Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021): Difference between revisions

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{{Update|source=database}}
 
{{Update|source=variants}}
      {{Infobox computing device
{{Infobox computing device
| name = Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021)
| name = IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021)
| title =  
| title =  
| aka =  
| aka =  
| logo =  
| logo =  
| image =  
| image =  
| image_size = 260px
| image_size =  
| caption =  
| caption =  
| developer =  
| developer =  
| manufacturer = [[Lenovo]]  
| manufacturer = [[Lenovo]]
| family = [[IdeaPad Gaming]]
| family = [[IdeaPad]]
| type =
| type =  
| generation =  
| generation =  
| release date = {{Start date and age|2021|10|df=yes|br=y}}
| release date = {{Start date and age|2021|10|05|df=yes|br=y}}
| lifespan =  
| lifespan =  
| price =  [[United States dollar|USD]] 600.99 to 658
| price =  [[United States dollar|USD]] 700 to 1000
| discontinued =
| discontinued = No
| units sold =  
| units sold =  
| units shipped =  
| units shipped =  
| media =  
| media =  
| os = [[Windows 11 Home]]
| os = [[Windows 11 Home]]
| power =  
| power = 135W or 170W Slim Tip (3-pin)
| soc =  
| soc =  
| cpu = AMD Ryzen 5 5600H
| cpu = [[AMD Ryzen 5 5600H]] <br/>[[AMD Ryzen 7 5800H]]
| memory = 8 GB
| memory = 8 or 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz (SO-DIMM)
| memory slots = 2 user accessible
| memory slots = Two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, dual-channel capable
| storage = 256 GB
| storage = 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD<br>256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD + 1 TB 2.5" 5400rpm HDD<br>512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD + 1 TB 2.5" 5400rpm HDD
| storage slots = 2 user accessible
| storage slots = One 2.5" SATA HDD slot, One M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, One M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x2 slot
| memory card =  
| memory card = None
| camera = '''Front:''' 720p <br/>
| camera = HD 720p with Privacy Shutter
| display = '''[[Screen Size|Screen size]]''': 15.6 inch <br/>'''[[Panel Type|Panel type]]''': [[IPS]] <br/>'''[[Resolution]]''': 1920 x 1080 <br/>'''[[Pixel density|PPI]]''': 141.21 <br/>'''[[Aspect Ratio|Aspect ratio]]''': 16:9 <br/>'''[[Refresh Rate|Refresh rate]]''': 120 Hz <br/>'''[[Brightness|Brightness]]''': 292 Nits <br/>'''[[Color Gamut|sRGB coverage]]''': 60 % <br/>'''[[Color Gamut|Adobe RGB coverage]]''': 41 % <br/>'''[[Color Gamut|P3 coverage]]''': 40 %
| display = '''[[Screen Size|Screen size]]''': 15.6 inch <br/>'''[[Panel Type|Panel type]]''': [[IPS]] <br/>'''[[Coating]]''': Anti-glare<br>'''[[Resolution]]''': 1920 x 1080 <br/>'''[[Refresh Rate|Refresh rate]]''': 60 Hz, 120 Hz, 165 Hz <br/>'''[[Brightness|Brightness]]''': 250 nits <br/>'''[[Color Gamut|NTSC]]''': 45 %
| graphics = [[Nvidia GTX 1650]] [[Total GPU Power|50 W]] <br/><br/>[[Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti]] [[Total GPU Power|90 W]]
| graphics = [[Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650]] 4 GB [[Video Memory|GDDR6]]<br/>[[Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050]] 4 GB GDDR6<br/>[[Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti]] 4 GB GDDR6<br/>[[Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060]] 6 GB GDDR6
| sound =
| sound = Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Nahimic Audio
| input =
| input =  
| controllers =  
| controllers =  
| touchpad =  
| touchpad = Buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch touchpad, 70 x 120 mm (2.76 x 4.72 inches)
| connectivity = '''[[WiFi|WiFi version]]''': 6 <br/>'''[[Bluetooth|Bluetooth version]]''': 5.1 <br/>'''[[USB Type-A|USB type-A]]''': 2 <br/>'''[[USB-C]]''': 1 <br/>'''[[Thunderbolt 3]]''': 0 <br/>'''[[Thunderbolt 4]]''': 0 <br/>'''[[HDMI]]''': 1 <br/>'''[[DisplayPort]]''': 0 <br/>'''[[USB4]]''': No <br/>'''[[Ethernet]]''': Yes <br/>'''[[USB-C]] charging''': No
| connectivity = Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.1<br>1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (data only)<br>2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1<br>1 x HDMI 2.0<br>1 x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)<br>1 x Ethernet (RJ-45)<br>1 x Power connector
| currentfw =  
| currentfw =  
| platform =  
| platform =  
| service =
| service =  
| dimensions = '''W''': {{convert|14.2|in|mm}} <br/>'''D''': {{convert|9.9|in|mm}} <br/>'''H''': {{convert|0.95|in|mm}} <br/><br/>'''W''': {{convert|14.2|in|mm}} <br/>'''D''': {{convert|9.9|in|mm}} <br/>'''H''': {{convert|0.96|in|mm}}
| dimensions =  
| weight = {{convert|4.96|lbs|g}} or {{convert|4.95|lbs|g}}
| battery = Integrated 45Wh
| weight of power brick = {{convert|1.1|lbs|g}} or {{convert|1.16|lbs|g}}
| weight =  
| weight of power brick =  
| number pad = Yes
| number pad = Yes
| backlit keyboard = Yes
| chassis = '''Color''': Shadow Black<br>'''Materials''': Plastic
| keyboard lighting color = White
| keyboard lighting color = White backlit
| fingerprint reader = No
| fingerprint reader = No
| facial recognition = No
| facial recognition = No
| special features = None
| special features =  
| topgame =  
| topgame =  
| compatibility =  
| compatibility =  
Line 55: Line 55:
| successor =  
| successor =  
| related =  
| related =  
| website = [https://psref.lenovo.com/Detail/IdeaPad/IdeaPad_Gaming_3_15ACH6?M=82K200UTUS,%20https://psref.lenovo.com/Detail/IdeaPad/IdeaPad_Gaming_3_15ACH6?M=82K200XXUS Lenovo]
| website = [https://psref.lenovo.com/Detail/IdeaPad/IdeaPad_Gaming_3_15ACH6?M=82K200XXUS Lenovo]
}}The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) is a laptop.
}}
{{ReviewNotice}}
{{CheckAI}}
The '''Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021)''' is a budget-friendly gaming laptop designed to offer decent performance for gaming and productivity tasks. It features AMD Ryzen processors and various NVIDIA discrete GPUs, making it suitable for demanding workloads. The laptop is available in Shadow Black and offers a simple, angular design.
 
