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Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 16IRX8/16ARX8 (2023)

Manufacturer	Lenovo
Product family	Legion
Release date	January 2023 (2023-01)
Introductory price	USD 1,082.99 to 1,899.99
Discontinued	No
Operating system	Windows 11 Pro Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Home Single Language No preload operating system
CPU	Intel Core i5-13500HX Intel Core i7-13650HX Intel Core i7-13700HX Intel Core i9-13900HX AMD Ryzen 5 7645HX AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX
Memory	Up to 32 GB DDR5-4800 or DDR5-5600
Memory slots	2 DDR5 SO-DIMM slots
Storage	512 GB or 1 TB PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD
Storage slots	2 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots
Removable storage	No card reader
Display	Screen size: 16 inch Panel type: IPS Coating: Anti-glare Resolution: 2560 x 1600 Brightness: 300 nits or 500 nits sRGB: 100 % Refresh rate: 165 Hz or 240 Hz Aspect ratio: 16:10 VRR: Yes
Graphics	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop 6 GB GDDR6 Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop 8 GB GDDR6 Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop 8 GB GDDR6
Sound	Stereo speakers, 2W x2, optimized with Nahimic Audio
Camera	Front: FHD 1080p with E-shutter, fixed focus HD 720p with E-shutter, fixed focus
Touchpad	Buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch touchpad, 75 x 120 mm
Connectivity	Gigabit Ethernet, 1x RJ-45 Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.2 Wi-Fi 6E, 802.11ax 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.2 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On) 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer and DisplayPort 1.4) 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Lenovo Power Delivery 140W and DisplayPort 1.4) 1 x HDMI 2.1, up to 8K/60Hz 1 x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm) 1 x Power connector
Dimensions	W: 363.4 millimetres (14.31 in) D: 260.35 millimetres (10.250 in) H: 22.45 millimetres (0.884 in) to 26.75 millimetres (1.053 in)
Mass	Less than 2.55 kilograms (5.6 lb)
Power brick	230W or 300W slim tip (3-pin) AC adapter
Battery	Integrated Li-Polymer 80Wh
Keyboard	4-Zone RGB backlight, Blue backlight, or White backlight
Chassis	Color: Onyx grey Materials: Aluminium (top), PC-ABS (bottom)
Number pad	Yes
Fingerprint reader	No
Facial recognition	No
Special features	AI Chip: LA1, Legion Coldfront 5.0 cooling system
Website	Lenovo

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.

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The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 16IRX8/16ARX8 (2023) is a high-performance gaming laptop designed for gamers and content creators. It features a range of Intel's 13th generation Core processors and AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, along with Nvidia's RTX 4000 series GPUs, providing robust performance for demanding applications and gaming. The laptop is available in Onyx Grey and offers a sleek design with a focus on cooling efficiency.

Primary Hardware

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Processor

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 can be configured with the following processors:

• Intel Core i5-13500HX with 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads, 24 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.7 GHz.
• Intel Core i7-13650HX with 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads, 24 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.9 GHz.
• Intel Core i7-13700HX with 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 24 threads, 30 MB cache, and a max frequency of 5.0 GHz.
• Intel Core i9-13900HX with 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 32 threads, 36 MB cache, and a max frequency of 5.4 GHz.
• AMD Ryzen 5 7645HX with 6 cores and 12 threads, 6 MB L2 / 32 MB L3 cache, and a max frequency of 5.0 GHz.
• AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX with 8 cores and 16 threads, 8 MB L2 / 32 MB L3 cache, and a max frequency of 5.1 GHz.
• AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX with 16 cores and 32 threads, 16 MB L2 / 64 MB L3 cache, and a max frequency of 5.4 GHz.

These processors are designed to handle intensive tasks such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. The Core i9-13900HX and Ryzen 9 7945HX, in particular, offer high performance with their multi-core configurations, making them suitable for multitasking and demanding applications.

