In this post, we’re looking back at the Lenovo Legion Y540 gaming laptop models. While Lenovo has since discontinued its 15-inch Y540 line, focusing on larger 17.3-inch screens for its updated series, the 17-inch Y540 remains a noteworthy option, especially in the used gaming laptop market. It’s widely recognized that 17-inch laptops have become a popular standard for serious gaming, and Lenovo aimed to deliver a compelling experience with its larger Legion Y540 series.
If you are interested in exploring other Legion models and how they compare to older generations, we recommend checking out our Lenovo Legion Lineup 2021 post.
Lenovo Legion Y540: Design and Aesthetics
With the transition to the 17.3-inch screen, Lenovo made some notable tweaks to the design of the Legion Y540 laptops. While retaining the stylish and minimalistic look of its 15-inch predecessor, the larger form factor surprisingly enhanced its portability. The updated model weighs in at 6.26 lbs and boasts a slim profile of just 0.98 inches, compared to the 1.02-inch thickness of the 15-inch version. The thin bezel frame around its FHD anti-glare display is designed to provide an immersive viewing experience. For those curious about different gaming screen technologies, read our article on QHD vs FHD for gaming laptops.
Aesthetically, this computer leans towards a professional look rather than a flashy gaming style, making it suitable for both work and study. Younger gamers might find its lack of RGB lighting or vibrant color accents somewhat understated. However, its matte black finish and subtly placed status LED lights along the edges offer a touch of class.
Lenovo Legion Y540: Processor and Graphics Options
The 17-inch Lenovo Legion Y540 models were equipped with 9th-generation Intel Core processors and offered the following discrete NVIDIA graphics options:
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti: 6GB GDDR6 memory, VR Ready
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060: 6GB VRAM, VR Ready
All configurations also include an integrated Intel UHD graphics chip for less demanding tasks.
Legion Y540 Upgradability
The Lenovo Legion Y540 supports DDR4 2666MHz memory and PCIe SSD storage.
- RAM Memory: It typically comes standard with an 8GB RAM chip and is upgradable to a maximum of 32GB. The laptop’s motherboard features two DDR4 SO-DIMM sockets. While 32GB might not seem like the absolute maximum today, many users on platforms like Reddit have reported that 16GB is ample for streaming, web browsing, and playing video games.
- Storage: The model can accommodate up to two storage drives: a SATA 2.5-inch hard drive and an M.2 SSD. Standard retail configurations often combined a 1TB hard disk drive with a 256GB PCIe solid-state drive.
Lenovo Legion Y540: Display Features
As mentioned, the Lenovo Legion Y540 transitioned to a 17.3-inch screen. While panel options were somewhat limited, all models featured an FHD (1920×1080) screen resolution. While some gamers might desire a higher resolution, the near-edgeless design helps to enhance the immersive experience. Customers had a choice between 60Hz and 144Hz refresh rate options, both offering 300 nits of brightness. The anti-glare display with approximately 2 million pixels provides a sufficient visual experience for uninterrupted gaming. Touchscreen functionality was not available for this lineup.
Lenovo Legion Y540: Connectivity Ports
The Legion Y540 model offers a practical, though not extensive, selection of ports:
- USB-A ports
- USB-C port
- HDMI 2.0 video output port
- miniDP 1.4 video output port
- RJ45 Ethernet port
- 3.5mm microphone/headphone combo jack
- Kensington Lock slot (No biometrics like a fingerprint reader are included.)
Notably, the model does not include a card reader or support Thunderbolt 3.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The laptop’s is straightforward yet functional. It’s a full-size keyboard, including a numeric keypad, and features a bright white LED backlight (no RGB lighting, as previously noted). The trackpad is multi-touch enabled and, while somewhat compact, and having a slightly plastic feel, performs reliably and offers decent gesture support.
Lenovo Legion Y540: Pros and Cons
While the Lenovo Legion Y540 was a solid gaming laptop, it had its strengths and weaknesses:
The Good
- Slim and relatively portable for a 17-inch gaming laptop.
- Good, understated design and appealing finishes.
- Upgradable RAM and storage options provide flexibility.
- Great gaming performance for its generation.
The Bad
- Limited to FHD display resolution.
- Lacks an SD card reader port.
- No Fingerprint reader for biometric security.
Used Lenovo Legion Y540 Trade-in Value
If you currently own a Lenovo Legion Y540 laptop and are considering an upgrade, you might be interested in its trade-in value. Here are some estimated values based on a past date, which can give you a general idea:
- Used Lenovo Legion Y540, Y545 Intel Core i7 9th Gen with NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti: Up to $436*
- Used Lenovo Legion Y540, Y545 Intel Core i7 9th Gen with NVIDIA RTX 2060: Up to $465*
*Please note that these prices are based on data from 03/31/2021 and are subject to change based on the current market, condition of the device, and other factors. For the most up-to-date valuation, we recommend getting a new trade-in estimate.
When preparing to sell your used Lenovo laptop, remember to back up your important data, securely wipe all personal information, and clean the device thoroughly to maximize its resale appeal. A well-prepared laptop is more likely to fetch a better price and sell more quickly.
In Conclusion: The Lenovo Legion Y540 in Retrospect
Overall, the Lenovo Legion Y540 was a decent gaming notebook, and a shift to a 17.3-inch screen was a welcome addition for many gamers. Its relatively slim and portable design, coupled with its understated aesthetics, made it a versatile device for both gaming on the go and everyday tasks. While it might not have matched the top-tier specs and performance of some Alienware or MSI models of its time, the Y540 offered a solid balance of features and performance for its target audience. If you’re looking for a professional-looking used gaming laptop capable of delivering a good gaming experience, the Legion Y540 remains a viable option in the secondary market.
Olena is an operations manager at Gadget Salvation, wearing many hats and navigating the intersections of efficiency and innovation. With a deep passion for tech and sustainability, they thrive on exploring solutions that drive progress while protecting our planet.
