For budget-conscious gamers, the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (Gen 8) is an enticing choice. Delivering excellent 1080p performance for competitive online titles and AAA games alike, this gaming desktop is a strong contender in its price range. However, its design comes with a few compromises, such as minimal dust filtration and limited USB-C ports.
Quick Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Respectable 1080p performance | Limited USB-C ports |
| Quiet even during intense gaming | Lacks dust filtration |
| Affordable starting price | Included peripherals are basic |
Price and Availability
- Starting Price: $1,149 / £1,080 / AU $1,799
- Availability: US, UK, Australia via Lenovo and major retailers
The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i starts at $1,149 in the U.S., with configurations scaling up to $2,399. These options include upgrades like an Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti GPU, and up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM. In the UK and Australia, configurations range between £1,080 and AU $5,359, depending on the specs.
Design and Build Quality
Stylish Yet Functional Design
The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i boasts an understated black chassis with ARGB lighting on the front logo and fans. The mesh front panel facilitates airflow but lacks dust filters, making long-term maintenance more challenging. Its 26-liter case offers ample space for future upgrades in CPU, GPU, and storage.
Port Overview
| Port Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 4 |
| USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | 1 |
| USB 2.0 | 4 |
| Audio Ports (3.5mm) | 3 |
| Ethernet (RJ-45) | 1 |
While the variety of USB-A ports is appreciated, the single USB-C port may necessitate adapters for modern accessories like VR headsets and smartphones.
Included Peripherals
Lenovo bundles a basic keyboard and mouse, but serious gamers will likely want to invest in higher-quality peripherals.
Performance
Reliable 1080p Gaming
Equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, the Legion Tower 5i delivers impressive 1080p performance. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 run at 82 FPS on Ultra settings, while esports titles such as Valorant easily exceed 200 FPS.
Benchmark Results
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| 3DMark Time Spy | 10,060 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra, 1080p) | 82 FPS |
| Total War: Warhammer III (Low, 1080p) | 226 FPS |
Lenovo’s Vantage software enhances performance by allowing light overclocking and GPU optimization through Nvidia DLSS. This makes achieving higher resolutions like 1440p feasible without sacrificing frame rates.
Quiet Operation
Thanks to multiple cooling fans and a VRM heatsink, the Legion Tower 5i remains whisper-quiet, even under heavy gaming loads.
Productivity and Content Creation
While it excels in gaming, this desktop also handles everyday tasks and creative software like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. However, editing 4K video may cause performance bottlenecks.
Upgradability
The spacious case design supports future upgrades, making this desktop a good long-term investment. Buyers can easily swap in a new GPU, add more RAM, or increase storage capacity.
Value and Competitors
Competitive Pricing
The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i offers excellent value for its price, especially for gamers focused on 1080p performance. Comparable systems in this price range often lack the same balance of power and upgradability.
Alternatives to Consider
| Model | Starting Price | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| HP Omen 25L | $1,299 | Fewer upgrade options |
| Dell G5 Gaming Desktop | $1,199 | Less efficient cooling |
| CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme | $1,199 | Limited brand support |
Should You Buy the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i?
Buy It If:
- You prioritize 1080p gaming performance: The Legion Tower 5i excels at delivering smooth gameplay for esports and AAA titles.
- You need an upgrade-friendly system: The roomy chassis ensures easy future upgrades.
- You’re looking for a quiet gaming experience: Its cooling system minimizes noise even during demanding tasks.
Don’t Buy It If:
- You require extensive USB-C connectivity: A single USB-C port may not suffice for modern devices.
- You prefer low-maintenance designs: The lack of dust filtration can complicate upkeep.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (Gen 8) strikes an excellent balance between price and performance, making it a top choice for budget gamers. With room for future upgrades and a focus on quiet operation, this desktop offers long-term value despite minor drawbacks like limited USB-C ports and basic peripherals.
Rating Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Value | 4/5 |
| Design | 3.5/5 |
| Performance | 4.5/5 |
Overall Rating: 4/5
For those seeking a reliable and upgradeable 1080p gaming rig, the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i is a solid investment.
