Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 3

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Options include AMD Ryzen 3 5300U, Ryzen 5 5500U, Ryzen 5 5600U, Ryzen 5 Pro 5650U, Ryzen 7 5700U, Ryzen 7 5800U (AMD models). Intel Core i5-1155G7 and i7-1195G7 (Intel models).
• RAM: Up to 40GB DDR4-3200 (4GB or 8GB soldered + 32GB SO-DIMM). DDR5 RAM is mentioned for AMD models, providing speeds of at least 4800 MHz.
• Storage: Up to 1TB SSD + 2TB HDD (Intel models). M.2 SSD options up to 256GB or 512GB NVMe, with an empty M.2 drive bay for expansion.
• Display: 14.0-inch IPS LCD or TN panel, Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, up to 300 nits brightness. Some models feature an anti-glare, anti-fingerprint coating and touch screen with smartpen compatibility.
• Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics (Radeon RX Vega 5, 6, 7, or 8 depending on CPU) for AMD models. Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics or discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX450 (2GB GDDR6) for Intel models.
• Ports:
  • 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (one Always On).
  • 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0, and DisplayPort 1.4).
  • 1x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0, and DisplayPort 1.4) (Intel models).
  • 1x HDMI 1.4b.
  • 1x Ethernet (RJ-45).
  • 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm).
  • 1x Card reader (MMC, SD, SDHC, SDXC).
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2) or 802.11ac 2x2, Bluetooth 5.1 or 5.2 (hardware ready, may run lower due to OS limitations), Gigabit Ethernet.
• Audio: Stereo speakers (2W x2) with Dolby Audio, dual-microphone array with AI-based noise-cancelling.
• Camera: HD 720p with privacy shutter.
• Dimensions: 323 x 218 x 17.9 mm (12.72 x 8.58 x 0.7 inches).
• Weight: Starting at 1.4 kg (3.09 lbs).
• Battery: 45Wh or 60Wh options. Supports Rapid Charge Pro (up to 50% in 30 minutes).

Technical Specifications Analysis

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 3 offers a versatile range of configurations, catering to different performance needs with both AMD Ryzen 5000 series and Intel 11th Gen Core processors. RAM is a strong point, with upgradability up to 40GB DDR4-3200, and some AMD models even feature DDR5, providing ample memory for multitasking and demanding applications. Storage options are flexible, combining SSDs for speed and HDDs for capacity, though the HDD slot is mutually exclusive with an M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3x2 SSD slot. The 14-inch Full HD display is standard for business laptops, offering adequate brightness and viewing angles, but the 16:9 aspect ratio and lack of higher resolution options might be a drawback for some users. Integrated graphics are suitable for everyday tasks and light creative work, with the NVIDIA GeForce MX450 providing a discrete option for Intel configurations. The port selection is comprehensive, including modern USB-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort capabilities, and Thunderbolt 4 on Intel models, ensuring broad connectivity. The laptop's physical dimensions and weight are average for its class, making it reasonably portable.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Windows 10 Home/Pro (64-bit) and Windows 11 Home/Pro (64-bit) are supported.
• Drivers: Drivers are available for manual download from Lenovo's support website.
• End of Support Date: Windows 10 reaches its end of support on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates, security fixes, or technical assistance. Lenovo typically provides active driver and BIOS updates for 3-4 years, followed by security updates.
• Compatibility with other systems: Supports up to 4 independent displays (native display and 3 external monitors) via HDMI, USB-C, and Thunderbolt.

Support & Compatibility Analysis

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 3 offers broad operating system compatibility with both Windows 10 and Windows 11, ensuring users can choose their preferred environment. Driver availability through Lenovo's support site allows for manual updates. However, users should be aware of the impending end-of-support date for Windows 10 in October 2025, which will cease free security updates and technical assistance from Microsoft. While Lenovo generally provides active driver updates for 3-4 years post-launch, followed by security-only updates, this means users might need to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or enrolling in Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 to maintain full security and support beyond this period. The laptop's ability to support multiple external displays enhances its compatibility with various workstation setups.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Fingerprint reader integrated into the smart power button.
  • Camera privacy shutter.
  • Kensington Nano Security Slot.
  • BIOS Security: Power-on password, supervisor password, user password.
  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
• Vulnerabilities:
  • Past vulnerabilities (CVE-2022-3430, CVE-2022-3431) in WMI Setup driver allowed modification of secure boot settings.
  • UEFI firmware drivers (CVE-2021-3971, CVE-2021-3972) mistakenly included in production firmware could allow attackers to disable UEFI Secure Boot and install malware.
  • BIOS vulnerabilities (CVE-2023-5075, CVE-2023-5078, among others) have been disclosed across various Lenovo products, potentially allowing privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
• Recommendations:
  • Apply the latest firmware and BIOS updates from Lenovo as soon as possible to address known vulnerabilities.
  • Consistently check for and install security updates released by Lenovo.

