Lenovo has released the IdeaPad Gaming 3 and the IdeaPad Gaming 3i, two new systems in the company’s entry-level gaming PCs. These new machines are based on AMD Ryzen processors and feature GeForce graphics, DDR4 memory, and SSD storage options. These computers are designed to bring competitive gaming to new levels.
Lenovo’s entry-level gaming system
The Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 is a budget-friendly, portable laptop for entry-level gamers. However, its affordable price, versatile design, and solid performance make it a perfect choice for beginners.
The Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 has a large trackpad and a full-sized keyboard. You can also configure the device with an Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics. The latter can be upgraded to RTX 3060 discrete graphics. In addition, its IPS panel is color-accurate and features an anti-glare protection layer.
The Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 is available in three models. The base model features a 15.6-inch display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. The other two models have a slightly more extensive collection. The white model has a plasticky look with dark bezels, while the black model looks sleeker.
The keyboard is easy to handle. It features a chicklet mechanism and 1.5 mm key travel. Its keys feature a concave design and blue backlighting. Its touchpad is 30% larger than its predecessor.
The Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 is designed to be portable, but it’s not as robust as the top-of-the-line PCs that hardcore gamers would prefer. In addition, unlike many other gaming laptops, the bottom cover has to be removed to use the notebook.
Lenovo’s new IdeaPad Gaming 3
IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a mid-tier gaming laptop aimed at the budget-conscious. For around $1k, this device can run most modern games at a playable frame rate.
For that price, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 6600H CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU with ray-tracing technology, and 8GB of RAM. It also has a 256GB PCIe-based SSD. In addition, it’s available in both 15-inch and 16-inch screen sizes.
The design of the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is typical for a budget gaming laptop. The lid is nondescript, the palm rest is a plain black strip, and the case is plastic. Its hinge is set back a little bit from the edge. But the bottom of the unit is a bit uneven. It creaks when it’s warped.
Its 15.6-inch Full HD display offers a wide viewing angle and has a 165Hz or 120Hz refresh rate. But the screen’s contrast isn’t great, and the sRGB coverage is relatively poor.
The IdeaPad Gaming 3’s keyboard has a white backlight. The keys are springy and easy to handle but can be awkward.
The IdeaPad Gaming 3’s battery will last eight hours with Rapid Charge. However, it’s worth noting that the capacity decreases with time and use.
Lenovo’s IdeaPad Gaming 3i
Lenovo’s IdeaPad Gaming 3i is a well-rounded gaming laptop with plenty of space, an excellent keyboard, and decent battery life. This is a perfect option if you’re looking for a gaming laptop that you can use daily. However, there are a few downsides to consider.
The keyboard is spacious and is surrounded by air intake vents. As a result, the keys are springy and easy to grip. But they also tend to get a little hot while gaming.
The IdeaPad Gaming 3i has a prominent arrow key and a whole number pad. It also features Nahimic 3D audio. The laptop is equipped with a DC-in port and one HDMI 2.0 port. It has a 120 Hz 1080p display with a 250 nits maximum brightness.
The IdeaPad Gaming 3i has an impressively powerful graphics card. An 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor powers it. It also comes with an Nvidia GTX 1650 GPU. In addition, it has 8 gigabytes of DDR4 SDRAM and a 1 TB hard drive.
Lenovo’s IdeaPad Gaming 3i has a few design and performance flaws. It’s not as sleek as some new Legions and doesn’t have a maintenance hatch. It’s also not the longest-lasting laptop. However, it does have a battery that can be charged in 15 minutes for a 40% boost.