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Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API laptop review: 17.3-incher pleases with good battery life

There is no shortage of weaknesses. With the Ideapad L340-17API, Lenovo delivers a 17.3-inch laptop that can score points with a strong Ryzen 5 3500U APU, a solid state drive, good battery life and a quite good keyboard. Unfortunately, it does not lack weaknesses: In this case, a TN panel with unstable viewing angles is in use, and the RAM is only able to run in single-channel mode. In addition, there is no memory card reader.

The Ideapad L340-17 series succeeds the Ideapad 330-17 series. The devices of both series are very similar, but there are differences in detail. The Ideapad L340-17API model before us is powered by the Ryzen 5 3500U APU from AMD. Alternatively, there are also models available that use Intel processors. Devices such as the Asus VivoBook 17 X705UA, the Dell Inspiron 17 3780 and the HP 17 are among the competitors.

Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE (Ideapad L340-17 Series)
Processor
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U 4 x 2.1 - 3.7 GHz, Picasso-U (Zen+)
Graphics adapter
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000) - 2048 MB VRAM, Core: 1200 MHz, Memory: 1200 MHz, single-channel, Adrenalin 19.8.1 (26.20.13001.29010)
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4 2666, single-channel, one slot (occupied)
Display
17.30 inch 16:9, 1600 x 900 pixel 106 PPI, AU Optronics B173RTN02.1, TN LED, glossy: no
Mainboard
AMD CZ FCH
Storage
Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ, 256 GB 
, + M.2 2280 slot (free), 213 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC257 @ AMD K17.1 - Audio Processor - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: combo audio, TPM 2.0
Networking
Realtek RTL8168/8111 Gigabit-LAN (10/100/1000MBit/s), Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 24.3 x 413 x 284.6 ( = 0.96 x 16.26 x 11.2 in)
Battery
36 Wh, 3320 mAh Lithium-Ion, 11.25 V
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, McAfee LiveSafe (trial version), 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.8 kg ( = 98.77 oz / 6.17 pounds), Power Supply: 221 g ( = 7.8 oz / 0.49 pounds)
Price
599 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case and connectivity - There is no memory card reader

The case of the Ideapad L340 is made completely of a silver-gray plastic ("Platinum Grey"). The display bezel is colored black. The top of the base unit and the back of the lid show a brushed-aluminum look. There is nothing to complain about in terms of workmanship. The gap dimensions are correct, and sharp edges are not felt. There is a need for improvement in terms of stability: The base unit and the lid can be twisted a little too much for our taste.

Our review unit does not offer an optical drive. There is a dummy in the drive slot. However, the SATA slot required for connecting an optical drive is available. In this way, a corresponding drive could be set up on demand.

The L340 does not come with a maintenance hatch. In order to access the inside, the bottom cover needs to be dismounted. The dummy found in the slot for the optical drive is removed first. Afterwards, all the screws in the bottom of the device need to be removed. Then the bottom cover can be detached with the help of a thin spatula or a grout finishing tool. This procedure must be done carefully. The bottom cover is held by many clips. The solid state drive, fans, Wi-Fi module, RAM module and battery can now be accessed.

The supply of ports is clearly arranged. The laptop comes with two USB Type-A ports and one USB Type-C port, which all work with the USB 3.2 Gen 1 standard. This is joined by an HDMI connector and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The Ideapad does not offer a memory card reader. All ports are placed in the rear section of the laptop's left side. This results in the areas next to both sides of the palm rest remaining free of cables.

The Wi-Fi module uses a chip (QCA9377) from Qualcomm. Alongside the 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi standards, it also supports the fast ac standard. The transfer speeds that we measured under optimal conditions (no other Wi-Fi devices nearby, short distance between laptop and server PC) are moderate. The competition delivers similar results. A Gigabit Ethernet controller from Realtek's RTL8168/8111 family handles wired network connections. It fulfills its tasks without issues.