== Primary Hardware ==
{{CheckAI}}
=== [[Central Processing Unit (CPU)|Processor]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) can be configured with the following processors<ref name="specs">{{cite web |url=https://psref.lenovo.com/Detail/IdeaPad/IdeaPad_Gaming_3_15ACH6?M=82K200XXUS |title=Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) Specifications |publisher=Lenovo}}</ref>:
*[[AMD Ryzen 5 5600H]] with 6 cores and 12 threads, 3.3 GHz base clock, 4.2 GHz boost clock, 3 MB L2 cache, and 16 MB L3 cache.
*[[AMD Ryzen 7 5800H]] with 8 cores and 16 threads, 3.2 GHz base clock, 4.4 GHz boost clock, 4 MB L2 cache, and 16 MB L3 cache.
 
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600H and Ryzen 7 5800H processors are designed to handle demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking. The Ryzen 7 5800H, in particular, performs exceptionally well in multi-threaded applications, making it suitable for professional-level rendering and demanding workloads.<ref name="RTINGS">{{cite web |url=https://www.rtings.com/laptop/reviews/lenovo/ideapad-gaming-3-2021 |title=Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) Review |publisher=RTINGS}}</ref>
 
Reviewers have praised the processors for their performance in both gaming and productivity tasks. The Ryzen 7 5800H performs well in multi-threaded applications, scoring 12,544 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core tests and 5,129 points in Geekbench 5 multi-core tests.<ref name="RTINGS" /> The Ryzen 5 5600H also provides adequate performance for gaming and productivity tasks, outperforming Intel's equivalent Core i5 processor.<ref name="CNET">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/lenovo-ideapad-gaming-3-review-a-good-place-to-start/ |title=Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Review |publisher=CNET}}</ref>
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*Geekbench 5:
** CPU Single-Thread: ~1,362 points<ref name="RTINGS" />
** CPU Multi-Thread: ~5,129 points<ref name="RTINGS" />
*Cinebench R23:
** Single-Thread: ~1,430 points<ref name="RTINGS" />
** Multi-Thread: ~12,544 points<ref name="RTINGS" />
 
=== [[Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)|Graphics]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) offers the following GPU configurations<ref name="specs" />:
*[[Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650]] with 4 GB GDDR6 memory.
*[[Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050]] with 4 GB GDDR6 memory, 85 W TGP.
*[[Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti]] with 4 GB GDDR6 memory, 85 W TGP.
*[[Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060]] with 6 GB GDDR6 memory, 90 W TGP.
 
