Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 laptop. Does it live up to the hype? It is an amazing device that offers the best of both worlds. It is perfect for gamers who want great performance and portability.
The IdeaPad Gaming 3 laptop has a powerful processor and dedicated graphics card, which allows you to play the latest games without any problems.
Additionally, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 is very thin and lightweight, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
But does it deliver? In this article, we give you an IdeaPad Gaming 3 review and discuss its specs and whether or not it is good for gaming. So, if you are curious about Lenovo’s latest gaming laptop, read on.
And if you need a new gaming chair and keyboard for your computer or are looking for other How-To guides, I’ve got you covered with my other articles.
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Review
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Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Review
To review the IdeaPad Gaming 3 laptop, we need to look at the latest Gen 6 models, the 15ACH6 and 15IHU6. As you would expect these new model releases have improved upon the processors and the GPU cards across the board. Also, with improved thermal performance, you are able to run your games for longer without the laptop heating up.
Processor Options:
The IdeaPad Gaming 3 laptops are a great option for gamers on a budget. The Gen 6 models are especially good with the new AMD Ryzen 5000H or Intel 11th generation processors and up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics cards.
As mentioned above, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 Gen 6 models run on the Ryzen 5000 H Series processor, which was designed for gaming. Your other option is the Intel 11th generation i5 or i7 mobile processor. Both these options are incredibly efficient, meaning your battery life will last longer.
Graphics Options:
Now, let’s talk about the graphics. This laptop is powered by the GeForce RTX 30 series laptop GPUs which are built on the NVIDIA Ampere Architecture. NVIDIA says this is the “most advanced platform for ray tracing and AI technologies that are revolutionizing the ways we play and create.” This is right on par with many of the Legion gaming laptops; some of them are offered with the RTX 30 series as well.
The Gen 6 also has Advanced Optimus technology which delivers better performance, lower latency, and improves battery life.
IdeaPad Gaming 3 15IHU6:
| Graphics Options | Memory | Boost Clock |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU | 4GB GDDR6 | 1500 MHz / 1740 MHz |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU | 4GB GDDR6 | 1485 MHz / 1695 MHz |
IdeaPad Gaming 3 15ACH6:
| Graphics Option | Memory | Boost Clock |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU | 4GB GDDR6 | 1500 MHz / 1635 MHz |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU | 4GB GDDR6 | 1485 MHz / 1597.5 MHz |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU | 6GB GDDR6 | 1282 MHz / 1485 MHz |
Improved Cooling:
Dissipating 35% to 41% more heat (120W) than the last generation, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 runs faster and cooler than the previous models. Get more than double the airflow out of more air outlets and up to four heat pipes.
Lenovo Vantage allows you to choose your thermal profile, so you can run the IdeaPad Gaming 3 at its maximum performance or quiet mode when doing less demanding tasks.
Get your NEW IdeaPad Gaming 3 Gen 6 laptop straight from Lenovo using my affiliate link.
Display:
The display is pretty good, especially for a somewhat entry-level gaming laptop. You can get up-to-165Hz FHD (1920×1080) IPS display that provides great detail and frame rates. Plus, you can play games at 100% sRGB on a near bezel-less 15.6″ screen.
IdeaPad Gaming 3 15IHU6 and 15ACH6:
| Display Option 1 | Display Option 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 15.6″ | 15.6″ |
| Resolution | FHD (1920×1080) | FHD (1920×1080) |
| Type | IPS | IPS |
| Brightness nits | 250 nits | 300 nits |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Contrast Ratio | 800:1 | 1000:1 |
| Color Gamut | 45% NTSC | 100% sRGB |
| Viewing Angle | 170° Viewing | 170° Viewing |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz Refresh | 165Hz Refresh |
Keyboard:
The IdeaPad Gaming 3 Gen 6 keyboard continues the Lenovo tradition of providing great keyboards. It has 1.5mm full key travel, 100% anti-ghosting, and 100% N-key rollover.
This is very similar to the previous model’s keyboard except the Gen 6 is offered with a white backlight and optional 4-zone RGB keyboard for full immersion.
Audio:
The IdeaPad Gaming 3 Gen 6 uses the Realtek ALC3287 codec audio chip and also includes Nahimic Audio, which provides a 7.1 channel, 3D sound technology. It gives you an immersive audio experience out of the laptop’s speakers.
Ports:
The ports are fairly standard. They run along both sides of the laptop, whereas the Legion has ports along the back. It’s worth noting there is only one USB-C port and is for data transfer only, you cannot charge the laptop with this port.
Upgradable:
A great thing about this laptop is you can upgrade both the RAM and SSD drives. The RAM is upgradable to 32GB of DDR4-3200, and there are two slots. The SSD and HDD drives can be upgraded to either 512GB or 1TB, depending on the model. (see above)
Downsides:
Battery: There are two battery options, a 45W and 60W. The 45W battery might be too low for some users, and they might want to opt for the 60W battery. That being said, if you are playing games, you will most likely keep the laptop plugged in anyway.
x16 RAM: I’ve seen at least some models of the Gen 6 come with x16 RAM. It looks like others may come with the better-performing x8 RAM though.
