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Lenovo ThinkPad E560 (Core i3, HD) Notebook Review

Enduring worker. Our present model of the ThinkPad E560 is aimed at price-sensitive users. A bit over 500 Euros (~$553) has to be ponied up for the device. The buyer gets a Core i3 processor, long battery life, outstanding keyboard and two Windows operating systems in return.

For the original German review, see here.

Lenovo's ThinkPad E lineup stands for business laptops from the entry-level sector. The ThinkPad E560 represents a current 15.6-inch member of the lineup in our test. After testing the premium model of the lineup a few weeks ago, we now face a low-cost member of the series. Lenovo relies on a Core i3 processor from the Skylake generation, a 7200 RPM hard drive and HD panel here. Our review clarifies whether this technically slimmed ThinkPad model is convincing. HP's ProBook 450 G3, Acer's TravelMate P257-M and Dell's Latitude 15-3570 are some opponents of the laptop.

Note: The following screenshots show the Full HD model of the ThinkPad. Our present review sample does not have the 3D camera seen in this device, for example.

Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE (ThinkPad E560 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i3-6100U 2 x 2.3 GHz, Skylake
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 520, Core: 950 MHz, Single-Channel, 20.19.15.4312
Memory
4 GB 
, DDR3-1600, single-channel, two memory banks (one bank filled)
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel 100 PPI, Lenovo N156B6-L07, TN LED, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Skylake-U Premium PCH
Storage
Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX), 500 GB 
, 7200 rpm, 420 GB free
Soundcard
Conexant CX20753/4 @ Intel Skylake PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: combo audio, Card Reader: SD, 1 Fingerprint Reader, TPM 1.2
Networking
Intel Ethernet Connection I219-V (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2
Optical drive
HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GUC0N
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 27.1 x 377 x 255 ( = 1.07 x 14.84 x 10.04 in)
Battery
48 Wh, 4400 mAh Lithium-Ion, removeable, 10.8 V
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64 Bit) + Windows 10 Pro (64 Bit)
Camera
Webcam: HD webcam
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, Cyberlink PowerDVD 12, Cyberlink WaveEditor Cyberlink PowerDVD Create, McAfee LiveSafe Internet Security (trial), MS Office (trial), 12 Months Warranty
Weight
2.35 kg ( = 82.89 oz / 5.18 pounds), Power Supply: 305 g ( = 10.76 oz / 0.67 pounds)
Price
549 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Display

Pixel grid
Pixel grid

Our review sample is furnished with a matte, 15.6-inch screen that has a native resolution of 1366x768 pixels. ThinkPad models with a Full HD IPS panel are available for a surcharge. We previously tested a corresponding model. The HD panel installed here only achieves a low brightness (225.8 cd/m²). The contrast (502:1) is acceptable. The measured rates are normal for this price range in which our review sample is situated. The screen never displayed PWM flickering.

225
cd/m²
238
cd/m²
224
cd/m²
218
cd/m²
241
cd/m²
224
cd/m²
215
cd/m²
226
cd/m²
221
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Lenovo N156B6-L07 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 241 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 225.8 cd/m² Minimum: 7 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 89 %
Center on Battery: 242 cd/m²
Contrast: 502:1 (Black: 0.48 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 12.43 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 13.24 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
57% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
36% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
38.88% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
56.7% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
37.63% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.61

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 18100 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

ThinkPad vs. sRGB
ThinkPad vs. sRGB
ThinkPad vs. AdobeRGB
ThinkPad vs. AdobeRGB

The screen presents a DeltaE 2000 color shift of 12.43 in delivery state. The target range (DeltaE less than 3) is far remote from this. Furthermore, the display exhibits a bluish tint. Neither the AdobeRGB nor the sRGB color spaces can be reproduced. The coverage rates here are 36% (AdobeRGB) and 57% (sRGB).

