Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IWL Review: A great all-rounder with only one real weakness
Our test unit is the 15-inch version of the IdeaPad S540 in the Campus Edition, which is reduced in price for students and such. For the more affordable version, the price starts at 929 Euros (~$1016). If you increase the SSD to 1 TB and select the Home version of the Windows OS, the price reaches about 1100 Euros (~$1203). The elegant, slim combination of a multimedia device and entry-level gamer is also equipped with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, a Whiskey-Lake processor, and 12 GB of RAM.
But you have to pay attention to the label, since IdeaPad S540 is available in a 13, 14, or 15-inch version. The two digit number at the end of the label, which is "-15IWL" in our case, tells you about the display size.
As comparison devices, we mainly choose laptops with the same graphics card. These include the Acer Nitro 5, the HP Omen 15, the Asus TUF FX505DT, and the MSI PS63 Modern 8SC, which is equipped with the Max-Q variant of the GTX 1650 and uses the same processor.
Case - A 15-inch Lenovo ultrabook
The S540 looks quite elegant and stylish. This is due to the relatively slim design, the rounded corners throughout, and the primary use of aluminum with a dark-gray finish. The aluminum also ensures that the base cannot be warped. Plastic is only used in the slim display bezels inside the lid. The webcam on the top edge can be closed with a shutter.
The workmanship turns out very good overall, even if the base creaks slightly when warped towards the edges. The large hinge in the center holds the display lid tightly in position.
The S540 does not offer a maintenance flap, and the battery is built-in. The wide fan vent is placed in the back towards the display and is in part hidden by the hinge.
Our test unit is one of the smallest and lightest representatives of 15-inch notebooks and is only beaten in this regard by the MSI PS63 (also Max-Q), which is again 3 mm (~0.1 in) slimmer and about 10 mm (~0.4 in) less deep. All the other comparison devices are significantly larger and thicker. The same goes mostly for its weight of 1.9 kg (~4.2 lb). Although the MSI is 200 grams (~0.44 lb) lighter, the Asus is 300 grams (~0.66 lb) and the HP Omen even 400 grams (~0.88 lb) heavier.
Equipment - A meager IdeaPad S540
In terms of equipment, our IdeaPad presents itself as stingy. You look in vain for a LAN connection or Thunderbolt 3. There are only 3 USB slots, with one of them Type C. At least, there is a full-sized SD card reader. In addition, there is an HDMI port and an audio port, but that is it.
Lenovo's choice of power connector is annoying. While you can still see the typical round plug in the product images, the manufacturer actually used the old SlimTip connection that was often used earlier in ThinkPads. Unfortunately, charging via USB-C is not possible.
Despite the limited number of connections, the two USB-A ports are positioned very close together, so that some thicker USB devices might block each other.
SD Card Reader
The IdeaPad achieves average values in the SD card performance measured with our Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II reference storage card. Since neither the Acer, nor the Asus even have a card reader, we compare it with other entry-level gaming notebooks. The significantly more expensive Dell shows what a fast SD card reader can do: it is more than twice as fast than the Omen and the IdeaPad.
| SD Card Reader | |
| average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs) | |
| Dell XPS 15 7590 9980HK GTX 1650 (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II) | |
| Average of class Multimedia (18.4 - 201, n=60, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-14IWL (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II) | |
| HP Omen 15-dc1020ng (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II) | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IWL 81SW0015GE (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II) | |
| maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB) | |
| Dell XPS 15 7590 9980HK GTX 1650 (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II) | |
| Average of class Multimedia (25.8 - 266, n=59, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-14IWL (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II) | |
| HP Omen 15-dc1020ng (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II) | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IWL 81SW0015GE (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II) | |
Communication
You cannot connect the IdeaPad S540 to the Internet via cable, since it lacks the corresponding RJ-45 port. The WLAN performance remains within an average range. Other than that, there is also Bluetooth 4.2 for communication.
Security
It is unusual that Lenovo does not include a slot for a Kensington Lock. Other than that, TPM 2.0 is on board.
Optionally, you can get a fingerprint reader, which is positioned on the right side below the keyboard in our test unit.
Accessories
The box itself includes only the usual accessories, such as the charger and a quick-start manual. For an additional 50 Euros (~$55), for example, you can get a docking station.
Maintenance
As long as you have the right Torx screw driver on hand, the maintenance is uncomplicated. You can then remove the 10 screws quickly, and the bottom of the case almost opens by itself after several clicks. Fortunately, there is no need to stress when trying to pry it open, which often brings up anxious worries of breaking something.
