Lenovo Introduces Powerful Gaming Desktops with Laptop CPUs

by Frank McDougall
in News, PC
on 26 May 2024

Lenovo has recently unveiled its new line of gaming desktops that are equipped with laptop CPUs, providing users with a unique and powerful gaming experience. These desktops feature the Mobile on Desktop (MoDT) hybrid design, which has gained popularity in devices like mini PCs and All-in-Ones. However, unlike their predecessors, Lenovo’s Legion 7000K PC series comes in larger tower cases and is bundled with the formidable Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs.

One notable characteristic of the MoDT platform is the inability to upgrade or swap the CPU easily. With mobile CPUs being soldered directly onto the mainboard, tech enthusiasts may find it challenging to modify or enhance this component. Therefore, it is crucial for buyers to carefully consider their CPU specifications before making a purchase.

Delving into the Legion 7000K machines, users are presented with two robust options for Intel Raptor Lake Refresh mobile CPUs. The more powerful choice is the Core i9-14900HX, boasting 24 cores and 32 threads, clock speeds reaching up to 5.8 GHz, and a whopping 36MB Smart Cache. This chip offers a base power of 55W but can draw a maximum of 157W under demanding circumstances. Benchmarked performance places this CPU’s efficiency between the Core i9-13900 and the Ryzen 9 PRO 7945 desktop processors, making it a potent rival.

Alternatively, buyers can opt for the Core i7-14650HX, a 16-core and 24-thread CPU with clock speeds that reach 5.2 GHz and a 30MB Smart Cache. Similar to its counterpart, it operates with a standard TDP of 55W and can ramp up to 157W under appropriate cooling conditions.

Cooling systems on MoDT platforms generally have different mounting mechanisms compared to traditional desktop PCs, making upgrades or replacements uncertain. Lenovo claims that their CPU cooler is suitable for up to 190W, leaving the possibility for modification open if the cooling fan is standard.

Additionally, customers must decide which GPU to pair with their Legion 7000K gaming desktop. Lenovo provides the flexibility to choose between RTX 4060 / Ti and RTX 4070 Ti / Super, offering users the option to upgrade in the future if desired.

These systems are equipped with 32GB DDR5-5600 dual-channel RAM and 1TB PCIe Gen4 storage as standard. RAM upgrades should be easily achievable with the use of SODIMMs, and storage options can be expanded through the utilization of two M.2 slots and two SATA ports.

The motherboard of the Legion 7000K offers a wide range of I/O, including USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, multiple USB Type-A ports, audio I/O, 2.5G Ethernet (as well as Wi-Fi 6), and DP video. The desktop GPU also provides three DP ports and an HDMI 2.1a output. Front I/O includes twin USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports and audio I/O. Furthermore, users can enjoy Nahimic 5.1 sound and customizable RGB lighting.

In China, the Legion 7000K series is available for purchase, with prices starting from approximately $1,300 (for the i7 model with RTX 4060) and reaching up to around $2,350 (for the i9 model with RTX 4070 Ti Super). While these prices may not be as appealing when directly converted to US currency, customers can expect a significant discount due to the limitations posed by the MoDT design, including CPU upgrades.

Additional facts related to the topic:

– The Lenovo Legion 7000K series is targeted towards gamers who prioritize performance and flexibility in their gaming desktops.
– The MoDT hybrid design allows for powerful laptop CPUs to be integrated into larger tower cases, providing a unique combination of portability and desktop-level performance.
– The Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs offer impressive graphics capabilities, enhancing the gaming experience with realistic visuals and ray tracing technology.
– The Legion 7000K machines come with 32GB DDR5-5600 dual-channel RAM as standard, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient performance.
– The storage options in these gaming desktops include 1TB PCIe Gen4 storage, with expandability through two M.2 slots and two SATA ports.
– The motherboard of the Legion 7000K offers a wide range of I/O options, including USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, USB Type-A ports, audio I/O, 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, DP video, HDMI 2.1a output, and front I/O with USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports and audio I/O.
– The inclusion of Nahimic 5.1 sound and customizable RGB lighting adds to the immersive gaming experience.

Key questions and answers:

1. What is the advantage of using laptop CPUs in gaming desktops?
– Laptop CPUs integrated into gaming desktops offer a unique combination of portability and powerful performance.

2. Can the CPU be easily upgraded or swapped in these gaming desktops?
– No, the mobile CPUs are soldered directly onto the mainboard, making it challenging to modify or enhance this component.

3. What are the options for Intel Raptor Lake Refresh mobile CPUs in the Legion 7000K machines?
– Buyers can choose between the Core i9-14900HX and the Core i7-14650HX, which offer different core counts, clock speeds, and cache sizes.

Challenges and controversies:

– The main challenge associated with the MoDT design is the inability to easily upgrade or swap the CPU. This limitation may discourage tech enthusiasts who prefer customization options.
– Some users may find it difficult to justify the prices of the Legion 7000K series when directly converted to US currency. However, it is important to consider the performance and features offered by these gaming desktops.
– The cooling systems and mounting mechanisms on MoDT platforms may create uncertainty regarding upgrades or replacements.

Advantages:

– The integration of laptop CPUs provides a unique combination of portability and powerful performance.
– The Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs offer impressive graphics capabilities for a superior gaming experience.
– The Legion 7000K machines come with ample RAM and storage options, allowing for efficient multitasking and expandable storage.

Disadvantages:

– The inability to easily upgrade or swap the CPU may limit customization options for tech enthusiasts.
– The prices of the Legion 7000K series, when directly converted to US currency, may not be as appealing. However, customers can expect discounts due to the limitations posed by the MoDT design.