If you've been hunting for a gaming laptop that doesn't break the bank but still packs a punch, this one's worth a look. B&H has knocked $381 off the Lenovo LOQ 17, bringing it down to just $749. That's a solid price for a 17-inch machine with a 165Hz screen and the new RTX 5050 graphics. Let me break it down for you.
What Makes This Deal Stand Out?
First off, the RTX 5050 is NVIDIA's latest entry-level ray tracing card, and it's a noticeable step up from the RTX 4050 in raw performance. You'll be able to play modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Call of Duty at high settings with DLSS 3.5 support, and the 165Hz screen keeps everything buttery smooth.
The i5-13450HX is a desktop-class chip with 10 cores (6 performance + 4 efficiency), so it handles multitasking and CPU-heavy games without breaking a sweat. 12GB of DDR5 RAM is a bit of an oddball β most laptops come with 8 or 16 β but it's enough for gaming and everyday use. If you need more, you can upgrade it later since it's socketed.
Storage is a 512GB NVMe SSD, which is standard at this price. You'll get fast load times, but if you're a game hoarder like me, you might want to add a second drive down the road. The LOQ has an extra M.2 slot, so that's easy.
Who Is This Laptop For?
This is a great pick if you want a big screen for immersive gaming or creative work without spending over a grand. The 17.3-inch display is ideal for people who don't plan to move their laptop much β it's a bit heavy at around 5.5 pounds, but the screen real estate is worth it.
Students or remote workers who need a powerful machine for video editing, 3D modeling, or running virtual machines will appreciate the CPU and GPU combo. Just keep in mind the battery life is average (around 4-5 hours of light use), so you'll want to keep the charger handy.
How Does the Price Compare?
Historically, the LOQ 17 with these specs has hovered around $1,000-$1,100. At $749, it's one of the lowest prices we've seen for an RTX 5050 laptop, especially with a 165Hz panel. B&H is a reputable retailer, so you're not dealing with sketchy third-party sellers.
If you compare it to similar 17-inch gaming laptops from Dell or HP, they often cost $100-$200 more for the same GPU. So this is a solid deal if you're in the market.
Bottom Line
- Excellent value for a 17-inch gaming laptop with RTX 5050 and 165Hz display.
- Upgradeable RAM and storage add long-term flexibility.
- Price is $381 off typical retail β a rare discount on this model.
Common Questions
Is the RTX 5050 good for 4K gaming?
Not really β it's designed for 1080p high-refresh gaming. You'll get great frame rates at 1080p, but 4K will require lowering settings or using DLSS.
Can I upgrade the RAM?
Yes, it has two SODIMM slots, and one is occupied by a 12GB stick. You can swap it for a 16GB or 32GB kit.
Does this laptop have a good keyboard?
It has a full-size keyboard with a numpad, which is nice for productivity. The key travel is average β not as deep as a ThinkPad, but fine for gaming.
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