The bottom then offers access to the two fans, the battery, the SSD, the Wi-Fi module, and the RAM, which sits beneath a (loose) metal cover.
Warranty
The manufacturer offers a 24-month warranty (bring-in incl. free pick-up-and-return service). There is only a 12-month warranty for the built-in battery. At an additional cost, you can extend or increase the warranty service.
Input Devices - A Lenovo laptop with a good keyboard
Keyboard
The keys are sized sufficiently large and well labeled. A two-step keyboard illumination facilitates typing in dark surroundings. However, this is only optional! The pressure point is comfortable, and the stroke is quite short but still noticeable. The noise development is restrained. On the right side, a number block is squeezed in. The only annoying thing is that the size of the Up and Down arrow keys is reduced by half. The power button is positioned separately on the right side above the keyboard.
Touchpad
At about 10.5 x 7 cm (~4.1 x 2.8 in), the touchpad is sized sufficiently large and forms a visual and haptic contrast. The surface offers very good sliding characteristics, and input is also registered accurately in the corners and edges. One disadvantage of the keys being integrated into the touchpad is that you cannot press both mouse keys at the same time to stop a drag-and-drop via the right mouse key, for example. The clicking noises are still acceptable, but the right edge of the pad is not completely tight and produces some clattering.
Display - The Lenovo PC is ahead of the competitors
Lenovo uses a matte IPS display from Chi Mei with a Full-HD resolution. The display is able to convince, which already begins with a brightness of more than 300 nits and a good brightness distribution (88%). The panels in the Asus, HP, and MSI competitors are up to 15 - 37% darker and the brightness distribution is also less even.
While we can see some minimal screen bleeding in the lower corners on the photo, which has been brightened up a lot, in practical operation this is almost not noticeable, even in dark scenes.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 88 %
Center on Battery: 332 cd/m²
Contrast: 1650:1 (Black: 0.2 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.4 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.91, calibrated: 2.7
ΔE Greyscale 4.8 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
88.5% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
57.8% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
64.9% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
88.7% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
64.9% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.24
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IWL 81SW0015GE CMN N156HCE-EN1, , 1920x1080, 15.6" | HP Omen 15-dc1020ng LGD05CE, , 1920x1080, 15.6" | MSI PS63 Modern 8SC CMN N156HCE-EN1 (CMN15E8), , 1920x1080, 15.6" | Asus TUF FX505DT-EB73 Panda LM156LF-GL, , 1920x1080, 15.6" | Dell XPS 15 7590 9980HK GTX 1650 Samsung 156WR04, SDCA029, , 3840x2160, 15.6" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | -38% | -1% | -36% | 30% | |
| Display P3 Coverage | 64.9 | 38.37 -41% | 63.7 -2% | 39.56 -39% | 88.1 36% |
| sRGB Coverage | 88.7 | 57.6 -35% | 87.7 -1% | 59.5 -33% | 99.6 12% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 64.9 | 39.69 -39% | 64 -1% | 40.91 -37% | 91.8 41% |
| Response Times | -1% | -6% | 15% | 29% | |
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 39.2 ? | 40 ? -2% | 41.6 ? -6% | 30.4 ? 22% | 2.3 ? 94% |
| Response Time Black / White * | 29.6 ? | 29.6 ? -0% | 32.8 ? -11% | 27.6 ? 7% | 2.4 ? 92% |
| PWM Frequency | 25510 ? | 25510 ? 0% | 59.5 ? -100% | ||
| Screen | -35% | -6% | -42% | 8% | |
| Brightness middle | 330 | 251 -24% | 207 -37% | 286.2 -13% | 421.2 28% |
| Brightness | 315 | 232 -26% | 199 -37% | 267 -15% | 417 32% |
| Brightness Distribution | 88 | 76 -14% | 84 -5% | 84 -5% | 94 7% |
| Black Level * | 0.2 | 0.17 15% | 0.22 -10% | 0.33 -65% | |
| Contrast | 1650 | 1476 -11% | 941 -43% | 867 -47% | |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 4.4 | 6.2 -41% | 3.77 14% | 5.45 -24% | 6.06 -38% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 7.4 | 18.6 -151% | 5.98 19% | 18.08 -144% | 11.89 -61% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 2.7 | 4.8 -78% | 2.59 4% | 4.47 -66% | |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 4.8 | 4.2 12% | 3.22 33% | 5.3 -10% | 2.8 42% |
| Gamma | 2.24 98% | 2.32 95% | 2.42 91% | 2.1 105% | 2.15 102% |
| CCT | 6760 96% | 7454 87% | 7072 92% | 7679 85% | 6235 104% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 57.8 | 36.5 -37% | 57 -1% | 37.6 -35% | 81 40% |
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 88.5 | 57.4 -35% | 88 -1% | 59.1 -33% | 99.6 13% |
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -25% /
-32% | -4% /
-5% | -21% /
-34% | 22% /
17% |
* ... smaller is better
In terms of the black value (0.2) and contrast (1650 : 1), the Chi-Mei display is even able to increase its advantage to the competitors. The Asus and the MSI in particular do not even achieve a contrast of 1000 : 1. The color deviations are also okay and can be reduced further via calibration.
