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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5
MSRP $2,974.00
“The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is seriously fast, even if the design is a bit old-school.”
Pros
- Outstanding productiveness and inventive efficiency
- Solid construct high quality
- Excellent keyboard
- Spectacular IPS show
- Good connectivity
- Competent battery life
Cons
- Larger chassis than some
- Touchpad floor is simply too small
- Aesthetic is old-fashioned
- Expensive
The ThinkPad X1 Extreme is the actual workhorse of the road. Now in its fifth technology, it comes packing Intel Twelfth-gen H-series CPUs with vPro and ultrafast discrete GPUs as much as the Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti.
The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is definitely a quick laptop computer, even when its total design is getting a bit lengthy within the tooth. If you take pleasure in that conventional ThinkPad aesthetic and construct, but additionally want that additional efficiency, the X1 Extreme Gen 5 will fulfill.
Specs
Specs | |
Dimensions | 14.13 inches by 9.99 inches by 0.78 inches |
Weight | 4.14 kilos |
Processor | Intel Core i5-12700H Intel Core i7-12800H vPro Intel Core i9-12900H vPro |
Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti |
RAM | 16GB to 64GB DDR5 |
Display | 16-inch 16:10 WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) IPS non-touch 16-inch 16:10 WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) IPS non-touch 165Hz 16-inch 16:10 UHD+ (3,840 x 2,400) IPS non-touch 16-inch 16:10 UHD+ (3,840 x 2,400) IPS contact |
Storage | 512GB PCIe 4.0 to 8TB PCIe 4.0 SSD (with twin storage) |
Touch | Optional |
Ports | 2 x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x 3.5mm audio jack 1 x full dimension SD card reader |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 Optional 5G WWAN |
Webcam | 1080p with infrared digital camera for Windows 11 Hello |
Operating system | Windows 11 |
Battery | 90 watt-hour |
Price | $1,650+ |
Price and configurations
The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is a extremely configurable laptop computer. At the low finish, it’s $1,650 for a Core i7-12700H, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, an Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti, and a 16-inch 16:10 WUXGA IPS non-touch show.
The costliest machine you may configure utilizing Lenovo’s software, at $4,612, features a Core i9-12900H, 64GB of RAM, a 4TB SSD, an RTX 3080 Ti, and a 16-inch 16:10 WQUXGA show. My assessment unit runs $2,974 with a Core i7-12800H vPro, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, an RTX 3070 Ti GPU, and a touch-enabled WQUXGA show. Note that the laptop computer can accommodate two SSDs, which means you may broaden storage past that time by merely dropping in one other drive.
Clearly, that is an costly laptop computer. But it’s no more costly than many different highly effective 16-inch laptops just like the MSI Creator Z16P and the MacBook Pro 16, which may price much more.
All about efficiency
![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 top down view showing vPro label.](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-extreme-gen-5-performance-e1666892554493.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&p=1)
As talked about within the introduction, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme is all about offering the perfect efficiency amongst mainstream ThinkPad laptops. The fifth-generation mannequin upgrades to 45-watt Intel Twelfth-gen CPUs, DDR5 RAM, and PCIe 4.0 SSDs.
All of that ought to lead to a significant improve from the earlier technology. I reviewed a configuration with a 14-core/16-thread 45-watt Intel Core i7-12800H, which is a quick CPU that helps Intel vPro know-how to plug into company environments. The laptop computer additionally included the discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, a quick GPU for each gaming and inventive duties.
Lenovo throttles the GPU in balanced mode and unleashes it in efficiency mode.
I used Lenovo’s thermal administration utility to check in each balanced and efficiency modes. Interestingly, the utility made little distinction in our CPU-intensive benchmarks, with the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 nonetheless performing effectively in comparison with a number of related laptops.