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps

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
23 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 7 ms rise
↘ 16 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. » 45 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
50 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 20 ms rise
↘ 30 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. » 84 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Lenovo installs a viewing-angle dependent TN panel in the ThinkPad. Thus, the screen is not legible from all directions. The laptop is not really outdoor suitable due to the screen's low brightness. It allows use under cloudy conditions or in shaded environments at most.

The ThinkPad outdoors
The ThinkPad outdoors
Viewing angles
Viewing angles
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
TN LED, 1366x768
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
IPS-Panel, 1920x1080
HP ProBook 450 G3
TN LED, 1920x1080
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
TN LED, 1920x1080
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
IPS, 1920x1080
Dell Latitude 15-3570
TN LED, 1366x768
Display
2%
1%
0%
58%
8%
Display P3 Coverage
37.63
38.5
2%
38.1
1%
37.78
0%
64.3
71%
40.61
8%
sRGB Coverage
56.7
57.5
1%
57.3
1%
56.8
0%
83.3
47%
61.1
8%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
38.88
39.8
2%
39.37
1%
39.04
0%
60.9
57%
41.96
8%
Response Times
13%
-2%
-18%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
50 ?(20, 30)
38.4 ?(13.2, 25.2)
23%
41.2 ?(22.4, 18.8)
18%
37 ?(13, 24)
26%
Response Time Black / White *
23 ?(7, 16)
22.4 ?(6.4, 16)
3%
28 ?(10, 18)
-22%
37 ?(20, 17)
-61%
PWM Frequency
Screen
26%
5%
2%
54%
-7%
Brightness middle
241
257
7%
211
-12%
205
-15%
353
46%
202
-16%
Brightness
226
234
4%
214
-5%
210
-7%
335
48%
211
-7%
Brightness Distribution
89
83
-7%
91
2%
71
-20%
88
-1%
88
-1%
Black Level *
0.48
0.27
44%
0.43
10%
0.4
17%
0.31
35%
0.62
-29%
Contrast
502
952
90%
491
-2%
513
2%
1139
127%
326
-35%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
12.43
7.16
42%
9.25
26%
9.76
21%
4.59
63%
12.35
1%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
21.03
19.9
5%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
13.24
6.28
53%
9.83
26%
10.47
21%
3.73
72%
13.46
-2%
Gamma
2.61 84%
2.44 90%
2.82 78%
2.56 86%
2.42 91%
2.44 90%
CCT
15733 41%
6806 96%
10890 60%
12103 54%
6268 104%
15217 43%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
36
36.6
2%
36.4
1%
36
0%
55
53%
39
8%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
57
57.3
1%
57.3
1%
57
0%
83
46%
61
7%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
14% / 19%
1% / 3%
1% / 2%
56% / 55%
-6% / -5%

* ... smaller is better

Performance

With the ThinkPad E560, Lenovo delivers an entry-level business laptop. It has enough computing power for all common application scenarios. Furthermore, it offers configuration features such as TPM 1.2, fingerprint scanner, docking port. Our review sample is priced at just over 500 Euros (~$553), making it one of the cheapest members of the lineup. Other configurations are available.

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWInfo
LatencyMon

Processor

The ThinkPad is equipped with Intel's Core i3-6100 (Skylake) dual-core processor. It is a frugal ULV model with a TDP of 15 watts. The CPU has more than enough computing power for office and Internet applications. The CPU clocks at a base speed of 2.3 GHz. Unlike the Core i5 and Core i7 models, the Core i3 does not feature Turbo. However, it supports Hyper-Threading (two threads can be processed per core). The full computing power is available in AC mode. The CPU clocks at 2 GHz in battery mode (single-thread) and 1.4 GHz (multithread).

The processor clearly outruns its direct Broadwell predecessor (Core i3-5010U). The Skylake model achieves up to 20% better scores in the CPU tests that we performed. This is owed to the improved Skylake architecture and higher clock speeds (2.3 GHz vs. 2.1 GHz).

