Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3 AMD Laptop Review - Affordable Business Notebook with Ryzen Power
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 is an office laptop, which is not as slim as the devices from the X-series and there are not as many features as on the T-series, but the laptops often cost only half the price and they offer all the important things you need to work. Lenovo also fixes one major complaint and equips the new ThinkPad E14 G3 with brighter displays and there is also an optional screen with 100% sRGB coverage.
You also get brand-new Ryzen 5000 mobile processors from AMD, which promise a decent performance boost. We review the model 20Y7003SGE with the Ryzen 5 5500U, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB PCIe-SSD storage, and the 1080p screen with a brightness of 300 nits for 870 Euros. The price drops to 790 Euros when you have access to Lenovo’s Campus program or even 640 Euros when you do not need the Windows operating system.
Possible Competitors
Rating | Date | Model | Weight | Height | Size | Resolution | Best Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
86.7 % | 07/2021 | Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE R5 5500U, Vega 7 | 1.6 kg | 17.9 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | |
83.3 % | 05/2021 | HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | 1.4 kg | 19 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | |
83.9 % | 04/2021 | Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE i5-1135G7, Iris Xe G7 80EUs | 1.5 kg | 17.9 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | |
85.2 % | 04/2021 | Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN i5-1135G7, Iris Xe G7 80EUs | 1 kg | 14.95 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | |
82.6 % | 02/2021 | Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N i7-10850H, GeForce MX250 | 1.5 kg | 21 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1080 |
Case - ThinkPad with Aluminum Chassis
Lenovo did not change the chassis and the black design might appear a bit boring, but it is definitely functional. You can notice the low price in terms of materials because you get a combination of plastic and aluminum (lid and bottom panel). The stability is still good and you cannot twist or dent the base unit (no creaking sounds). The lid itself is also sturdy, but we can quickly provoke picture distortions with concentrated pressure on the back and twisting attempts. The hinges are well adjusted and there is only minor bouncing.
The smooth surfaces are nice to touch and do not appear cheap, but they are extremely susceptible to fingerprints. The device will quickly look pretty ugly when you do not clean it regularly. There is no maintenance hatch, but you can remove the whole bottom panel (see Maintenance section). All in all, the chassis leaves a good impression, especially considering the price.
The E14 G3 is the heaviest and largest device in our comparison group; it is noticeably deeper in terms of footprint. The USB-C power adapter tips the scale at around 360 grams.
Connectivity - USB-C and USB 2.0
The port situation is still the same, even though we would appreciate some updates. You get a USB-C port including charging functionality as well as DisplayPort and a full-size HDMI output, but a slow USB 2.0 port is not really appropriate for a laptop in 2021. More expensive ThinkPad models (like the T-series) definitely have an advantage in this regard.
Communication
Lenovo uses a Wi-Fi 6 module from RealTek, but the transfer rates are lower compared to last year’s model, which was equipped with the Intel AX200. It is now a 1x1 module (160 MHz) with a maximum transfer rate of 866 Mbps. The signal quality was always good during our review period. The E14 G3 also offers a Gigabit Ethernet port, but there are no WWAN modules available.
Webcam
As expected, you only get a simple 720p webcam (0.9 MP) with a mechanical shutter (ThinkShutter), which takes pretty bad pictures. There is also an IR camera for facial recognition via Windows Hello.
Maintenance
Similar to previous ThinkPad E laptops, you can remove the whole bottom cover, but the process is not simple. The panel is still extremely tight after you have removed all the screws and there are plenty of plastic clips that can break easily. Other ThinkPad models are much easier to open.
Once inside, you get access to the two M.2-SSDs (2280 & 2242) as well as the Wi-Fi module. You can replace the memory module as well, but the single slot is hidden underneath an additional cover.
Warranty
The warranty once again shows the entry-level position of the ThinkPad E14, because our test unit only comes with a one-year warranty. You can still extend the duration for an additional price. Some models of the E14 are also sold with a two-year warranty.
Input Devices - Currently the best ThinkPad Keyboard
The ThinkPad E14 G3 still gets the familiar and excellent keyboard with 1.8 mm travel and rich feedback. Despite the low price, the E14 has a big advantage over much more expensive ThinkPad X models, which are now equipped with shallower and flatter keyboards. You will definitely be happy when you write a lot and the E14 G3 also comes with a two-stage background illumination.