However, once I ran the Pugetbench Premiere Pro benchmark that makes use of a dwell model of Adobe Premiere, the ThinkPad was gradual in balanced mode. It got here in second slowest behind the MSI Creator Z16P. When I switched to efficiency mode, nonetheless, the ThinkPad’s Pugetbench rating jumped to 928, among the many leaders we’ve examined. That signifies that Lenovo throttles the GPU in balanced mode and unleashes it in efficiency mode.
![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 rear view showing carbon fiber lid and logos.](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-extreme-gen-5-rear-view-e1666892651865.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&p=1)
The backside line is that if you wish to get the perfect efficiency in GPU-intensive functions like Adobe’s Creative Suite, you’ll wish to crank as much as efficiency mode. You’ll cope with extra fan noise, however it’s greater than well worth the uptick in efficiency. When switched into efficiency mode, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is a significantly quick productiveness machine and a reputable creator workstation.
It even competes with the vaunted M1 Pro MacBook Pro 16, and when configured with the Core i9-12900H and RTX 3080 Ti GPU, would doubtless sustain with the M1 Max MacBook as effectively. It’s value noting, although, that the a lot cheaper HP Envy 16 with the RTX 3060 additionally carried out effectively on this benchmark.
Geekbench (single / multi) |
Handbrake (seconds) |
Cinebench R23 (single / multi) |
Pugetbench Premiere Pro |
|
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (Core i7-12800H) |
Bal: 1,783 / 12,354 Perf: 1,768 / 12,020 |
Bal: 77 Perf: 77 |
Bal: 1,861 / 14,561 Perf: 1,859 / 14,609 |
Bal: 720 Perf: 928 |
Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Extreme Gen 4 (Core i7-11800H) |
Bal: 1,520 / 7,353 Perf: N/A |
Bal: 106 Perf: N/A |
Bal: 1,519 / 10,497 Perf: N/A |
N/A |
HP Envy 16 (Core i9-12900H) |
Bal: 1,839 / 11,187 Perf: 1,811 / 11,387 |
Bal: 83 Perf: 84 |
Bal: 1,919 / 12,538 Perf: 1922 / 12,525 |
Bal: 814 Perf: 932 |
MSI Creator Z16P (Core i9-12900H) |
Bal: 1,769 / 14,034 Perf: 1,835 / 14,051 |
Bal: 71 Perf: 69 |
Bal: 1,844 / 15,047 Perf: 1,837 / 16,084 |
Bal: 717 Perf: 1,042 |
Dell XPS 15 9520 (Core i7-12700H) |
Bal: 1,470 / 9,952 Perf: 1,714 / 11,053 |
Bal: 100 Perf: 77 |
Bal: 1,509 / 11,578 Perf: 1,806 / 13,313 |
Bal: 760 Perf: 729 |
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Apple M1 Pro) |
Bal: 1,773 / 12,605 Perf: N/A |
Bal: 95 Perf: N/A |
Bal: 1,531 / 12,343 Perf: N/A |
Bal: 977 Perf: N/A |
As we noticed within the mainstream benchmarks above, Lenovo clearly tuned its thermal utility to dramatically enhance GPU efficiency. This confirmed up in our gaming benchmarks as effectively, and curiously, in balanced mode, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 was locked at round 30 frames per second (fps) throughout all our video games. Note that it wouldn’t run Fortnite, crashing once I tried to enter fight. Its graphics drivers have been updated and so it have to be one thing that Lenovo is doing with the firmware.