Reviewers have noted that the Intel Core i7-13700HX offers a performance boost of about 5 to 15 percent in multi-threaded tasks compared to its predecessor, the Intel Core i9-12900H. However, the performance gains are relatively minor, and the overall performance is comparable to last year's models. The Core i9-13900HX provides a significant increase in multi-thread performance, making it a better choice for users who prioritize processor performance.

The AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX is noted for its competitive performance against the Intel Core i7-13700HX, offering a balance between cost and performance. It is particularly suitable for users who prioritize GPU performance over CPU performance.

Benchmarks:

• Cinebench R23:
  • Core i7-13700HX: ~19,987 points (multi-core), ~1,666 points (single-core)
  • Core i9-13900HX: ~30,162 points (multi-core), ~2,043 points (single-core)
  • Ryzen 7 7745HX: ~18,060 points (multi-core), ~1,846 points (single-core)

Graphics

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 offers the following GPU configurations:

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU with 6 GB GDDR6 memory.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory.

These GPUs are designed for gaming and content creation, with support for DirectX 12 Ultimate, Advanced Optimus, DLSS 3.5, and Dynamic Boost 2.0. The RTX 4070 is the most powerful option, suitable for high-resolution gaming and VR applications.

Reviewers have noted that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 offers a performance boost of 10 to 15 percent compared to the average laptop with the same GPU. The Legion Pro 5 16 is a good option for users who want to maximize graphics performance, with the RTX 4060 providing a 20 to 25 percent improvement over the previous generation RTX 3060. The RTX 4070, when tested, achieved a Time Spy score of over 13,000, which is considered exceptional for this GPU.

The AMD variant with the RTX 4070 GPU is noted for its superior performance compared to the Intel variant with the RTX 4060, making it a better choice for gaming enthusiasts.

Benchmarks:

• 3DMark Fire Strike Graphics:
  • RTX 4060: ~26,561 points
• 3DMark Time Spy Graphics:
  • RTX 4060: ~10,855 points
  • RTX 4070: ~13,100 points

Memory

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 supports dual-channel memory and comes with the following configurations:

• Up to 32 GB DDR5-4800
• Up to 32 GB DDR5-5600

The memory is upgradeable via two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, allowing users to expand their system's RAM for improved multitasking and performance.

Benchmarks:

• AIDA64 Memory Copy: ~58,458 MB/s
• AIDA64 Memory Read: ~67,644 MB/s

Storage

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 offers the following storage options:

• 512 GB PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD
• 1 TB PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD

The laptop supports up to two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, allowing for additional storage expansion. The SSDs provide fast read and write speeds, enhancing system responsiveness and load times.

Reviewers have noted that the storage performance is excellent, with sequential read and write rates approaching 7,200 MB/s and 5,000 MB/s, respectively. However, there is room for improvement as transfer rates may periodically throttle.

Benchmarks:

• CrystalDiskMark 5/6:
  • Read Seq Q32T1: ~7,127 MB/s
  • Write Seq Q32T1: ~4,945 MB/s

Input Devices

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Keyboard

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 features a 6-row keyboard with multimedia Fn keys and a numeric keypad. It offers three backlight options: 4-Zone RGB, Blue, or White backlight.

Reviewers have noted that the keyboard offers 1.5 mm travel and 100 percent anti-ghosting, providing a satisfying typing experience. However, the lack of per-key RGB lighting is a drawback for some users. The keyboard is praised for its tactile and clicky feel, making it one of the best laptop keyboards available. The keycaps are steady instead of wobbly, have a comfortable yet subtle curve, and offer a nice bit of resistance and pop for swift, precise typing.

Touchpad

The laptop includes a buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch touchpad measuring 75 x 120 mm. The touchpad is designed for smooth navigation and supports multi-touch gestures.

Reviewers have noted that the touchpad is smooth and responsive, though the travel is shallow and feedback could be stronger. The touchpad is functional but not as impressive as the keyboard, with some friction that requires more effort to use. The touchpad is made of plastic, which may wear over time. It feels rather plain, and its click action isn't super-satisfying, but the finger-tracking is smooth, and the pad gets the job done.