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 and RTX 3060 GPUs are designed for gaming and content creation, with the RTX 3060 offering significantly better performance. The RTX GPUs support features like ray-tracing and DLSS, enhancing gaming visuals.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
Reviewers have noted that the GPU performance is good for gaming, with the RTX 3050 providing a decent gaming experience at high settings and the RTX 3060 achieving around 80 to 100 fps in demanding games.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*Basemark GPU: ~56,493 points<ref name="RTINGS" />
*3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited: ~11,020 points<ref name="CNET" />
*Guardians of the Galaxy (High @1920 x 1080): ~76 fps<ref name="CNET" />
 
=== [[Random Access Memory (RAM)|Memory]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) supports dual-channel memory and comes with the following configurations<ref name="specs" />:
*8 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (single-channel)
*16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM
 
The memory is user-upgradeable, with two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots available. Reviewers have noted that 8 GB is insufficient for some games, leading to stutters, and upgrading to 16 GB is recommended for better performance.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
=== [[Storage]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) offers the following storage options<ref name="specs" />:
*256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
*512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
*1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD
*256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD + 1 TB 2.5" 5400rpm HDD
*512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD + 1 TB 2.5" 5400rpm HDD
 
The storage is user-replaceable, and the SSD offers fast read and write speeds. Reviewers have noted that the SSD provides excellent performance, enhancing system responsiveness and reducing load times for games and applications.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*Sequential Write Speed: ~876.1 MB/s<ref name="RTINGS" />
*Sequential Read Speed: ~2,473.2 MB/s<ref name="RTINGS" />
*Random Write Speed: ~85.8 MB/s<ref name="RTINGS" />
*Random Read Speed: ~45.4 MB/s<ref name="RTINGS" />
 
=== Co-processors ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) does not include any co-processors.<ref name="specs" />
 
== Input Devices ==
{{CheckAI}}
=== [[Keyboard]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) features a full-size keyboard with a numpad and white backlighting. The keyboard is comfortable for typing and gaming, with good travel and stability. Reviewers have noted that the keyboard feels great to type on and does not cause fatigue over extended typing sessions.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
=== [[Touchpad]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) features a buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch touchpad measuring 70 x 120 mm (2.76 x 4.72 inches). The touchpad tracks movements well, and gestures are recognized accurately. However, the click mechanism feels mushy, and clicking is only effective towards the bottom of the touchpad.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
=== [[Webcam]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) comes with an HD 720p webcam with a privacy shutter. The webcam captures decent images with good exposure and color reproduction, but it is somewhat noisy and loses fine details due to its low resolution. The privacy shutter is a nice addition for security-conscious users.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
=== [[Microphone]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) includes an array of dual microphones. Reviewers have noted that the microphone captures clear voices but may sound slightly nasal. It effectively reduces background noise, making it suitable for video calls.<ref name="RTINGS" />
 
== Output Devices ==
{{CheckAI}}
=== [[Display]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) features a 15.6-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and refresh rate options of 60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 165 Hz. The display offers decent sharpness but struggles with brightness and color accuracy. The 120 Hz panel has a relatively slow response time, causing noticeable blur trails behind moving objects. The 165 Hz panel option provides a smoother experience but requires a more powerful GPU to utilize effectively.<ref name="specs" /><ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*Maximum Brightness: ~227 cd/m²<ref name="RTINGS" />
*Native Contrast: ~913:1<ref name="RTINGS" />
*Color Gamut: ~62.36% sRGB coverage<ref name="RTINGS" />
 
