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amazon Lenovo Legion Y520 reviews
In the segment of Laptop Gaming, there are plenty of models from Alienwave, Razer, MSI, etc to more affordable models. If you do not have a lot of money to buy expensive machines, then switch to the Lenovo Legion Y520. It can be said that this is the most interesting gaming laptop today.
Design Lenovo Legion Y520 not so prominent, but bring convenience
Looking at the look and feel of the Y520 less bunker than other gaming laptops. May be called “thin” and “light” again, because the machine weighs only 2.5 kg.
The color of the Y520 creates a rather “boring” atmosphere when black from head to toe. May, there are lines along the edge of the machine plus the edge of the triangular machine as “salvaged” somewhat the appearance of the machine.
The plastic case of the Y520 gives the impression that this is a cheap machine, and also makes the machine more fingerprint. However, it will make our machine lighter in the move.
The sides are full of USB slots, memory card, charging port, USB type-C, HDMI, …
The back of the machine are the heat sink with bronze rods and hidden deep inside which is dual fan cooling system with Extreme Cooling technology of Lenovo.
When playing heavy games, need high graphics processing, you have to activate this cooling mode, otherwise the machine will be very hot and its loudness when operating with high capacity is also relatively. But actually the heat dissipation with this mechanism is quite effective, and you will not hear the sound when using.
Next, let’s open the machine together after the shell that is a design that can say is more beautiful than what you think.
The first is the dual speakers on the sides of the machine is highlighted. The sound of this loudspeaker sounds loud and clear; the weak point is that the bass is not so sure, but it does not require too much on a laptop speaker. Due to the design of two stereo side speakers, the machine will give us the feeling of the most alive.
Next is the TouchPad area is also designed quite a bunker with two lines cut off 3D pretty nice.
Finally, the keyboard, the first point that I like on this machine is the design of four navigation keys are set off to Numpad and keys always fullsize. This makes my hands feel more comfortable playing games that are associated with these four keys.
The key stroke is not too short, so when you click for good bounce rate, you can get your hands on and fast-forward. The Y520’s LED system also features a “gamer” with monochrome and has three modes: off, moderate light and strong lighting.
Full HD display meets the needs of gaming, entertainment
FullHD resolution screen, for bright and true colors, comes with IPS technology for wide viewing angles and anti-glare. The visibility of the Y520 is well judged by the technology, whether indoor or outdoor, the quality remains unchanged.
For most gamers, FullHD is the minimum standard for gaming, because it has to be beautiful and sharp.
Display
The Lenovo Legion Y520 features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display. The display offers good color reproduction and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for gaming, multimedia consumption, and even some light content creation. The anti-glare coating on the screen helps reduce reflections and makes it easier to use in brightly lit environments.
While the display is generally good, it falls short in certain areas. The brightness levels are decent but not exceptional, which might be a concern for those who prefer to game in brightly lit rooms or outdoors. The color accuracy is also satisfactory but may not meet the standards required for professional photo or video editing.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the display on the Legion Y520 is more than adequate for gaming and everyday tasks. The 60Hz refresh rate is standard for laptops in this category, but competitive gamers might miss the higher refresh rates offered by some other gaming laptops.
Performance
Performance is where the Lenovo Legion Y520 truly shines. It is powered by an Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor, a quad-core CPU from Intel’s 7th generation Kaby Lake lineup. This processor, combined with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, ensures that the Legion Y520 can handle most modern games at medium to high settings without breaking a sweat.
The laptop comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which is sufficient for most gaming and multitasking scenarios. However, the RAM is upgradable, allowing users to increase it up to 16GB or even 32GB if needed. For storage, the Legion Y520 offers a 256GB SSD, which provides fast boot times and quick loading of games and applications. Some configurations also include an additional 1TB HDD for extra storage space.
In real-world gaming performance, the Legion Y520 delivers smooth and playable frame rates in popular titles like Overwatch, Fortnite, and PUBG at medium to high settings. More demanding games like The Witcher 3 or Assassin’s Creed Odyssey may require dialing down the settings to achieve a stable frame rate, but the laptop is still capable of providing an enjoyable gaming experience.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard on the Lenovo Legion Y520 is one of its standout features. It is a full-sized, backlit keyboard with red lighting, which enhances the gaming aesthetics and provides good visibility in low-light conditions. The keys have a good amount of travel and tactile feedback, making typing and gaming comfortable. The layout is well-designed, with large arrow keys and a dedicated number pad.
The WASD keys are highlighted, which is a nice touch for gamers. The keyboard also includes a set of media control keys, which are handy for adjusting volume and playback during gaming sessions.
The touchpad on the Legion Y520 is responsive and accurate, with support for Windows Precision drivers. It has a smooth surface and offers good tracking. While it’s suitable for general use, gamers will likely prefer using an external mouse for better control and precision during gaming.
Audio
The audio quality on the Lenovo Legion Y520 is decent but not outstanding. The laptop features a pair of Harman speakers located on the bottom front edge. The speakers are tuned with Dolby Audio, which helps enhance the sound quality for gaming, movies, and music.