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
6506
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
8437
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
3710
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
23.77 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
2.78 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.11 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
30.2 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
251 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
98 Points
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Multi 64Bit
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
319 Points +27%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
299 Points +19%
Dell Latitude 15-3570
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Samsung CM871 MZNLF128HCHP
290 Points +16%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
288 Points +15%
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
260 Points +4%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
251 Points
Medion Akoya E6422
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Phison 128GB PS3109-S9
247 Points -2%
Intel NUC5i3RYK
HD Graphics 5500, 5010U, Intel SSDSCKHW360A4 SSD 530 360 GB
220 Points -12%
Intel NUC5i3RYK
HD Graphics 5500, 5010U, Intel SSDSCKHW360A4 SSD 530 360 GB
211 (209.9min - 211.39max) Points -16%
Asus F555LJ-XX110H
GeForce 920M, 5010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
217 Points -14%
CPU Single 64Bit
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
124 Points +27%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
124 Points +27%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
116 Points +18%
Dell Latitude 15-3570
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Samsung CM871 MZNLF128HCHP
116 Points +18%
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
109 Points +11%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
98 Points
Medion Akoya E6422
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Phison 128GB PS3109-S9
97 Points -1%
Asus F555LJ-XX110H
GeForce 920M, 5010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
85 Points -13%
Intel NUC5i3RYK
HD Graphics 5500, 5010U, Intel SSDSCKHW360A4 SSD 530 360 GB
84 Points -14%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Multi 64Bit
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
3.55 Points +28%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
3.29 Points +18%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
3.21 Points +15%
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
2.85 Points +3%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
2.78 Points
Medion Akoya E6422
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Phison 128GB PS3109-S9
2.75 Points -1%
Asus F555LJ-XX110H
GeForce 920M, 5010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
2.32 Points -17%
CPU Single 64Bit
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
1.45 Points +31%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
1.41 Points +27%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
1.32 Points +19%
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
1.24 Points +12%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
1.11 Points
Medion Akoya E6422
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Phison 128GB PS3109-S9
1.1 Points -1%
Asus F555LJ-XX110H
GeForce 920M, 5010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
0.97 Points -13%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
11004 Points +30%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
10119 Points +20%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
9907 Points +17%
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
8689 Points +3%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
8437 Points
Medion Akoya E6422
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Phison 128GB PS3109-S9
8413 Points 0%
Asus F555LJ-XX110H
GeForce 920M, 5010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
7222 Points -14%
Rendering Single 32Bit
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
4871 Points +31%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
4573 Points +23%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
4414 Points +19%
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
4103 Points +11%
Medion Akoya E6422
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Phison 128GB PS3109-S9
3714 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
3710 Points
Asus F555LJ-XX110H
GeForce 920M, 5010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
3114 Points -16%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Single-Core Score
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
2914 Points +33%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
2816 Points +29%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
2549 Points +16%
Medion Akoya E6422
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Phison 128GB PS3109-S9
2191 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
2188 Points
Asus F555LJ-XX110H
GeForce 920M, 5010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
2167 Points -1%
Intel NUC5i3RYK
HD Graphics 5500, 5010U, Intel SSDSCKHW360A4 SSD 530 360 GB
2164 Points -1%
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
6092 Points +27%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
6029 Points +25%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
5557 Points +16%
Medion Akoya E6422
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Phison 128GB PS3109-S9
4826 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
4804 Points
Intel NUC5i3RYK
HD Graphics 5500, 5010U, Intel SSDSCKHW360A4 SSD 530 360 GB
4551 Points -5%
Asus F555LJ-XX110H
GeForce 920M, 5010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
4540 Points -5%
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score
Asus F555LJ-XX110H
GeForce 920M, 5010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
160.3 ms * -20%
Intel NUC5i3RYK
HD Graphics 5500, 5010U, Intel SSDSCKHW360A4 SSD 530 360 GB
146.7 ms * -9%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
134.1 ms *
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
117.5 ms * +12%
Medion Akoya E6422
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Phison 128GB PS3109-S9
109.1 ms * +19%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
96.4 ms * +28%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
89.6 ms * +33%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
85.9 ms * +36%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
190.4 Points +103%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
189.6 Points +102%
Medion Akoya E6422
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Phison 128GB PS3109-S9
165.4 Points +76%
Intel NUC5i3RYK
HD Graphics 5500, 5010U, Intel SSDSCKHW360A4 SSD 530 360 GB
117.7 Points +25%
Intel NUC5i3RYK
HD Graphics 5500, 5010U, Intel SSDSCKHW360A4 SSD 530 360 GB
71 Points -24%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
93.8 Points
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Asus F555LJ-XX110H
GeForce 920M, 5010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
3232 ms * -15%
Intel NUC5i3RYK
HD Graphics 5500, 5010U, Intel SSDSCKHW360A4 SSD 530 360 GB
3171 ms * -13%
Intel NUC5i3RYK
HD Graphics 5500, 5010U, Intel SSDSCKHW360A4 SSD 530 360 GB
1727 ms * +39%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
2817 ms *
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
2551 ms * +9%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
2269 ms * +19%
Medion Akoya E6422
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Phison 128GB PS3109-S9
1474 ms * +48%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
1281 ms * +55%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
1104 ms * +61%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
29745 Points +140%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
27580 Points +123%
Medion Akoya E6422
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Phison 128GB PS3109-S9
24139 Points +95%
Intel NUC5i3RYK
HD Graphics 5500, 5010U, Intel SSDSCKHW360A4 SSD 530 360 GB
19588 Points +58%
Intel NUC5i3RYK
HD Graphics 5500, 5010U, Intel SSDSCKHW360A4 SSD 530 360 GB
10221 Points -17%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
14741 Points +19%
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
13295 Points +7%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
12368 Points
Asus F555LJ-XX110H
GeForce 920M, 5010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
10182 Points -18%
Peacekeeper - ---
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
3055 Points +39%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
2655 Points +20%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
2546 Points +15%
Medion Akoya E6422
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Phison 128GB PS3109-S9
2319 Points +5%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
2205 Points
Asus F555LJ-XX110H
GeForce 920M, 5010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
1946 Points -12%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

