Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i

Overview

If you want a gaming laptop on the cheap, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i is affordable and has enough power for mainstream gaming, eSports and computing. It's even 120Hz but the screen is washed out and there are some other compromises to consider.

-- As reviewed by TechAdvisor

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 6 expert reviews

Excellent:

0
Good:

1
Average:

4
Bad:

1

User Score

Based on 7 reviews
as rated by users

TechSpot is supported by its audience. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Last revision on November 24, 2022

Reviewers Liked

Sturdy build with restrained design
Snappy CPU performance
120 Hz panel
NVMe SSD
Decent battery life
Comfortable keyboard, large touchpad
Extremely cheap
Ideal for mainstream gaming and eSports

Reviewers Didn't Like

Graphics capability below par for price
Only 8GB of memory
No Thunderbolt 3
No DisplayPort via USB-C
Could use another USB Type-A port
Core i7 CPU outpaces GPU options

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick related products using a variety of criteria: direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i is a supremely affordable gaming laptop that’s also versatile enough to double as a general-purpose, home laptop as long as you don’t intend to stray from a wall outlet for too long. If you are only interested in gaming, however, the Acer Nitro 5 is even more affordable and delivers roughly the same performance and better battery life but only a 60Hz display.

By IGN on December 03, 2020

By TechAdvisor on August 21, 2020

The IdeaPad Gaming 3i 15 is marketed as an affordable gaming laptop for low-impact titles, but it can easily double as a productivity machine during the day. Unfortunately, it suffers from a lacking display, and it could do with more powerful GPU options.

By WindowsCentral on August 03, 2020

The IdeaPad Gaming 3i 15IMH05 represents a well-rounded gaming laptop in the entry-level segment that offers a good price-performance ratio.

By NotebookCheck on July 11, 2020

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i offers strong performance and decent battery life, but the display is incredibly dull.

By LaptopMag on July 05, 2020

Just being able to run games isn’t quite enough to recommend this as the gaming laptop to buy — even if it’s aimed at people on a strict budget. I’d either hold out for a deal on a more expensive option or consider Dell’s new $880 G5 15 SE, which features AMD’s comparable 7nm Ryzen 5 4600H processor and superior RX 5600M graphic chip.

By The Verge on June 19, 2020

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

Similar To

Price: $998

TechSpot Metascore

User Score

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

Dell G5 15 SE - 2020

Acer Predator Helios 300 - 2019

HP Pavilion Gaming 15 - 2020

Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB

Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 - 2020

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 - 2020

Expert reviews and ratings