Unleash the Power: Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (Gen 8) Review

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: One-minute review

The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i is a smaller, budget-friendly gaming desktop that starts at $1,149. It’s well-suited for anyone looking for a rig that can handle 1080p gaming without breaking the bank. The base configuration features an Intel Core i5, Nvidia RTX 4060, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD.

Key features

Compact design with ARGB lighting
Quiet operation due to multiple 150w fans and VRM heatsink
Nahimic 3D audio for virtual surround sound
Lenovo Vantage application for control and customization
Includes keyboard and mouse

Pros and cons

Excellent 1080p gaming performance
Compact design with decent cooling
Quiet operation
Upgradability options available
ARGB lighting is limited compared to the 7i model
Limited USB-C ports
No dust filtration capabilities
Design is similar to the 7i model, but with less ARGB lighting

Should I buy the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i?

The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i is a great option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly 1080p gaming desktop. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it still offers excellent gaming performance and quiet operation. If you’re willing to overlook the limited ARGB lighting and lack of dust filtration, the Legion Tower 5i is definitely worth considering.

Price and availability

The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i is available for $1,149.99.

Also consider

If you’re considering other options, here are two gaming desktops to consider:

MSI Trident X: A more compact and affordable gaming desktop with similar specs to the Legion Tower 5i.
HP Omen Obelisk: A more powerful gaming desktop with a stronger focus on high-end gaming and content creation.

How I tested the Lenovo Legion 5i

I spent over a week using the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i, putting it to the test across various tasks. During work hours, I managed everyday computing using Google Chrome, running multiple tabs for apps like Asana, Google Docs, and Hootsuite. For content creation, I leaned on Adobe Premiere and Photoshop to design graphics and produce short-form social media videos.

To evaluate its high frame rate capabilities, I played fast-paced games like Valorant and Fortnite. Pushing the system further, I tested graphically demanding titles like Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and Black Myth: Wukong. Additionally, I also ran Forza Motorsport (2023) and Starfield to assess how the Legion Tower 5i handles diverse gaming experiences and visual performance.

I’ve spent the past several years covering monitors alongside other PC components for TechRadar. Outside of gaming, I’ve been proficient in Adobe Suite for over a decade as well.