The system runs smoothly; we did not encounter problems. The PCMark benchmark scores are good. The system's total performance can be boosted. Dual-channel mode is enabled when a second working memory module is installed. That increases the laptop's graphics performance slightly. Another option would be swapping the HDD for a solid state drive. The system then responds faster and loading processes are shorter in total.

A Core i5 or Core i7 model of the ThinkPad would have to be selected for more computing power. However, the increased performance does not really involve any advantages in routine use. Therefore, the buyer should carefully consider whether many applications are used that require a lot of CPU performance. If ULV dual-core processors are generally seen as too weak, the ThinkPad E560p might be interesting. It is a higher-performance model that is furnished with quad-core processors by Intel. The device is not yet available; its market release is planned for the second half of 2016.

PCMark 7 Score
2627 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2965 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
3113 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
3926 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Work Score Accelerated v2
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
4650 Points +18%
Acer Aspire V Nitro VN7-792G-55SF
GeForce 945M, 6300HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
4483 Points +14%
Dell Latitude 15-3570
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Samsung CM871 MZNLF128HCHP
4477 Points +14%
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
3979 Points +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
3926 Points
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
3901 Points -1%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
3873 Points -1%
PCMark 7 - Score
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
5102 Points +94%
Acer Aspire V Nitro VN7-792G-55SF
GeForce 945M, 6300HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
4633 Points +76%
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
4293 Points +63%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
3075 Points +17%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
2714 Points +3%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
2627 Points

Storage Device

The ThinkPad sports a 2.5-inch hard drive by Western Digital. It spins at 7200 revolutions per minute and has a capacity of 500 GB. The drive's transfer rates are on a normal level for a 7200 RPM model.

