We invite you to find the Lenovo Legion Y540. This is just not a take a look at however a grip that lets you reply a complete bunch of questions on what you will get by investing 1000 euros in a laptop computer gamer in 2020.
Lenovo Legion Y540-15IRH // Source: Frandroid
We had the chance to check the Lenovo Legion Y540 in its 15IRH model. Behind this incomprehensible nomenclature hides a 15-inch gaming-oriented laptop computer that has three foremost benefits. The first is the presence of a GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, the second is the matte Full HD display screen at 144 Hz and the third its value … 1000 euros.
1000 euros is admittedly the psychological value for a transportable machine designed for gaming. At this value, we’re extra used to crossing the GTX vary with the GeFore GTX 1160. This time, it’s in regards to the GeForce RTX 2060, a mid-range mannequin aimed toward players with Full HD displays. We will come again to this later, however this GPU presents the superior options of its Turing GPUs (with RT Cores models specifically).
Finally, word that the mannequin we obtained was loaned to us by Nvidia and that it’s a begin and never a take a look at. The objective is to give you our first impressions after a number of hours spent with this machine.
A neat and environment friendly design
Gaming laptops are typically identified for 3 issues: heavy weight, common battery life, and aggressive design. However, they’re additionally way more highly effective machines than ultrabooks able to working grasping video games in good circumstances.
The place of the webcam (720p) is bizarre below the display screen. This border is thick, and likewise homes the microphones that may be seen within the photograph // Source: Frandroid
For a gaming laptop computer, the Legion Y540 is mild and skinny – no less than in comparison with numerous gaming machines we have had our arms on. This mannequin incorporates a black design stained solely by an illuminated Legion brand on prime with a discreet textured sample (adorned with grooved rings).
Lenovo Legion Y540-15IRH // Source: Frandroid
To higher signify the dimensions of the entire, this Y540 when closed has the looks of two stacked ultrabooks. When opened, the design stays comparatively minimalist with a matte display screen and moderately skinny edges. The inside design is equally sober: there are not any colours or different gimmicks.
Complete connections
A very good design selection has been to put nearly the entire laptop computer’s connectors on the again, lining them up so they’re simply accessible whereas preserving them out of the way in which behind the machine.
This makes cable administration a bit simpler for players who wish to preserve a clear desk and ensures that the USB connectors do not get in the way in which of a mouse or different equipment. There is one USB-C port (USB 3.1 Gen 1), one mini Display Port, two USB-A (USB 3.1 Gen 1), one HDMI, one RJ45. Finally, there are two USB-A ports on the edges, one on every edge, along with the three.5mm audio jack. Note the absence of Thunderbolt 3.0 and SD card reader.
Lenovo Legion Y540-15IRH // Source: Frandroid
The keyboard is giant, the keys are clean, quiet and exact. We have not seen something unfavorable about this keyboard. It even presents a fundamental backlight mode (with no superfluous colours) that illuminate the sides of the keys. The keyboard may be very responsive with a low journey of 4mm. Finally, solely the touchpad is a bit too fundamental. It is just not vast sufficient for my style, however the navigation stays exact and fluid.
Very respectable efficiency
The 15-inch diagonal display screen (the mannequin can also be accessible in 17 inches) may be very sharp and nicely saturated for IPS LCD. The matte coating eliminates glare and the spotlight of this display screen is its refresh fee which ranges from 60 to 144 Hz.
Lenovo Legion Y540-15IRH // Source: Frandroid
Only weak level: the coating of the anti-glare display screen decreases the general brightness of the display screen. It will not be efficient outdoor. So a lot the higher, as a result of it’s a bit heavy to hold (2.3 kg). We didn’t move the probe on the display screen, however it’s a good high quality display screen with a comparatively low response time based on the noticed measurements.
The mannequin we obtained is supplied with an Intel Core i5-9300H (2.4 GHz) processor, however there may be additionally the choice Core i7-9750H (a hexa-core chip). It is a 4-core CPU (8 threads) engraved utilizing the 14 nm means of the “Coffee Lake Refresh” structure (Coffee Lake-R). The H sequence signifies that we’re in a spread of processors with a restricted thermal envelope (TDP) and due to this fact decrease efficiency than what will be obtained on CPUs desktop. However, it’s nonetheless a lot sooner than low-power processors for ultrabooks.