Size comparison

415.4 mm / 16.4 inch 279.2 mm / 11 inch 25 mm / 0.984 inch 2.8 kg6.15 lbs415 mm / 16.3 inch 278 mm / 10.9 inch 25 mm / 0.984 inch 2.5 kg5.41 lbs413 mm / 16.3 inch 284.6 mm / 11.2 inch 24.3 mm / 0.957 inch 2.8 kg6.17 lbs411 mm / 16.2 inch 270 mm / 10.6 inch 22.6 mm / 0.89 inch 2.1 kg4.63 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Ports configuration

Left side: Power connector, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A), combo audio, USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-C)
Left side: Power connector, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A), combo audio, USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-C)
Right side: Optical drive slot, lock cable slot
Right side: Optical drive slot, lock cable slot
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
336 MBit/s +12%
Asus VivoBook 17 X705UA-BX022T
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
302 MBit/s 0%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
301 (277min - 342max) MBit/s
HP 17-ca0013ng
RealTek Semiconductor, Device ID: C821
181 MBit/s -40%
iperf3 receive AX12
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
329 (316min - 337max) MBit/s
Asus VivoBook 17 X705UA-BX022T
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
315 MBit/s -4%
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
309 MBit/s -6%
HP 17-ca0013ng
RealTek Semiconductor, Device ID: C821
216 MBit/s -34%
020406080100120140160180200220240260280300320340Tooltip
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000); iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø328 (316-337)
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000); iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø301 (277-342)

Input devices - Keyboard backlighting is missing

Lenovo configures the Ideapad L340 with a chiclet keyboard that lacks backlighting, but includes a numeric keypad. The flat, lightly roughened keys have a short travel and a clear pressure point. We like the resistance provided by the keys. The keyboard gives way a bit when typing. But this did not prove to be bothersome. All in all, Lenovo delivers quite a good keyboard here, which is also suitable for regular writing.

The multitouch-capable ClickPad is around 10.5 x 7 cm (~4 x 2.75 in). This leaves a lot of space for the use of gesture controls. The smooth pad surface makes gliding easy for the fingers. The pad also reacts to inputs on the corners. It shows a short travel and a clear pressure point.

Input devices
Input devices

Display - Dim, poor contrast and unstable viewing angles

Pixel grid
Pixel grid

The matte 17.3-inch display of the Ideapad runs at a native resolution of 1600x900 pixels. The brightness (200.6 cd/m²) and contrast (500:1) are unable to convince. We consider values beyond 300 cd/m² and 1000:1 respectively to be good. Within our comparison field, the displays of the HP 17 and the Dell Inspiron 17 are able to meet our requirements. Positive: The display of the L340 never shows PWM flickering.

216
cd/m²
197
cd/m²
203
cd/m²
200
cd/m²
230
cd/m²
180
cd/m²
193
cd/m²
203
cd/m²
183
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics B173RTN02.1 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 230 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 200.6 cd/m² Minimum: 11 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 78 %
Center on Battery: 230 cd/m²
Contrast: 500:1 (Black: 0.46 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 10.36 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 13.32 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
74% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
48% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
52.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
73.9% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
51.1% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.54
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
TN LED, 1600x900, 17.30
HP 17-ca0013ng
IPS, 1920x1080, 17.30
Asus VivoBook 17 X705UA-BX022T
TN LED, 1600x900, 17.30
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
IPS, 1920x1080, 17.30
Display
23%
1%
23%
Display P3 Coverage
51.1
67
31%
51.2
0%
63.7
25%
sRGB Coverage
73.9
86.4
17%
75.2
2%
88.9
20%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
52.7
63.2
20%
52.9
0%
64.6
23%
Response Times
-49%
-8%
-115%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
42 ?(22, 20)
33 ?(16, 17)
21%
41 ?(21, 20)
2%
46 ?(24.4, 21.6)
-10%
Response Time Black / White *
11 ?(7, 4)
24 ?(14, 10)
-118%
13 ?(8, 5)
-18%
35.2 ?(22, 13.2)
-220%
PWM Frequency
Screen
47%
-3%
53%
Brightness middle
230
394
71%
237
3%
322.9
40%
Brightness
201
352
75%
216
7%
322
60%
Brightness Distribution
78
83
6%
82
5%
84
8%
Black Level *
0.46
0.35
24%
0.58
-26%
0.26
43%
Contrast
500
1126
125%
409
-18%
1242
148%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
10.36
6.08
41%
10.78
-4%
4.19
60%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
18.63
10.88
42%
19.24
-3%
7.04
62%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
13.32
7.22
46%
13.38
-0%
4.5
66%
Gamma
2.54 87%
2.48 89%
2.51 88%
1.97 112%
CCT
14124 46%
7997 81%
15051 43%
7041 92%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
48
57
19%
49
2%
57.6
20%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
74
86
16%
75
1%
88.4
19%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
2.8
3.55
Total Average (Program / Settings)
7% / 29%
-3% / -3%
-13% / 24%

