Lenovo Legion 5, First Impressions
My current computer was purchased more than 6 years ago and it was really just a mid-range performer at that time. Today it is barely chugging along with some random crashes, freezes, and minor annoyances. This is further complicated by the fact that I have started doing some 4K video editing.
I have performed all the easy upgrades possible. This includes increasing the RAM to 32 GB, adding an SSD as my main drive, and installing a dedicated graphics card; NVIDIA 1650. To do anything further would require a new motherboard and likely needing to replace the RAM again to be compatible with the new board. Possibly upgrade the case, this time with a bigger power supply. I am thinking it is just easier to buy something new and save the old machine for backup and file storage.
I start my search by watching all the videos that I can find. I am not a huge “Specs” person but I am learning as I go. I am mostly concerned about system RAM and a dedicated video card with at least 4 GB. The little that I know about processors is the difference between AMD Ryzen and Intel. So, off I go on my research.
I have previously stayed away from notebook or laptop computers because I was afraid of the need to spend close to $2000 to get what I want. Of course, there are many machines advertised as “Gaming” or “Editing” that start under $1000. I do not care about the gaming capabilities so much because I understand that chess programs are not ‘resource hogs”.
These budget machines have minimum resources and would require some upgrades. This time I do not want to bring the computer home and start taking it apart the first day.
After watching YouTube videos for 3 days, I decided to look at pricing on Amazon. After seeing so many good reviews, I am looking specifically at the Lenovo Legion 5. This model seems to provide everything I need for video editing and has more of a classic look than a dedicated gaming laptop.
As expected, the base models start at under $900 but with rather minimum storage and RAM. The good news is that all the models have a decent graphics card with the Nvidia 1650 or better. The top-of-the-line pricing was approaching $2000 and well out of my budget.
I mostly stumble across the model sold by “Mytrix” (Link Below) I was a little curious or concerned as I had never heard of the seller before. I could not find much information when searching and, the Amazon rating system only had one contributor entry. I was even wondering if it was a refurbished unit due to the lower pricing. Upon receiving the computer, I made sure all the designated specs were correct and all was well with my new computer!
The attraction for me was the ability to select the configuration from 11 different choices. Perhaps, not entirely possible to make direct comparisons but the cost was at least $100 less than a comparable product from any other sellers. My ultimate decision was as follows;
Mytrix Legion 5; Lenovo Gaming Laptop, 15.6" 120Hz FHD IPS Display,
Ryzen 7 4800H 8-Core, GeForce GTX 1650, 32GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD+1TB HDD
Price of $1149.99
Other model specifications and comparisons are shown in the attached picture. But it seems the pricing can change daily.
This configuration provided everything that I was looking for in the way of 4K video editing right out of the box. The machine also has a respectable amount of storage space (2 TB) for the 4K files that I am working with. However, I do plan to add my previously purchased 2 TB external drive to the setup.
As expected, the machine is many times faster in every way than my previous setup. Anecdotally, an export of a 4K video is at least 5 times faster. Previously I would set the file to export then go find something to do for 15 minutes and hope there were no issues upon returning?
Currently, I am using the Legion 5 with an external monitor and wireless keyboard and mouse. So, the experience is much the same as using a desktop model. I can see it replacing my old computer on a daily basis. Also, now I have the added benefit of a computer that performs well when traveling, or just looking for the coolest room in the house to do some work!
Not a paid or sponsored link or endorsement.
