Lenovo's $1,000 gaming desktop runs cool and quiet at 1440p, but it has one hidden weak spot

As a seasoned gamer and tech enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the Lenovo Legion T5i (Gen 8) is a solid choice for those who prefer a pre-built gaming PC without the hassle of DIY assembly. With its competitive pricing starting at less than $1,000 and its potential for 1440p gaming, it’s an attractive option for gamers on a budget.

As a researcher focusing on gaming systems, I find that all-in-one desktop gaming PCs such as the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (Gen 8) cater to PC gamers who prefer not to embark on the DIY route of building their own system. Not everyone possesses the luxury of time, the required patience, or the confidence in selecting and assembling individual components, and that’s perfectly understandable.

As an analyst, I’d note that many prominent computer manufacturers provide pre-assembled desktop gaming systems catering to this user segment, and the market is indeed quite vibrant with healthy competition. While it’s relatively easy to find a gaming PC within the $1,000 price range, there are certain trade-offs associated with this option:

As an analyst, I’ve noticed that off-the-shelf desktop computers have made significant strides over time, yet they frequently incorporate subpar components or exclusive designs that hinder future upgrades. In contrast, custom system builders such as Maingear, whose work I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with, openly disclose the components used in your PC, parts that can be readily purchased on the open market. This transparency enables straightforward DIY upgrades down the line, giving the feel of a personalized, self-assembled computer.

From another perspective, companies such as Lenovo, HP, and Dell frequently incorporate unique, proprietary components and uncommon internal structures within their systems, which may not be suitable for future modifications. The specific brands of memory, storage, and graphics card (if present) are often hidden until the PC is delivered to you. Yet, this doesn’t deter many consumers, as they appreciate the convenience of purchasing a pre-assembled system that assures a particular performance level in their preferred games.

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been thoroughly examining and evaluating the Legion Tower 5i (Gen 8) equipped with an Intel Core i5-14400F 14th Gen processor (CPU) and a NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics card (GPU). My goal is to assess its performance, gauge the quality of Lenovo’s desktop PC construction, and determine if it justifies the investment.

Lenovo Legion T5i (Gen 8): Price, availability, and specs

Lenovo's $1,000 gaming desktop runs cool and quiet at 1440p, but it has one hidden weak spot

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that Lenovo’s Legion Tower 5/i (Gen 8) comes equipped with both Intel and AMD hardware, with the ‘i’ in the 5 denoting Intel versions. For those seeking customization, Lenovo’s official website is an ideal shopping destination, offering a vast selection of configuration options. However, for those who require a more tailored build, certain third-party retailers might have offerings that cater better to your specific needs.

Initially, let’s consider the Lenovo model equipped with an Intel Core i5-14400F CPU, NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD, priced approximately at $990. The model I’m reviewing features the same components except for a 1TB SSD, which increases its price to around $1,150 at Lenovo. Interestingly, this exact model can also be found at Best Buy for about the same price of $1,150.

The cost for this particular model, featuring a Core i7-14700F CPU, an NVIDIA RTX 4070 SUPER GPU, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, typically hovers around $2,050.

At Lenovo, AMD models begin around $1,350 (with a current discount), boasting a Ryzen 5 7600 CPU, Radeon RX 7600 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB M.2 SSD. Meanwhile, at Best Buy, a model featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 7700 CPU, Radeon RX 7600 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB M.2 SSD is on sale for approximately $1,000.

Amazon features certain external vendors offering the Legion Tower 5 (Gen 8) equipped with AMD hardware. Given the challenges Intel’s 13th and 14th generation CPUs are facing, this setup is quite appealing to suggest. Priced approximately $1,410, it includes a Ryzen 7 processor, an NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics card, 16GB of memory, and a 1TB solid-state drive.

Recommended configuration

Lenovo Legion T5i (Gen 8): Design and build

For its eighth iteration, the Tower 5i underwent a subtle aesthetic update. The sharp edges and corners have been softened, giving it a smoother appearance that resembles a streamlined 26L standard case. A significant portion of this new look can be attributed to an ornate front grille featuring an integrated Legion logo, along with a transparent side panel to display some of the internal components.

