With the Yoga 9i Gen 8 and Legion Pro 7i Gen 8, Lenovo offers its first machines equipped with Raptor Lake CPUs. High-end machines (even very high-end) that take full advantage of Intel 13th generation CPUs.
Introduced last January at CES, Intel’s new mobile CPUs have it all. More powerful than their predecessors, they have a hybrid architecture capable of adapting to the specific needs of the machines on which they are installed (gaming, creativity, ultraportables) to offer impressive performance.
Something to give ideas to laptop manufacturers that are just beginning to unveil the first machines equipped with next-generation Intel CPUs. This is the case with Lenovo which has just released two machines built around the Raptor Lake architecture. On the one hand, the Yoga 9i Gen 8, a versatile ultrabook ideal for creativity or office automation. On the other, the Legion Pro i7 Gen 8, a gaming laptop with a devilishly impressive technical sheet, capable of outshining some fixed PCs.
Lenovo’s new laptops in a nutshell:
Intel Raptor Lake: a revolutionary 13th generation
With this 13th generation of processors, Intel continues the momentum of the previous generation by once again offering CPUs based on a hybrid architecture that combines two different types of cores:
- On the one hand, the Performance-Cores (P-Cores). Larger, they are there to provide raw computing power and improve the performance of the most demanding applications (games, 3D creation software). They also stand out for their ability to use thehyper threadingwhich allows them to run two threads software simultaneously;
- on the other hand, the Efficient-Cores (E-Cores). Smaller than P-Cores (multiple E-Cores can be installed in the same physical space as a P-Core), they are there to do the heavy lifting and shine at background tasks. They also work hand in hand with P-Core to optimize performance for resource-intensive tasks (for example, video playback). They also make it possible to optimize the electrical consumption of the machine, in order to obtain greater autonomy.
This architecture, which has already proven itself in the previous generation, allows the new Intel CPUs to be better adapted to their uses to offer optimal performance in all circumstances. The new generation requires Raptor Lake CPUs to also offer significant power gain, as well as better power consumption management.
Among the novelties that this 13th generation of processors brings, we can also highlight the integration of a brand new Intel Xe graphics chip, which allows, among other things, to take advantage of XeSS, the Intel equivalent of Nvidia’s DLSS.
Artificial intelligence is also part of it with a dedicated chip inside the processor, and capable, for example, of improving the image or sound during video calls. It is also worth noting other small improvements, such as the management of the latest generations of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, Thunderbolt 4 or DDR5 RAM.
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8: a flexible and versatile machine to accompany you on a daily basis
With the Yoga 9i Gen 8, Lenovo offers a PC ready for creativity and office automation. A versatile machine, which stands out in the first place for its devilishly elegant silhouette. The manufacturer has opted for a case with rounded edges for the most beautiful effect, which also has the luxury of being extremely ergonomic. Comfortable to use, it benefits from an edge-to-edge keyboard with a nice back and a large glass trackpad.
On the technical sheet side, Lenovo has made the right choices. At the heart of the machine is Intel’s 13th generation Core i7-1360P. A processor that works wonders in laptops dedicated to productivity by offering an excellent balance between performance and energy consumption, allowing you to benefit from unparalleled autonomy. Capable of housing up to 16 GB of RAM in LPDDR5 and an SSD of up to 1 TB, it is perfect to accompany you in all your tasks.
Another strong point of the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8: its screen. The manufacturer has opted for a 14-inch PureSight OLED panel (in 2.8K or 4K depending on the model), in 16:10 format and compatible with Dolby Vision. Better still, it’s a touchscreen, compatible with the Precision Pen 2 (which is included), and able to adapt to all your needs thanks to its 360-degree rotating hinge. Classic laptop, easel, tent or tablet, it’s up to you to choose the mode that best suits your current needs.
The Yoga 9i Gen 8 finally has everything you need to meet all your needs. So you can count on a Full HD infrared webcam (among other things for facial recognition) with a privacy cover. It also benefits from Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 support. Lastly, its sides are lined with all the connectors you could need: 2 USB-C Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, 1 USB-A 3.2 port, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, and a headphone/microphone jack.
Already available on Lenovo’s site and at most retailers, the Yoga 9i Gen 8 starts at €2,499.
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8: The best gaming laptop
If you are looking for a PC to play in the best possible conditions, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 has serious arguments in its favor. The manufacturer has installed one of the most impressive technical specifications of the moment in the chassis of this 16-inch laptop, without making it too bloated. At just 2.8kg on the scale for around 2.5cm thick, it’s still relatively compact for a machine in its class.
At the heart of the system, the Core i9-13900HX. A true monster of power located at the top of the 13th generation of Intel processors. To accompany it, Lenovo opted for a 12GB GeForce RTX 4080 (just that), 16GB of 5600MHz DDR5 RAM, and went for a 512GB 2280 PCIe Gen4 M.2 TLC SSD to ensure top-of-the-line performance. in most of the games of the moment, even with slightly greedy configurations.
To better manage this energy, Lenovo installed Coldfront 5.0 on its Legion Pro, its most advanced cooling system to date, which optimizes heat dissipation by AI. This particularly optimized heat management also allows you to benefit from excellent autonomy. Especially since Lenovo has installed a gigantic 99.99 Wh battery. Compatible with Super Rapid Charge technology, it recharges at high speed.
Entirely designed to offer the best possible in-game performance, the Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 is equipped with a 16-inch Pure Sight screen in 16:10 format. A WQXGA IPS panel (2560 x 1600 pixels) that occupies 93.6% of the screen surface, and that benefits from an adaptive refresh rate of up to 240 Hz. Compatible with HDR and Dolby Vision, covering 100% from the RGB range, it also benefits from Nvidia G-Sync technology.
To complete this already impressive range, Lenovo has installed a Legion TrueStrike keyboard on its machine. Numeric keypad, full-size arrow keys, 1.5mm travel, and RGB backlighting are included for added user comfort. All the necessary connections are also included (USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 × 2, USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 × 4, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet).
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 is now available from 3,499 euros at Lenovo. And for those who want the latest in hardware, know that there is an option to equip the Legion Pro with an RTX 4090 for 749 euros more.