* ... smaller is better

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
11 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 7 ms rise
↘ 4 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. » 24 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
42 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 22 ms rise
↘ 20 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. » 63 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
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 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The display's color reproduction does not impress either. With a DeltaE 2000 color deviation of 10.36, the target area (DeltaE smaller than 3) is far off. In addition, the display suffers from a clear blue tint.

Through the color profile that we have provided, the display's color reproduction can be slightly improved. It is important to make sure that the same display model (manufacturer + model number) as in our review device is built in. Otherwise, the color reproduction can become even worse. It is common for laptops of the same model series to use displays from different manufacturers.

CalMAN - Color Checker
CalMAN - Color Checker
CalMAN - Gray scales
CalMAN - Gray scales
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - Color saturation

Lenovo equips the Ideapad with a TN panel that shows unstable viewing angles. Consequently, the display is not readable from every position. Outdoors, the laptop's display is barely or not readable at all due to its little brightness.

The Ideapad outdoors
The Ideapad outdoors

Performance - More than enough for office and Internet

With the Ideapad L340-17API, Lenovo has a 17.3-inch laptop in its range, which offers enough computing power for office and Internet applications. The integrated GPU allows playing a game or two. About 550 Euros (~$610) need to be spent for our review unit. Other configuration variants are available. At the time of writing this review, the most affordable model could be bought for 400 Euros (~$444), and it comes with an Athlon 300U APU.

Processor

The Ideapad is powered by the brand-new Ryzen 5 3500U (Picasso) APU from AMD, which offers more than enough performance for Office and Internet applications. The CPU part of the APU is comprised of a quad-core processor, which runs at a base speed of 2.1 GHz. An increase of up to 3.7 GHz is possible through Turbo. The processor supports simultaneous multithreading (two threads can be processed per core).

The multithread tests of the Cinebench benchmark are processed at 3.3 to 3.4 GHz for a short time. The clock speed drops then to 3 to 3.1 GHz. The single-thread tests are run at 1.5 to 3.7 GHz. On battery power, the multithread tests begin to be processed at 2.4 GHz. Subsequently, they are run at 3.1 to 3.2 GHz. The single-thread tests are processed at 1.4 to 2.4 GHz.

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
HWInfo
HWInfo

We test whether Turbo is used consistently when plugged in by running Cinebench's R15 multithread test continuously in a loop for a minimum of 30 minutes. The CPU is able to maintain a turbo speed of 3 to 3.1 GHz for some minutes; the speed then drops to 2.9 GHz and remains at this level for the rest of the test.

The Ideapad delivers better results than most laptops that are equipped with the direct predecessor APU, the Ryzen 5 2500U. The improvements carried out by AMD with the Zen+ architecture of the 3500U APU (smaller structural width, minimally higher working speeds, slightly more performance per clock) seem therefore to bear fruit.