Webcam

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 is equipped with either a FHD 1080p or HD 720p camera, both featuring an E-shutter for privacy. The cameras are fixed focus and suitable for video conferencing and streaming.

Reviewers have noted that the webcam offers decent video quality, though automatic brightness adjustments can be slow. The webcam quality is considered grainy and not ideal for professional use. The color replication is not very good, and there is a lot of fuzziness in the details. The camera's images are very grainy and not particularly pleasing despite the advantage of 1080p rather than 720p resolution.

Microphone

The laptop includes a dual-microphone array, providing clear audio capture for voice calls and recordings.

Output Devices

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Display

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 features a 16-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600. It is available in two brightness options: 300 nits and 500 nits. The display supports Dolby Vision, NVIDIA G-SYNC, and Advanced Optimus, offering vibrant colors and smooth visuals for gaming and media consumption.

The display is praised for its sharpness and brightness, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks. However, the contrast ratio is typical for IPS panels, which may result in blacks appearing gray in dim settings. The display is noted for its decent color reproduction and brightness, though it is not the most vibrant compared to some competitors. The display brightness was measured at 384 nits, which is higher than the specified 300 nits. The screen is a mixed bag, with speed and sharpness being admirable, but the display simply isn't very bright.

The AMD variant utilizes a different IPS panel than the Intel variant, with slightly faster response times, though the differences are marginal.

Benchmarks:

• Maximum Brightness: ~405.7 cd/m²
• ΔE Color: ~1.65
• ΔE Greyscale: ~1.2

Audio

The laptop is equipped with stereo speakers, each providing 2W of power, and is optimized with Nahimic Audio for an enhanced audio experience. The speakers deliver clear sound with decent bass, suitable for gaming and media playback.

The audio quality is considered average, with the speakers getting reasonably loud but lacking in bass and treble, resulting in a slightly unnatural sound. The speakers are noted for their loudness and clarity, though they can sound hollow at times. The speakers were not impressive, with almost no bass and unclear highs. The Legion's speakers pump out enough volume for casual listening in a quiet room, but they're not very impactful and lack bass.

Benchmarks:

• Max Volume: ~72.7 dB SPL
• Bass Extension: ~23.7% lower than median

Connectivity

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WiFi

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 offers two Wi-Fi options:

• Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.2
• Wi-Fi 6E, 802.11ax 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.2

These options provide fast and reliable wireless connectivity, supporting the latest Wi-Fi standards for improved performance and range.

Reviewers have noted that the Intel AX211 module provides stable transfer rates and no issues when paired with a 6 GHz network. The AMD model uses the MediaTek MT7922, which also provides reliable performance.

Benchmarks:

• iperf3 transmit AXE11000: ~1,347 MBit/s
• iperf3 receive AXE11000: ~1,619 MBit/s

USB

The laptop is equipped with a variety of USB ports:

• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)
• 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
• 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer and DisplayPort 1.4)
• 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Lenovo Power Delivery 140W and DisplayPort 1.4)

These ports offer versatile connectivity options for peripherals and external displays.

Reviewers have noted that the port selection is excellent, though the lack of Thunderbolt support is a drawback. The rear ports are neatly labeled with a legend just above each on the laptop's surface, so you can see which is which without having to turn the machine around.

Display Outputs

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 includes the following display outputs:

• 1 x HDMI 2.1, supporting up to 8K/60Hz

The HDMI port allows for high-resolution output to external monitors and TVs, enhancing the laptop's versatility for gaming and productivity.

Case

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The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 features a durable design with an aluminium top and PC-ABS bottom. The laptop is available in Onyx Grey and has dimensions of 363.4 x 260.35 x 22.45-26.75 mm, with a weight of less than 2.55 kg.

The design is sleek and modern, with a focus on durability and portability. The laptop's build quality is robust, making it suitable for both gaming and professional use. However, it is considered bulky and heavy, which may affect portability.

