I Tested the $4000+ NEW Legion 9i (2025): Is This RTX 5090 Monster Actually Worth It? (Early Access!)
When Lenovo offered me early access to their NEW Legion 9i, an engineering sample packing an RTX 5090 and a price tag north of four thousand US dollars, I knew I was in for a wild ride. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete overhaul. But with such a premium cost, the burning question is: does this performance monster actually justify its astronomical price in 2025? This video dives deep into its capabilities, design, and whether this Halo product is a worthy investment or just an expensive dream.
The 2025 Legion 9i is HUGE (And So Is Its Power Brick!): My Honest First Impressions of Lenovo’s BEAST
The moment I unboxed the 2025 Legion 9i, its sheer size was staggering. Forget portability; this 18-inch, 7.7-pound behemoth, with a 400W power brick that needs its own carrying case, makes a bold statement. It’s thicker, heavier, and clearly prioritizes raw power over travel convenience. This video captures my honest first impressions of handling this absolute unit. We’ll explore the design philosophy behind its massive form factor and whether this “no compromises” approach to performance is a welcome change or a step too far for a “laptop.”
Lenovo Rebuilt the Legion 9i From SCRATCH for 2025: Did They Create a Masterpiece or a Mistake?
Two years after the original Legion 9i impressed us, Lenovo didn’t just refresh the specs for 2025; they tore up the blueprints and started again. This new 18-inch model, with its RTX 5090 and Intel AeroLake HX, is a complete redesign, top to bottom. It’s a bold move. Did their engineers craft a true masterpiece, the ultimate gaming laptop? Or have some of these radical changes, like the increased size and shifted ports, inadvertently created new problems? This video investigates if this gamble paid off.
RTX 5090 Laptop REALITY CHECK: The NEW Legion 9i Performance You NEED to See (It’s Complicated!)
The hype around the RTX 5090 in laptops has been immense. I finally got to benchmark it in the new Legion 9i, and the results… well, they’re complicated. While it shines in certain areas, especially professional apps like NLEs, the gaming uplift over a high-wattage RTX 4090 isn’t always the massive leap you might expect, especially when the 5090 doesn’t hit its full 175W TGP in testing. This video delivers a crucial reality check on what the mobile RTX 5090 actually delivers in 2025.
Is THIS the Ultimate Gaming Laptop of 2025? My Unfiltered Review of the Engineering Sample Legion 9i (RTX 5090)
Lenovo calls the Legion 9i their Halo product, aiming for the “ultimate gaming experience.” I got my hands on an early engineering sample of the 2025 model, complete with an RTX 5090 and Intel’s latest. This is my unfiltered, no-strings-attached review. We’ll examine if its bonkers specs, completely redesigned chassis, and premium materials truly combine to create the undisputed king of gaming laptops for the year, or if some early-sample quirks and design choices hold it back from that lofty title.
Legion 9i’s RTX 5090 vs. 4090 Laptops: The Gaming Performance TRUTH is Surprising!
I pitted the new Legion 9i, armed with its RTX 5090, against some of the fastest RTX 4090 laptops we’ve tested, including its own predecessor. The expectation was a clean sweep for the 5090. The truth? It’s surprisingly nuanced. While the 5090 can pull ahead, especially in 1% lows or at 4K, the older 4090s often keep pace remarkably well, especially when the new GPU isn’t hitting its full 175 watts. This video reveals the real-world gaming performance gap – or lack thereof – in 2025.
Intel’s Ultra 9 275X in the Legion 9i: A CPU BEAST Unleashed (But There’s a 192GB RAM Catch…)
The Intel Ultra 9 275X processor in the new Legion 9i is an absolute beast, hitting a record 164 watts in my tests and smashing multi-core benchmarks. It’s a significant leap forward. However, there’s a catch if you opt for the massive 192GB RAM configuration: memory speed drops to a slow 4000MT/s. This video explores the raw power of Intel’s new HX chip but also exposes how that slower RAM can bottleneck performance in certain games and applications like Photoshop, a crucial detail for potential buyers.
How the Legion 9i (2025) Stays COOLER & QUIETER Than Its Liquid-Cooled Predecessor (RTX 5090 Thermals!)