Security Status Analysis

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 3 incorporates several standard security features for business-oriented laptops, including a fingerprint reader, camera privacy shutter, Kensington lock slot, and BIOS-level passwords. It also includes a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for hardware-based security. However, Lenovo, like many manufacturers, has faced significant security vulnerabilities in its BIOS and UEFI firmware. Notably, issues such as CVE-2022-3430 and CVE-2022-3431 allowed modification of secure boot settings, and CVE-2021-3971 and CVE-2021-3972 involved inadvertently included manufacturing drivers that could be exploited to disable Secure Boot and facilitate malware installation. More recent BIOS vulnerabilities (e.g., CVE-2023-5075) have also been identified, potentially leading to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. Lenovo has released patches for these issues, emphasizing the critical importance of users applying all available firmware and BIOS updates to mitigate risks. Regular updates are essential to maintain the asset's security posture against evolving threats.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Processor Performance:
  • AMD Ryzen 3 5300U: Quad-core APU with Zen 2 cores, 2.6 to 3.8 GHz.
  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600U: Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core score of 388.
  • AMD Ryzen 7 5700U: Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core score of 379.
  • Intel Core i7-1195G7: Cinebench R23 CPU test results available.
• Graphics Performance:
  • AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (integrated): 3DMark Time Spy (Graphics) score of 913. 1.23 TFLOPS floating point performance.
  • AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 (integrated): 3DMark Time Spy (Graphics) score of 1274.
  • AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (integrated): 3DMark Time Spy (Graphics) score of 1368.
  • NVIDIA GeForce MX450 (discrete): 3DMark Time Spy (Graphics) score of 2394.
  • Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 (integrated): 3DMark Time Spy (Graphics) score of 1794.
• Real-world Performance:
  • Suitable for everyday processing, entertainment, business use, journalism, administrative tasks, and web work.
  • AMD Ryzen 3 5300U is adequate for basic office tasks.
  • Integrated GPUs are not optimal for graphic-heavy applications like video rendering and gaming.
  • No issues reported for daily driving tasks, easy to carry and use with docking stations.
• Battery Life: Up to 7.5 hours (with 45Wh or 60Wh battery options).

Performance & Benchmarks Analysis

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 3 offers a range of performance levels depending on the chosen processor. AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs provide solid multi-core performance for productivity and light creative tasks, with the Ryzen 5 5600U and Ryzen 7 5700U showing comparable Cinebench scores. Intel 11th Gen Core processors also deliver capable performance for general use. For graphics, the integrated AMD Radeon Vega GPUs are suitable for casual gaming and basic visual tasks, with the RX Vega 8 offering the best performance among them. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics also performs well for integrated solutions, but the discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX450 significantly outperforms all integrated options, making it better for more demanding graphical workloads. Real-world usage indicates the laptop is well-suited for typical business and academic applications, handling daily tasks without issues. However, its integrated graphics are not designed for intensive gaming or professional video editing. Battery life is respectable, offering up to 7.5 hours, which is adequate for on-the-go productivity.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback generally highlights the ThinkBook 14 Gen 3 as a solid, reliable business laptop. Users appreciate its decent array of ports, snappy keyboard, and handsome, sleek build. The keyboard is often praised for its comfortable typing feel and well-spaced keys, despite some minor criticisms regarding the cursor arrow key arrangement. The display, while Full HD and 16:9, is considered sufficient for indoor productivity, though some users note it's not 100% sRGB and may lack the brightness for outdoor use. The audio quality is described as average but acceptable, with minimal bass. The build quality is generally considered solid, with an aluminum chassis. Users find it easy to carry and integrate into existing setups, including docking stations. Some reviews mention it as a good "middle-of-the-road" option, offering good value for its price, especially for business, administrative, and web-based work. The inclusion of a privacy shutter for the webcam is a positive point. However, some users express a preference for a 16:10 aspect ratio display and note that the 720p webcam resolution is low. The laptop's weight is considered average for its size, and its thickness is noted as slightly bulky for its class.

Summary

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 3 is a capable and versatile business laptop, offering a balanced set of features for productivity and everyday use. Its strength lies in its diverse processor options, including both AMD Ryzen 5000 series and Intel 11th Gen Core, providing flexibility for various performance needs. The generous RAM capacity, upgradable up to 40GB, ensures smooth multitasking, while flexible storage options combine speed and capacity. The comprehensive port selection, including USB-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt 4 on Intel models, enhances connectivity and peripheral compatibility. The Full HD display is adequate for indoor work, and the comfortable, spill-resistant keyboard with optional backlighting contributes to a positive user experience. Security features like the fingerprint reader and camera privacy shutter add a layer of protection.

However, the asset has some weaknesses. The 16:9 aspect ratio display, while standard, is less ideal for productivity compared to taller aspect ratios, and the 720p webcam is a lower resolution compared to some competitors. While integrated graphics are sufficient for general use, they are not suited for demanding graphical applications. Furthermore, the laptop has been subject to several BIOS and UEFI firmware vulnerabilities, necessitating diligent application of manufacturer updates to maintain security. The end of Windows 10 support in October 2025 also means users will need to plan for OS upgrades or extended security updates.

Overall, the ThinkBook 14 Gen 3 is a strong recommendation for business professionals, students, and users requiring a reliable, well-connected, and reasonably powerful laptop for daily tasks. Its solid build and array of features make it a good value proposition. Users should prioritize applying all available security updates and consider the transition to Windows 11 to ensure long-term support and security.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.