CrystalDiskMark
CrystalDiskMark
HD Tune
HD Tune
Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
Transfer Rate Minimum: 74.2 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 120.9 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 101.3 MB/s
Access Time: 16.2 ms
Burst Rate: 69 MB/s

Graphics Card

Higher-priced ThinkPad E560 models come with Radeon R7 M370 graphics cards. Our review sample is furnished only with Intel's HD Graphics 520 GPU. The graphics chip supports DirectX 12 and clocks at speeds of up to 950 MHz. The 3DMark benchmark scores range on a normal level for this GPU. The scores can be increased by installing a second working memory module. The working memory then operates in dual-channel model that utilizes the GPU better and delivers higher scores.

3DMark 11 Performance
1160 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
41065 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
4620 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
567 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
2689 Points +132%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
2097 Points +81%
Dell Latitude 15-3570
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Samsung CM871 MZNLF128HCHP
1363 Points +18%
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
1290 Points +11%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
1260 Points +9%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
1160 Points
3DMark
1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Score
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
51123 Points +24%
Dell Latitude 15-3570
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Samsung CM871 MZNLF128HCHP
46457 Points +13%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
43118 Points +5%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
41065 Points
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
40691 Points -1%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
34736 Points -15%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
7083 Points +53%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
6238 Points +35%
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SC150S37256GD
5179 Points +12%
Dell Latitude 15-3570
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Samsung CM871 MZNLF128HCHP
4919 Points +6%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
4847 Points +5%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
4620 Points
1280x720 Sky Diver Score
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
4779 Points +67%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
2883 Points +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
2855 Points
1920x1080 Fire Strike Score
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
1654 Points +192%
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
1209 Points +113%
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
574 Points +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
HD Graphics 520, 6100U, Western Digital WD Black Mobile 500GB (WD5000LPLX)
567 Points
3DMark 06 - 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
Radeon R7 M370, 6500U, Samsung CM871 MZ7LF192HCGS
12983 Points
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
GeForce 830M, 5500U, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
11275 Points
HP ProBook 450 G3
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
6518 Points

Gaming Performance

Although the ThinkPad is primarily an office device, it can also be used conditionally for playing games. However, the user will have to be satisfied with low resolutions and low to medium quality settings. That is foremost true for games that do not have extreme hardware requirements. Games like Hitman or Far Cry Primal are not playable. The Skylake graphics core achieves conditional gaming suitability. Intel has managed to noticeably increase the performance here compared with the predecessors. Installing a second working memory module would be particularly worthwhile as the enabled dual-channel mode would increase the frame rates clearly.

low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 49.2 26.2 15.3
BioShock Infinite (2013) 33.5 19.7 15.9
Battlefield 4 (2013) 23 16.9 11.3

Emissions

Fan loudness
Fan loudness

System Noise

The ThinkPad does not produce much noise. The fan spins at low speeds when it is not idling. However, it is not really audible then because the hard drive's noise drowns it out. Swapping the HDD for an SSD would ensure even less noise. The fan speeds up under load. We measured a noise level of 38.8 dB in our stress test - this rate is acceptable.

Noise Level

Idle
32.3 / 32.3 / 32.5 dB(A)
HDD
32.3 dB(A)
DVD
36.7 / dB(A)
Load
36 / 38.8 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: 31.2 dB(A)
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
6100U, HD Graphics 520
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
6500U, Radeon R7 M370
HP ProBook 450 G3
6200U, HD Graphics 520
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
5200U, HD Graphics 5500
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
5500U, GeForce 830M
Dell Latitude 15-3570
6200U, HD Graphics 520
Noise
9%
9%
2%
-8%
5%
off / environment *
31.2
31
1%
Idle Minimum *
32.3
29.2
10%
29.7
8%
31.8
2%
32.5
-1%
31
4%
Idle Average *
32.3
29.2
10%
29.7
8%
31.8
2%
32.5
-1%
31
4%
Idle Maximum *
32.5
29.2
10%
29.7
9%
31.8
2%
32.5
-0%
31
5%
Load Average *
36
33.6
7%
33.1
8%
35
3%
43.5
-21%
34.2
5%
Load Maximum *
38.8
35.5
9%
34.2
12%
37.6
3%
45.3
-17%
34.3
12%