=== [[Audio]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) comes with stereo speakers, 2W x2, and Nahimic Audio. The speakers sound relatively natural and well-balanced, with a lot of emphasis in the high-mid frequencies to bring out vocals and lead instruments. However, they lack bass and treble extension, making them better suited for spoken content than music or movies. They don't get very loud, but the sound quality doesn't degrade much at max volume.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*Max Volume: ~71 dB SPL<ref name="RTINGS" />
 
== Connectivity ==
{{CheckAI}}
=== [[WiFi]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) offers Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.1. Reviewers have noted that the wireless connectivity is reliable and fast, providing good performance for online gaming and streaming.<ref name="specs" /><ref name="RTINGS" />
 
=== [[Bluetooth]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) includes Bluetooth 5.1.<ref name="specs" />
 
=== [[SD Card Reader]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) does not include an SD card reader.<ref name="specs" />
 
=== [[USB]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) is equipped with the following USB ports<ref name="specs" />:
*1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (data only)
*2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
 
Reviewers have noted that the port selection is functional, with a cleaner look due to rear placement, allowing for easy connection of peripherals without cluttering the sides.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />


== Reviews ==
=== Display Outputs ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) includes the following display outputs<ref name="specs" />:
*1 x HDMI 2.0


The HDMI port allows for external display connections, suitable for gaming and productivity, enabling users to connect to larger screens for an enhanced experience.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />


== Purchase Links ==
== Case ==
[https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-IdeaPad-Display-GeForce-82K200UTUS/dp/B09BDFTX65/ Amazon], [https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-ideapad-gaming-3-15-6-fhd-laptop-ryzen-5-5600h-8gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-rtx-3050-ti-256gb-ssd-shadow-black/6513216.p?ref=8575135&acampID=7734563a538b11edb541868ec6c9cf1a0INT&skuId=6513216&loc=7734563a538b11edb541868ec6c9cf1a0INT&irclickid=xpB1Bx1IyxyNU8M0f02ms0rGUkDXoTVO0XNl200&irgwc=1&ref=198&loc=Leighton%20Reid&acampID=0&mpid=1883484 Best Buy]
{{CheckAI}}
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) features an entirely plastic chassis available in Shadow Black. The laptop has a simple, angular design that adds some gamer aesthetic but doesn't stand out in a professional work environment. The build quality is good, feeling solid despite being plastic.<ref name="specs" /><ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
== Maintenance ==
{{CheckAI}}
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) is designed to be user-serviceable. The bottom panel is secured by ten screws, making it relatively easy to open. The laptop offers user-upgradeable memory and storage, with two RAM slots and two storage slots available.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
== Cooling System ==
{{CheckAI}}
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) features an adequate cooling system, but it can get loud under load, especially during gaming sessions. The fans are near silent when idle but become loud under load, producing a heavy airflow sound rather than a high-pitch whine.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
=== Heat ===
The laptop can get hot under load, particularly above the keyboard, but the thermal management is generally effective.<ref name="RTINGS" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*Keyboard Temp While Idle: ~37 °C<ref name="RTINGS" />
*Keyboard Temp Under Load: ~52 °C<ref name="RTINGS" />
 
=== Noise ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) is praised for its quiet operation during light tasks, but the fans become loud under load.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*Fan Noise While Idle: ~25.0 dBA<ref name="RTINGS" />
*Fan Noise Under Load: ~51.0 dBA<ref name="RTINGS" />
 
== Energy Management ==
{{CheckAI}}
=== Power Consumption ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) ships with a 135W or 170W Slim Tip (3-pin) power adapter. The laptop's power consumption is reasonable for its performance, but it may require frequent charging during demanding tasks.<ref name="specs" /><ref name="RTINGS" />
 
=== Battery Life ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) comes with a 45 Wh integrated battery. The battery life is poor, lasting around 5 hours for light use, and even shorter for video playback and gaming.<ref name="specs" /><ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*Battery Life (Web Browsing): ~5.3 hrs<ref name="RTINGS" />
*Battery Life (Video Playback): ~3.0 hrs<ref name="RTINGS" />
*Battery Life (Gaming): ~0.9 hrs<ref name="RTINGS" />
*Online video streaming battery drain test: ~8h 8min<ref name="CNET" />
 
== Biometrics ==
{{CheckAI}}
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) does not include any biometric features.<ref name="specs" />
 
== [[Software]] ==
{{CheckAI}}
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) ships with Windows 11 Home. The laptop comes with several preinstalled Lenovo apps and software.
 
