jlp0209

Thanks for the reply. I’m using the stock Lenovo GPU drivers and everything works / no black screen, but still get g-sync stutter. It also doesn’t install the NV usb-c driver that is included with later NV drivers, so not sure what to make of that yet. My exact setup is to use “hybrid-auto mode” in Vantage which should be used to utilize Advanced Optimus. In the NV control panel I select “dGPU only.” This enables all options in the NV control panel including g-sync. Also enabled is adaptive sync in the Intel graphics command center. When using “dGPU only” mode in Vantage, the Intel command center crashes / isn’t available and rightly so due to iGPU being bypassed completely. I’ll need to do more testing, I am very curious whether Intel adaptive sync is really being used while in my setup above. I haven’t found anything anywhere on it. It doesn’t make sense that it would be used since traffic is going through the dGPU only. My Timespy scores are identical when using dGPU only mode in Vantage vs. Advanced Optimus method, so that’s good. To add insult to injury, NV driver 511.65 won’t install because it says PC not compatible. So this means I can’t use any driver from NV earlier than 512.xx which work properly. I do love the larger screen vs the Blade, keyboard is better, GPU is able to run at constant 150w during gaming which is great. Noise-wise, as far as fans go they are both pretty similar to me and not intrusive. The Blade is an impressive piece of kit; thermals on the GPU are cooler even when using flashed vbios. The Legion is very heavy in comparison obviously. As of now I’m leaning toward returning the L5P as great as it is. May try the regular L5 that I’m pretty sure won’t have this problem. Sorry for writing an essay. I’ll post anything else I can dig up re: Advanced Optimus utilizing Intel adaptive sync when g-sync is turned off.

Just an update / question. I can't use "dGPU only" mode in Vantage unless I revert back to older Lenovo GPU drivers; I get a black screen upon boot up. So, I'm using "hybrid-auto mode" in Vantage, and also set NV control panel to dGPU only. If I use G-sync I get the usual terrible stutter. Using the laptop in this way, the Intel command center is still functional and enables adaptive sync from there. Games are smooth as butter. If I am using dGPU only mode how come the Intel command center is still accessible? Is traffic still going through the iGPU as in normal hybrid / optimus mode? Or am I connected directly to the dGPU yet also reaping benefit of Intel adaptive sync somehow? Thanks for any insight, I don't understand how I can be in dGPU mode yet use Intel adaptive sync?

Received the 5i Pro today. Updated to latest system bios, latest GPU drivers, and made sure the updated Lenovo vbios were installed. Unfortunately, broken G-sync issues persist for me. Disabled core isolation, played with all Vantage GPU settings re: hybrid mode / dGPU only / Advanced Optimus deciding GPU automatically. Tested F1 2022 and Forza Horizon 5. Both unplayable stuttering messes. My Blade 14 running on the Radeon 680M iGPU runs these games smoother (albeit a lower settings) than this laptop and my old L7 Gen 6 did, which is sad. It is very much a Lenovo issue. Didn't happen on an Alienware X15 r2 (functional G-sync), MSI GP66, and my Blade. Otherwise the screen is flawless, keyboard fantastic, trackpad has no issues. Really a shame, this laptop will be returned. Very curious whether the 240hz 1440p panels exhibit this issue; not available at all yet it seems and Lenovo still has no CTO options. May give the regular Legion 5 with FHD screen a try since it's a totally different screen and will probably work just fine.

Agree, Walmart deal is better. Just popped in to Microcenter and played with the 7i, 5 Pro, and 5. Surprisingly the keyboard is best on the regular 5 in terms of key travel and overall comfort. The 5 Pro slightly less so, with the 7i my least favorite. Bottomed out easily on the 7i, they still need to make the key depth deeper, imo. Also interestingly, the AMD L5 non-pro has Advanced Optimus and G-Sync. Totally did not expect it. The AMD L5 Pro did not have AO or G-Sync. Very odd. Walmart also has the L5 AMD / 3070 Ti for $1650. The screens are far and away better on the 7i and 5 Pro. But the regular 5 has me interested again based on my play time with the 3.

Thank you so much for reaching out to him. I am watching his new 7i review now. I'm planning on going to Microcenter to play with the Legion 5 Pro. Their model is $1899 with 32gb / 1tb vs 16/512 from Walmart. If I later add a 980 Pro and 32gb ddr5 kit to Walmart, it'd actually be more expensive than $1899, so I may pull the trigger while there. Walmart hasn't shipped yet anyway. I am making many typos on the Blade keyboard since I've been using Legions for the last 10+ months. Interested to hear your thoughts on the L5P once you receive it.