The main compartment of the case features a large ventilation grille that could accommodate two fans, but my review model doesn’t utilize this area. Instead, it sports three RGB intake fans, one at the front and another at the back for exhaust. During performance and heat tests, the system maintains its temperature well with this configuration. The absence of dust filters is a minor inconvenience; you’ll need to clean your PC more frequently, particularly if you have pets living in your home, but overall, all aspects related to the case are top-notch.

1. The side sections are secured using snap-in thumb bolts. When you take off the back section, you’ll find neat cable organization behind the motherboard, with cables tied up using zip ties and additional outputs from the non-modular power supply hidden away for potential future use.

Near the Power Supply Unit (PSU), there’s an open slot that can accommodate two 3.5-inch hard drives (HDD). If you wish to use the slot for a 2.5-inch HDD or SATA SSD, you’ll find an unused mount that comes with a group of cables, which may need to be rearranged. From the front perspective of the computer, excess cables, HDD bays, and the PSU are concealed due to a horizontal (and ventilated) cover.

Lenovo is moving towards a pre-built PC design that feels less like it came straight from a factory assembly line, with the standard motherboard shape, minimal cabling clutter, and spacious interior cabinet being aspects that should appeal to those seeking some hands-on customization.

As an analyst, I find the back of this PC sports a familiar arrangement, featuring standard motherboard inputs, an exhaust fan, and four PCI slots, two of which are currently occupied by the NVIDIA RTX 4060. The Legion microATX board, with its common size, seems easily replaceable should the need arise in the future. This board includes a USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2), four USB-A 2.0, two USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1), a 2.5GbE LAN port, and three 3.5mm audio jacks for connectivity. Notably, the I/O panel houses a convenient button to toggle RGB effects in your setup quickly.

Moving forward in our discussion, let’s focus on the features of Lenovo’s case. It boasts two additional USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1) ports, an LED power button, and 3.5mm jacks for headphones and microphone lined up at the top edge. However, the video output ports may vary based on the graphics card you select for the Legion T5; my specific model equipped with an RTX 4060 provides three DisplayPort and one HDMI port.

Lenovo is moving towards a pre-built PC design that seems less like it came straight off an assembly line, with features such as a standard motherboard shape, tidy cabling, and a spacious interior of the case. This setup should provide ample opportunity for those who enjoy DIY customization. However, it’s worth noting that the non-modular power supply unit might limit expansion options. On the plus side, the hardware components are conveniently accessible, allowing users to upgrade to more advanced equipment if desired.

This durable case, made of a combination of aluminum and plastic in a Storm Grey finish, weighs approximately 30.86 pounds (14kg). Its sturdy construction ensures a snug fit to eliminate any potential rattling. The base is equipped with four strong feet cushioned for reduced vibration and noise. Its compact size makes it suitable for most gaming setups, whether positioned on a desk or the floor.

Lenovo Legion T5i (Gen 8): Software, RGB, and support

The mid-range Legion Tower 5i PC features an ample quantity of RGB illumination. This lighting can be controlled via the included Vantage software. You’ll find three customizable settings in total, each allowing for adjustments across the entire spectrum of RGB components.

The three internal fans and the front emblem of my review unit can be customized with various RGB effects, hues, and intensity levels. However, the strip lighting on its upper interior only adjusts brightness and has limited effects, not colors.

With the Vantage app, you can easily access performance modes, quick GPU overclocking, network enhancement settings, and a selection of apps that automatically close upon starting a game. Additionally, this app integrates seamlessly with Nahimic audio tuning to provide optimal sound adjustments for your preferred hardware.

Lenovo provides Legion Ultimate service lasting up to five years for the Tower 5i (Gen 8), encompassing round-the-clock phone support, quick onsite technical assistance, and additional help with both hardware and software issues. You can manage your warranty details and even extend it through the Lenovo Vantage app. If you’re not considering a replacement Power Supply Unit for something more reliable, having some extra coverage might prove beneficial.