While Lenovo equips some of its new models with wider touchpads, but the E14 is still equipped with the narrower version (10 x 5.6 cm). The handling does not cause any problems and the clicking sound leaves a high-quality impression. The additional TrackPoint buttons on the other hand are a bit wobbly.
Display - E14 is available with 100% sRGB
The displays have always been a problem of the inexpensive ThinkPad E14-series. The picture quality was okay for an office laptop, but the brightness was hardly competitive at around 250 nits. Lenovo now improved the situation, and our test unit is the default IPS screen with an advertised brightness of 300 nits, and our test unit even manages 330 nits. There is also an optional panel with full sRGB coverage if you want to edit pictures. Some regions also get an inexpensive TN panel with a brightness of 250 nits, but we would not recommend this option.
The subjective picture impression of the matte panel is good and bright areas do not look grainy. The contrast ratio is more than 1300:1 and we cannot detect PWM flickering. The response times are inconspicuous, but there is noticeable backlight bleeding on a dark screen, especially in the upper left corner as well as the lower right edge. The viewing angle stability of the IPS panel is good.
|
Brightness Distribution: 90 %
Center on Battery: 340 cd/m²
Contrast: 1312:1 (Black: 0.26 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.1 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 4.4
ΔE Greyscale 2.1 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
41.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
59.5% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
40.3% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.11
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE NVM140FHM-N4V, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00 | HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA AU Optronics AUO818B, VA, 1920x1080, 14.00 | Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE B140HAN04.0, a-Si IPS LED, 1920x1080, 14.00 | Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN AU Optronics AUO7490, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00 | Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N AU Optronics AUO463D, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00 | Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 B140HAN05.7, a-Si IPS LED, 1920x1080, 14.00 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display | -8% | -7% | 65% | -7% | -5% | |
Display P3 Coverage | 40.3 | 37.02 -8% | 37.23 -8% | 67 66% | 37.43 -7% | 38.16 -5% |
sRGB Coverage | 59.5 | 55.6 -7% | 55.9 -6% | 98.3 65% | 56.2 -6% | 57.2 -4% |
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 41.7 | 38.25 -8% | 38.47 -8% | 68.3 64% | 38.67 -7% | 39.42 -5% |
Response Times | -26% | -47% | 25% | 24% | -29% | |
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 35.2 ? | 43 ? -22% | 51.6 ? -47% | 30 ? 15% | 31 ? 12% | 46.4 ? -32% |
Response Time Black / White * | 21.6 ? | 28 ? -30% | 31.6 ? -46% | 14 ? 35% | 14 ? 35% | 27.2 ? -26% |
PWM Frequency | ||||||
Screen | -24% | -16% | 34% | -23% | -17% | |
Brightness middle | 341 | 253 -26% | 240 -30% | 404 18% | 256 -25% | 281 -18% |
Brightness | 327 | 230 -30% | 226 -31% | 377 15% | 236 -28% | 264 -19% |
Brightness Distribution | 90 | 82 -9% | 69 -23% | 79 -12% | 86 -4% | 87 -3% |
Black Level * | 0.26 | 0.29 -12% | 0.23 12% | 0.25 4% | 0.23 12% | 0.25 4% |
Contrast | 1312 | 872 -34% | 1043 -21% | 1616 23% | 1113 -15% | 1124 -14% |
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 5.1 | 5.35 -5% | 5.4 -6% | 1.47 71% | 5.76 -13% | 5.8 -14% |
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 17.6 | 17.08 3% | 21.9 -24% | 2.6 85% | 20.65 -17% | 22.3 -27% |
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 4.4 | 4.8 -9% | 0.84 81% | 4.9 -11% | ||
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 2.1 | 3.75 -79% | 2.3 -10% | 1.7 19% | 4 -90% | 3.2 -52% |
Gamma | 2.11 104% | 2.48 89% | 2.37 93% | 2.35 94% | 2.52 87% | 2.15 102% |
CCT | 6755 96% | 6446 101% | 6706 97% | 6662 98% | 6182 105% | 6452 101% |
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 35 | 35.4 | 63 | 36 | 36.2 | |
Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 55 | 55.8 | 98 | 56 | 56.9 | |
Total Average (Program / Settings) | -19% /
-21% | -23% /
-18% | 41% /
39% | -2% /
-12% | -17% /
-16% |
* ... smaller is better
We analyzed the display with the professional CalMAN software and the grayscale is already very accurate out of the box. There is only a minor blue cast, but it is not visible with the naked eye. The colors on the other hand clearly show that it is an inexpensive IPS screen with limited color gamut (~60% sRGB) and we can see huge deviations compared to the sRGB reference color space.