Note that the examined mannequin integrates 512 GB of M2.2242 SSD storage and eight GB of DDR4 RAM. Among the highlights is that the underside cowl can simply be eliminated to entry RAM or SSD.
For on a regular basis workplace and net looking duties, this cell chip theoretically presents a low-power mode that would offer ten hours of battery life (Li-Polymer 3 cells, 57 Wh). In follow, you’ll not exceed 3 hours and half-hour with this use (Lenovo declares 5 hours). This is a weak level of this machine. Nevertheless, it’s the weak level of many laptops for players. So take into account that that is initially a gaming laptop computer – not a cell workstation like ultrabooks. Note that it’s doable to take pleasure in higher autonomy with the Lenovo Vantage software program by activating the hybrid graphics mode to make use of the iGPU as an alternative of the dGPU.
No surprises based on 3DMark, it is a gaming laptop computer // Source: Frandroid
There are two issues to pay attention to with regards to the efficiency of a laptop computer like this: the way it behaves when it’s battery VS mains, and the way it reacts to intensive classes of operation. First statement: in endurance exams on mains, the turbo clock pace stays at a excessive stage for a very long time, which signifies that the cooling system is of fine high quality. This is an excellent factor for a laptop computer of players. Finally, when it’s on battery, efficiency decreases general by about 25%.
Regarding the GPU, there are numerous configurations: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4 GB, GTX 1660 Ti 6 GB and RTX 2060 6 GB. We have chosen to check the entry stage Turing. Associated with the 144 Hz display screen and its Full HD definition, it’s a combo that lets you play in fluid and crisp circumstances. You can regulate the video games of the second in “High” mode on this definition. Our recommendation is to not hesitate to moderately set the standard of the graphics to “Medium” to have the ability to transcend 100 FPS on video games that require fluidity resembling FPS for instance.
Lenovo Legion Y540-15IRH // Source: Frandroid
As with the CPU, now we have discovered that the Legion Y540 is ready to preserve its gaming efficiency for a really lengthy time period because of an environment friendly cooling system. However, consumption can exceed 220 Watts when launching a big recreation. In this regard, the exterior energy provide is especially giant and connects by way of a proprietary port. The clock frequencies of all elements stabilize shortly as do the temperatures (92 levels C noticed on the CPU). Note that the entire blows and produces a bit noise, it’s not the perfect pupil on this class.
Lenovo Legion Y540-15IRH // Source: Frandroid
On the audio facet, Lenovo has built-in Harman Kardon audio system alongside the “Dolby Atmos for Gaming” normal. The audio is just not its sturdy level, however it’s not its weak level: the bass is at minimal and the treble is sharp sufficient to obviously hear the dialogues. Prefer a great headset to make sure a great gaming expertise.
The Y540 comes with an Intel Wireless-AC 9560 module that helps all fashionable Wi-Fi requirements as much as IEEE 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5). The chip additionally makes use of Bluetooth 5.0. As a reminder, this 9560 Wi-Fi chip has a 2 × 2 MIMO antenna, which presents respectable efficiency. Either approach, you even have an RJ45 (Gigabit) port and sufficient USB ports to plug in your peripherals.
Lenovo Legion Y540-15IRH value and availability
As now we have identified a number of instances, now we have examined the model with RTX 2060, 8 GB of RAM, 512 GB of SSD, Intel Core i5-9300H at the moment bought at 1000 euros. This is a reduced value, that is defined by the truth that this era of Turing GPUs might be up to date subsequent 12 months. Nevertheless, it’s a very right value for the proposed configuration.
Do not hesitate to check this laptop computer with different merchandise provided in our purchasing information.
So verdict, what’s a laptop computer gamer value 1000 euros?
The goal of this grip was to reply a query that we are sometimes requested: what can I’ve for a funds of 1000 euros to have the ability to play the newest video games in good circumstances?
Yes, you will get extra efficiency with a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X for the same funds with a drinkable show. You may also get a desktop PC for 800 euros with higher efficiency and comparable traits. Nevertheless, it’s clear that for a flexible and conveyable machine, the RTX 2060 possibility with 144 Hz display screen and 512 GB of SSD at a value of 1000 euros, the Legion Y540 is a strong resolution. We remorse a slight autonomy and a sound half too weak. It is in the end small compromises for its value.