Introducing the Lenovo LOQ Tower 17IRR9: A Compact Powerhouse
The Lenovo LOQ Tower 17IRR9 has emerged as a standout contender in the desktop category, priced competitively with configurations starting at $899. Tailored for users who seek performance in a compact and wallet-friendly design, the LOQ Tower brings unique advantages to the table. While its small stature might limit port availability, it compensates with noteworthy internal capabilities.
Evolution of the Lenovo LOQ Series
Lenovo's Legion series remains at the forefront as the company's premier gaming laptops. However, diversifying into mid-range gaming solutions, Lenovo introduced the LOQ series. Initially dominated by laptops, this lineup has broadened to include desktop options, such as the LOQ Tower 17IRR9. In an era where mobile computing is rampant, desktops like the Tower 17IRR9 remind us that nothing beats their utility in certain workflows or gaming environments.
Design: Compact Yet Stylish
On the design front, the LOQ Tower 17 impresses with its petite dimensions: 14.8 x 12 x 7 inches and a manageable weight of about 20 pounds. This makes it a seamless fit into busy office settings. However, the LED strip is a signature aesthetic. While sleeker than typical RGB gaming lights, some might find its brightness an unnecessary distraction in professional surroundings. Nonetheless, its overall looks resemble Lenovo's IdeaCentre family, making it less obtrusive in traditional offices.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-14400F |
| Graphics Card | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Connectivities | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1 |
Connectivity: The Ports Situation
In terms of ports, the LOQ Tower 17 fronts a headphone jack, a USB-C connection, and two USB-A ports. The back expands this with another 12 ports, including an additional four USB-A ports, ethernet, and HDMI 1.4b inputs. While sufficient for a multi-monitor and peripheral setup, an extra USB-C and HDMI port would add significant value. Notably, the inclusion of a VGA port feels outdated, especially as the technology landscape progresses beyond 2025.
Performance: Strengths and Limitations
Armed with an Intel Core i5-14400F and Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics, this desktop offers appealing specs for its price bracket. During testing, the machine handled 50 browser tabs, various video-content web pages, and multiple applications simultaneously without breaking a sweat. Even under pressure, including 4K gaming, performance was commendable but had its limits, particularly with high-resolution settings where frame rates dipped and screen tearing became visible.
Competitive Edge Over Others
The integration of Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 distinctly positions the LOQ Tower ahead of contemporaries like the Dell XPS 8960. These features ensure robust and swift wireless communication, eliminating the need for external antennas—a minor yet impactful advantage.
Conclusion: Verdict and Availability
Ultimately, the specific variations of the Lenovo LOQ Tower 17IRR9 present balanced performance for its cost, functioning well as a mid-tier gaming or office rig. Availability can be tricky; however, Lenovo's store frequently updates inventory with various configurations. Currently, a version with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 is available at about $900.