The 2023 Legion 9i used an exotic integrated liquid cooling loop. For 2025, Lenovo ditched it for a revised quad-fan vapor chamber setup in the new, larger chassis. The surprising result? This RTX 5090-equipped beast actually runs cooler and quieter than its liquid-cooled ancestor, even while pushing more power to the CPU. This video dives into the impressive thermal engineering, showcasing how Legion achieved better numbers with a more traditional, albeit highly advanced, air cooling solution. Kudos to their engineers!
192GB RAM in a Laptop?! The Legion 9i’s BIG Memory Option (And Why It SLOWS DOWN Your Games)
When I saw the option for up to 192GB of RAM in the new Legion 9i, my jaw dropped. That’s desktop workstation territory! While fantastic for developers or extreme virtual machine users, there’s a hidden trade-off: configurations above 128GB see memory speeds plummet to 4000MT/s from the standard 5600MT/s. This video explains why this massive RAM capacity comes at a performance cost in many games and memory-intensive apps, making the 64GB option a smarter choice for most gamers.
Nvidia’s RTX 5090: Gaming Letdown but Video Editing DREAM? (Legion 9i NLE Performance Test)
My gaming benchmarks with the Legion 9i’s RTX 5090 showed a solid, but not always game-changing, improvement over the 4000 series. However, when I switched to video editing in NLEs, the story completely changed. The 5090’s triple NvEnc encoder engine delivered a night-and-day difference, drastically cutting down export times. This video explores this interesting performance split: is the mobile RTX 5090 a bit of a gaming letdown but an absolute dream come true for content creators who rely on GPU-accelerated exports?
RIP Rear Ports! The Legion 9i’s Controversial Design Change (And Why Lenovo Says They Did It)
I loved the clean setup provided by the rear-facing ports on the previous Legion 9i. So, I was dismayed to see most I/O shifted to the sides on the 2025 model, with only power and HDMI remaining at the back. It’s a controversial change! According to Legion, this reshuffle improves airflow and cooling efficiency. This video examines this design decision, its practical implications for cable management, and whether the claimed thermal benefits justify sacrificing that convenient rear port layout and the handy backlit I/O labels.
The Legion 9i’s Keyboard is INSANE: Did Lenovo Secretly Put a ThinkPad In This Gaming Laptop?
Typing on the new Legion 9i’s keyboard was a revelation. With the larger chassis, Lenovo implemented a standard layout with a full numpad, and the keys themselves feel incredibly tactile, precise, and solid. It’s easily one of the best I’ve used on a gaming laptop, almost as if they infused it with legendary ThinkPad DNA. This video dives into the typing and gaming experience on this exceptional keyboard, highlighting why it’s a joy to use, whether you’re battling foes or replying to emails.
Legion FINALLY Listened! The 2025 9i’s Front-Facing Speakers are a GAME CHANGER for Laptop Audio
I’ve been vocal about my preference for front-facing speakers, and with the 2025 Legion 9i, it seems Lenovo finally listened! They’ve equipped it with two tweeters in the front and two woofers at the bottom, a significant upgrade. The audio feels more vibrant, with clearer highs, making a noticeable difference compared to typical bottom-firing setups. This video celebrates this welcome change, detailing how these new speakers elevate the auditory experience for gaming and media consumption on a laptop.
That Forged Carbon Lid: Is the Legion 9i’s New Design a Showstopper or Just… Too Much?
The Legion 9i retains its signature forged carbon finish on the lid for 2025, giving each unit a unique look. However, the Legion logo is now more prominent, shifted closer to the center. I found the previous generation’s subtlety more appealing; this feels more like a flex. Coupled with the now massive 18-inch chassis, does this bold aesthetic make it a true showstopper, or is the overall design, with its aggressive RGB and sheer bulk, becoming a bit too much for some tastes?
