Lenovo's LOQ Budget Gaming Laptop Review (2024)

Introduction

• Objective: Compare new Lenovo LOQ 2024 models with Intel Arc graphics and Nvidia GeForce graphics.
• Key Question: Are the new models still the best budget gaming laptops?

Sponsored Segment

• Sponsor: Ugreen Nexode Pro 100W charger.
• Features:
  • Up to 100W from a single port.
  • Charges MacBook Pro 14 from 0 to 86% in 60 minutes.
  • Smaller than a 96W MacBook charger.
  • Can charge up to 3 devices at once (Type-A, two Type-C ports).
  • Ugreen Nexode Pro 160W charger can charge up to 4 devices.

Design and Build Quality

• Material: Grey plastic finish on lid and interior.
• Build Quality: Decent with minimal keyboard or lid flex.
• Screen Wobble: Noticeable wobble.
• Hinges: Solid, enabling the lid to go all the way back.
• Portability:
  • Slightly thinner than previous model.
  • Weight: 5.3lb (2.4kg); with charger, 6.6lb (3kg).

Hardware Specifications

• Screen, Battery, SSD, and RAM: Same on both models.
• CPU and GPU: Differences.
  • Cheaper: 12th gen CPU, Intel Arc graphics.
  • Expensive: 13th gen CPU, Nvidia graphics.
• Customization: Options up to 14th gen CPU, RTX 4050/4060.

Keyboard and Touchpad

• Keyboard:
  • 4 zones of RGB backlighting; Cheaper white-only option.
  • All keys and secondary functions lit up.
  • Customizable RGB effects in Lenovo's Vantage control panel.
• Typing: Good tactile feedback.
• Touchpad: Plastic; not very smooth, sometimes gripping fingers.

Ports

• Right Side:
  • USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C.
  • Camera disconnect switch.
  • 3.5mm audio combo jack.
  • USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A.
• Left Side: No ports.
• Back:
  • Two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A.
  • HDMI 2.1.
  • Gigabit Ethernet.
  • Power input.
• Notice: Type-C and HDMI directly connect to discrete graphics.

Internal Layout and Upgradeability

• Inside Layout: Same in both models.
  • Battery at the front.
  • Two DDR5 memory slots in the middle.
  • M.2 SSD slots on either side.
  • Wi-Fi 6 card under spare SSD slot.
• Wi-Fi Speed: Adequate; Comparable to last year's LOQ.
• Upgradeability: High, supporting double-sided SSDs.

Audio and Cooling

• Speakers: Average sound for gaming laptops; clear but not much bass.
• Latencymon Results: Not ideal on both laptops.
• Fans and Vents: Two fans with a heatpipe; better control airflow with foam inserts.

Battery Life

• Battery Options:
  • 4-Cell 60Wh (both models).
  • Larger 80Wh available.
• Battery Performance:
  • Video playback: ~4 hours.
  • Gaming: Longer life on Nvidia (51% longer than Intel Arc).
• Battery Drain Issue: Noticed during thermal testing; can limit power/performance in BIOS.
• Charging Options: Type-C charging available; Battery drop protection in BIOS.

Thermal Performance

• CPU & GPU Temps: Relatively cool under stress.
• Performance Modes: Quiet, Balance, Performance, Custom.
• Performance Comparison: Higher CPU power in Arc; GPU performance higher in Nvidia.

Gaming Performance

• Games Tested: Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, Control.
• Result: Nvidia outperforms Arc significantly.
• 3DMark Results: Consistently shows Nvidia's superior performance.

Screen

• Display: 15.6” 1080p 144Hz; Higher-tier 1440p 165Hz available.
• Color Gamut: Varies slightly; overall decent.
• Brightness: 300 nits.
• Backlight Bleed: Minor, not noticeable during normal use.
• Response Time: 14ms; Faster than other budget models but not excellent.

Miscellaneous

• MUX Switch: Both models have it; Nvidia has Advanced Optimus.
• Webcam: 1080p, no Windows Hello, with privacy shutter.
• Linux Support: Excellent.

Pricing and Availability

• Expected Prices:
  • Arc: From $749 USD.
  • Nvidia: From $799 USD.
  • Potential for good sales, based on previous year.
• Advice: Watch for 2023 versions for better value.

Conclusion

• Pros:
  • Great budget gaming laptop.
  • Visual improvements.
  • Good thermals and upgradeability.
• Cons:
  • Strange port positioning.
  • Battery drain during heavy use.
  • Intel Arc is not competitive compared to Nvidia.
• Overall: Nvidia version highly recommended over Intel Arc for a better gaming performance and overall value.