Lenovo Legion T5i (Gen 8): Performance and thermals

Upon closer inspection inside the Legion Tower 5i (Gen 8), it seems less sleek compared to its exterior. The microATX motherboard appears quite fundamental, featuring a decorative M.2 SSD heatsink that essentially functions as a Legion-branded mylar dust cover. Moreover, the VRM heatsinks are rather limited in extent.

The RAM sticks I have are made by SK hynix, a brand I’ve always trusted. They’re not fancy with extra features like a metal casing or RGB lighting, but they’re solid DDR5-5600MHz modules. I’ve placed them in the DIMM2 and DIMM4 slots for a dual-channel configuration, ensuring they work correctly.

Through my tests, it’s clear that the stock cooler effectively maintains a comfortable temperature for the Core i5-14400F, keeping it significantly below all thermal thresholds.

From my perspective, the default 65W CPU cooler comes equipped with a 80mm fan on top of a substantial heatsink structure. Lenovo provides upgraded 150W coolers, featuring a 120mm offset fan (and even options with ARGB illumination) for more potent processors. During my assessments, I found that the stock cooler effectively maintains the Core i5-14400F’s temperature and keeps it well below any thermal thresholds.

The NVIDIA RTX 4060 is a basic, single-fan model that doesn’t have a brand name, showcases an exposed circuit board, and lacks RGB lighting. It may not be flashy, but it operates quietly without overheating under heavy usage. There’s plenty of room for upgrading to a more potent graphics card inside, yet the GPU performs admirably despite its unassuming appearance.

Regarding enhancements, I suggest changing the Power Supply Unit (PSU) first. This is because the PSU connects to everything within your computer, so a malfunction could lead to additional damage across the system. Although 500W should suffice for your setup, the manufacturer, HuntKey, isn’t particularly well-regarded in PC building circles. When it comes to components where you shouldn’t skimp, the PSU is one of them.

It seems Lenovo focuses on cost reduction whenever it can, however, I find their choice of power supply to be less than ideal. While you may never encounter an issue with the power supply unit (PSU), the likelihood increases significantly with these non-brand models. Additionally, the visible internal components at the back are not aesthetically pleasing and tend to accumulate dust during regular use, which is undesirable. Furthermore, the cables lack modularity, making it less convenient for users.

In spite of my grumbles, it’s hard to argue that the system functions flawlessly. The hardware remains unflustered even during extended rigorous testing, and there’s barely a sound coming from the system. I’ve kept the system on its default Balanced setting in the Vantage application, which adjusts power and fan speed according to demand automatically. It registered around 40 dBA under full capacity, barely louder than the background noise in my home office.

During the test, both the CPU and GPU reached a steady temperature of 65°C, consuming 64W and 105W respectively. The sensor for the GPU hotspot registered 77°C. Meanwhile, the chassis fans maintained a speed of 850 RPM, while the CPU cooler operated slightly faster at a constant 1,125 RPM. I ran the stress test for over half an hour, and there were no significant fluctuations in temperatures. Given the ample interior space and only two front fans, it’s evident that the system will not overheat easily.

Let’s examine the performance data from the 14th Gen Intel Core i5-14400F, paired with an NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card, 16GB of DDR5 RAM clocked at 5600MHz, and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.

Additionally, I was curious to see how efficiently the system could manage genuine PC games as well. The duo of Core i5 CPU and RTX 4060 GPU is ideal for smooth 1080p gaming with high refresh rates, and it’s equally capable of handling 1440p performance too.

Games such as Cyberpunk 2077 perform better thanks to NVIDIA’s DLSS technology, often reaching around 80 frames per second at 1440p resolution, with game settings generally set to a moderate level of demand. However, turning on ray tracing can significantly reduce performance, but this isn’t an issue specific to Lenovo products; if you prioritize ray tracing, consider investing in a more powerful graphics card.

In my tests, Shadow of the Tomb Raider achieved the highest frame rate (FPS), which isn’t surprising given its age and excellent optimization. Interestingly, even Black Myth Wukong managed close to 80 FPS at 1440p without ray tracing activated. Here are the complete benchmark results from the games I tested.

