Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 Gaming Laptop Review: A Solid Mid-Range Option?
Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 Gaming Laptop Review: A Solid Mid-Range Option?
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 gaming laptop is a mid-range offering that aims to provide a decent gaming experience without breaking the bank. Featuring a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, an Intel Core i7-13650HX processor, 16GB of RAM, and a GeForce RTX 4060 8GB graphics card, this laptop promises to deliver smooth gameplay and decent performance. I’ve had the chance to put the LOQ 15IRX9 through its paces, and in this review, I’ll share my detailed insights and real-world usage experiences.
Key Features
The LOQ 15IRX9 boasts a compelling set of features for its price point. Here’s a closer look:
| 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, 233 AI TOPS |
| Chipset | Intel® HM770 Chipset |
| Memory | 1x 16GB SO-DIMM DDR5-4800 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe® 4.0×4 NVMe® |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 100% sRGB, 144Hz, G-SYNC® |
| Keyboard | White Backlit, Arabic |
| Battery | Integrated 60Wh |
| Operating System | None |
| WLAN + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi® 6, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.2 |
Performance
The LOQ 15IRX9’s performance is a mixed bag. The Intel Core i7-13650HX processor is a powerful CPU, capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing and multitasking with ease. It smoothly ran all the games I tested, with no noticeable lag or frame drops. The RTX 4060 graphics card is a solid choice for 1080p gaming at high settings. It handled most modern titles smoothly, with good frame rates.
However, I did encounter some thermal throttling issues during extended gaming sessions. The laptop’s fans got quite loud, and the keyboard area became quite hot. This was mainly due to the single fan design and the limited airflow. This is a common issue in budget-friendly gaming laptops.
The 16GB of RAM is sufficient for most gaming needs, but if you’re a hardcore gamer or multitasker, you might want to consider upgrading to 32GB for optimal performance.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the LOQ 15IRX9’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Powerful Intel Core i7-13650HX processor for smooth multitasking and gaming
- GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card delivers good performance at 1080p resolution
- 144Hz display provides a smooth and responsive gaming experience
- Decent build quality and a stylish design
- Affordable price point compared to competitors
Cons:
- Thermal throttling can occur during extended gaming sessions
- Loud fans during demanding tasks
- Limited storage space with only a 512GB SSD
- No Thunderbolt port
- No included operating system (FreeDOS)
Final Verdict
The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 is a decent gaming laptop that offers good performance for its price. It’s a solid choice for gamers on a budget who want a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. However, the thermal throttling and fan noise can be a drawback for serious gamers. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can find laptops with better cooling solutions and overall performance.
Overall, the LOQ 15IRX9 is a solid option if you’re looking for an entry-level gaming laptop, but you should be aware of its limitations.