03570105140175210245280315350385420455490525560595630Tooltip
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U: Ø626 (614.9-661.93)
HP 17-ca0013ng AMD Ryzen 5 2500U, AMD Ryzen 5 2500U: Ø549 (510.21-605.1)
Asus VivoBook 17 X705UA-BX022T Intel Core i3-7100U, Intel Core i3-7100U: Ø255 (250.88-257.12)
Dell Inspiron 17 3780 Intel Core i7-8565U, Intel Core i7-8565U: Ø554 (548.32-600.91)
Lenovo Ideapad 330S-15ARR-81FB00C7GE AMD Ryzen 5 2500U, AMD Ryzen 5 2500U: Ø505 (465.19-617.99)
HP ProBook 445 G6 AMD Ryzen 5 2500U, AMD Ryzen 5 2500U: Ø510 (500.4-611.72)
Lenovo ThinkPad A485-20MU000CGE AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2500U, AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2500U: Ø504 (495-536)
CPU clock speeds while running the CB15 loop
CPU clock speeds while running the CB15 loop
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
17578
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
7627
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
4565
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
7.62 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.65 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
32.61 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
98 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
41.37 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
662 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
143 Points
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (82.6 - 284, n=118, last 2 years)
215 Points +50%
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
Intel Core i7-8565U
163 Points +14%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
143 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (131 - 147, n=18)
142.4 Points 0%
HP 17-ca0013ng
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
136 Points -5%
Asus VivoBook 17 X705UA-BX022T
Intel Core i3-7100U
100 Points -30%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (160.8 - 2642, n=120, last 2 years)
1380 Points +108%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
662 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (482 - 682, n=19)
642 Points -3%
HP 17-ca0013ng
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
605 Points -9%
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
Intel Core i7-8565U
601 Points -9%
Asus VivoBook 17 X705UA-BX022T
Intel Core i3-7100U
256 Points -61%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Single 32Bit
Average of class Office
  (3465 - 9351, n=12, last 2 years)
6404 Points +40%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
4565 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (4542 - 4565, n=4)
4556 Points 0%
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Average of class Office
  (6611 - 40266, n=12, last 2 years)
27456 Points +56%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
17578 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (13249 - 17578, n=4)
16322 Points -7%
Cinebench R20
CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Office
  (181.3 - 764, n=120, last 2 years)
553 Points +49%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
370 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (317 - 372, n=15)
354 Points -4%
CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Office
  (356 - 5904, n=120, last 2 years)
3055 Points +107%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
1476 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (1063 - 1540, n=15)
1436 Points -3%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (last 2 years)
16771 Points +29%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
12999 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (9503 - 13145, n=4)
12182 Points -6%
32 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (last 2 years)
4096 Points +26%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (3258 - 3478, n=4)
3405 Points +5%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3258 Points
Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (4762 - 35532, n=19, last 2 years)
18933 Points +68%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (10099 - 12171, n=11)
11388 Points +1%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
11299 Points
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (2776 - 7072, n=19, last 2 years)
5099 Points +38%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (3400 - 3924, n=11)
3785 Points +2%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3701 Points
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (1101 - 1693, n=14)
1272 ms * -3%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (Edge 44)
1237 ms *
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
Intel Core i7-8565U (Edge 44.17763.1.0)
1094 ms * +12%
Average of class Office
  (479 - 1966, n=111, last 2 years)
742 ms * +40%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Office
  (21416 - 93596, n=52, last 2 years)
69674 Points +138%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (Edge 44)
29237 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (19083 - 32938, n=11)
26794 Points -8%
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
Intel Core i7-8565U (Edge 44.17763.1.0)
26445 Points -10%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Office
  (117.1 - 544, n=19, last 2 years)
369 Points +78%
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
Intel Core i7-8565U (Edge 44.17763.1.0)
244.4 Points +18%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (Edge 44)
207.1 Points
HP 17-ca0013ng
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
188.5 Points -9%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (106.9 - 208, n=13)
180.2 Points -13%
Asus VivoBook 17 X705UA-BX022T
Intel Core i3-7100U
114.1 Points -45%

* ... smaller is better

System performance

The system works swiftly and smoothly. We did not experience any problems. The laptop provides more than enough performance for office and Internet applications. This is accompanied by good results in the PCMark benchmarks.

