Purchasing a fresh laptop: Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 2022 or 2023 version?
Purchasing a fresh laptop: Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 2022 or 2023 version?
You're unsure about which laptop to choose, as both have advantages and disadvantages. Here are the details for each:
The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 2023 16IRX8 costs $1700. It features an i9 13900hx processor, 16GB RAM at 5600MHz, a 1TB SSD, RTX 4070 graphics, and a 240Hz display. However, it lacks a Thunderbolt 4 port and has a plastic build quality.
The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 2022 16IAH7H is priced at $1600. It offers an i7 12700hx CPU, 32GB RAM at 4800MHz, a 1TB SSD, RTX 3070ti graphics, and a 165Hz display. Its main drawback is lower overall specifications.
As someone who uses the laptop for 5-8 hours daily for multitasking and work tasks, I’d prefer the 2023 model if it has a Thunderbolt port, even though alternatives like HDMI and USB-C exist. The 2022 model suits lighter use and gaming, but lacks the power for demanding applications. The price gap is only $100 in the USA. Based on Jarod’s review, the newer version runs cooler with louder fans, though they can be adjusted. The touchpad isn’t a major concern for me since I don’t use it often.
The 2023 model stands out as the best option, fitting your requirements perfectly. 13900hx, DDR 5 memory, Rtx 4070.
The hardware guide confirms that the 2023 model includes RAM slots, unlike some laptops where RAM is soldered in. This means you won’t be limited by low RAM when making your choice. You can still upgrade later if needed:
https://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mob..._8_hmm.pdf
I own a 16-inch laptop with a 3070 processor for about a year now. It performs very well. Lenovo’s cooling system is top-notch and offers minimal throttling. The power adapter is substantial, which helps maintain steady performance and prevents throttling. My previous Alienware R17m2 2060 struggled with overheating and significant CPU throttling. I chose the Lenovo specifically for its superior cooling design.
The MUX switch on this model is also quite useful. I first encountered an issue with my OMEN when Gsync didn’t work because it only had an HDMI output that went through the Intel iGPU before reaching the display. To avoid this, I opted for a device with a direct displayport connection to the GPU. The Lenovo MUX switch provides the best balance, making it easier to use Gsync without problems.
Regarding your choice, it would be similar to the 2022 version, except this one uses an AMD processor. The build quality is outstanding and comfortable to handle. The hinge feels good, and the cooling system works well without any complaints. I appreciate the 16-inch size, which offers more space for documents and browsing.
Another laptop worth thinking about is the Lenovo Legion 7 16" with the 6850M XT GPU and 12GB of VRAM. With many modern multiplatform games needing over 8GB of VRAM—like "The Last of Us" on PC or "Hogwarts Legacy"—having extra VRAM helps future-proof your setup. Since both PS5 and Xbox support 16GB shared memory, developers no longer need to restrict object density or texture quality to stay under the 8GB limit.