Lenovo LOQ 16IRH8 Gaming Laptop

Lenovo LOQ 16IRH8 Gaming Laptop (82XW0079UE) In Kenya

1. Key Specifications (Based on Model Number)

• Model Series: Lenovo LOQ 16IRH8 (16-inch, Intel, 2024)

• Processor (CPU): Intel Core i7-13650HX (13th Generation Raptor Lake)

  • Cores/Threads: 14 (6 Performance-cores + 8 Efficient-cores) / 20 Threads

  • Base Clock: 2.6 GHz | Max Turbo Frequency: 4.9 GHz

  • This is a high-performance mobile CPU from the HX series, offering desktop-grade power for demanding games and applications.

• Graphics Card (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050

  • VRAM: 6GB GDDR6

  • Key Features: Supports NVIDIA DLSS 3 (with Frame Generation) and Ray Tracing.

  • TGP (Total Graphics Power): Typically configured at a full 115W in LOQ models.

• Memory (RAM): 16GB DDR5

  • Speed: 4800MHz or 5200MHz.

  • Configuration: Likely 2 x 8GB sticks. The LOQ 16 usually has two SODIMM slots, making it user-upgradeable (e.g., to 32GB or 64GB).

• Storage: 1TB NVMe PCIe SSD Gen 4

  • Upgradability: The laptop has two M.2 slots. One is occupied by the 1TB drive, leaving a second slot free for easy storage expansion without replacing the original drive.

• Display: 16-inch, WUXGA (1920 x 1200), IPS, 144Hz

  • Aspect Ratio: 16:10, which provides more vertical space than traditional 16:9 screens.

  • Key Feature: 165Hz refresh rate for smooth, tear-free gaming.

  • Panel Type: IPS for good viewing angles.

  • Brightness: Typically around 300 nits.

  • Color Gamut: Likely covers 100% sRGB, good for casual content creation.

• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

2. Design, Build & Portability

• Chassis Material: Primarily plastic, but built to a good standard for its price class. The design language is clearly gaming-oriented but more subdued than some competitors.

• Weight: Approximately ~2.4 kg (~5.3 lbs)

• Dimensions: Standard for a 16-inch gaming laptop; it is not designed for ultra-portability but is manageable.

3. Display, Input & Cooling

• Keyboard: White-backlit keyboard. It may not have per-key RGB like higher-end Legions, but it offers essential anti-ghosting for gaming.

• Touchpad: Standard precision touchpad.

• Cooling System: Features Lenovo’s “Coldfront” cooling system with multiple heat pipes and fans to manage the heat from the i7 HX CPU and RTX 4050 GPU. Expect fan noise under heavy load.

4. Connectivity & Ports

A comprehensive selection of ports for gaming peripherals and external displays:

• Power: 1 x Proprietary Power Connector (comes with a high-wattage adapter).

• USB-C: 1 x USB-C (with Power Delivery, Data Transfer, and DisplayPort 1.4 support). Note: This may not be a Thunderbolt 4 port.

• USB-A: 3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1

• Video Out: 1 x HDMI 2.1

• Networking: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) – crucial for low-latency online gaming.

• Audio: 1 x 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack.

5. Performance Analysis & Use Cases

This configuration is a strong mid-range gaming setup with a particular strength in its CPU.

• Gaming Performance:

  • The RTX 4050 is a capable 1080p/1200p gaming GPU. With DLSS 3 enabled, you can achieve high frame rates in modern AAA titles at high settings. For esports titles like Valorant or CS2, you will easily maximize the 165Hz display.

  • The 6GB VRAM is the main limitation for future, more VRAM-demanding games at ultra settings, but it’s well-suited for its target resolution.

• CPU Power:

  • The Core i7-13650HX is a performance beast. It will not bottleneck the RTX 4050 and provides excellent performance for CPU-intensive tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and streaming while gaming.

• Memory & Storage:

  • 16GB DDR5 is the sweet spot for modern gaming.

  • The 1TB SSD + free M.2 slot offers great speed and expansion potential.

Ideal Use Cases:

• Mid-Range Gaming: Excellent for playing the latest games at 1080p/1200p with high refresh rates.

• Content Creation: The powerful CPU and fast RAM make it suitable for video editing, programming, and other demanding applications.

• Streaming: Can handle gaming and streaming simultaneously thanks to the high core-count CPU and NVIDIA NVENC encoder.

6. Upgrade Potential

This is a major advantage of the LOQ series.

• RAM: Yes, upgradeable. Two DDR5 SODIMM slots.

• Storage: Excellent upgradeability. Two M.2 NVMe slots, with one free.

7. Key Features & Verdict

Key Features:

• Powerful HX-Series CPU: The i7-13650HX offers exceptional multi-threaded performance for its price.

• Modern GPU Features: RTX 4050 with DLSS 3 support for a significant frame-rate boost.

• High-Refresh-Rate Display: 165Hz for smooth gameplay.

• Great Upgradeability: Easy to add more RAM and storage.

Verdict:

The Lenovo LOQ 16IRH8 (82XW0079UE) is a highly compelling mid-range gaming laptop that punches above its weight, especially in CPU performance. It successfully brings core Legion features like a robust cooling solution and good upgradeability to a more affordable price point.

Its main strength is the future-proof pairing of a desktop-grade CPU with a modern RTX 40-series GPU. For gamers and creators who need strong multi-core performance and value the ability to easily upgrade their machine, this LOQ configuration represents one of the best value propositions in its segment.