The Lenovo LOQ 15APH9 is an upgrade from its predecessor, offering a newer Ryzen processor, an RTX 4050 with a higher power limit, and a significant improvement in RAM capacity with 16 GB of DDR5-5600—all for less than $850. The AMD chip, the Ryzen 5 8645HS, comes equipped with six Zen 4 cores, 12 threads, and a boost clock of 5 GHz. While the CPU side is suitable for gaming, heavier content creation tasks may not be as efficient. However, with the discrete RTX 4050 chip and a 105 W TGP limit, the performance is commendable, surpassing even lower-powered RTX 4060 chips in most tests.
Despite the impressive RAM capacity, there is only one DIMM installed in the Lenovo LOQ 15APH9. To fully optimize the Ryzen chips, a dual-channel kit is recommended. Luckily, dual 8 GB kits are affordable and readily available, allowing users to easily swap the single DIMM for two matched sticks. Additionally, considering the limited storage provided by the 512 GB drive, users may want to invest in another SSD. With two M.2 2280 slots available, adding a fast 2 TB gaming SSD can provide ample storage for games and other files.
Display Quality and Connectivity
One area where Lenovo made compromises to keep the price down is the display quality. While the 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display running at 144 Hz may seem adequate on paper, it may lack vibrancy and clarity in reality. However, with an HDMI 2.1 port at the rear of the laptop, users have the option to connect to an external gaming monitor for a better visual experience. Despite the shortcomings in the display, the Lenovo LOQ 15APH9 still offers value for its price.
At just under $850, the Lenovo LOQ 15APH9 presents itself as a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers. The combination of the Ryzen 5 8645HS processor and the RTX 4050 GPU delivers solid performance for 1080p gaming, meeting the requirements of most casual gamers. While some upgrades may be necessary to unlock the laptop’s full potential, such as adding more RAM or expanding storage, the overall value proposition of the Lenovo LOQ 15APH9 makes it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a budget gaming laptop.
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