Using the IdeaPad S540 outdoors is not a problem, which is ensured by the very good brightness (>300 nits) in combination with the high contrast and good black value. Due to the matte surface, there are no reflections.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 29.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 16.4 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 13.2 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 77 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (20.9 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 39.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 21.2 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 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 56 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (32.8 ms). | ||
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 25510 Hz | ≤ 20 % brightness setting |  |
The display backlight flickers at 25510 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 20 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting. The frequency of 25510 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8705 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | |||
The viewing angle stability of the S540 is particularly good. Even when pressed, the display hardly reacts with any undesired wave-forming or such.
Performance - Less is more in the IdeaPad
The combination of an Intel Core i7-8565U, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 (Max-Q), 12 GB of RAM, and a 1-TB SSD turn the IdeaPad S540 into a capable all-rounder that is ready for practically any task. Even gamers are served well, at least at the entry-level.
Lenovo also offers the S540 with the weaker Intel Core i5-8265U. At an extra cost, you can increase the RAM, up to 36 GB are possible. Unfortunately, there is only a single RAM slot, and 4GB are soldered-in. The SSD can also be replaced.
A positive point is that the LatencyMon tool did not detect any annoying latencies.
Processor
While some of the competitors use Coffee Lake Refresh CPUs and the Asus even has a Ryzen processor, Lenovo uses the Intel Core i7-8565U Whiskey Lake CPU from last year with the integrated UHD Graphics 620. The performance depends mainly on the TDP setting.
We can already see in the Cinebench loop chart that the MSI, for example, uses the same CPU to a fuller extent and that the S540 appears throttled in comparison. On the other hand, the performance drops less over time (6% after the first run). In contrast, the Asus competitor with the Ryzen CPU is clearly ahead, and the IdeaPad can only best the competitors in the single-core test.
| Cinebench R10 | |
| Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IWL 81SW0015GE | |
| Average Intel Core i7-8565U (5474 - 9435, n=6) | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-14IWL | |
| Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IWL 81SW0015GE | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-14IWL | |
| Average Intel Core i7-8565U (14542 - 26851, n=6) | |
System Performance
The PCMark tests attest the IdeaPad S540 with a good system performance at the expected level. There are only minimal differences between the competitors.
In Windows everyday operation, everything runs smoothly, which is ensured by the good cooperation between the components.
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 3758 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 5145 points | |
| PCMark 10 Score | 4847 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Solution
As storage solution, Lenovo uses a Samsung PM981 with 1 TB of storage space. In our best-of list, this NVMe SSD ranges at the very top and is one of the fastest SSDs in general. Correspondingly, the S540 is able to score in the benchmarks. Particularly in the AS SSD, it is able to best the competitors.