We calibrated the panel (X-Rite i1 Pro 2) and the corresponding profile can be downloaded in the box above. The grayscale improved a bit, but the colors still show high deviations.
The picture quality is completely sufficient for a business laptop, but you should get the optional 1080p screen with 100% sRGB if you want to edit pictures with accurate colors.
Display Response Times
↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
---|---|---|
21.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 12.4 ms rise | |
↘ 9.2 ms fall | ||
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 41 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (21.5 ms). | ||
↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
35.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 17.2 ms rise | |
↘ 18 ms fall | ||
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 43 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (33.7 ms). |
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
Screen flickering / PWM not detected | |||
In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 17853 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured. |
The additional brightness is definitely appreciated outdoors and you have a little bit more headroom, but you should still get a place in the shade for the most comfortable viewing experience.
Performance - ThinkPad with Ryzen 5000
Processor - Ryzen 5 5500U with 6 cores
Our review unit is equipped with the Ryzen 5 5500U with 6 cores (12 threads) and a maximum clock of 4 GHZ. More technical information about the CPU is available here.
Contrary to ThinkPad models with Intel CPUs, the power limit is steady at 30W and this level can be maintained quite well under sustained workloads. The average clock during the Cinebench R15 Multi loop is ~3.4 GHz and there is no performance drop after a couple of seconds.
Cinebench R15 Multi Loop
The new ThinkPad E14 beats the rivals in multi-core benchmarks. Tiger Lake based laptops are much slower and even the 45W processor Core i7-10850H in the Dell Latitude 14 is slower than the AMD chip. If you only stress one core, however, the Intel chips have an advantage. We should mention that Intel CPUs often benefit from high power limits for short peak load, which is not the case for the AMD chip in the E14. The performance is not reduced on battery power.
Cinebench R20: CPU (Single Core) | CPU (Multi Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Single 64Bit | CPU Multi 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
7-Zip 18.03: 7z b 4 -mmt1 | 7z b 4
Geekbench 5.5: Single-Core | Multi-Core
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2: 4k Preset
LibreOffice : 20 Documents To PDF
R Benchmark 2.5: Overall mean
Cinebench R23 / Single Core | |
Average of class Office (529 - 1995, n=122, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (1149 - 1183, n=18) |
Cinebench R23 / Multi Core | |
Average of class Office (1056 - 15743, n=123, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (6030 - 8565, n=19) | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE |
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Single Core) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA | |
Average of class Office (181.3 - 764, n=121, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (449 - 461, n=19) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 |
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Multi Core) | |
Average of class Office (356 - 5904, n=121, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (2223 - 3316, n=20) | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA |
Cinebench R15 / CPU Single 64Bit | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA | |
Average of class Office (82.6 - 284, n=119, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (170 - 179, n=18) |
Cinebench R15 / CPU Multi 64Bit | |
Average of class Office (160.8 - 2642, n=121, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (995 - 1412, n=20) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA |
Blender / v2.79 BMW27 CPU | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
Average of class Office (214 - 2844, n=122, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (358 - 490, n=18) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE |
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4 -mmt1 | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Average of class Office (2233 - 6687, n=122, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (4174 - 4378, n=19) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 |
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4 | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average of class Office (4226 - 62349, n=122, last 2 years) | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (29585 - 36896, n=18) | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA |
Geekbench 5.5 / Single-Core | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA | |
Average of class Office (510 - 1974, n=123, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (1070 - 1126, n=20) |
Geekbench 5.5 / Multi-Core | |
Average of class Office (1018 - 11980, n=123, last 2 years) | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (4063 - 5917, n=20) | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 |
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 / 4k Preset | |
Average of class Office (1.55 - 17.4, n=121, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (6.7 - 9.74, n=20) | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA |
LibreOffice / 20 Documents To PDF | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (60 - 80.7, n=17) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA | |
Average of class Office (31.3 - 117.5, n=121, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N |
R Benchmark 2.5 / Overall mean | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (0.607 - 0.67, n=19) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Average of class Office (0.4244 - 1.397, n=120, last 2 years) | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE |
* ... smaller is better
System Performance
Talking about the overall system performance, the new ThinkPad E14 G3 leaves a great impression. The results in the synthetic benchmarks confirm our subjective impression; the device executes inputs very quickly and there are no bottlenecks in the system configuration. You can expand the memory up to 40 GB (8 GB onboard + 1 RAM slot up to 32 GB).