In efficiency mode, although, the ThinkPad carried out significantly better. It nonetheless wasn’t the quickest gaming laptop computer in our comparability group, performing equally to some laptops with the slower RTX 3060 GPU in all however Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. But it was quick sufficient to run fashionable titles at 1440p and excessive graphics. Note that the laptop computer might be outfitted with a 165Hz WQXGA show for tear-free gaming.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (1080p/1200p Ultra High) |
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p/1200p Ultra) |
Civilization VI (1080p Ultra) |
3DMark Time Spy |
|
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (RTX 3070 Ti) |
Bal: 37 fps Perf: 97 fps |
Bal: 29 fps Perf: 46 fps |
Bal: 30 fps Perf: 140 fps |
Bal: 5,494 Perf: 9,114 |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4 (RTX 3060) |
Bal: 48 fps Perf: 46 fps |
N/A | N/A | Bal: 6,691 Perf: N/A |
HP Envy 16 (RTX 3060) |
Bal: 70 fps Perf: 71 fps |
Bal: 40 fps Perf: 41 fps |
Bal: 125 fps Perf: 132 |
Bal: 7,645 Perf: 8,040 |
MSI Creator Z16P (RTX 3080 Ti) |
Bal: 55 fps Perf: 60 fps |
Bal: 30 fps Perf: 49 fps |
Bal: 60 fps Perf: N/A |
Bal: 9,251 Perf: 10,054 |
Dell XPS 17 9720 (RTX 3060) |
Bal: 23 fps Perf: N/A |
Bal: 45 fps Perf: N/A |
Bal: 111 fps Perf: N/A |
Bal: 6,757 Perf: 6,958 |
With a lot efficiency packed inside, I wasn’t stunned to see restricted battery life. The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 has a 90 watt-hour battery, which is okay for a big laptop computer, however there’s additionally a high-resolution show and highly effective elements.
The laptop computer hit seven hours in our web-browsing take a look at, near 11.5 hours in our native video take a look at, and about six hours within the PCMark 10 Applications battery benchmark. Those are ok scores given the design, however you’ll want to hold the very hefty energy brick with you for all-day classes.
Still a ThinkPad
![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 front angled view showing display and keyboard deck.](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-extreme-gen-5-front-angled-e1666892453858.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&p=1)
The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 may maintain a particular place within the ThinkPad lineup, however it’s nonetheless a ThinkPad via and thru. In reality, with laptops just like the ThinkPad Z16 taking the road in a totally completely different route, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme is one thing of a throwback. Where the ThinkPad Z16 makes use of an aluminum chassis with extra frequent styling that’s barely paying homage to the enduring line, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme is all-in on the standard black-on-black aesthetic with crimson accents sprinkled about.
The solely distinction is an non-compulsory carbon-fiber weave on the lid that comes with the highest-end show. It’s constructed of aluminum within the backside chassis and carbon fiber within the lid, with a soft-touch coating on the surface. For such a big, daring laptop computer, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is surprisingly inviting. if a bit old-fashioned.
And it’s, certainly, a big laptop computer. Its high and backside bezels aren’t notably small, making it fairly a bit deeper than another 15-inch or so laptops. The Dell XPS 15, for instance, is smaller. The ThinkPad can also be moderately thick at 0.78 inches, in comparison with the XPS 15’s 0.73 inches, however it’s additionally lighter than the Dell at 4.1 kilos versus 4.62 kilos due to its light-weight supplies. As far as large-screen non-workstation laptops go, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 isn’t a very tiny instance. But that’s the worth you pay to hold round a lot energy.
The keyboard is distinctly ThinkPad-like.
You need to attempt actually onerous to bend the lid, and the keyboard deck and chassis backside are utterly inflexible. That provides the ThinkPad X1 Extreme a sense of solidity that’s according to its excessive worth. The hinge opens with one hand and holds the lid firmly in place. The MacBook Pro 16 could be a barely better-built laptop computer, however then once more, it’s in a category of its personal.
The keyboard can also be distinctly ThinkPad-like, a minimum of within the sculpted keycaps and keyboard format (full with the inverted left Fn and Ctrl keys). It’s lighter and snappier than regular, although, which I a lot favor. That makes it among the best keyboards on a Windows laptop computer, completely different than however equally nearly as good as that on the Dell XPS 15. Only the MacBook Pro 16’s Magic Keyboard is healthier.
