Notebook Review
Lenovo Legion Y540-17 Review: Practical 17-inch Gaming on a Budget
Editor note: This article is an original English adaptation by Notebook Center, based on a Notebook-Center.ru review.
Overview
The Lenovo Legion Y540-17 is a 17.3-inch gaming notebook aimed at users who want reliable Full HD gaming without paying for premium-tier hardware. In this configuration, it combines an Intel Core i5-9300H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, 8 GB RAM, and dual storage (1 TB HDD + 128 GB SSD). The design is restrained for a gaming model, so it can fit both home use and work/study spaces.
Technical Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-9300H, 2.4 GHz |
| Memory | 8 GB DDR4-2666 |
| Storage | 1 TB HDD 7200 rpm + 128 GB SSD |
| Display | 17.3" IPS, 1920x1080, matte |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 + NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4 GB GDDR5 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 speakers |
| Ports | 3x USB 3.0, USB Type-C, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, RJ-45, combo audio jack |
| Webcam | 1 MP |
| Battery | 3-cell Li-ion, 57 Wh |
| Size and Weight | 400 x 290 x 26 mm, 2.8 kg |
| OS | DOS |
Design and Build
The chassis is plastic but feels solid in normal use, with no obvious panel gaps. The look is clean and relatively understated for a gaming machine, with a distinctive offset hinge design. At 2.8 kg and with a large 17.3-inch footprint, it is mainly a desk laptop, though occasional transport is realistic.
Display and Multimedia
The matte Full HD IPS panel is well suited to gaming and daily media use thanks to stable viewing angles and good contrast. Brightness is more comfortable indoors than outdoors. Audio quality is acceptable and supports Dolby Atmos, but bass is limited because there is no dedicated subwoofer. The 1 MP webcam is usable for video calls but basic in image quality.
Keyboard and Input
The full-size island keyboard includes a numpad and backlight, with comfortable key size and feedback for both work and play. The touchpad is responsive and handles gestures well, while most gamers will still prefer an external mouse during longer sessions.
Performance and Gaming
This hardware set targets mid-range gaming. The Core i5-9300H and GTX 1650 can run many titles at Full HD with good visual quality, including demanding games from the period, though the heaviest titles may require settings balance to keep frame rates smooth. For everyday tasks and multitasking, the platform remains responsive, and dual storage helps separate system speed from bulk game/file storage.
Ports, Connectivity, and Battery
Port layout is practical: many connectors are placed at the rear, which helps cable management on a desk. You get modern essentials including USB Type-C, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, and wired Ethernet. Battery life depends heavily on graphics mode and workload: light use can reach around 5.5 hours on integrated graphics, while gaming on discrete graphics is much shorter, roughly around one hour under heavy load.
Verdict
The Legion Y540-17 is a sensible choice for users who want a larger gaming screen and balanced performance at a more accessible price point. Its main strengths are practical gaming performance, a comfortable keyboard, and useful port layout. The main compromises are limited battery endurance in gaming, modest webcam quality, and lightweight bass response from the built-in speakers.