Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 review
The Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 ranks as the #512 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 71. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #551-ranked features among 572 laptops. Consider the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen 4 or Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 may be an older model, but its performance still holds up after two years. While it's not perfect, its 120Hz refresh rate screen and awesome keyboard make it a great value for the price. Despite some minor hiccups, such as slow boot times and limited storage, this laptop remains a reliable choice for gaming and everyday use. For those on a budget or looking for a no-frills gaming experience, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 is still worth considering, especially with its recent upgrades to Nvidia RTX GPUs and improved CPUs.
Build
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 boasts a sturdy build with plenty of ports, making it easy to connect peripherals. The laptop's size is large but manageable, and the 120Hz refresh rate screen provides vibrant visuals. The keyboard is another highlight, offering excellent tactile feedback. However, I've noticed some drawbacks over time. Despite regular maintenance, my laptop has accumulated a few bumps, bruises, and scratches. While these imperfections don't affect performance, they detract from the overall aesthetic appeal. You may find Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 a better fit, thanks to its superior build.
Display
The display on the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is decent but not exceptional. The 120Hz refresh rate screen is a highlight, providing smooth visuals in games and fast-paced applications. However, the brightness is lacking, making it difficult to use in well-lit environments. While this may not be a major concern for gamers who typically play in dark rooms, it's still a drawback for users like myself who need to occasionally work or watch videos in brighter spaces. Overall, the display gets the job done but doesn't impress with its brightness and color accuracy. If you’re after a better display, Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i could be the ideal option.
Performance
I've had the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 for two years now, and I'm impressed with its performance. Despite being a budget laptop, it's capable of running demanding games and tasks smoothly. The upgrade from 8GB to 16GB RAM was a significant boost in performance. The laptop still runs popular games at playable settings, even with lower graphics settings. While it may not be the most powerful machine, its consistency is impressive. I've experienced some slowdowns over time, but these are minor and resolve quickly. Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3's performance is a testament to its value for money. It's a reliable choice for gamers on a budget, and with proper maintenance, it can continue to deliver solid performance. Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded performance.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3's battery life is a letdown, lasting only around 4 hours when playing games. While there's been no degradation in the past two years, it was always a concern for me as a college student. The brightness of the laptop screen also leaves much to be desired, struggling to be used in sunny conditions. I wish the battery life and screen brightness were better, but these issues are minor compared to the laptop's overall performance.
Connectivity
I'm impressed with the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3's numerous ports, making it easy to connect peripherals. The 120Hz refresh rate screen is a nice touch. However, I wish the brightness was better and battery life lasted longer than 4 hours. Overall, this laptop's connectivity features make up for its minor flaws. You might want to check out Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i, featuring an upgraded connectivity for a superior experience.
Features
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a budget laptop that offers impressive performance at an affordable price. Its features include a 120Hz refresh rate screen, awesome keyboard, and numerous ports. It can run demanding games and has been upgraded with 16GB of RAM for improved performance. Take a look at Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 - its improved features sets a new standard.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has been a reliable companion for two years, with minimal maintenance required. Regular upgrades, such as increasing RAM to 16GB, have improved performance. Simple tasks like using 3D printed nubs to improve airflow and wrapping the laptop in its original sleeve have kept it running smoothly. With proper care, this budget gaming laptop has consistently delivered excellent results despite being two years old.
Pros
1. It's fast
2. It's powerful
3. It's portable
4. The laptop can run anything you could throw at it, even intense games with lowered settings
5. My Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is still no slouch and literally runs everything I throw at it
6. Upgrading the RAM gave me a great performance boost
7. I'm thoroughly impressed with this laptop
Cons
1. The brightness of the laptop screen is just not that bright, can't be used in a sunny day
2. Battery life doesn't last longer than 4 hours
3. 512 GB storage for a gaming laptop is not enough, quickly gets filled up by downloading games
4. Occasionally experiences slow boot-up times due to age
5. Not having matching RAM sticks caused uneven performance and safety issues
6. Can get hot if not properly ventilated
7. Suffers from scratches, bumps, and bruises after 2 years of use
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