=== Preinstalled Software ===
*Lenovo Hotkeys
*Lenovo Vantage
*Lenovo Welcome
*Nahimic
*Nahimic Companion
*Office Trial
 
=== [[Linux|Linux Support]] ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) does not have official Linux support.<ref name="RTINGS" />
 
== Accessories & Warranty ==
{{CheckAI}}
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) comes with a 135W or 170W Slim Tip (3-pin) power adapter and paperwork. The laptop includes a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.<ref name="specs" />
 
== Reviews Summary ==
{{CheckAI}}
=== Overall Sentiment ===
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming3 (2021) is considered a solid entry-level gaming laptop. It is praised for its decent performance, comfortable keyboard, and upgradeability. The laptop is suitable for casual gamers or those looking for a budget-friendly option with room for upgrades. However, it has some drawbacks, such as limited battery life, mediocre display quality, and somewhat bulky design.<ref name="RTINGS" /><ref name="CNET" />
 
=== Problems Summary ===
* Limited battery life, especially during gaming sessions.
* Mediocre display quality with low brightness and color accuracy.
* Somewhat bulky and heavy, affecting portability.
* USB-C port lacks charging and video output capabilities.
* Fans can get loud under load.
* Limited storage capacity in base configurations.
 
=== Links ===
* [https://www.rtings.com/laptop/reviews/lenovo/ideapad-gaming-3-2021 RTINGS Review]
* [https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/lenovo-ideapad-gaming-3-review-a-good-place-to-start/ CNET Review]
 
== Community Reception ==
=== Overall Sentiment ===
=== Problems Summary ===
 
== References ==
<references />


[[Category:Laptops]]
[[Category:Laptops]]
[[Category:Lenovo Laptops]]
[[Category:Lenovo Laptops]]
 
[[Category:IdeaPad]]
[[Category:IdeaPad Gaming]]
 
[[Category:2021 Laptops]]
[[Category:2021 Laptops]]
 
     
           

Latest revision as of 09:11, 5 August 2024

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021)
ManufacturerLenovo
Product familyIdeaPad
Release date5 October 2021;
4 years ago
 (2021-10-05)
Introductory priceUSD 700 to 1000
DiscontinuedNo
Operating systemWindows 11 Home
CPUAMD Ryzen 5 5600H
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
Memory8 or 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz (SO-DIMM)
Memory slotsTwo DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, dual-channel capable
Storage256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD
256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD + 1 TB 2.5" 5400rpm HDD
512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD + 1 TB 2.5" 5400rpm HDD
Storage slotsOne 2.5" SATA HDD slot, One M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, One M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x2 slot
Removable storageNone
DisplayScreen size: 15.6 inch
Panel type: IPS
Coating: Anti-glare
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 60 Hz, 120 Hz, 165 Hz
Brightness: 250 nits
NTSC: 45 %
GraphicsNvidia GeForce GTX 1650 4 GB GDDR6
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 4 GB GDDR6
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4 GB GDDR6
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6
SoundStereo speakers, 2W x2, Nahimic Audio
CameraHD 720p with Privacy Shutter
TouchpadButtonless Mylar® surface multi-touch touchpad, 70 x 120 mm (2.76 x 4.72 inches)
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6, 802.11ax 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.1
1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (data only)
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
1 x HDMI 2.0
1 x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)
1 x Ethernet (RJ-45)
1 x Power connector
Power135W or 170W Slim Tip (3-pin)
BatteryIntegrated 45Wh
KeyboardWhite backlit
ChassisColor: Shadow Black
Materials: Plastic
Number padYes
Fingerprint readerNo
Facial recognitionNo
WebsiteLenovo

All statements attributed to reviews are the reviewer's own opinion. Note that these claims were accurate at the time of publication and may be dated when you are reading this article. Read more.

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) is a budget-friendly gaming laptop designed to offer decent performance for gaming and productivity tasks. It features AMD Ryzen processors and various NVIDIA discrete GPUs, making it suitable for demanding workloads. The laptop is available in Shadow Black and offers a simple, angular design.