I am weak and couldn't resist the latest Walmart special: 5i Pro with 12700H + 3070 Ti , 16gb/512tb ssd, for $1599. Price is just too good and $900 less than my Blade 14. Fingers crossed G-Sync is fixed vs Gen 6 Legions. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lenovo-Legion-5-Pro-16-Laptop-Intel-Core-i7-12700H-NVIDIA-GeForce-RTX-3070Ti-16GB-RAM-512GB-SSD-Windows-11-Home-Storm-Gray-82RF000TUS/942208519

That is a very nice deal. I've been viewing reviews of the Gen 7 5i Pro and they all seem to run insanely hot? *Edit- revisited proper reviews like Jarrod rather than some other hacks, and see that thermals are pretty under control. Nevermind.

Glad to see the price falling from that original ridiculous $4000+ amount. It's almost low enough to tempt me but yeah, I don't think any laptop is worth more than $2500. Especially a $800 - $1000+ premium for a 3080 Ti vs 3070 Ti. That's just TGH.

I can't say with 100% certainty that it affects AO enabled systems as well, I could've sworn I found comments that it does. It's an issue with all drivers 512.xx and beyond. I had some optimism since one driver update seemingly fixed it on HP Omens, but nothing yet.

Microcenter now selling the Legion 7i i9 HX / 3080 Ti for $3500. It is in stock locally at my store. I'd consider it but for G-sync never being fixed on Gen 6 Legions with 1600p screens, so hard pass. https://www.microcenter.com/product/649578/lenovo-legion-7i-16iax7-160-gaming-laptop-computer-grey

Gotcha. No I do not do rendering. I think a good starting point then may be 45w - 55w and see what happens regarding temps and performance? If you haven't already, try Legion Toolkit and Legion Fan Control. Those combined with APU Tuning Utility may help your temperatures.

Sorry, I misspoke. Within APU Utility I cap the PL0, PL1, PL2 TDP at 35w, rather than lock TDP. Correct, with these settings the CPU never exceeds 35w, it operates lower as normal when power isn't needed.

Have you tried using AMD APU Tuning utility yet? You can lock the TDP at 35w which is what I usually do. No noticeable performance difference to me.

It supposedly automates an undervolt using the app but is still tied to AMD's algorithm and still not as good as a manual undervolt. I may be wrong, that's just what I've gathered from my brief reading about it. If your temps are too high for your liking the better approach is to use the tweaked power settings with Legion Toolkit or otherwise doing a minor registry edit. My CPU performance boost mode setting is set to "efficient aggressive" rather than "aggressive" or "enabled" and I never come close to thermal issues when gaming or with any other use (I normally don't do really any CPU intensive tasks). https://github.com/BartoszCichecki/LenovoLegionToolkit

You can adjust the core using "core optimizer" within the AATU (AMD Tuning Utility) app. I tried it, it works, but nothing earth-shattering like traditional undervolting using XTU / Throttlestop. Your mileage may vary. https://github.com/JamesCJ60/AMD-APU-Tuning-Utility/releases

Did you get the one with the i7 + 3060 for $1500? If you paid $1700 for it it's currently on sale at BB and you should get a price reduction. Why did you sell the Razer? I tried and returned a refurb Alienware X15 r2 with i7 + 3080 Ti that I got for a great price. Despite that I returned it. They still don't let you set a custom fan profile while running at max power. Only way to get max TGP is to run full throttle fans, which is ridiculous. You also can't back up your vbios if you want to flash a higher TGP, which I would've liked to have tried eventually. Not worth it. Still happy with my Legion, will look at the upcoming 7th gen for their HX processors which I'm excited about...yet don't want to pay $3800 for.

If you live near a Microcenter, they somehow have the AMD Legion 5 Pro w/ RTX 3070 Ti in stock. I've yet to see it even on Lenovo's site. Wonder if they have some sort of retailer exclusivity? It is $1979.00. As good as it gets if you want AMD CPU + nVidia GPU combo in a Legion laptop for 2022. https://www.microcenter.com/product/649579/lenovo-legion-5-pro-16arh7h-160-gaming-laptop-computer-grey?storeid=151

Keep checking the site, it'll come and go if the Legion 5 Pro Gen 6 is any indicator. Fair comments above, highly dependent on the user. I no longer have any desire for a desktop PC considering how powerful laptops are becoming. Give me a nice screen, powerful components, good battery, dual storage drives, good warranty = happy as a clam. Years ago I bought a Mythlogic laptop and a Clevo (forgot the type) from another boutique shop that had screen issues prior to that. I sold the Mythlogic about a year after I bought it and the buyer emailed me a year after that due to motherboard failure and Mythlogic needing some purchase info from me. I have no patience or time for that nonsense / dealing with boutique companies, total pain. Also my games all run at at least high - ultra at 1600p and over 100fps on this thing (Forza games, Sekiro, Grid, F1, RDR2, Death Stranding). Anything over 60fps is gravy to me, which this laptop will be more than capable of for at least some years. GPU temps are fantastic, I rarely have seen it surpass 80 degrees. It runs cooler than my desktop 3080 Ti did which blows my mind (granted I had a smaller ATX setup, but still, it's quite a feat, imo). This laptop has changed the game for me in terms of setup. First time in 12+ years I've been comfortable going laptop only. The ability to take my entire work server + files in addition to a gaming beast, that also has 7 hours of battery life when needed, anywhere I go, is invaluable. Yes, I've become a Legion fanboy 🙂.

