| Storage | 1TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0×4 NVMe® |
| Storage Support | Up to two drives, 2x M.2 SSD • M.2 2242 SSD up to 1TB • M.2 2280 SSD up to 1TB |
| Storage Slot | Two M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0 x4 slots |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| 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 80Wh |
| Power Adapter | 230W Slim Tip (3-pin) |
| Special Features | AI Chip: LA1 |
| Display | 16″ WQXGA (2560×1600) IPS 350nits Anti-glare, 100% sRGB, 165Hz, Dolby Vision®, G-SYNC®, Low Blue Light |
| Touchscreen | None |
| Color Calibration | Factory Color Calibration |
| Keyboard | 4-Zone RGB Backlit, English (US) |
| Touchpad | Buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch touchpad, 75 x 120 mm (2.95 x 4.72 inches) |
| Case Color | Luna Grey |
| Surface Treatment | Aluminium Stamping (Anodized with Sandblasting) |
| Case Material | Aluminium (Top), PC-ABS (Bottom) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 359.7 x 262.3 x 19.7-25.2 mm (14.16 x 10.33 x 0.78-0.99 inches) |
| Weight | Around 2.36 kg (5.2 lbs) |
| Operating System | Windows® 11 Home, English |
| Bundled Software | Office Trial |
| Ethernet | 100/1000M (RJ-45) |
| WLAN + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi® 6E, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.2 |
| Standard Ports | 2x USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1)1x USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1), Always On1x USB-C® (USB 10Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2), with Lenovo® PD 140W and DisplayPort™ 1.41x USB-C® (USB 10Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2), with DisplayPort™ 1.41x HDMI® 2.1, up to 8K/60Hz1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)1x Ethernet (RJ-45)1x Card reader1x Power connector |