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IWL 81SW0015GE Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR | MSI PS63 Modern 8SC WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G | Asus TUF FX505DT-EB73 Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8 | HP Omen 15-dc1020ng WDC PC SN720 SDAQNTW-512G | Average Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6 | -14% | -22% | 7% | 19% | |
| Write 4K | 173 | 139.8 -19% | 137.5 -21% | 112.1 -35% | 139.7 ? -19% |
| Read 4K | 51.9 | 46.24 -11% | 57 10% | 42.01 -19% | 49.9 ? -4% |
| Write Seq | 1067 | 1346 26% | 984 -8% | 1964 84% | 2036 ? 91% |
| Read Seq | 1024 | 1446 41% | 1564 53% | 2065 102% | 2014 ? 97% |
| Write 4K Q32T1 | 462 | 346.8 -25% | 237.4 -49% | 318.2 -31% | 461 ? 0% |
| Read 4K Q32T1 | 549 | 451.2 -18% | 340.7 -38% | 406.7 -26% | 499 ? -9% |
| Write Seq Q32T1 | 3011 | 1456 -52% | 959 -68% | 2534 -16% | 2903 ? -4% |
| Read Seq Q32T1 | 3520 | 1748 -50% | 1732 -51% | 3438 -2% | 3479 ? -1% |
| AS SSD | -43% | -60% | -25% | -13% | |
| Seq Read | 2170 | 1502 -31% | 1019 -53% | 2955 36% | 2553 ? 18% |
| Seq Write | 2411 | 1372 -43% | 889 -63% | 2440 1% | 2084 ? -14% |
| 4K Read | 58.5 | 48 -18% | 48.22 -18% | 40.56 -31% | 53.1 ? -9% |
| 4K Write | 138.2 | 172.5 25% | 115.5 -16% | 118.6 -14% | 131.2 ? -5% |
| 4K-64 Read | 1671 | 1042 -38% | 321.5 -81% | 1283 -23% | 1477 ? -12% |
| 4K-64 Write | 1782 | 1182 -34% | 787 -56% | 1538 -14% | 1805 ? 1% |
| Access Time Read * | 0.032 | 0.112 -250% | 0.065 -103% | 0.084 -163% | 0.04983 ? -56% |
| Access Time Write * | 0.027 | 0.022 19% | 0.047 -74% | 0.032 -19% | 0.04222 ? -56% |
| Score Read | 1947 | 1240 -36% | 472 -76% | 1619 -17% | 1786 ? -8% |
| Score Write | 2161 | 1492 -31% | 992 -54% | 1901 -12% | 2144 ? -1% |
| Score Total | 5123 | 3370 -34% | 1717 -66% | 4323 -16% | 4826 ? -6% |
| Copy ISO MB/s | 942 | 1418 | 2098 ? | ||
| Copy Program MB/s | 444.5 | 392.5 | 500 ? | ||
| Copy Game MB/s | 867 | 907 | 1132 ? | ||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -29% /
-30% | -41% /
-44% | -9% /
-11% | 3% /
0% |
* ... smaller is better
Graphics Card
In the S540, Nvidia Optimus switches between the integrated UHD Graphics 620 and the dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q as needed. The latter is the current successor to the GTX 1050 (Ti) and quasi represents the power-saving entry-level of the current Nvidia generation. In return, you have to live without high-end performance and features such as ray-tracing.
In our synthetic 3DMark tests, the values are on the expected level for a GTX 1650 Max-Q. It is about 10% slower than the standard model. The MSI also uses the Max-Q version and ranges about 5% behind the S540.
Away from the power outlet, the Lenovo laptop loses about 22% of its performance in the 3DMark 11.
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 10679 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 20219 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 7107 points | |
Help | ||
Gaming Performance
Using the Extreme settings of "The Witcher 3," the S540 is able to achieve 30 FPS on average in Full-HD. However, while the S540 scrapes along the 30-fps limit, the competitors in form of the Acer Nitro (35 FPS), HP Omen (37 FPS), and the Asus TUF (36 FPS) achieve slightly better frame rates. Only the MSI is about as slow, which is due to the more frugal Max-Q version of the GPU.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Witcher 3 (2015) | 147 | 92 | 50 | 30.4 |
| Dota 2 Reborn (2015) | 120 | 105 | 94 | 88 |
| X-Plane 11.11 (2018) | 69 | 62 | 52.1 | |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) | 151 | 53 | 34 | 33 |
On the other hand, the good news is that you can almost play any game smoothly with the IdeaPad S540, as long as it does not always have to be extreme details. The all-rounder can display older or less demanding games at maximum detail level anyways. However, in the future you might need to reduce the settings with newer games.
The frame rates of the "The Witcher 3" remain fairly constant in the Ultra settings. There are no outliers above or below worth mentioning, and the average frames per second are about 30.
Emissions - Cool and quiet, but still annoying
Noise Emissions
In terms of the noise development, there is a clear dissonance between our measurements and the subjective impression of the tester. On one hand, the laptop remains very quiet across all scenarios, and particularly under load, none of the other competitors remain similarly quiet. Especially the Asus with its Ryzen processor runs significantly louder. On the other hand, the fan noise has a very high frequency, which can become very annoying and unpleasant. In addition, the active cooling system can turn itself on even during idle operation without any noticeable changes in the load.