Intel’s 13th and 14th Gen CPU instability

The 14th Gen Intel Core i5-14400F processor installed in the Legion T5i laptop belongs to a group of processors that may experience voltage instability, leading to system crashes, blue screens of death (BSOD), and performance degradation that can’t be reversed. Initially thought to be isolated cases, Intel acknowledged in July that the issue is more prevalent than initially assumed. However, they have taken measures to address this problem.

Although your CPU may not be impacted, BIOS updates for motherboards are being distributed to address the issue. As of now, it appears that the Legion hasn’t received this update, but you can expect it soon as part of a preventative measure. If the problem is causing concern, Lenovo’s AMD-based Tower 5 could be a suitable alternative.

Lenovo Legion T5i (Gen 8): Competition

Lenovo’s pre-assembled gaming desktops are much like those from prominent brands such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, and HP. These systems are manufactured in large quantities for gamers who seek a machine that performs efficiently without the need for extensive knowledge on the inner workings of PC building.

HP’s Victus series serves as a more affordable counterpart to their high-end OMEN series. A system featuring an Intel Core i5-14400F CPU and RTX 4060 GPU typically retails for around $780, but it should be noted that this model comes with DDR4 RAM and only offers 512GB of M.2 PCIe storage space.

The Acer Nitro 50 model boasts a Core i5-14400F processor, an RTX 4060 graphics card, 16GB of DDR5 memory, and a 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD. You can find this configuration at Newegg for approximately $850, although its regular price is around $1,100 without any ongoing promotions.

Apart from custom-built PCs, Lenovo additionally provides high-performance and feature-rich pre-assembled desktop computers. The Legion Tower 7i (Gen 8) was praised by Windows Central’s Zachary Boddy as “exceptionally powerful” and “definitely worth recommending.” The price for the larger model begins at approximately $2,205.

If you prefer a personal computer that is built with open components for easier customization, and you don’t mind investing in established brands, both Maingear and iBUYPOWER are reliable choices for pre-assembled PCs.

There are affordable handheld gaming devices available too, though they lack the power of desktop systems. Yet, their portability and ease of use make them hard to overlook. Similarly, there’s a chance you could discover a suitable mini PC, even for gaming, that fits your requirements perfectly.

Lenovo Legion T5i (Gen 8): Scorecard

Lenovo Legion T5i (Gen 8): Should you buy it?

✅ You should buy this if…

You want a pre-built gaming PC with 1440p potential for somewhere around $1,000.
You aren’t particularly interested in DIY tinkering.
You’d like some extra peace of mind from Lenovo’s Legion Ultimate Support.

❌ You should not buy this if…

You’re an enthusiast who wants a PC with non-proprietary hardware inside.
You want to game at 4K.
You have the time to buy parts and assemble a PC yourself.

Instead of a pre-built PC from a big name like Lenovo, you may not receive the same level of customization as you would when purchasing from a specialized builder (or building it yourself). However, the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (Gen 8) is fully assembled and ready to use straight away. All you need is a high-quality gaming monitor and some personal gaming PC accessories.

Featuring efficient performance and smooth operation, the Core i5-14400F and RTX 4060 equipped PC is capable of handling 1440p resolution effortlessly, while maintaining high frame rates without any issues even at 1080p.

This PC, boasting smooth operation and as-advertised performance from its Core i5-14400F processor and RTX 4060 graphics card, can effortlessly manage 1440p resolution and will excel at 1080p with high frame rates. The PC’s interior glows with RGB lighting that is simple to adjust using the Vantage app. While the performance hardware isn’t particularly standout, it effectively carries out its duties. However, I have some reservations regarding the power supply unit (PSU), as it appears to be on the less reliable side of quality. If you decide to purchase this PC, I would strongly advise considering an upgrade or additional warranty coverage to safeguard against potential issues in the future.

The 26L case is built well and has plenty of space inside for extra storage. Cable management is decent, and the glass side panel shows off your hardware. I just wish the grilles had dust covers.

In summary, the Legion Tower 5i (Gen 8) is an excellent option for gamers preferring a pre-assembled system. It’s competitively priced against other brands with comparable hardware performance, starting at roughly $1,000 for the version under review.

2024-08-28 16:11

Lenovo’s $1,000 gaming desktop runs cool and quiet at 1440p, but it has one hidden weak spot