PCMark 10 / Score | |
Average of class Office (2325 - 7157, n=106, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 (4626 - 5301, n=13) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 |
PCMark 10 / Essentials | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
Average of class Office (5095 - 20841, n=106, last 2 years) | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 (8390 - 9789, n=13) | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 |
PCMark 10 / Productivity | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 (6262 - 7958, n=13) | |
Average of class Office (3041 - 10198, n=106, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE |
PCMark 10 / Digital Content Creation | |
Average of class Office (1912 - 9056, n=106, last 2 years) | |
Average AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 (4513 - 5540, n=13) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N |
PCMark 10 Score | 5097 points | |
Help |
DPC Latency
Our standardized latency test (web browsing, YouTube 4K playback, CPU load) shows increased latencies for the ThinkPad E14 G3, so there can be problems when you use real-time audio applications.
DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95 | |
Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N | |
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE | |
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN |
* ... smaller is better
Storage Devices
The ThinkPad E14 G3 has two SSD slots. Our review unit was equipped with a compact M.2-2242 module from SK Hynix (BC711) and a storage capacity of 512 GB (435 GB free after initial set-up). Both drives are attached via PCIe-3.0 x4 and the transfer rates are good. Thanks to the empty M.2-2280 slot, it is very easy to upgrade the storage capacity if necessary. More SSD benchmarks can be found here.
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE SK Hynix BC711 HFM512GD3HX015N | HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA Lite-On CL1-8D512 | Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE Samsung PM991 MZALQ512HALU | Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI | Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N SK Hynix PC611 512GB | Average SK Hynix BC711 HFM512GD3HX015N | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6 | -34% | -10% | -15% | 4% | 17% | |
Write 4K | 83.3 | 122.4 47% | 143.5 72% | 77.8 -7% | 125.9 51% | 142.9 ? 72% |
Read 4K | 46.84 | 24.99 -47% | 40.89 -13% | 46.98 0% | 42.45 -9% | 59.2 ? 26% |
Write Seq | 2195 | 653 -70% | 1220 -44% | 1054 -52% | 2064 -6% | 2333 ? 6% |
Read Seq | 2112 | 1686 -20% | 1615 -24% | 1137 -46% | 1627 -23% | 1954 ? -7% |
Write 4K Q32T1 | 439.7 | 298.9 -32% | 432.9 -2% | 474.5 8% | 419.8 -5% | 461 ? 5% |
Read 4K Q32T1 | 391.1 | 266.2 -32% | 355.2 -9% | 601 54% | 382.1 -2% | 488 ? 25% |
Write Seq Q32T1 | 2484 | 460.9 -81% | 1434 -42% | 1062 -57% | 2729 10% | 2572 ? 4% |
Read Seq Q32T1 | 2995 | 1998 -33% | 2365 -21% | 2309 -23% | 3441 15% | 3169 ? 6% |
AS SSD | -96% | -29% | -30% | -9% | -4% | |
Seq Read | 2596 | 1681 -35% | 1943 -25% | 1405 -46% | 2681 3% | 2509 ? -3% |
Seq Write | 1460 | 210.1 -86% | 936 -36% | 1011 -31% | 1430 -2% | 1766 ? 21% |
4K Read | 48.62 | 24.86 -49% | 49.96 3% | 53.7 10% | 49.22 1% | 55.9 ? 15% |
4K Write | 113.4 | 73.6 -35% | 183.4 62% | 122.7 8% | 118 4% | 138.4 ? 22% |
4K-64 Read | 1419 | 291.5 -79% | 858 -40% | 803 -43% | 1139 -20% | 1307 ? -8% |
4K-64 Write | 1840 | 135.2 -93% | 835 -55% | 810 -56% | 1488 -19% | 1442 ? -22% |
Access Time Read * | 0.049 | 0.078 -59% | 0.119 -143% | 0.057 -16% | 0.05783 ? -18% | |
Access Time Write * | 0.032 | 0.152 -375% | 0.021 34% | 0.032 -0% | 0.031 3% | 0.03433 ? -7% |
Score Read | 1727 | 484 -72% | 1102 -36% | 997 -42% | 1456 -16% | 1613 ? -7% |
Score Write | 2099 | 230 -89% | 1112 -47% | 1034 -51% | 1749 -17% | 1757 ? -16% |
Score Total | 4658 | 895 -81% | 2739 -41% | 2536 -46% | 3895 -16% | 4168 ? -11% |
Copy ISO MB/s | 1168 | 1503 ? 29% | ||||
Copy Program MB/s | 590 | 426 ? -28% | ||||
Copy Game MB/s | 1148 | 900 ? -22% | ||||
Total Average (Program / Settings) | -65% /
-70% | -20% /
-21% | -23% /
-23% | -3% /
-3% | 7% /
4% |
* ... smaller is better
Disk Throttling: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8
GPU Performance - RX Vega 7 with small improvements
The Ryzen 5 5500U is equipped with the integrated Radeon RX Vega 7, which is basically the old Vega 7 we already know from Ryzen 4000 chips. More technical information about the iGPU is available here. This is also the case for the performance, which benefits from the dual-channel memory configuration, but it is on the expected level in general. Intel's integrated Xe Graphics G7, which is also available in the Intel model of the ThinkPad E14 G2, for example, is a bit faster in the synthetic benchmarks.