However, Lenovo leaves some of the performance underused since the RAM runs in single-channel mode. Dual-channel mode cannot be activated later because the laptop only has one RAM slot.

Nonetheless, there are configuration variants of the Ideapad L340 where dual-channel mode can be used. These models are additionally equipped with 4 GB of soldered memory.

The laptop has only one RAM slot. Therefore, memory runs in single-channel mode.
The laptop has only one RAM slot. Therefore, memory runs in single-channel mode.
Other configuration variants of the L340 come with soldered memory alongside a free RAM slot. Our review device is unable to provide this.
Other configuration variants of the L340 come with soldered memory alongside a free RAM slot. Our review device is unable to provide this.
PCMark 7 Score
6391 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3423 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
3520 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4865 points
PCMark 10 Score
3754 points
Help
PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Office
  (2325 - 7157, n=105, last 2 years)
5312 Points +42%
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
Radeon 520, i7-8565U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
4594 Points +22%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (3485 - 3972, n=16)
3766 Points 0%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ
3754 Points
Essentials
Average of class Office
  (5095 - 20841, n=105, last 2 years)
9781 Points +30%
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
Radeon 520, i7-8565U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
9023 Points +20%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (6690 - 8300, n=16)
7533 Points 0%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ
7507 Points
Productivity
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
Radeon 520, i7-8565U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
7862 Points +33%
Average of class Office
  (3041 - 10198, n=105, last 2 years)
7439 Points +26%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ
5921 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (5456 - 6074, n=16)
5774 Points -2%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Office
  (1912 - 9056, n=105, last 2 years)
5732 Points +77%
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
Radeon 520, i7-8565U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
3710 Points +15%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (2989 - 3526, n=16)
3337 Points +3%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ
3232 Points
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Office
  (2304 - 4830, n=12, last 2 years)
4261 Points +24%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (3316 - 4235, n=13)
3600 Points +5%
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
Radeon 520, i7-8565U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
3509 Points +3%
HP 17-ca0013ng
Vega 8, R5 2500U, Toshiba KBG30ZMV256G
3449 Points +1%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ
3423 Points
Asus VivoBook 17 X705UA-BX022T
HD Graphics 620, i3-7100U, Seagate Mobile HDD 1TB ST1000LM035
3121 Points -9%

Storage

A SATA SSD from Samsung is used as a system drive. It is a model that comes in the 2.5-inch format and provides 256 GB of storage space. About 213 GB is usable out of the box. The remaining storage space is divided between the recovery partition and the Windows installation. Overall, the SSD delivers good transfer speeds.

There is still a free M.2 2280 slot inside the laptop. This can take in NVMe SSDs.

An SSD is used as system drive.
An SSD is used as system drive.
An NVMe SSD can be added too.
An NVMe SSD can be added too.
Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ
Sequential Read: 527 MB/s
Sequential Write: 482.8 MB/s
512K Read: 462.7 MB/s
512K Write: 443.1 MB/s
4K Read: 37 MB/s
4K Write: 78 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 234.5 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 215.7 MB/s
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ
Asus VivoBook 17 X705UA-BX022T
Seagate Mobile HDD 1TB ST1000LM035
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
Average Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ
 