18-inch 4K 240Hz on the Legion 9i: Dream Display or Too DIM? (My Experience with the New Panel)
The new Legion 9i boasts an 18-inch, 16:10 4K LCD panel with a speedy 240Hz refresh rate – a solid upgrade on paper. The sheer screen real estate is immersive, and 4K at 240Hz sounds like a dream. However, there’s a catch: this panel is dimmer than the previous generation’s miniLED. This video shares my experience with this new display. While colors are vivid (100% DCI-P3), is the trade-off in brightness for resolution and refresh rate a worthwhile compromise for gaming and content creation?
The Legion 9i’s 400W Power Brick Needs Its Own BAG! A Necessary Evil for RTX 5090 Power?
When I unboxed the Legion 9i’s power adapter, I had to laugh – this massive 400-watt brick is so large it genuinely feels like it needs its own dedicated bag. It’s a testament to the sheer power Lenovo is trying to feed this RTX 5090 and Intel Ultra 9 beast. This video takes a closer look at this colossal power supply. Is such an enormous brick simply a necessary evil to unlock maximum performance, or does it push the boundaries of “laptop” portability too far?
New Legion 9i (RTX 5090) vs. Old Legion 9i (RTX 4090): Is the Upgrade Worth THOUSANDS?
The 2025 Legion 9i with its RTX 5090 promises next-gen performance, but it comes with a significantly higher price tag – likely thousands more than its already premium RTX 4090 predecessor from late 2023. I compared them head-to-head. While the new CPU is a beast and the 5090 shows sparks in some areas, is the overall leap in gaming and daily use enough to justify such a hefty additional investment? This video breaks down if the generational upgrade is truly worth it for existing high-end users.
Don’t Upgrade to an RTX 5090 Laptop (Yet)? My Legion 9i (2025) Warning for High-End Laptop Owners
If you’re rocking a one to three-year-old high-end gaming laptop, like an RTX 3080 or 4080/4090 model, you might be eyeing the new RTX 5090 laptops like the Legion 9i. Before you jump, watch this! While the 5090 has its moments, particularly in creative workloads, the actual gaming uplift over a top-tier 40-series GPU might not be the game-changer you expect, especially considering the “stupidly expensive” prices of 2025 models. This video is my warning: hold your horses and consider if the upgrade is truly necessary.
The Legion 9i (2025) is an Engineering MARVEL… But Who is This $4000+ Laptop ACTUALLY For?
From its advanced quad-fan cooling handling an RTX 5090 to its insanely fast Gen 5 SSD and up to 192GB RAM capacity, the 2025 Legion 9i is undeniably an engineering marvel. It’s packed with cutting-edge tech. But with an expected price exceeding four thousand US dollars and its sheer lack of portability, the question becomes: who is this no-compromise, ultra-premium, heavyweight champion actually for? This video explores the niche audience that might truly benefit from such an extreme, and expensive, machine.
Is the “Ultimate” Legion 9i (2025) a Tough Sell This Year? My Brutally Honest Verdict (Engineering Sample)
Lenovo’s aiming for the “ultimate” gaming experience with the 2025 Legion 9i. After testing this early engineering sample, with its RTX 5090, beefy Intel CPU, and sky-high expected price, I have to be brutally honest. While undeniably powerful and packed with premium features, the underwhelming generational leap in gaming from the RTX 5090 and potential tariff issues make it a tough sell in 2025, especially for those with recent high-end laptops. This video delivers my frank verdict.
This Pre-Production Legion 9i (2025) Blew My Mind (And Almost My Backpack! It’s MASSIVE!)
Getting my hands on a pre-production 2025 Legion 9i was an experience. Its raw power, driven by the RTX 5090 and new Intel chip, certainly blew my mind in benchmarks. But what also blew my mind was its sheer size and weight! At 18 inches and 7.7 pounds, plus that colossal power brick, it almost blew out my backpack. This video captures the awe and absurdity of handling such a massive, powerful, and very early sample of Lenovo’s flagship gaming laptop.
The Legion 9i (2025): A True Desktop Replacement That Eats Desktops for Breakfast?
With specs like an RTX 5090, an Intel Ultra 9 275HX hitting 164W, up to 192GB RAM, and four SSD slots, the 2025 Legion 9i isn’t just a laptop; it’s a portable supercomputer. It truly blurs the lines, aiming to be a genuine desktop replacement. But does its performance, particularly with the new CPU, allow it to not just match, but actually eat high-end desktops for breakfast in certain workloads? This video explores if it lives up to that ultimate “desktop killer” claim.