Primary Hardware

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

Processor

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) can be configured with the following processors[1]:

  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600H with 6 cores and 12 threads, 3.3 GHz base clock, 4.2 GHz boost clock, 3 MB L2 cache, and 16 MB L3 cache.
  • AMD Ryzen 7 5800H with 8 cores and 16 threads, 3.2 GHz base clock, 4.4 GHz boost clock, 4 MB L2 cache, and 16 MB L3 cache.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600H and Ryzen 7 5800H processors are designed to handle demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking. The Ryzen 7 5800H, in particular, performs exceptionally well in multi-threaded applications, making it suitable for professional-level rendering and demanding workloads.[2]

Reviewers have praised the processors for their performance in both gaming and productivity tasks. The Ryzen 7 5800H performs well in multi-threaded applications, scoring 12,544 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core tests and 5,129 points in Geekbench 5 multi-core tests.[2] The Ryzen 5 5600H also provides adequate performance for gaming and productivity tasks, outperforming Intel's equivalent Core i5 processor.[3]

Benchmarks:

  • Geekbench 5:
    • CPU Single-Thread: ~1,362 points[2]
    • CPU Multi-Thread: ~5,129 points[2]
  • Cinebench R23:
    • Single-Thread: ~1,430 points[2]
    • Multi-Thread: ~12,544 points[2]

Graphics

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) offers the following GPU configurations[1]:

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 and RTX 3060 GPUs are designed for gaming and content creation, with the RTX 3060 offering significantly better performance. The RTX GPUs support features like ray-tracing and DLSS, enhancing gaming visuals.[2][3]

Reviewers have noted that the GPU performance is good for gaming, with the RTX 3050 providing a decent gaming experience at high settings and the RTX 3060 achieving around 80 to 100 fps in demanding games.[2][3]

Benchmarks:

  • Basemark GPU: ~56,493 points[2]
  • 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited: ~11,020 points[3]
  • Guardians of the Galaxy (High @1920 x 1080): ~76 fps[3]

Memory

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) supports dual-channel memory and comes with the following configurations[1]:

  • 8 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (single-channel)
  • 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM

The memory is user-upgradeable, with two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots available. Reviewers have noted that 8 GB is insufficient for some games, leading to stutters, and upgrading to 16 GB is recommended for better performance.[2][3]

Storage

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) offers the following storage options[1]:

  • 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD + 1 TB 2.5" 5400rpm HDD
  • 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD + 1 TB 2.5" 5400rpm HDD

The storage is user-replaceable, and the SSD offers fast read and write speeds. Reviewers have noted that the SSD provides excellent performance, enhancing system responsiveness and reducing load times for games and applications.[2][3]

Benchmarks:

  • Sequential Write Speed: ~876.1 MB/s[2]
  • Sequential Read Speed: ~2,473.2 MB/s[2]
  • Random Write Speed: ~85.8 MB/s[2]
  • Random Read Speed: ~45.4 MB/s[2]

Co-processors

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) does not include any co-processors.[1]

Input Devices

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

Keyboard

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) features a full-size keyboard with a numpad and white backlighting. The keyboard is comfortable for typing and gaming, with good travel and stability. Reviewers have noted that the keyboard feels great to type on and does not cause fatigue over extended typing sessions.[2][3]

Touchpad

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) features a buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch touchpad measuring 70 x 120 mm (2.76 x 4.72 inches). The touchpad tracks movements well, and gestures are recognized accurately. However, the click mechanism feels mushy, and clicking is only effective towards the bottom of the touchpad.[2][3]

Webcam

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) comes with an HD 720p webcam with a privacy shutter. The webcam captures decent images with good exposure and color reproduction, but it is somewhat noisy and loses fine details due to its low resolution. The privacy shutter is a nice addition for security-conscious users.[2][3]

Microphone

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) includes an array of dual microphones. Reviewers have noted that the microphone captures clear voices but may sound slightly nasal. It effectively reduces background noise, making it suitable for video calls.[2]

Output Devices

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Display

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) features a 15.6-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and refresh rate options of 60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 165 Hz. The display offers decent sharpness but struggles with brightness and color accuracy. The 120 Hz panel has a relatively slow response time, causing noticeable blur trails behind moving objects. The 165 Hz panel option provides a smoother experience but requires a more powerful GPU to utilize effectively.[1][2][3]

Benchmarks:

  • Maximum Brightness: ~227 cd/m²[2]
  • Native Contrast: ~913:1[2]
  • Color Gamut: ~62.36% sRGB coverage[2]