Average of class Office
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
-91%
79%
-3%
288%
Write 4K
94.4
1.747
-98%
120.3
27%
83.7 ?(77.1 - 94.4, n=3)
-11%
156.6 ?(50.1 - 291, n=69, last 2 years)
66%
Read 4K
32.45
0.285
-99%
41.81
29%
32.4 ?(32 - 32.7, n=3)
0%
61 ?(20.6 - 90.2, n=69, last 2 years)
88%
Write Seq
482.8
76.8
-84%
619
28%
481 ?(473 - 488, n=3)
0%
2378 ?(315 - 5030, n=53, last 2 years)
393%
Read Seq
524
85.6
-84%
1119
114%
515 ?(504 - 524, n=3)
-2%
2593 ?(507 - 5559, n=53, last 2 years)
395%
Write 4K Q32T1
232
1.727
-99%
492.2
112%
229 ?(131.8 - 323, n=3)
-1%
400 ?(162.5 - 809, n=69, last 2 years)
72%
Read 4K Q32T1
253.6
0.647
-100%
398.8
57%
216 ?(144.5 - 254, n=3)
-15%
511 ?(184.2 - 899, n=69, last 2 years)
101%
Write Seq Q32T1
496.5
89.3
-82%
812
64%
512 ?(497 - 531, n=3)
3%
3018 ?(259 - 6207, n=69, last 2 years)
508%
Read Seq Q32T1
540
78.6
-85%
1616
199%
541 ?(540 - 544, n=3)
0%
4226 ?(454 - 7123, n=69, last 2 years)
683%

Graphics card

AMD's integrated Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics unit is responsible for the graphics output. The GPU supports DirectX 12 and runs at speeds of up to 1200 MHz. The results in the 3DMark benchmarks are at a normal level for this GPU. Since our review model is unable to make use of a dual-channel mode, a performance increase is not possible.

GPU-Z
GPU-Z
DXVAChecker
DXVAChecker
3DMark 11 Performance
3195 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
60288 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
11161 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
1752 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
661 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Office
  (1474 - 12230, n=115, last 2 years)
5878 Points +87%
HP 17-ca0013ng
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
3538 Points +12%
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (1668 - 4317, n=44)
3447 Points +10%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3146 Points
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
AMD Radeon 520, Intel Core i7-8565U
2156 Points -31%
Asus VivoBook 17 X705UA-BX022T
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i3-7100U
1298 Points -59%
3DMark
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Office
  (712 - 8815, n=117, last 2 years)
4072 Points +106%
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (1095 - 2901, n=41)
2224 Points +12%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
1981 Points
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
AMD Radeon 520, Intel Core i7-8565U
1616 Points -18%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average of class Office
  (5681 - 58068, n=98, last 2 years)
23871 Points +73%
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (7309 - 19399, n=37)
15327 Points +11%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
13777 Points
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
AMD Radeon 520, Intel Core i7-8565U
10669 Points -23%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Office
  (242 - 3186, n=113, last 2 years)
1323 Points +127%
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (523 - 790, n=23)
673 Points +15%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
584 Points
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
AMD Radeon 520, Intel Core i7-8565U
459 Points -21%

Gaming performance

The hardware in the L340 can run quite a lot of the games that are found in our database smoothly. This applies in the first place to games that are already a couple of years old and do not have very high hardware requirements - "Diablo 3", "Team Fortress 2" and "League of Legends", for example. The games reach smooth frame rates at HD resolution and low to medium quality settings. Titles from the years 2018/2019 are barely playable. Only very few games are able to reach playable frame rates at low resolution and low quality level.

low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 87.1 55.9 43.4 15.1
Far Cry New Dawn (2019) 19 9 9 8
Anthem (2019) 10.8 7.5 6.4 3.7
Anno 1800 (2019) 29.6 9.8 5.7 3.1
Rage 2 (2019) 20.5 9.5 7.9
Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019) 29.9 10.2 6.2 4.4
F1 2019 (2019) 38 17 15 10
BioShock Infinite - 1366x768 High Preset
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (17.2 - 68, n=16)
52.2 fps +20%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
43.4 fps
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
Intel Core i7-8565U, AMD Radeon 520
36.3 fps -16%
Asus VivoBook 17 X705UA-BX022T
Intel Core i3-7100U, Intel HD Graphics 620
17 fps -61%

Emissions and energy - Quite long-lasting

Noise emissions

The Lenovo laptop does not produce an excessive amount of noise. In idle usage, the fan is often quiet and silence prevails. It does not spin that strongly under load. In this way, we measure a noise level of 35.3 dB(A) during the stress test. Unfortunately, the fan makes a quiet whistling sound.