* ... smaller is better

Temperature

The ThinkPad in the stress test
The ThinkPad in the stress test

The ThinkPad performed our stress test (Prime95 and Furmark run for at least one hour) a bit differently in AC and battery modes. The processor always clocked at full speed (2.3 GHz) while the graphics core clocked at 450 MHz (battery mode) and 950 MHz (AC mode). It cannot really be said that the ThinkPad warms up. The temperatures remained clearly below 30 °C on all measuring points (AC mode) during the stress test.

Max. Load
 27.9 °C
82 F
26.2 °C
79 F
28.9 °C
84 F
 
 30.9 °C
88 F
31 °C
88 F
27.4 °C
81 F
 
 29.8 °C
86 F
32.1 °C
90 F
26.3 °C
79 F
 
Maximum: 32.1 °C = 90 F
Average: 28.9 °C = 84 F
31.1 °C
88 F
29.4 °C
85 F
27.4 °C
81 F
30.2 °C
86 F
33.6 °C
92 F
32.4 °C
90 F
26.6 °C
80 F
33.1 °C
92 F
30.4 °C
87 F
Maximum: 33.6 °C = 92 F
Average: 30.5 °C = 87 F
Power Supply (max.)  36 °C = 97 F | Room Temperature 22.6 °C = 73 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 28.9 °C / 84 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 32.1 °C / 90 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 33.6 °C / 92 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.9 °C / 82 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (32.1 °C / 89.8 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-4.4 °C / -7.9 F).
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
6100U, HD Graphics 520
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
6500U, Radeon R7 M370
HP ProBook 450 G3
6200U, HD Graphics 520
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
5200U, HD Graphics 5500
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
5500U, GeForce 830M
Dell Latitude 15-3570
6200U, HD Graphics 520
Heat
-5%
-11%
-0%
-30%
-12%
Maximum Upper Side *
32.1
45
-40%
40.2
-25%
34.3
-7%
50.5
-57%
36.1
-12%
Maximum Bottom *
33.6
39.8
-18%
42
-25%
42.1
-25%
54
-61%
47
-40%
Idle Upper Side *
30.5
26.1
14%
32.5
-7%
26.7
12%
34.1
-12%
31.7
-4%
Idle Bottom *
36
27.7
23%
31
14%
29.2
19%
31.6
12%
32.9
9%

* ... smaller is better

Temperature development upper side (load)
Temperature development upper side (load)
Temperature development underside (load)
Temperature development underside (load)
Temperature development upper side (idle)
Temperature development upper side (idle)
Temperature development underside (idle)
Temperature development underside (idle)

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The ThinkPad did not present an exceptionally high energy requirement over the entire load range. We measured a maximum idle power consumption of 7.9 watts - a normal rate for a ULV laptop. The consumption climbed to 25.1 watts during the stress test. That is also the maximum since both CPU and GPU clock at their maximum speeds. The power supply has a nominal output of 45 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.22 / 0.4 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 5.2 / 7.25 / 7.9 Watt
Load midlight 25.1 / 25.1 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.
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
6100U, HD Graphics 520
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
6500U, Radeon R7 M370
HP ProBook 450 G3
6200U, HD Graphics 520
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
5200U, HD Graphics 5500
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
5500U, GeForce 830M
Dell Latitude 15-3570
6200U, HD Graphics 520
Power Consumption
-50%
-17%
5%
-69%
-0%
Idle Minimum *
5.2
4.2
19%
4.9
6%
3.2
38%
5.9
-13%
4.9
6%
Idle Average *
7.25
7.5
-3%
8.2
-13%
5.5
24%
11.5
-59%
7.2
1%
Idle Maximum *
7.9
8.2
-4%
9
-14%
6.4
19%
11.6
-47%
7.5
5%
Load Average *
25.1
49.6
-98%
30.1
-20%
31.8
-27%
49
-95%
25.4
-1%
Load Maximum *
25.1
65.8
-162%
36.1
-44%
33
-31%
58
-131%
28
-12%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Runtime