Audio

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) comes with stereo speakers, 2W x2, and Nahimic Audio. The speakers sound relatively natural and well-balanced, with a lot of emphasis in the high-mid frequencies to bring out vocals and lead instruments. However, they lack bass and treble extension, making them better suited for spoken content than music or movies. They don't get very loud, but the sound quality doesn't degrade much at max volume.[2][3]

Benchmarks:

  • Max Volume: ~71 dB SPL[2]

Connectivity

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WiFi

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) offers Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.1. Reviewers have noted that the wireless connectivity is reliable and fast, providing good performance for online gaming and streaming.[1][2]

Bluetooth

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) includes Bluetooth 5.1.[1]

SD Card Reader

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) does not include an SD card reader.[1]

USB

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) is equipped with the following USB ports[1]:

  • 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (data only)
  • 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1

Reviewers have noted that the port selection is functional, with a cleaner look due to rear placement, allowing for easy connection of peripherals without cluttering the sides.[2][3]

Display Outputs

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) includes the following display outputs[1]:

  • 1 x HDMI 2.0

The HDMI port allows for external display connections, suitable for gaming and productivity, enabling users to connect to larger screens for an enhanced experience.[2][3]

Case

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) features an entirely plastic chassis available in Shadow Black. The laptop has a simple, angular design that adds some gamer aesthetic but doesn't stand out in a professional work environment. The build quality is good, feeling solid despite being plastic.[1][2][3]

Maintenance

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) is designed to be user-serviceable. The bottom panel is secured by ten screws, making it relatively easy to open. The laptop offers user-upgradeable memory and storage, with two RAM slots and two storage slots available.[2][3]

Cooling System

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) features an adequate cooling system, but it can get loud under load, especially during gaming sessions. The fans are near silent when idle but become loud under load, producing a heavy airflow sound rather than a high-pitch whine.[2][3]

Heat

The laptop can get hot under load, particularly above the keyboard, but the thermal management is generally effective.[2]

Benchmarks:

  • Keyboard Temp While Idle: ~37 °C[2]
  • Keyboard Temp Under Load: ~52 °C[2]

Noise

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) is praised for its quiet operation during light tasks, but the fans become loud under load.[2][3]

Benchmarks:

  • Fan Noise While Idle: ~25.0 dBA[2]
  • Fan Noise Under Load: ~51.0 dBA[2]

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) ships with a 135W or 170W Slim Tip (3-pin) power adapter. The laptop's power consumption is reasonable for its performance, but it may require frequent charging during demanding tasks.[1][2]

Battery Life

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) comes with a 45 Wh integrated battery. The battery life is poor, lasting around 5 hours for light use, and even shorter for video playback and gaming.[1][2][3]

Benchmarks:

  • Battery Life (Web Browsing): ~5.3 hrs[2]
  • Battery Life (Video Playback): ~3.0 hrs[2]
  • Battery Life (Gaming): ~0.9 hrs[2]
  • Online video streaming battery drain test: ~8h 8min[3]

Biometrics

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) does not include any biometric features.[1]

Software

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) ships with Windows 11 Home. The laptop comes with several preinstalled Lenovo apps and software.

Preinstalled Software

  • Lenovo Hotkeys
  • Lenovo Vantage
  • Lenovo Welcome
  • Nahimic
  • Nahimic Companion
  • Office Trial

Linux Support

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) does not have official Linux support.[2]

Accessories & Warranty

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) comes with a 135W or 170W Slim Tip (3-pin) power adapter and paperwork. The laptop includes a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.[1]

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming3 (2021) is considered a solid entry-level gaming laptop. It is praised for its decent performance, comfortable keyboard, and upgradeability. The laptop is suitable for casual gamers or those looking for a budget-friendly option with room for upgrades. However, it has some drawbacks, such as limited battery life, mediocre display quality, and somewhat bulky design.[2][3]

Problems Summary

  • Limited battery life, especially during gaming sessions.
  • Mediocre display quality with low brightness and color accuracy.
  • Somewhat bulky and heavy, affecting portability.
  • USB-C port lacks charging and video output capabilities.
  • Fans can get loud under load.
  • Limited storage capacity in base configurations.

Links

Community Reception

Overall Sentiment

Problems Summary

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 "Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) Specifications". Lenovo.
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 2.33 2.34 2.35 2.36 2.37 2.38 2.39 2.40 2.41 2.42 2.43 "Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) Review". RTINGS.
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 "Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Review". CNET.