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The 2024 model of Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 features a redesigned exterior while retaining the same internal configuration as the 2023 model. In this quick review article, I will be introducing the Intel Core i5-13450HX (13th Gen) version.
Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 Quick Review
Design
The new LOQ model from Lenovo bears a striking resemblance to their Legion models. From the front, it’s difficult to distinguish between the two without looking at the logos. The build quality of the LOQ line has also improved, with the use of sturdy plastic.
In essence, the Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 is an upgraded version of the LOQ 15IRH8 (REVIEW). When I first held the Lenovo LOQ 2024 in my hand, I immediately noticed that it appeared thinner compared to the 2023 model.
And indeed, it is thinner. The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 is 22.1-23.9mm thick, while the ranges from 22.1-25.2mm, depending on the thickness. The difference between the extremes is minimal, resulting in a thinner profile for the 15IRX9 when viewed from the side.
The top edge of the screen no longer features the outdated two diagonal corners. Instead, Lenovo has introduced diagonal bevels on the rear corners of the device, creating a sleek and modern appearance similar to the 2021-2022 Legion models.
Weighing in at 2.38kg, the LOQ 15IRX9 is slightly lighter than the 2023 model (2.4kg). While the weight difference is minimal, the overall feel when holding the device remains consistent.
Lenovo continues using hinges on both sides that enable the device to open up to 180 degrees and users can easily open it with one hand. However, it is worth noting that the hinge does not firmly secure the screen, resulting in some vibrations when holding the device.
Features
The webcam on the device remains at 720p resolution and includes an E-Shutter bar for privacy protection. While it may be challenging to expect more in the popular segment, I would have liked the addition of an IR sensor for face unlocking, or at the very least, fingerprint unlocking.
The LOQ 15IRX9 comes with two sets of 2W speakers and includes Nahimic Audio tuning software. The speaker quality is moderate, providing sufficient audio experience for listening and gaming.
The LOQ 15IRX9 offers ample upgradeability options. It features 2 SO-DIMM RAM slots, allowing for a maximum upgrade of 64GB. Additionally, it has 2 M.2 slots that support upgrades of up to 1TB PCIe Gen 4. The laptop also includes a dedicated M.2 2280 slot and an M.2 slot 2230.
To further enhance connectivity, the Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, both powered by Realtek card models.
As for the connection ports on the Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9, they are still comprehensive, ranging from USB-A (3.2 Gen 1) to USB-C (3.2 Gen 2, DP1.4, and PD 140W), HDMI 2.1, and an RJ45 LAN port.
Keyboard and touchpad
Both Lenovo’s gaming laptops and the LOQ 15IRX9 are known for their excellent keyboards. The key spacing, key travel (1.5mm), bounce, and stability are all superb, resulting in a highly satisfying typing experience. The slightly concave keycaps contribute to stability and accuracy when typing.
The touchpad has a moderate size, providing a comfortable surface for navigation. Despite being covered in plastic, it offers remarkably precise tracking ability.
The LOQ 2024 remains exceptionally sturdy despite being made of plastic. Applying pressure on the keyboard frame hardly causes any flex in this model.
Display
The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 offers one screen option: an FHD 16:9 display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It features a 144Hz refresh rate, 100% sRGB IPS panel, 300 nits brightness, and NVIDIA G-Sync support.
While the display quality of this panel is suitable for gaming, it’s important to note that the 16:9 ratio may result in more limited screen space for tasks such as work, web browsing, and content creation when compared to the 16:10 ratio. The panel, identified as B156HAN15.K, is provided by AUO according to information from HWinfo64.
Performance
The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 configuration features the Intel Raptor Lake-HX platform, specifically the Core i5-13450HX processor. It has 10 cores, 16 threads, 6 P cores, and 4 E cores. The boost clock speed is 4.6GHz for 1 P core and 3.4GHz for 1 Core E. The TBP is 55W, and it has a 20MB Smart Cache.
This CPU is fully capable of handling various games, from Esports to AAA titles. While waiting for a new architectural platform for these high-performance chips, Raptor Lake meets all gaming needs.
The LOQ 15IRX9 features the popular GPU model for gaming laptops, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050. Although the RTX 3050 may struggle with high graphics settings, it can still run games, with a VRAM capacity of 6GB. Lenovo also offers two more advanced GPU options: the RTX 4050 and the highest-end RTX 4060.
The RTX 3050 has a TGP level of 95W, a boost clock speed of 2560MHz, and supports G-Sync and Advanced Optimus.
You may already be familiar with the performance of the RTX 3050. In my experience with the Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9, I found the temperature management notable.
Throughout gaming sessions and benchmark tests, the CPU and GPU maintained stable temperatures of 90 degrees Celsius and 78 degrees Celsius, respectively. The peak power consumption was 110W for the CPU and 90W for the GPU. Despite these temperatures, the gaming experience remained unaffected.
Heatsink
Lenovo employs two radiator fans, rotating in opposite directions to enhance airflow for cooling. Additionally, the Lenovo AI Engine+ technology, powered by the LA A1 chip, dynamically adjusts CPU and GPU resources based on the task at hand. To utilize this feature, ensure you select the Balanced performance mode in Lenovo Vantage.
In addition to the two main heat sinks and two fresh air vents, Lenovo has included an extra air vent positioned above the rubber cushion that elevates the laptop, instead of having two vents on the side. This design choice ensures that the gaming experience with the mouse remains unaffected and avoids inconvenience for those sitting next to you.
AI on LOQ 15IRX9
In addition to gaming, running AI models is another important consideration. Fortunately, the NVIDIA RTX 30 series still offers support for this. Users can run the recently launched chatbot, Chat with RTX, locally on terminal devices using NVIDIA cards from the Ampere generation and onwards.
I tested it with an AI and Vistral model on LM Studio, and it performed smoothly with quick responses. Thanks to its ample VRAM capacity of up to 6GB, there were no issues. However, if the VRAM capacity were lower, it could affect performance. For those seeking an affordable machine to run AI models at a basic level, the RTX 30 series platform would be a suitable choice. Keep in mind that laptops with integrated GPUs can still run AI models, but due to the limitations of the iGPU, they may not offer the same speed and require higher CPU usage.
The LOQ 15IRX9 comes pre-installed with Windows 11 23H2, which includes familiar AI features.
Battery
The LOQ 15IRX9 features a 60Wh battery that provides rapid charging capabilities. It can charge up to 40% in just 10 minutes, 80% in 30 minutes, and reach a full 100% charge within 60 minutes.
Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 price and release date
Those interested in purchasing this laptop can find it priced at $1,099.99 on Bhphptovideo.com. This particular model features an i5-13450HX processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (8GB GDDR6) graphics card. Additionally, it is available on Amazon.co.uk with an i7-13650HX processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, priced at £1,199.
