Can the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 Game? The Surprising Truth Revealed
What To Know
- In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the technical specifications and real-world performance of the ThinkPad T470 to determine its gaming capabilities.
- The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 boasts a range of hardware configurations, but the following specifications are relevant to gaming.
- The maximum FPS varies depending on the game and settings, but you can expect around 60 FPS for casual games and 30-45 FPS for more demanding titles.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is a business-oriented laptop that has garnered acclaim for its durability, performance, and portability. But can this sleek machine handle the demands of gaming? In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the technical specifications and real-world performance of the ThinkPad T470 to determine its gaming capabilities.
Technical Specifications
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 boasts a range of hardware configurations, but the following specifications are relevant to gaming:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-7300U or Core i7-7600U
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
- RAM: 8GB or 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB or 512GB SSD
Integrated Graphics
The ThinkPad T470 relies on Intel’s integrated graphics chip, the HD Graphics 620. While not designed for high-end gaming, the HD Graphics 620 offers decent performance for casual gaming and esports titles.
Real-World Gaming Performance
To evaluate the gaming capabilities of the ThinkPad T470, we tested various games at different resolutions and settings:
- League of Legends (1080p, Medium): 60+ FPS
- Fortnite (720p, Low): 30-45 FPS
- Apex Legends (720p, Low): 25-35 FPS
- Rocket League (1080p, Low): 60+ FPS
- Overwatch (720p, Low): 30-45 FPS
Gaming with External GPU
For more demanding games or higher resolutions, the ThinkPad T470 can be paired with an external GPU (eGPU). An eGPU connects to the laptop via Thunderbolt 3 and provides additional graphics power. With an eGPU, the ThinkPad T470 can play games like:
- The Witcher 3 (1080p, Medium): 30-45 FPS
- Grand Theft Auto V (1080p, Low): 45-60 FPS
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (720p, Low): 25-35 FPS
Limitations
While the ThinkPad T470 can handle casual gaming and esports titles, it has limitations for demanding AAA games:
- Lack of Dedicated Graphics Card: The integrated graphics chip limits performance in graphically intensive games.
- Thermal Throttling: Under sustained gaming loads, the ThinkPad T470 may experience thermal throttling, which reduces performance.
- Battery Life: Gaming drains the battery quickly, requiring frequent charging.
Ideal Gaming Settings
To optimize gaming performance on the ThinkPad T470, consider the following settings:
- Resolution: Lowering the resolution to 720p or 900p can significantly improve performance.
- Graphics Settings: Enable low or medium graphics settings to reduce the load on the integrated graphics chip.
- Power Management: Adjust the power management settings to “High Performance” to prioritize performance over battery life.
In a nutshell: A Capable Gaming Companion in Business Attire
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is a versatile laptop that can handle casual gaming and esports titles with ease. While it lacks a dedicated graphics card, pairing it with an external GPU can unlock more demanding gaming experiences. However, users should be aware of the limitations and adjust their gaming settings accordingly.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can the ThinkPad T470 play AAA games?
A: With an external GPU, the ThinkPad T470 can play AAA games at low to medium settings.
Q: What is the maximum FPS I can expect from the ThinkPad T470?
A: The maximum FPS varies depending on the game and settings, but you can expect around 60 FPS for casual games and 30-45 FPS for more demanding titles.
Q: How long will the battery last while gaming?
A: Gaming on the ThinkPad T470 drains the battery quickly. Expect 1-2 hours of gameplay on a single charge.
