Lenovo LOQ Tower Gen 9 (Intel) Review: Compact, Quiet, but Pricey
Lenovo’s LOQ Tower is impressively compact and stays quiet under load, but it needs a price cut to compete with the leading budget gaming PCs.
Looking for a budget-friendly gaming desktop that won't take up too much space? Look no further than the Lenovo LOQ Tower. With its compact size, USB Type-C and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and quiet operation, it's a great choice for those who want a powerful gaming PC without breaking the bank. However, with a price tag of $899.99, is it worth the investment? Let's find out in this review.
Configuration and Design: Small but Mighty
The Lenovo LOQ Tower may be small, but it packs a punch. With an Intel Core i5-14400F CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, and 8GB of memory, it's not the most powerful gaming desktop out there, but it can handle 1080p and light 1440p gaming with ease. The compact size of the tower is commendable, especially compared to its larger competitors such as the NZXT Player: One.
However, if you plan on installing a larger graphics card, you may run into some limitations. The design of the LOQ Tower is simple and subdued, with a finned front panel and a blue LED light strip being the only standout features. While the tower is made of plastic and rolled steel, it does feel a bit hollow and lacks the high-end quality of other gaming PCs. The front ports include USB Type-A and Type-C connections, while the rear ports include USB 2.0, Ethernet, and audio options. It's worth noting that the tower also includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, a nice touch for a budget-friendly gaming PC.
Using the Lenovo LOQ Tower: Serviceable and Expandable
The LOQ Tower is easy to access and expand, with a simple side panel that can be removed with just two thumbscrews. The interior layout makes good use of the available space, with storage expansion options including a 3.5-inch drive and SATA and power cables for additional drives. The tower also features a bottom-mounted power supply with 500 watts of power, enough for most users. However, the single eight-pin PCI Express power connector may limit you from installing a high-end graphics card. In terms of performance, the LOQ Tower holds its own against its competitors, with solid scores in productivity and content creation tests. However, when it comes to gaming, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 falls short compared to the more powerful graphics cards found in other gaming PCs. While it can handle 1080p gaming, it may struggle with newer and more demanding titles at higher resolutions.
Verdict: Cool, Compact, but Overpriced
Overall, the Lenovo LOQ Tower is a solid budget gaming PC that offers compact size, quiet operation, and decent performance. However, with a price tag of $899.99, it's hard to justify choosing it over other options such as the NZXT Player: One, which offers similar specifications for $100 less. Of course, a sale could make the LOQ Tower a more appealing choice, but at its current price, it's a hard sell.
The Bottom Line
If you're in the market for a budget gaming PC that won't take up too much space, the Lenovo LOQ Tower is worth considering. However, with its high price and limited performance, there are better options available. Keep an eye out for sales, and you may be able to snag this compact and quiet gaming PC at a more reasonable price.