1Rx8 RAM is faster and has better timings than x16 RAM which therefore gives you better game performance. Manufacturers across the board are installing x16 memory in their laptops, but it is seemingly impossible to know if the laptop you are going to buy has x8 or x16.
Fingerprint Reader: The IdeaPad Gaming 3 Gen 6 does not have a fingerprint reader.
IdeaPad Gaming 3 Model 15IHU6 Configurations
See the table below for configuration offerings for the Intel 15IHU6 models.
| Model 82K1 | Processor | Graphics | Memory | SSD Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82K10003US | Intel Core i7-11370H (4C / 8T, 3.3 / 4.8GHz, 12MB) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 256GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe + 1TB HDD 5400rpm 2.5″ |
| 82K1000HUS | Intel Core i5-11300H (4C / 8T, 3.1 / 4.4GHz, 8MB) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 256GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe |
| 82K1000JUS | Intel Core i7-11370H (4C / 8T, 3.3 / 4.8GHz, 12MB) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe + 1TB HDD 5400rpm 2.5″ |
| 82K1000KUS | Intel Core i5-11300H (4C / 8T, 3.1 / 4.4GHz, 8MB) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe + 1TB HDD 5400rpm 2.5″ |
| 82K100HWUS | Intel Core i5-11300H (4C / 8T, 3.1 / 4.4GHz, 8MB) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe |
| 82K100LMUS | Intel Core i7-11370H (4C / 8T, 3.3 / 4.8GHz, 12MB) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe + 1TB HDD 5400rpm 2.5″ |
| 82K100LPUS | Intel Core i7-11370H (4C / 8T, 3.3 / 4.8GHz, 12MB) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 256GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe + 1TB HDD 5400rpm 2.5″ |
| 82K100LTUS | Intel Core i7-11370H (4C / 8T, 3.3 / 4.8GHz, 12MB) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 256GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe + 1TB HDD 5400rpm 2.5″ |
| 82K100LWCC | Intel Core i7-11370H (4C / 8T, 3.3 / 4.8GHz, 12MB) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 | 2x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe + 1TB HDD 5400rpm 2.5″ |
| 82K100RKUS | Intel Core i7-11370H (4C / 8T, 3.3 / 4.8GHz, 12MB) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 256GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe |
| 82K1015EUS | Intel Core i5-11300H (4C / 8T, 3.1 / 4.4GHz, 8MB) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 256GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe |
IdeaPad Gaming 3 Model 15ACH6 Configurations
See the table below for configuration offerings for the Intel 15ACH6 models.
| Model | Processor | Graphics | Memory | SSD Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82K20001US | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H (6C / 12T, 3.3 / 4.2GHz, 3MB L2 / 16MB L3) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 256GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe + 1TB HDD 5400rpm 2.5″ |
| 82K2000VUS | AMD Ryzen 7 5800H (8C / 16T, 3.2 / 4.4GHz, 4MB L2 / 16MB L3) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 | 2x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe |
| 82K2000WCC | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H (6C / 12T, 3.3 / 4.2GHz, 3MB L2 / 16MB L3) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe |
| 82K20013US | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H (6C / 12T, 3.3 / 4.2GHz, 3MB L2 / 16MB L3) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe |
| 82K20014US | AMD Ryzen 7 5800H (8C / 16T, 3.2 / 4.4GHz, 4MB L2 / 16MB L3) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 256GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe + 1TB HDD 5400rpm 2.5″ |
| 82K2001FUS | AMD Ryzen 7 5800H (8C / 16T, 3.2 / 4.4GHz, 4MB L2 / 16MB L3) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe |
| 82K2003KUS | AMD Ryzen 7 5800H (8C / 16T, 3.2 / 4.4GHz, 4MB L2 / 16MB L3) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 256GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe + 1TB HDD 5400rpm 2.5″ |
| 82K200V0US | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H (6C / 12T, 3.3 / 4.2GHz, 3MB L2 / 16MB L3) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe |
| 82K200XXUS | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H (6C / 12T, 3.3 / 4.2GHz, 3MB L2 / 16MB L3) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe |
| 82K200UYUS | AMD Ryzen 7 5800H (8C / 16T, 3.2 / 4.4GHz, 4MB L2 / 16MB L3) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 | 256GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe + 1TB HDD 5400rpm 2.5″ |
Is the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 good for gaming
Yes, it’s great for gaming, especially the latest Gen 6 models. The IdeaPad Gaming 3 was designed to be an affordable, entry-level gaming laptop. You can think of it as Lenovo Legion’s little brother. It offers both work and gaming performance in one.