Noise Level

Idle
30 / 30 / 30.2 dB(A)
Load
35.4 / 35.3 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2029.732.334.233.929.72531.230.831.831.331.23135.935.134.632.835.94029.832.633.429.929.85029.632.130.228.429.66327.729.329.22927.78025.92626.925.625.910026.32625.725.426.312525.724.925.624.425.716024.82522.823.824.820023.8242222.723.8250242521.621.82431526.926.620.520.426.940025.325.419.719.425.350022.122.819.419.122.163022.722.718.518.522.780023.523.318.318.223.5100024.424.51817.624.4125025.525.417.717.625.5160024.724.417.517.224.7200024.624.517.417.224.6250024.424.517.217.324.4315023.92417.517.423.9400021.721.817.417.621.7500020.720.617.617.720.7630020.520.417.817.820.5800018.718.617.917.818.71000018.118.11817.818.11250017.817.917.917.717.8160001817.81817.818SPL35.435.430.13035.4N2.32.31.41.42.3median 23.9median 24median 18median 17.8median 23.9Delta2.321.51.52.3hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseLenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE

Temperature

The Ideapad during the stress test.
The Ideapad during the stress test.

Either plugged in or on battery power, the Lenovo laptop works through our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least an hour) in the same way. The processor begins the test running at 2.5 GHz. After about 10 minutes, the clock speed drops to minimally 2.3 to 2.4 GHz and remains at this level. The working speed of the GPU drops in this same period from an initial 900 MHz to 600 MHz. The stress test represents an extreme scenario that does not come up in everyday use. With this test we verify that the system remains stable even under full load.

The laptop does not become overly warm. We only register temperatures above 40 °C (~104 °F) at two measuring points on the bottom during the stress test. The values are in the green area in everyday use.

Max. Load
 34.8 °C
95 F
34.5 °C
94 F
29.4 °C
85 F
 
 36.4 °C
98 F
36.7 °C
98 F
26.6 °C
80 F
 
 29.6 °C
85 F
28.3 °C
83 F
25.5 °C
78 F
 
Maximum: 36.7 °C = 98 F
Average: 31.3 °C = 88 F
28.5 °C
83 F
33.1 °C
92 F
44.1 °C
111 F
25.1 °C
77 F
28 °C
82 F
42.3 °C
108 F
25.2 °C
77 F
25.9 °C
79 F
27 °C
81 F
Maximum: 44.1 °C = 111 F
Average: 31 °C = 88 F
Power Supply (max.)  43.3 °C = 110 F | Room Temperature 23.6 °C = 74 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 31.3 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36.7 °C / 98 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 44.1 °C / 111 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.4 °C / 81 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 29.6 °C / 85.3 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-1.9 °C / -3.4 F).
Heat development top (load)
Heat development top (load)
Heat development bottom (load)
Heat development bottom (load)
Heat development top (idle)
Heat development top (idle)
Heat development bottom (idle)
Heat development bottom (idle)

Speakers

The stereo speakers are placed on the bottom of the device. They produce a slightly hollow sound lacking in bass. In addition, the maximum volume is quite low. Headphones or external speakers are recommended for a better sound experience.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2030.933.930.9253031.3303135.132.835.14030.529.930.55029.128.429.16327.72927.78027.725.627.710026.125.426.11252924.4291602623.82620025.322.725.325038.121.838.131552.320.452.340059.819.459.85005319.15363061.218.561.280068.318.268.310006117.661125052.917.652.916005717.257200054.517.254.5250054.617.354.6315056.817.456.8400053.617.653.6500055.817.755.8630050.117.850.180005417.8541000052.517.852.51250054.617.754.61600042.217.842.2SPL70.83070.8N261.426median 53.6median 17.8median 53.6Delta7.81.57.8hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseLenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (68.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 20.8% lower than median
(-) | bass is not linear (16.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 5.2% higher than median
(-) | mids are not linear (18% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 1.6% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (26.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 78% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 15% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 77% of all tested devices were better, 4% similar, 18% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Energy consumption