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IWL 81SW0015GE GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-8565U, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR | MSI PS63 Modern 8SC GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G | Asus TUF FX505DT-EB73 GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, R7 3750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8 | HP Omen 15-dc1020ng GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, i5-9300H, WDC PC SN720 SDAQNTW-512G | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-14IWL GeForce MX250, i5-8265U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | -17% | -13% | -4% | 0% | |
| off / environment * | 28.8 | 30 -4% | 28.2 2% | 28.8 -0% | 29.3 -2% |
| Idle Minimum * | 28.9 | 32 -11% | 28.2 2% | 28.8 -0% | 29.3 -1% |
| Idle Average * | 28.9 | 33 -14% | 28.2 2% | 29.5 -2% | 29.3 -1% |
| Idle Maximum * | 30.1 | 34 -13% | 31.4 -4% | 31.1 -3% | 29.3 3% |
| Load Average * | 34.6 | 44 -27% | 39.8 -15% | 35.2 -2% | 34.4 1% |
| Witcher 3 ultra * | 34.6 | 41 -18% | 47 -36% | 35.2 -2% | 34.4 1% |
| Load Maximum * | 34.6 | 45 -30% | 50.2 -45% | 41 -18% | 34.9 -1% |
* ... smaller is better
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 28.9 / 28.9 / 30.1 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 34.6 / 34.6 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 28.8 dB(A) | ||
Temperature
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IWL 81SW0015GE GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-8565U, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR | MSI PS63 Modern 8SC GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G | Asus TUF FX505DT-EB73 GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, R7 3750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8 | HP Omen 15-dc1020ng GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, i5-9300H, WDC PC SN720 SDAQNTW-512G | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-14IWL GeForce MX250, i5-8265U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | -28% | -22% | -4% | -4% | |
| Maximum Upper Side * | 42.5 | 56 -32% | 41.2 3% | 40.3 5% | 41.8 2% |
| Maximum Bottom * | 45 | 60 -33% | 40 11% | 48.5 -8% | 43.3 4% |
| Idle Upper Side * | 22.7 | 29 -28% | 34.6 -52% | 23.9 -5% | 25.1 -11% |
| Idle Bottom * | 23 | 27 -17% | 34.4 -50% | 24.6 -7% | 25.4 -10% |
* ... smaller is better
It is also positive that the palm rests represent the coolest areas, and the heat concentrates mainly in the areas towards the display, where the fan vents are also located.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 42.5 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 45 °C / 113 F, compared to the average of 39.2 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 22.3 °C / 72 F, compared to the device average of 31.3 °C / 88 F.
(±) Playing The Witcher 3, the average temperature for the upper side is 35.3 °C / 96 F, compared to the device average of 31.3 °C / 88 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 29.8 °C / 85.6 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (-1 °C / -1.8 F).
In the extreme test, the clock speed drops below the basic clock speed of 1.8 GHz already after 10 minutes. As the test continues, it only drops minimally from these values of 1.4 - 1.5 GHz, but then remains constant. The core temperatures level out at about 66 °C (151 °F) and still show a significant potential towards the top.
In contrast, the clock speed of the graphics card only drops by a total of 100 MHz during the stress test, and ends up at 1.6 GHz after one hour. The GPU temperature is at about 65 °C (149 °F).
Right after the stress test, we repeat the 3DMark 11 to evaluate the performance changes compared to a cold start. The IdeaPad loses about 13% of the performance here.
Speakers
Lenovo uses stereo speakers whose power of 2 watts each probably will not inspire any excitement in audio purists, and neither did they inspire us. The sound remains a bit too quiet, naturally offers only little bass, and even the mids and highs were unable to convince. There is a single audio port to connect speakers or other external speakers.
Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IWL 81SW0015GE audio analysis
(-) | not very loud speakers (71.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 13.5% lower than median
(-) | bass is not linear (17% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 8.5% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.9% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (8.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (24.3% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 85% of all tested devices in this class were better, 5% similar, 10% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 18%, worst was 45%
Compared to all devices tested
» 71% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 23% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 6% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 92% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 4% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 95% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Power Management - An efficient Lenovo laptop
Power Consumption
The S540 presents itself as frugal in terms of its power consumption, and even the MSI in the Max-Q design uses about 10% more. The rest of the 15-inch competitors consume even more, particularly the Asus (+29%). The "Idle Max" value was measured with the keyboard illumination activated, and the consumption drops to 8.7 watts without the illumination.