![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 top down view showing keyboard and touchpad.](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-extreme-gen-5-keyboard-touchpad-e1666892738594.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&p=1)
As regular, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5’s touchpad is smaller than it may very well be resulting from a set of buttons accommodating the TrackPoint nubbin in the course of the keyboard. I might by no means use the TrackPoint and so remorse the misplaced area, however in case you’re a TrackPoint fan, then you definitely doubtless received’t thoughts. My assessment unit’s show was touch-enabled, which I favor.
Connectivity was wonderful, with a full complement of each legacy and future-proof ports and a full-size SD card reader. Wireless connectivity was additionally sturdy with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 to go along with non-compulsory 5G WWAN help.
Finally, all the standard business-oriented options are available. The vPro CPU will work with enterprise-level administration and safety instruments, and there’s a number of security-minded options just like the Intel Hardware Shield and match-on-finger fingerprint reader. What’s lacking is greater than the standard consumer-level one-year guarantee, though Lenovo affords a variety of business-level companies at an extra worth.
An wonderful media expertise
![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 front view showing display.](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-extreme-gen-5-display-e1666892807152.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&p=1)
My assessment unit was outfitted with the high-end touch-enabled 16-inch 16:10 WQUXGA IPS show, and out of the field, it seemed so shiny and colourful, with deep blacks, that I believed it was an OLED panel. When I utilized my colorimeter, the show excelled, providing a few of the finest outcomes we’ve seen in an IPS show.
Thanks to vast and extremely correct colours, tons of brightness, and excessive distinction, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5’s show matches its efficiency in assembly the wants of demanding creators. The Dell XPS 17‘s is a rare IPS display that matches the ThinkPad’s. Note that the MacBook Pro 16’s show was examined with a special colorimeter that exams distinction in another way; its distinction was equal to the OLED shows, however no higher.
Brightness (nits) |
Contrast | sRGB gamut | AdobeRGB gamut | Accuracy DeltaE (decrease is healthier) |
|
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (IPS) |
572 | 1,520:1 | 100% | 99% | 0.51 |
HP Envy 16 (OLED) |
348 | 24,3010:1 | 100% | 97% | 0.74 |
Asus ZenBook Pro 16X (OLED) |
365 | 26,090:1 | 100% | 98% | 0.84 |
MSI Creator Z16P (IPS) |
461 | 990:1 | 100% | 89% | 0.89 |
Dell XPS 17 9720 (IPS) |
543 | 1,870:1 | 100% | 100% | 0.58 |
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (XDR) |
475 | 475,200:1 | 100% | 90% | 1.04 |
![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 top down view showing speaker.](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-extreme-gen-5-speaker-e1666892872327.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&p=1)
The twin upward-firing audio system have been extremely loud and clear, with wonderful mids and highs. They couldn’t match the XPS 17’s and MacBook Pro’s deeper bass, although, as they lack these laptops’ subwoofers. The audio was nonetheless ok that you just received’t routinely seize a set of headphones.
![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 front view showing webcam.](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-extreme-gen-5-webcam-e1666892970325.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&p=1)
The webcam is a 1080p model that gives clear video with loads of element in lowlight environments. There’s a ThinkShutter privateness display screen and an infrared digital camera supporting Windows 11 Hello passwordless login help to go along with a fingerprint reader embedded within the energy button.
The strongest choice for ThinkPad followers
The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen lives as much as its position as essentially the most highly effective non-workstation ThinkPad you should buy. For ThinkPad followers who’re additionally demanding creators, it’s the perfect laptop computer you should buy.
It’s additionally fairly costly, which is why it turns into a less-appealing selection for individuals who aren’t dedicated to the ThinkPad line. There are a number of 16-inch laptops which can be highly effective creativity workstations and value some huge cash, just like the MSI Creator Z16P and Apple MacBook Pro 16. But there are additionally significantly cheaper choices, just like the HP Envy 16 that’s simply as quick and likewise enjoys an superior show (in its case, an OLED panel). That makes the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 barely much less straightforward to universally advocate.
Editors’ Recommendations