Reviewers have noted that the chassis has fewer accents and angles for a flatter and more professional look compared to previous models. The chassis rigidity is excellent, though the laptop is noticeably larger and heavier than many of its peers. The design is praised for its sturdiness and strong hinge, providing a solid feel. The laptop feels very rigid and sturdy, with a mostly metal chassis. The notebook may have a polycarbonate base instead of the aluminum of the Legion Pro 7i, but it's a solid-feeling plastic, and the lid is high-quality aluminum.

Cooling System

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The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 is equipped with the Legion Coldfront 5.0 cooling system, designed to maintain optimal temperatures during intensive tasks. The cooling system includes advanced thermal management features to ensure consistent performance and prevent overheating.

The cooling system is effective, with no thermal throttling observed during gaming sessions. However, the fans can get quite loud under load.

Reviewers have noted that the cooling solution consists of two ~60 mm fans and four copper heat pipes, providing effective cooling for the CPU and GPU. The laptop can get hot during gaming, with temperatures exceeding comfort thresholds. The cooling system is praised for its performance, keeping temperatures in the mid-60s during gaming.

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The system is unusually demanding when idling on desktop, with a minimum power consumption of 24 W. This relatively high consumption may contribute to the shorter-than-expected battery life.

The AMD model is more power efficient than the Intel model when idling on desktop. Otherwise, both models demand about the same amount of power when running higher loads like games.

Benchmarks:

• Idle: ~24.5 / 29.2 / 34.3 W
• Load: ~98.7 / 249.6 W

Battery Life

The laptop is powered by an integrated Li-Polymer 80Wh battery, supporting Super Rapid Charge Pro for quick charging. Lenovo claims the battery can charge from 0 to 40% in 10 minutes, 0 to 80% in 30 minutes, and 0 to 100% in 60 minutes. The battery life is rated at up to 5.3 hours for general use and 6.8 hours for local video playback at 150 nits brightness.

Reviewers have noted that the battery life is relatively short, lasting less than five hours for light productivity tasks and even shorter during gaming sessions. The battery life is considered subpar, lasting 4 hours and 38 minutes in tests. The Legion Pro 5 kept on chugging for 4 hours and 38 minutes on a basic battery test, which consists of browsing the web with the display's brightness set to 150 nits.

The AMD variant offers slightly longer battery life compared to the Intel variant, though the difference is marginal.

Benchmarks:

• WiFi Websurfing: ~3h 25min
• Video Playback: ~6h 41min
• Gaming: ~0h 41min

Security

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The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 includes several security features, such as a firmware TPM 2.0 integrated in the chipset, BIOS security options, and an E-shutter for the webcam. However, it does not include a fingerprint reader.

Accessories & Warranty

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The laptop may come bundled with a Lenovo Legion M300 RGB Gaming Mouse, depending on the configuration. It is available with various warranty options, including 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year courier or carry-in service.

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i Gen 8 16 (2023) is considered a strong contender in the mid-range gaming laptop market. It is praised for its performance, display quality, and serviceability. The laptop is suitable for both gaming and content creation, offering a balance between performance and price. However, it has some drawbacks, such as its bulky design, short battery life, and lack of Thunderbolt or USB4 support. The laptop is noted for its exceptional performance and affordability, making it a top choice for mid-range gaming. The Legion Pro 5i is considered a great value, especially when on sale. The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 is praised for its strong performance at a competitive price, with a sturdy chassis and plenty of ports. The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 picks just the right things to trim from its pricier sibling to cut costs while still offering a great option for gamers hunting for value.

The AMD variant is particularly recommended for users who prioritize GPU performance, as it offers the RTX 4070 at the same price as the Intel variant with the RTX 4060.

Problems Summary

• Bulky and heavy design.
• Short battery life.
• No Thunderbolt or USB4 support.
• Loud fan noise under load.
• Average audio quality with limited bass and treble.
• Grainy webcam quality.
• Plastic touchpad may wear over time.
• Loud fans drown out the audio.