The Lenovo computer is quite efficient in its use of energy over the entire load range. In idle usage we register a maximum energy consumption of 6.8 watts - a good value. During the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least an hour) the value increases to up to 38.6 watts. The power adapter has an output of 65 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.5 / 0.37 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.8 / 6.3 / 6.8 Watt
Load midlight 31 / 38.6 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery life

Our practical Wi-Fi test simulates the load caused by accessing websites. The "balanced" profile is activated, the energy saving functions are turned off and the display brightness is set to about 150 cd/m². The Ideapad reaches a runtime of 6:54 hours. Although Lenovo only gave the L340 a relatively small battery (36 Wh), the device can squeeze out a lot of runtime from the battery.

Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
Average of class Office
  (272 - 1137, n=107, last 2 years)
589 min +42%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
R5 3500U, Vega 8, 36 Wh
414 min
Asus VivoBook 17 X705UA-BX022T
i3-7100U, HD Graphics 620, 42 Wh
413 min 0%
Dell Inspiron 17 3780
i7-8565U, Radeon 520, 42 Wh
252 min -39%
HP 17-ca0013ng
R5 2500U, Vega 8, 40.6 Wh
225 min -46%
Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 44)
6h 54min

Pros

+ matte display
+ SSD
+ free M.2 2280 slot
+ good battery life
+ good keyboard

Cons

- dim, contrast-poor display
- TN panel with unstable viewing angles
- RAM limited to single-channel mode
- no memory card reader
- whistling fans
- mediocre Wi-Fi transfer speeds

Verdict

The Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API 81LY0004GE, provided by:
The Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API 81LY0004GE, provided by:

Lenovo's 17.3-inch laptop is powered by a Ryzen 5 3500U APU, which offers more than enough performance for office and Internet applications. In addition, it allows, at least to a limited extent, the use of computer games. However, the APU cannot develop its full potential since RAM only runs in single-channel mode; activating dual-channel mode is not possible.

With the Ideapad L340-17API, Lenovo delivers a 17.3-inch laptop for the home desk. However, there are serious weaknesses in the configuration variant before us.

A solid state drive in the 2.5-inch format makes for a fast system. Additionally, there is a slot for an NVMe SSD in the M.2 2280 format inside the computer. The case would need to be opened in order to add a corresponding SSD. The laptop does not offer a maintenance hatch.

The matte HD+ display does not impress. It is dim, contrast-poor and has unstable viewing angles. Furthermore, the color reproduction is unable to convince either. The laptop's keyboard made a good impression, and is also suitable for regular writing tasks. However, we did miss a keyboard backlighting. The good battery life should be mentioned too, which Lenovo squeezes out from the relatively small battery. The fan produces a quiet whistling sound unfortunately.

We liked the Ideapad L340-17API in principle, but we cannot make a purchase recommendation for the configuration variant before us. The two greatest weaknesses are the dim, contrast-poor TN display with its unstable viewing angles and the RAM running in single-channel mode. For about 50 Euros (~$55) more, there are configuration variants available for the Ideapad, which have a slightly stronger APU, a Full HD IPS display with stable viewing angles and memory that runs in dual-channel mode.

Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE - 08/20/2019 v6(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
77 / 98 → 78%
Keyboard
79%
Pointing Device
88%
Connectivity
44 / 80 → 55%
Weight
58 / 20-67 → 80%
Battery
89%
Display
76%
Games Performance
66 / 68 → 96%
Application Performance
87 / 92 → 94%
Temperature
93%
Noise
90%
Audio
50%
Camera
44 / 85 → 52%
Average
72%
81%
Office - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API laptop review: 17.3-incher pleases with good battery life
Sascha Mölck, 2019-08-19 (Update: 2019-08-21)