The audio output is clear and loud enough for most situations, but it lacks the depth and bass that some gamers might prefer. For a better audio experience, using a good pair of headphones or external speakers is recommended. The laptop also has a built-in microphone, which performs adequately for in-game communication and video calls.
where can you get a Lenovo Legion Y520 online
Lenovo Legion Y520 – 15.6″ Gaming Laptop Computer i5-7300HQ / Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB / 8GB DDR4 DRAM / 256GB PCIe SSD / Windows 10 Signature Image 80WK00FHUS: Buy it now
Lenovo Legion Y520 Gaming Laptop – Core i7-7700HQ, 16GB RAM, 2TB HDD + 256GB SSD, 1050Ti 4GB, 15.6″ Full HD: Buy it now
Lenovo Legion Y520 15.6 Gaming Laptop (7th Generation Intel i7, 1TB HDD, 8GB DDR4, Windows 10, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti) 80WK001JUS: Buy it now
Lenovo Legion Y520 15.6″ 2.8GHz i7-7700HQ 16GB 128GB+1TB Gaming Notebook: Buy it now
Configuration
Also considering the configuration of the machine I’m holding the CPU Core i7 7700HQ, 8GB DDR4 RAM, GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB graphics card, 128GB SSD Samsung and 1TB 5400rpm HDD.
Games such as the legendary Alliance or CS: GO at max configuration, FPS can reach over 120. But the awesome games like Battlefield 1, Sniper Ghost Warrior 3, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare also reached 60 FPS .
Overall, this configuration is a pretty easy and casual battle with the Lenovo Legion Y520.
Of course, following the current trend of the laptop, the Y520 is also equipped with removable battery that attaches to the inside. The battery life, according to many reviews, is also not that high, basically because of such a daunting configuration, which batteries can withstand. As far as I know, when used normally, the Y520 also takes 4 – 5 hours.
Connectivity
The Lenovo Legion Y520 offers a good selection of ports for connectivity. On the left side, you’ll find an Ethernet port, a USB 2.0 port, an audio jack, and a Novo button for system recovery. The right side houses two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, a USB-C port, and a Kensington lock slot. The rear of the laptop includes the power connector and another USB 3.0 port.
The inclusion of a USB-C port is a welcome addition, providing more versatility for connecting modern peripherals and external displays. However, it’s worth noting that the USB-C port on the Legion Y520 does not support Thunderbolt 3, which might be a limitation for some users looking for the fastest data transfer speeds or external GPU support.
Wireless connectivity is handled by an Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165 card, which offers reliable Wi-Fi performance. Bluetooth 4.1 is also supported, allowing users to connect wireless peripherals such as headphones, mice, and keyboards.
Battery Life
Battery life is often a concern with gaming laptops, and the Lenovo Legion Y520 is no exception. The laptop is equipped with a 3-cell 45Wh battery, which provides around 4 to 5 hours of usage during light tasks such as web browsing and document editing. However, battery life drops significantly when gaming, with most users getting around 1 to 2 hours of playtime on a full charge.
For extended gaming sessions, it’s best to keep the laptop plugged in. The included 135W power adapter charges the battery relatively quickly, but the overall battery performance is one area where the Legion Y520 could be improved.
Thermals and Noise
Thermal management is crucial for maintaining performance and longevity in gaming laptops. The Lenovo Legion Y520 features dual fans and rear exhaust vents to keep the internals cool during intensive tasks. The cooling system does a good job of preventing thermal throttling, ensuring that the laptop maintains consistent performance even during extended gaming sessions.
The laptop’s fans can get quite loud under heavy load, which is typical for gaming laptops. However, the noise levels are manageable and can be mitigated by using headphones. The keyboard and palm rest areas remain relatively cool, thanks to the effective cooling solution.
Software and Features
The Lenovo Legion Y520 comes with Windows 10 pre-installed, along with a few useful utilities and software. Lenovo Nerve Sense is one such utility, providing users with easy access to system settings, performance monitoring, and custom profiles for gaming. It also includes features like network priority, which optimizes internet bandwidth for gaming.
The laptop also includes some pre-installed bloatware, which can be annoying but is easily removable. Lenovo Vantage is another useful application that provides system updates, hardware diagnostics, and power management options.
Upgradability
One of the advantages of the Lenovo Legion Y520 is its upgradability. The laptop’s bottom panel can be removed to access the internal components, allowing users to upgrade the RAM, storage, and even the Wi-Fi card. This flexibility ensures that the Legion Y520 can be kept up-to-date with the latest hardware, extending its lifespan and keeping it relevant for future gaming needs.
Value Proposition
The Lenovo Legion Y520 offers a compelling value proposition for gamers on a budget. It provides a good balance of performance, design, and features at a price point that is accessible to many gamers. While it may not have the premium build quality or high-end specs of more expensive gaming laptops, it delivers solid performance for the price.
The laptop’s combination of an Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor and NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti GPU ensures that it can handle most modern games at respectable settings. The upgradability, decent display, and comfortable keyboard further enhance its appeal.
Conclusion
The Lenovo Legion Y520 is a well-rounded gaming laptop that offers good performance and features at an affordable price. It has a sleek design, solid build quality, and a comfortable keyboard, making it a joy to use for both gaming and everyday tasks. While the display and battery life could be better, these are minor compromises given the laptop’s overall value.
For gamers looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance, the Lenovo Legion Y520 is a solid choice. Its upgradability ensures that it can keep pace with future gaming requirements, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to enter the world of PC gaming without breaking the bank.