The 92.7-watt value represents brief load spikes that quickly drop again and then level out at a maximum of 81 watts. With this, the 90-watt power supply should be sufficient.
| Off / Standby | 0.39 / 0.62 Watt |
| Idle | 4.2 / 7.8 / 10.2 Watt |
| Load |
73.6 / 92.7 Watt |
   
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IWL 81SW0015GE i7-8565U, GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6" | MSI PS63 Modern 8SC i7-8565U, GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6" | Asus TUF FX505DT-EB73 R7 3750H, GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6" | HP Omen 15-dc1020ng i5-9300H, GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, WDC PC SN720 SDAQNTW-512G, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6" | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-14IWL i5-8265U, GeForce MX250, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ, IPS, 1920x1080, 14" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | -10% | -29% | -15% | 26% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 4.2 | 6 -43% | 7 -67% | 4.04 4% | 2.74 35% |
| Idle Average * | 7.8 | 8 -3% | 9.9 -27% | 7.2 8% | 5.64 28% |
| Idle Maximum * | 10.2 | 12 -18% | 12 -18% | 11.4 -12% | 8.4 18% |
| Load Average * | 73.6 | 76 -3% | 68.4 7% | 80.8 -10% | 61.3 17% |
| Witcher 3 ultra * | 75 | 60 20% | 94.9 -27% | 93.6 -25% | 49.2 34% |
| Load Maximum * | 92.7 | 102 -10% | 130.9 -41% | 144.5 -56% | 69.4 25% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Life
In the Classic test of BatteryEater under heavy load, the S540 lasts for almost 2 hours, which represents a fairly good value. If the load is further increased ("The Witcher 3" Ultra settings), it only lasts for about 1 hour.
We run our WLAN test twice, and of course it lasts less long at maximum brightness (7 h 10 min) than at reduced brightness (150 nits: 8 h 46 min).
Those who love movies should be pleased by about 14.5 hours of video pleasures at reduced brightness.
Overall, the battery life corresponds to the battery capacity (70 Wh). The MSI lasts about 10% longer with its 82 Wh, and the Acer, HP, and Asus have smaller batteries, so they last correspondingly less time. The S540 supports Fast Charge, and the battery is recharged to 50% after about 30 to 40 minutes.
| Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IWL 81SW0015GE i7-8565U, GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, 70 Wh | Acer Aspire Nitro 5 AN515-54-53Z2 i5-9300H, GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, 57 Wh | HP Omen 15-dc1020ng i5-9300H, GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, 52.5 Wh | MSI PS63 Modern 8SC i7-8565U, GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, 82 Wh | Asus TUF FX505DT-EB73 R7 3750H, GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, 48 Wh | Dell XPS 15 7590 9980HK GTX 1650 i9-9980HK, GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, 97 Wh | Average of class Multimedia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | -17% | -29% | 10% | -36% | 30% | 6% | |
| H.264 | 876 | 482 -45% | 847 ? -3% | ||||
| WiFi v1.3 | 526 | 486 -8% | 385 -27% | 542 3% | 285 -46% | 467 -11% | 640 ? 22% |
| Witcher 3 ultra | 63 | 59 -6% | 76.3 ? 21% | ||||
| Load | 117 | 88 -25% | 71 -39% | 137 17% | 87 -26% | 199 70% | 97.1 ? -17% |
| Reader / Idle | 1044 | 951 | 724 | 466 | 910 | 1168 ? |
Pros
Cons
Verdict - A good all-rounder with one significant weakness
Lenovo offers a coherent overall package, which is as it should be for a real all-rounder, but is only rarely achieved by the competitors: A great display, a very fast SSD, efficient components, an elegant design, and easy maintenance (if you have a Torx screwdriver) are only some of the advantages worth mentioning.
Of course, the IdeaPad also has some weaknesses, but most of those are only minimal, such as the lack of a LAN connection, slight performance drops (due to the cooling), and the lack of a second RAM slot. However, we do need to point out one significant weakness: While Lenovo uses one of the quietest cooling systems in comparison, this measurable positive effect is undone by a subjectively very unpleasant high-frequency fan noise. This should be remedied by the manufacturer! On the other hand, students and others who are not very sensitive might want to grab it for about 1100 Euros (~$1203).
Those whose ears are less sensitive to the high-pitched fan noise will get a balanced all-rounder laptop with the 15-inch IdeaPad S540, which offers great components and good workmanship.
Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IWL 81SW0015GE
- 09/30/2019 v7 (old)
Christian Hintze
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