The ThinkPad achieved a runtime of 9:26 hours on one charged battery in our practical Wi-Fi test. We simulate the load needed for opening websites via a script here. The "Balanced" profile is enabled, the energy-saving features are disabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². Lenovo's laptop was also impressive as a video player, where the ThinkPad achieved a runtime of 7:35 hours. We loop the short movie Big Buck Bunny (H.265 encoding, 1920x1080 pixels) while the radio modules and energy-saving features are disabled, and the screen's brightness is dimmed to 150 cd/m². In total, the ThinkPad can offer outstanding battery runtimes. It clearly outruns its Full HD sister model in most runtime tests.

The battery has a capacity of 48 Wh
The battery has a capacity of 48 Wh
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
14h 45min
WiFi Websurfing (IE 11)
9h 26min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
7h 35min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 37min
Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE
48 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000
48 Wh
HP ProBook 450 G3
44 Wh
Acer TravelMate P257-M-56AX
37 Wh
Dell Latitude 15 3550-0123
58 Wh
Dell Latitude 15-3570
65 Wh
Battery Runtime
-21%
-37%
-37%
-15%
4%
Reader / Idle
885
884
0%
575
-35%
703
-21%
775
-12%
1024
16%
H.264
455
413
-9%
337
-26%
474
4%
WiFi v1.3
566
342
-40%
309
-45%
321
-43%
379
-33%
542
-4%
Load
157
104
-34%
90
-43%
83
-47%
129
-18%
157
0%

Pros

+ matte screen
+ runs quietly
+ low temperatures
+ decent casing quality
+ very good keyboard
+ docking port
+ very good battery life

Cons

- dark screen
- 12-month warranty only

Verdict

In review: Lenovo ThinkPad E560. Test model courtesy of Notebooksbilliger.de
In review: Lenovo ThinkPad E560. Test model courtesy of Notebooksbilliger.de

Our present ThinkPad is a low-cost member of the lineup. The installed Core i3 processor has more than enough computing power for office and Internet applications. The laptop usually runs quietly and barely heats up. It would be easy to swap the installed 500 GB hard drive for an SSD since the ThinkPad has maintenance hatches. As we know from ThinkPad models, the E560 also comes with a very good keyboard. The outstanding battery life complements that.

Long battery life, very good keyboard, reasonable price - Lenovo has a laptop for pupils and students in its lineup.

However, the laptop also has some shortcomings. The dark screen only allows indoor use. Furthermore, Lenovo only includes a one-year warranty. Buyers who can live with that will find a rounded office laptop that looks impressive in many application scenarios here.

Lenovo ThinkPad E560 20EV000MGE - 06/28/2016 v5.1(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
80 / 98 → 82%
Keyboard
87%
Pointing Device
83%
Connectivity
54 / 80 → 68%
Weight
61 / 20-67 → 87%
Battery
90%
Display
75%
Games Performance
51 / 68 → 75%
Application Performance
67 / 92 → 73%
Temperature
94%
Noise
88%
Audio
69%
Camera
58 / 85 → 68%
Average
74%
83%
Office - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Lenovo ThinkPad E560 (Core i3, HD) Notebook Review
Sascha Mölck, 2016-07- 6 (Update: 2019-04-30)