Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (GTX 960M, FHD) Notebook Review

Although the input devices remained largely the same, we have to cover the touchpad again. It already had slight issues in the previous test. In our model, the incorporated mouse buttons only worked when pressing extremely hard. Despite a click noise often no mouse click is triggered. We cannot tell here whether our test model is defective or whether the whole series is affected.

A "10" in the name of the Intel Core i7-4710HQ indicates the first new feature. The data sheet reveals the difference with the Intel Core i7-4700HQ used in the previous model. Base clock and Turbo clock were increased by 100 MHz. As a result the clock rate ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 GHz. Cache size and TDP of 47 W remained unchanged. Both CPUs are based on the Haswell technology. The Intel Core i7-4720HQ is another option and clocks another 100 MHz faster. We want to analyze the performance difference of the three processors with Cinebench R15.

In the multi-core test, the new CPU performs hardly better than the already reviewed Y50-70. The performance gain of the Intel Core i7-4720HQ might be worthwhile as we can see in the MSI GE60 and the Acer Aspire VN7. However, a similar Y50-70 with Nvidia GTX 860M performs only 6% better. This is most likely due to Turbo efficiency. The clock rate falls to the standard clock of 2.5 GHz at the beginning and the laptop does not run at Turbo clock. The clock rate does not fall below 2.5 GHz when the test is run multiple times in succession.

A CPU performance loss is not to be expected on battery. At least, the laptop achieves the same score in Cinebench R11.5 as in mains operation.

An SSD, a high-performance processor, sufficient RAM as well as graphics performance always ensure smooth and responsive operation. Working is absolutely fun with our test model. PCMark 7 confirms our subjective impression. Compared to our previous review, the Y50-70's score is above 50% higher. Not only the faster hardware is decisive, but also the use of a fast SSD instead of a magnetic hard drive improves things. For the same reason, the similarly equipped MSI GE60 achieves 1000 points less than our test model.

In our configuration, the storage device is a Samsung PM851 with 256 GB. We used CrystalDiskMark to evaluate its performance. It achieves decent sequential read rates of above 500 MB/s, which is about five times the predecessor's. The sequential write rates of 264.8 MB/s are about three times faster. Thanks to SSD technology, the especially important 4K values are much better.

This year's Nvidia GTX 960M is significantly more powerful than its Nvidia GeForce 860M predecessor. Our model comes with the maximum VRAM capacity of 4 GB. We want to analyze the performance gain compared to the predecessor with 3DMark 11 and FireStrike. In 3DMark 11, the performance gain is about 7 to 8%. The difference is even higher in the 3DMark FireStrike test with 9 to 12%. However, it is questionable if buying a new notebook is indeed necessary. But, we can say for sure that the performance falls on battery. So, mains operation is necessary for having the full potential of the dedicated graphics card available.

With the used dedicated graphics card of the performance class, the Lenovo Y50-70 is perfectly suitable for gaming. Most games should be playable at high quality settings without big problems. We selected Metro: Last Light as a representative, since it shows the potential of the graphics solution and allows comparison to our last year's review. Smooth frame rates are possible with maximum graphics settings, while last year's Y50-70 achieved an unsatisfactory 24 fps with the same settings.

The Y50 deserves praise in terms of system noise. While idle, the test model always remained quiet. Most of the time, the device is even silent and the fans are off. A noise of up to 47.6 dB(A) is first possible in load scenarios. The reached frequencies are not disturbing. Especially while idle, the new Y50-70 is quieter than the already reviewed model. Competitors like the MSI GE 60 are significantly louder, too.

Our Y50-70 test model proved to be frugal while idle with power consumption between 4.3 W and 10.6 W. For example, the MSI GE 60's energy demand is almost double as high. This is probably already indicative for a difference in battery life. Our multimedia device requires between 100 and 112.3 W at most. You could think that the power adapter delivers just enough performance with 125 W. However, the battery is discharged during our stress test...

According to our readings, the battery features four cells and a capacity of 55.5 Wh. If you believe in the manufacturer's claim, the battery life should be up to 5 hours. For a scenario as realistic as possible, we set the brightness to about 150 cd/m² and simulate web surfing. The Y50-70 switches to stand-by after 4 h and 14 min. While the laptop will not last a workday long, watching several episodes of various series is easily possible on a single charge.