Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 2 (Intel) review
Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 2 (Intel) — from 2021, 1.6 kg, performance 65.
Technical specifications
| Type | Business |
| Release year | 2021 |
| Screen | 14" · 1920x1080 |
| Processor | Intel Pentium Gold 7505 , Intel Core i3 1115G4 , Intel Core i5 1135G7 , Intel Core i5 1145G7 , Intel Core i7 1165G7 , Intel Core i7 1185G7 |
| Graphics | GeForce MX450 2GB |
| Max. RAM | 64 GB |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Battery | 45 Wh |
Performance scores
Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 2 — an unusual 2021 GPU-forward configuration
The ThinkPad L14 Gen 2 is a 2021 business 14-inch carrying an uncommon configuration: an Intel Pentium Gold 7505 — the entry CPU of its generation — paired with a GeForce MX450 2GB entry discrete GPU and 64GB of RAM. At $345 it sits 16% above the business-class median of $297. The measured profile: graphics 44.73 in the class top-25, RAM 64GB pro-tier, performance 64.7 (+56% versus class median) — with no weakness axis registering.
What the configuration delivers
The capability bars are green: Overwatch, Grand Theft Auto V and Rainbow Six Siege meet their recommended bars, Far Cry 5 clears its recommended bar at a measured 34 fps, and Photoshop and Visual Studio Code pass at minimum. The MX450 lifts the machine clear of iGPU-only business rivals, and the 64GB of RAM removes memory from the equation. The measured composite — performance 64.7 with zero weaknesses — is the strongest profile shape available in this band.
The configuration oddity, honestly
A Pentium Gold CPU beneath a discrete GPU and 64GB of RAM is an unusual build: someone configured this machine for GPU-assisted workloads and memory headroom rather than CPU speed. The single-core deficit shows in sustained compute relative to Core-tier rivals, but the measured composite says the platform balances well for office-plus-light-GPU duty. Buyers needing sustained CPU throughput should verify against their workload; buyers wanting the GPU and RAM at this price need look no further.
Price trajectory
From an original $1,300 to $345 today at 9.45% per year, with a further projection to $283 (an 18% drop) over two years. The decay is the modern-platform rate, offset by the capable configuration being bought.
Where it sits against peers
Cheaper neighbors are the EliteBook 840 G8 ($309) and EliteBook 850 G8 ($321) — both iGPU-only rivals with stronger CPUs and weaker graphics. No pricier rivals appear near this price in the band; the choice within $40 is exactly the CPU-versus-GPU trade this configuration takes one side of.
Bottom line
A GPU-forward business machine: recommended-bar gaming capability, 64GB of RAM and a no-weakness measured profile at a fair class price — built on an entry CPU that suits office and GPU-assisted duty rather than sustained compute. The right pick for the buyer who wants the graphics and memory without paying for a Core badge.
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⭐ What stands out
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graphics performance is higher than typical business class (+200%) (mainstream tier).
top 25% of its category -
memory capacity is higher than typical business class (+60%) (professional).
top 25% of its category -
overall performance is higher than typical business class (+56%) (mid).
top 25% of its category
🔁 Alternatives
Compromise axis: reliability ↔ price
🎮 What it can run
⚙️ Configuration analysis
Top configuration suits everyday productivity, light photo editing, and esports titles.
🤔 How to choose
Universal advice for any use case.
- Reliability vs price: reliability (median 42.5) ↔ price (median 297.4).
- Weight vs CPU: mobility (median 60) ↔ overall performance (median 41.5).
- Upgradeability vs battery: upgradability (median 62.5) ↔ battery life (median 3.3).
ThinkPad L14 Gen 2 (Intel): verdict
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