Lenovo LOQ 3 Intel Core i5 24GB RAM 1TB SSD RTX 4060 144Hz 15.6 Inch FHD Windows 11 Home Gaming Laptop Review
Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of gaming laptops, the Lenovo LOQ 3 stands out as a promising contender. With its powerful NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card, ample 24GB RAM, and a blazing-fast 144Hz refresh rate display, this laptop is designed to cater to gamers and content creators alike. More importantly, it offers a balance between performance and portability, making it an excellent choice for students and professionals who need a reliable machine for both work and play. With the rise of RTX 4000-series laptops, how does this model compare? In this review, we’ll dive deep into the specifications, performance, and overall value of the Lenovo LOQ 3 to help you make an informed decision.
🔹 Product Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 15.6in |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Screen Type | LED |
| Battery Run Time | 5.2 hours |
| Battery Technology | Lithium-polymer |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-12450HX, 12th Gen, 8 Core |
| RAM | 24GB DDR5 |
| SSD Capacity | 1TB NVMe M.2 2242 |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 |
| Backlit Keyboard | Yes (white) |
| USB-C | 1 |
| HDMI | 1 |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3cm x 36cm x 26cm |
| Weight | 2.38kg |
| Color | Luna Grey |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Warranty | 1 year |
📌 For more details on selecting the best gaming laptop, check out our buyer guides.
🔥 Performance & Hardware
The heart of the Lenovo LOQ 3 is its Intel Core i5-12450HX processor, a 12th Gen powerhouse featuring 8 cores. This CPU offers a robust performance that is perfect for multitasking, gaming, and even some light content creation. Compared to other laptops in this price range, the i5-12450HX holds its ground well against AMD’s Ryzen 5 series, offering competitive clock speeds and efficient power consumption.
In terms of multitasking, the 24GB of DDR5 RAM ensures smooth performance even when running multiple applications simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial for users who might be streaming, video editing, or programming alongside gaming. The NVMe SSD further enhances the laptop’s performance with quick boot and load times, significantly outpacing traditional HDDs and even some older SSD models.
📌 For more GPU performance comparisons, visit VideoCardBenchmark.
🎮 Gaming Performance
To gauge the gaming prowess of the Lenovo LOQ 3, we can look at benchmark estimates based on similar hardware. The NVIDIA RTX 4060, while not the top-tier option, is a solid choice for 1080p gaming. It supports advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS, ensuring immersive gameplay experiences.
- Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra Settings, 1080p): Expect playable frame rates with ray tracing enabled.
- Fortnite (Epic Settings, 144Hz): Smooth gameplay, taking full advantage of the 144Hz display.
- Call of Duty: Warzone (High Settings): Consistent performance with minimal drops.
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (High Settings): Achieves decent frame rates, though some settings tweaks may be necessary for optimal performance.
The RTX 4060 sits comfortably between the RTX 3060 and RTX 4070, offering a good balance of performance and value. It is expected to remain relevant for gaming over the next 2-3 years, thanks to its support for modern gaming technologies.
🔹 Disclaimer: These numbers are approximate and may vary due to factors like GPU driver updates, CPU cooling, and RAM speed.
🔋 Battery Life & Portability
The Lenovo LOQ 3 offers a battery life of approximately 5.2 hours under typical usage, which is respectable for a gaming laptop. However, under a gaming load in high-performance mode, the battery life will be significantly reduced. For video playback and web browsing, you can expect longer durations, making it a viable option for daily use by students and professionals.
📌 Port Selection & Connectivity
– Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet
– USB-C Charging: Not supported
🖥 Display & Build Quality
The 15.6-inch FHD display with a 144Hz refresh rate is a highlight of this laptop. It provides smooth visuals that enhance gaming and multimedia experiences. While the brightness and color accuracy aren’t specified, it is reasonable to expect decent sRGB coverage, making it suitable for content creation and daily use.
📌 Expected Performance in Different Scenarios
– Gaming: The high refresh rate display complements the RTX 4060, providing an immersive experience.
– Content Creation: Suitable for Photoshop and video editing, though professionals may seek higher color accuracy.
– Daily Use: Bright enough for most environments, though extremely bright settings may pose challenges.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
– Powerful RTX 4060 GPU for gaming
– Ample 24GB DDR5 RAM
– Fast 1TB NVMe SSD
– 144Hz display enhances gaming
– Lightweight and portable
❌ Cons
– Limited battery life under gaming load
– No USB-C charging support
💰 Price & Value for Money
Priced at £899.0, the Lenovo LOQ 3 offers excellent value for money, especially when compared to other laptops in the same price range. It combines modern hardware with a sleek design, making it a compelling choice for gamers and professionals alike.
🏆 Final Verdict
In summary, the Lenovo LOQ 3 excels in performance, gaming, and portability, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. While it may not have the longest battery life, its powerful hardware and competitive price point make it a worthy investment. If you’re in the market for a gaming laptop that balances performance and price, this model is certainly worth considering.