There is still a change, because AMD has improved the efficiency of the integrated video decoder. Old Vega 7 iGPUs were at about 60% GPU load during 4K video playback, but the new version is below 10%. This also improves the battery runtime during video playback. Intel's Xe Graphics G7 (~30% GPU load) is also beaten.
The graphics performance is also stable during longer workloads. More GPU benchmarks are available in our Tech section.
3DMark 11 Performance | 5266 points | |
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 97532 points | |
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 17860 points | |
3DMark Fire Strike Score | 3042 points | |
3DMark Time Spy Score | 1142 points | |
Help |
Gaming Performance
The difference between the Vega 7 and the Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96 EUs) is much smaller in the actual gaming benchmarks. Gaming is possible on the E14 G3, but you are usually limited to low or medium settings to get smooth gameplay. More gaming benchmarks with the Vega 7 are available here.
Strange Brigade | |
1920x1080 ultra AA:ultra AF:16 | |
Average of class Office (6.6 - 56.5, n=97, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 (9.9 - 25.5, n=39) | |
1920x1080 high AA:high AF:8 | |
Average of class Office (7.1 - 64.5, n=108, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 (11.5 - 30.1, n=41) | |
1920x1080 medium AA:medium AF:4 | |
Average of class Office (8.6 - 77.2, n=108, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 (13.4 - 36.1, n=41) | |
1280x720 lowest AF:1 | |
Average of class Office (16.3 - 175.7, n=110, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 (34.8 - 95.3, n=41) |
F1 2020 | |
1920x1080 Ultra High Preset AA:T AF:16x | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 (20 - 24.7, n=6) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average of class Office (8.72 - 32.5, n=4, last 2 years) | |
1920x1080 High Preset AA:T AF:16x | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 (21.1 - 35.3, n=7) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average of class Office (12.9 - 49.7, n=6, last 2 years) | |
1920x1080 Medium Preset AF:16x | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 (27 - 45.3, n=7) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average of class Office (13.1 - 66.3, n=6, last 2 years) | |
1280x720 Ultra Low Preset | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 (56.1 - 102.7, n=8) | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE | |
Average of class Office (16.3 - 137.4, n=7, last 2 years) |
Witcher 3 FPS Chart
low | med. | high | ultra | |
GTA V (2015) | 85.5 | 79.5 | 23.9 | 10.5 |
The Witcher 3 (2015) | 60 | 19.6 | 13.9 | |
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) | 95.7 | 76 | 48.2 | 44.8 |
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) | 32.3 | 16.1 | 10.7 | |
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) | 42.2 | 33.7 | 30.1 | |
Far Cry 5 (2018) | 42 | 20 | 18 | 17 |
Strange Brigade (2018) | 71.6 | 28.2 | 23.7 | 20.3 |
F1 2020 (2020) | 75 | 35 | 28 | 20 |
Emissions - E14 G3 with AMD-CPU stays quiet
System Noise
The new E14 G3 still uses a single fan and it is a very quiet device overall. Compared to many Intel based laptops, there is no high power limit, so the fan usually does not start spinning in short peak load scenarios. The noise level is still convenient when you stress the CPU and the iGPU simultaneously and there are no annoying frequencies. We did not notice any other electronic sounds like coil whine on our test unit, either.