My CRITICAL Feedback to Lenovo on the Engineering Sample Legion 9i (And What YOU Think They Should Change!)
Lenovo gave me this engineering sample of the 2025 Legion 9i not just for review, but for critical feedback. And I have plenty! From the side-mounted ports and super-bright front RGB to the RAM speed limitations on high-capacity configs. This video is my direct address to Lenovo, sharing my constructive criticism. More importantly, I want to hear from YOU – watch my points, then tell me in the comments what changes you think Lenovo absolutely needs to make before this beast hits production.
Unboxing a MONSTER: The New 18-inch Legion 9i (2025) Full Teardown & First Look!
The delivery driver probably needed a hand truck for this one! Join me as I unbox the absolute MONSTER that is the new 18-inch Legion 9i for 2025. We’ll get our first look at its redesigned chassis, that forged carbon lid, and all its ports. Then, if Lenovo allows on this early sample, we’ll dive under the hood to see the advanced cold front vapor chamber, quad-fan setup, and those four SODIMM slots. Get ready for a beastly unboxing!
Legion 9i’s Optional “Dual Mode” Display: 4K 240Hz AND 1080p 440Hz – Gimmick or Genius for Gamers?
The new Legion 9i offers an optional “dual mode” display that can switch between a crisp 4K at 240Hz and a blazing-fast 1080p at 440Hz. It sounds intriguing: cinematic visuals for story games, ludicrous speed for competitive titles. But is this a genuine innovation that offers the best of both worlds, or just a flashy gimmick that adds to the already high cost? This video explores the potential benefits and practicality of this unique display option for different types of gamers.
NEW Legion 9i: RTX 5090 BEAST MODE!
Forget subtle; the new 2025 Legion 9i is here, and it’s in full-on BEAST MODE! Rocking an RTX 5090, Intel’s latest Ultra 9 HX processor pushed to its limits, and a completely redesigned 18-inch chassis, this thing is built for pure, unadulterated power. This short gives you a rapid-fire look at the monstrous specs and what happens when Lenovo unleashes its flagship gaming laptop with no compromises. Get ready for some serious performance!
$4000+ Legion 9i: OVERKILL or ULTIMATE?
The 2025 Legion 9i is rumored to cost over four thousand US dollars, packing an RTX 5090 and top-tier everything. But is this extreme machine truly the ultimate gaming laptop experience money can buy, offering performance and features justifying that price? Or is it just glorious overkill, a halo product for the few, while most gamers would be better served elsewhere? This short gives my quick take on whether this beast hits “ultimate” or veers into “unnecessary.”
Legion 9i (2025) – Early Access Review!
I got my hands on an early engineering sample of the completely redesigned 2025 Lenovo Legion 9i! This is your first look at its massive 18-inch form factor, RTX 5090 performance, new Intel CPU, and all the design changes. This short gives you the key highlights, my initial impressions, and a sneak peek at what Lenovo’s flagship gaming laptop is bringing to the table this year. Stay tuned for the full deep dive!
RTX 5090 Laptop (Legion 9i): The Performance TRUTH!
The mobile RTX 5090 is here in the new Legion 9i, and everyone wants to know: how fast is it REALLY? I’ve run the benchmarks, and the performance truth is… nuanced. While it crushes some creative tasks and shows promise, the gaming uplift over high-end RTX 4090s isn’t always a massive leap, especially at high wattages. This short gives you the quick, no-BS summary of what to expect from Nvidia’s latest flagship laptop GPU in real-world scenarios.
Legion 9i: Size MATTERS! (18-inch Gaming Monster)
If you thought gaming laptops were getting sleeker, think again! The new 2025 Legion 9i has GROWN to a massive 18 inches, and it’s thicker and heavier too. Why? Because for Lenovo with this flagship, size clearly MATTERS when it comes to cramming in an RTX 5090 and ensuring it can breathe. This short gives you a look at just how colossal this gaming monster is, proving that sometimes, bigger really is… well, bigger!