Hell of a deal and still available. Using a slim 240w GaN charger at the office so I don't need to lug the power brick. Anyone in the market at the moment for a 15" - 17" work + play laptop should strongly consider this. Only full powered 3080 Ti laptops will (slightly) beat this one in terms of gaming performance, at over twice the cost with less battery life.

Sorry, I didn't try putting the laptop to sleep. I didn't measure the undervolt, I took the bios' word for it and saw slightly lower temps in benchmarking. The display on the BB 3070 Ti model that I had was the 2650X1600 screen. Hadn't tried Windows 10 on it, sorry.

Received the M16 today with i9 CPU and RTX 3070 Ti. There's a dead pixel in the middle of the screen so it is already packed up and ready for return. But I did some testing prior to packing it. The build quality is very nice, screen is gorgeous, and keyboard + touchpad are very good. The fans are incredibly loud on Turbo mode, which I'd normally use when gaming. You CAN undervolt the i9 CPU in the system bios which is really nice. It gives you the option of a plus or minus 80mv. I settled on -70mv. It does help when under a gaming load, I also use a laptop stand for optimal airflow beneath the laptop. I saw no problems with CPU temps as long as the fans were on full blast, which isn't ideal. This was just with 3dmark. I tried flashing the vbios with the two available vbios out there, one from Asus and the other Clevo. No dice, tried every version of Nvflash. Too bad because those vbios were 140w and 150w. I was not at all impressed with performance. I ran Timespy with a +100/+200 OC on the GPU and system set to Turbo mode. My Legion 5 with 140w flashed 3070 beats it, runs quieter and cooler. We are talking +1000 points in graphics score (11,469), linked in sig. Hybrid mode: 10,537 overall score, 10,266 graphics score. CPU score 12,397. http://www.3dmark.com/spy/26557292 MUX / dGPU only mode: 10,864 overall, 10,492 graphics score. CPU score 13,596. http://www.3dmark.com/spy/26557425 On its own I'd be happy with the GPU score while in dGPU mode, but you lose adaptive sync which is a deal breaker for me. I was hoping for better performance in hybrid mode which is what I'd use for all of my gaming. This performance barely beats a 130w 3060. Overall this is a fantastic laptop despite the performance. Just isn't for me. Form factor, weight, looks, and 16:10 screen are great, in addition to what I stated above. If you need power in a light and portable package and don't care about adaptive sync, it could be perfect for you. Was worth a try!

That's really funny that you got a Blade 15. Hope it works out, I do like the laptop just not Razer. I may end up buying the new Blade 15 once it hits the Microsoft store if the M16 doesn't work out. I don't use an external monitor or USB-C dongle at the moment so hopefully I can avoid heat and connectivity issues. That's my favorite part of my Legion, ports aplenty, I'm at my office and have my printer, scanner, label maker connected via USB, with my phone charging on USB-C. I'd need to get a dock if I stick with Asus or if I get a Blade.

Just pulled the trigger and bought the M16 3070 Ti model, should deliver tomorrow. Got BB Totaltech membership since I get $140 back in rewards for using my BB credit card. Cheaper over 2 years than paying for just their warranty. Looking for something lighter than my Legion 5. I posted in the Lenovo forum that I snagged a Legion 7i w/ Intel 11800H and RTX 3080 from the Lenovo outlet. Received it two days ago and the box shows that exact spec. Powered it on and thought something looked slightly different but couldn't put my finger on it. Looked at device manager, and it is the last gen i7 10780H and 2070 Super model! Unreal re: my terrible luck with Lenovo! Time to move on to a different brand for now. Only system comparable to the M16, for now, seems to be the new Blade 15, but that thing is overpriced and I hate Razer as a company. Anyway, I see that there are already Asus and MSI 3070 Ti 125-150w vbios posted. The device ID's look to be the same from what I've seen. I have an old Alienware 330w power supply that *should* work with the M16 from what I've read on the voltage and amps (it is 19.5v and 16.9 A I believe, don't have it handy at moment). In case the flash works and I need more power. I am curious if flashing the vbios will work to eek out some more performance, especially since you lose adaptive sync when in dGPU mode. Will post my results if a flash is possible. Why did you get rid of your M16, I thought you liked it? I read your BB review, nicely put btw.

The new M16 looks very nice, I may be with you if this latest L7 doesn't work out.

I agree, haven't tried in quite some time but setting a 27" 4K monitor to 1080p looks fantastic and you also get the great performance. You got rid of your ThinkPad and went with Asus M16?! How do you like it?