Noise Level
Idle |
| 23.8 / 23.8 / 25 dB(A) |
Load |
| 32 / 34.5 dB(A) |
| ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min: , med: , max: Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 23.8 dB(A) |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE Vega 7, R5 5500U, SK Hynix BC711 HFM512GD3HX015N | HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Lite-On CL1-8D512 | Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE Iris Xe G7 80EUs, i5-1135G7, Samsung PM991 MZALQ512HALU | Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN Iris Xe G7 80EUs, i5-1135G7, SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI | Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N GeForce MX250, i7-10850H, SK Hynix PC611 512GB | Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Lenovo UMIS AM620 RPJTJ512MEE1OWX | Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 Vega 6, R5 4500U, Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZNT512G | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Noise | -7% | -20% | -4% | -19% | -15% | -13% | |
off / environment * | 23.8 | 26 -9% | 28.7 -21% | 25 -5% | 25 -5% | 29.5 -24% | 29.1 -22% |
Idle Minimum * | 23.8 | 26 -9% | 28.7 -21% | 25 -5% | 25 -5% | 29.5 -24% | 29.1 -22% |
Idle Average * | 23.8 | 26 -9% | 28.7 -21% | 25 -5% | 25 -5% | 29.5 -24% | 29.1 -22% |
Idle Maximum * | 25 | 26 -4% | 28.7 -15% | 25 -0% | 30.5 -22% | 29.5 -18% | 29.1 -16% |
Load Average * | 32 | 36.2 -13% | 35.5 -11% | 34.7 -8% | 45.3 -42% | 33.4 -4% | 31.7 1% |
Witcher 3 ultra * | 32 | 41.6 -30% | |||||
Load Maximum * | 34.5 | 34.6 -0% | 41.6 -21% | 34 1% | 46.1 -34% | 33.4 3% | 32.7 5% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The ThinkPad E14 G3 is not uncomfortable warm, despite the quiet fan. We can determine almost 50 °C at the bottom during the stress test and you should not put the device on your lap in this scenario, but there are no limitations in everyday situations. The fan speed is a bit lower when you play games like Witcher 3, so the chassis is even a bit warmer.
We can once again see that the consumption levels off at 30 Watts during the stress test. There are some fluctuations after about 10 minutes but the performance is very stable in general and there is no major drop. The processor runs at 6x 2.6-2.8 GHz and the iGPU at ~450 MHz. There is no performance reduction immediately after the stress test.
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 45.1 °C / 113 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 49.3 °C / 121 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.5 °C / 76 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(-) Playing The Witcher 3, the average temperature for the upper side is 39.8 °C / 104 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(±) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 38.8 °C / 101.8 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-11.1 °C / -19.9 F).
Speakers
The two stereo speakers once again carry the same Harman branding and we cannot notice a difference from the previous model. The result is surprisingly good for an inexpensive office device and you can easily enjoy some videos or some background music. Conferences benefit from the good representation of high tones, which is great for clear voices.
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE audio analysis
(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (77.5 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 13.7% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (13% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 7% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (3.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.7% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (19.3% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 32% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 61% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 41% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 51% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA audio analysis
(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (76.8 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 33.6% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.2% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 8.4% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (3.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (26.5% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 79% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 13% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 78% of all tested devices were better, 4% similar, 18% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Energy Management
Power Consumption - AMD-ThinkPad with long battery runtime
Our consumption measurements show slight improvements, because the idle values are comparable or even slightly better compared to the ThinkPad E14 G2 (both Intel as well as AMD), despite the brighter display. AMD system behave differently under load since there are no increased power limits for short periods, so the consumption is stable. We determine up to 55W during the stress test, so the compact 65W power adapter (USB-C) is completely sufficient.