Lenovo’s latest release of the IdeaPad Gaming 3 is the Gen 6 (Amazon link) was released mid-year 2021. While it may not be as powerful as the more expensive Legion gaming laptops from Lenovo, this laptop can run most games with no problem.
New models have improved thermal performance that Lenovo states “dissipates 35% – 45% more heat”, 1.5mm key travel with anti-ghosting, 165Hz FHD IPS display, Nahimic Audio, which is described as “7.1 channel immersive surround sound”, and is upgradable with more RAM and SSD.
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 specs
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a 15.6″ laptop and is offered with either Intel or AMD Ryzen processors. All models have an NVIDIA discrete graphics card and other gaming specifications.
The Gen 6 models have the latest AMD Ryzen 5 5600H or 7 5800H, or the 11th generation Intel Core i5-11300H, i5-11320H, i7-11370H, or i7-11390H. In addition, you can get an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB, 3050 Ti 4GB, or RTX 3060 6GB graphics. The models are 15ACH6 and 15IHU6.
IdeaPad Gaming 3 Gen 6 Specs:
- RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4-3200 RAM – Two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, dual-channel capable
- SSD Slot1: M.2 2242 SSD up to 512GB – PCIe NVMe, PCIe 3.0 x4
- SSD Slot2: M.2 2280 SSD up to 1TB – PCIe NVMe, PCIe 3.0 x2
- HDD: 2.5″ HDD up to 1TB
- Display: 15.6″ Display FHD (1920×1080) IPS 250 or 300 Nits, up to refresh rate 165Hz
- Audio: High Definition (HD) Audio, Realtek ALC3287 codec
- Battery: Integrated Li-Polymer 45Wh or 60Wh battery, supports Rapid Charge Pro (charge up to 50% in 30min)
- Keyboard: 1.5 mm key travel, anti-ghosting, 100% N-key rollover. Backlit – white, or 4-zone RGB
- Dimensions: 14.16 x 9.92 x 0.95 inches
- Weight: 4.96 lbs
- WiFi: Up to WiFi 6 – 802.11ax 2×2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.0
- Ports: 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (supports data transfer only), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.0, RJ45, Power In, Headphone / mic combo,
IdeaPad Gaming 3 Gen 5 Specs:
The Gen 5 was released 01/25/2021 and is available with Intel 10th generation or AMD Ryzen 4600,4800 processors. Both offer NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics cards. The models are 15IMH05 (81Y4,82CG), and 15ARH05. See the specs below.
- RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4-2933 or DDR4-3200 RAM – Two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, dual-channel capable
- SSD Slot1: M.2 2242 SSD up to 512GB – PCIe NVMe, PCIe 3.0 x4
- SSD Slot2: M.2 2280 SSD up to 512GB or 1TB – PCIe NVMe, PCIe 3.0 x4
- HDD: 2.5″ HDD up to 1TB
- Display: 15.6″ Display FHD (1920×1080) IPS 250 Nits, up to refresh rate 120Hz
- Battery: Integrated Li-Polymer 45Wh battery, supports Rapid Charge (charge up to 80% in 1 hour)
- Keyboard: Backlit – blue
- Dimensions: 14.13 x 9.83 x 0.98 inches
- Weight: 4.8 lbs
- WiFi: Up to WiFi 6 – 802.11ax 2×2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.0
- USB-C Port: 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (supports data transfer only)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, depending on the model, your options are white, blue, or 4-zone RGB.
The latest version or generation of the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is Gen 6.
Yes, the RAM and SSD can both be upgraded. 32GB max. RAM See my upgrade article.
The newest generation, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 Gen 6 was released mid-year 2021.
No, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 laptop does not have a touchscreen.
Yes, all models of the IdeaPad Gaming 3 are dual-channel capable.
The previous models of the Gaming 3 had up to 120Hz display. The latest Gen 6 IdeaPad Gaming 3 models offer up to 165Hz displays.
No, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 laptop does not support 5G. It does use WiFi 6 however.
The IdeaPad Gaming 3 laptop comes with either a 250 nit or 300 nit display, depending on the model. The 300 nits display is an option only on the new Gen 6 models.
IdeaPad Gaming 3 – Summary
Lenovo’s IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a powerful laptop that is perfect for many gamers. It has a dedicated graphics card and the latest processors, which allows you to play the latest games without any problems. Additionally, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 is very thin and lightweight, so you can take it with you wherever you go. So, if you are looking for a great gaming laptop, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 should definitely be at the top of your list.
J.S. is the owner, content creator, and editor at Upgrades-and-Options.com. I’ve worked in the IT and Computer Support field for over 20 years. The server hardware in my computer labs has mostly been IBM, but I’ve supported Dell, HP, and various other hardware. In addition, as part of my lab administrator responsibilities, I’ve learned, supported, and repaired/upgraded network hardware such as Cisco routers and switches. READ FULL BIO >>