Off / Standby | 0.35 / 0.57 Watt |
Idle | 3.5 / 7.5 / 8.7 Watt |
Load |
43.6 / 55 Watt |
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE R5 5500U, Vega 7, SK Hynix BC711 HFM512GD3HX015N, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00 | HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs, Lite-On CL1-8D512, VA, 1920x1080, 14.00 | Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE i5-1135G7, Iris Xe G7 80EUs, Samsung PM991 MZALQ512HALU, a-Si IPS LED, 1920x1080, 14.00 | Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN i5-1135G7, Iris Xe G7 80EUs, SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00 | Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N i7-10850H, GeForce MX250, SK Hynix PC611 512GB, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00 | Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs, Lenovo UMIS AM620 RPJTJ512MEE1OWX, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 14.00 | Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 R5 4500U, Vega 6, Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZNT512G, a-Si IPS LED, 1920x1080, 14.00 | Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 | Average of class Office | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Power Consumption | 15% | -12% | 16% | -39% | 4% | -5% | -4% | -5% | |
Idle Minimum * | 3.5 | 4 -14% | 4.8 -37% | 2.4 31% | 3.1 11% | 3.6 -3% | 4.6 -31% | 4.66 ? -33% | 4.3 ? -23% |
Idle Average * | 7.5 | 6.2 17% | 7.6 -1% | 3.5 53% | 5.4 28% | 7 7% | 7.6 -1% | 7.56 ? -1% | 7.34 ? 2% |
Idle Maximum * | 8.7 | 7.5 14% | 10.7 -23% | 6.6 24% | 9 -3% | 9.1 -5% | 9.7 -11% | 8.95 ? -3% | 9.13 ? -5% |
Load Average * | 43.6 | 34.7 20% | 35 20% | 47 -8% | 84 -93% | 27.2 38% | 39.1 10% | 38.7 ? 11% | 41 ? 6% |
Witcher 3 ultra * | 42.2 | 46 -9% | |||||||
Load Maximum * | 55 | 34 38% | 67.6 -23% | 67.2 -22% | 131 -138% | 65.2 -19% | 50.3 9% | 51.9 ? 6% | 58 ? -5% |
* ... smaller is better
Power Consumption Witcher 3 / Stress Test
Battery Runtime
Lenovo increased the battery capacity to 57 Wh and this obviously has a positive effect on the battery runtime. Almost all the rivals including the two models of the ThinkPad E14 G2 (both AMD as well as Intel) are clearly beaten. Our Wi-Fi test at an adjusted brightness of 150 nits results in almost 11.5 hours and still more than 8 hours at the maximum brightness. It seems that AMD laptops with shorter battery runtime are a thing of the past. The video test benefits from the more efficient video decoder with a runtime of almost 14 hours.
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE R5 5500U, Vega 7, 57 Wh | HP ProBook 440 G8-2W1G4EA i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs, 45 Wh | Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G2 ITL 20VD008WGE i5-1135G7, Iris Xe G7 80EUs, 45 Wh | Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN i5-1135G7, Iris Xe G7 80EUs, 56 Wh | Dell Latitude 14 5411-WJ40N i7-10850H, GeForce MX250, 68 Wh | Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20TA000DGE i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs, 45 Wh | Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen2-20T7S00W00 R5 4500U, Vega 6, 45 Wh | Average of class Office | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Battery Runtime | 82% | -37% | 26% | -25% | 20% | -28% | 13% | |
H.264 | 827 | 628 -24% | 545 -34% | 705 ? -15% | ||||
WiFi v1.3 | 680 | 450 -34% | 347 -49% | 794 17% | 510 -25% | 505 -26% | 498 -27% | 592 ? -13% |
Load | 71 | 211 197% | 54 -24% | 96 35% | 150 111% | 55 -23% | 117.7 ? 66% |
Pros
Cons
Verdict - E14 G3 with great price-performance ratio Preis-Leistungshammer
The third generation of the ThinkPad E14 is once again a good office laptop with a great price-performance ratio. You do not get the most high-end specs or best materials, but the notebook does not disappoint in the important sections and it is once again equipped with an excellent keyboard, which is not the case anymore for many more expensive ThinkPads. The keyboard is also a big advantage compared to the rivals.
The CPU upgrade to the AMD Ryzen 5000 chip improves the performance as well as the efficiency, and you get much longer battery runtimes in combination with the larger battery. Lenovo still uses 16:9 aspect ratio screens, but the IPS versions are now brighter and you can get a panel with 100% sRGB if you want to edit pictures. The increased brightness is also an advantage over other entry-level business laptops from Dell or HP, for example.
The ThinkPad E14 G3 is a great choice if you want an affordable office laptop with a decent IPS screen, long battery runtime and an excellent keyboard.
You can notice the low price at some points, starting with the limited one-year warranty as well as the outdated port selection, because no new device in 2021 should be equipped with USB 2.0. The competition is a bit lighter and more compact, but the ThinkPad E14 G3 still gets our recommendation.
Price and Availability
The ThinkPad E14 G3 in our review spec is available for $950 on Amazon.
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G3-20Y7003SGE
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07/14/2021 v7
Andreas Osthoff