Insteado Team
Looking for a Lenovo Y700 alternative? Explore laptops similar to Lenovo Y700, top competitors, price range, and detailed Reddit reviews. Find out if the Y700 is still worth it in 2025 for US buyers.
1) What is the Lenovo Y700?
The Lenovo IdeaPad Y700 is a gaming-oriented laptop series Lenovo released around 2015–2016 (15″ and 17″ models) that targeted cost-conscious gamers who wanted an i7 CPU, a discrete NVIDIA GTX-class GPU, and a roomy 15.6″ or 17.3″ Full HD display. Typical configurations shipped with 6th-gen Intel Core i7 processors (6700HQ), GTX 960M (or similar mobile GPUs), 8–16 GB RAM, and a mix of SSD + HDD storage options—positioning the Y700 as a mid-range gaming machine for that generation.
2) Who should buy the Lenovo Y700?
Although the Y700 is an older model, people who might still consider it today (used/refurbished market) are:
- Budget-minded gamers seeking decent 1080p performance for older or e-sports titles.
- Buyers who want a large display (15.6″–17.3″) and a full-size keyboard with backlight.
- Hobbyists who like to upgrade RAM/drive themselves (the chassis gives reasonable upgrade options).
- Anyone buying a refurb for light gaming, media playback, or as a secondary machine.
If you want bleeding-edge performance, long battery life, or modern GPU/CPU features (RTX, DLSS/AI features, latest Ryzen/Intel chips), a new machine will be a better fit.
3) Why it’s better than many (strengths)
- Value for the era: When new, the Y700 delivered solid i7 + GTX performance at a lower price than premium gaming brands—so it tends to represent good value on the used market.
- Upgradeability: Easy access to RAM and drives makes life easier if you want to add an SSD or extra RAM.
- Clean gaming-focused feature set: large screen, red-backlit keyboard options, and a sturdy-feeling chassis for the price point at launch.
4) Price range (US market — used/refurb)
Because the IdeaPad Y700 is an older model, vertical pricing varies:
- Used/refurbished (US, 2024–2025 listings): Commonly seen between $200–$500 depending on condition and configuration (SSD/HDD, RAM, 15″ vs 17″). New or “open-box” listings have occasionally appeared higher during discounts.
(If you’re buying, expect prices to vary a lot by seller condition—ask about battery health, drives, and whether thermal paste or fans have been serviced.)
5) What are the alternatives — and why chase them?
Also, see: Best iPad Mini Alternatives in 2025
If you’re shopping for a laptop similar to the Lenovo Y700, the usual contemporary alternatives (and modern equivalents on the market) include:
- Acer Nitro 5 — a mainstream budget gaming series that offers modern CPUs and improved thermals for a similar price bracket.
- Dell G5 / Inspiron Gaming — Dell’s mid-range gaming options with good build and support.
- HP Omen (base models) — often better thermals and more modern GPU options at similar price tiers.
- Asus TUF / ROG Strix (budget TUF variants) — solid performance-per-dollar and durability focus.
- MSI GF / Katana series — often comparable spec-for-spec with gaming-focused tuning.
Why pick an alternative? If you want:
- Better cooling and modern GPUs → go newer (Nitro, Omen, ASUS TUF).
- Longer warranty & support → Dell or HP often offer stronger US service options.
- Battery life and lighter weight → look at thin-and-light gaming lines (Zephyrus, Razer Blade, or newer Legion models).
Use these lenovo y700 alternative and similar to lenovo y700 comparisons to focus your search: many modern alternatives yield substantially better gaming-per-watt and features like NVMe SSDs and newer GPU architecture.
6) Side-by-side comparisons
Below are compact two-column comparison tables
Each table compares the classic Y700 (typical 6700HQ/GTX 960M config) vs the named alternative.
Lenovo Y700 vs Acer Nitro 5 (typical modern budget config)
| Lenovo Y700 | Acer Nitro 5 (modern) |
|---|---|
| i7-6700HQ + GTX 960M (older, 28nm) | Ryzen 5 / Intel i5 (11th–13th gen) + RTX 3050/4060 (much newer) |
| Older cooling, heavier chassis | Improved thermals, newer chassis design |
| Good used price | Newer hardware, longer future-proofing |
| Great if very cheap/refurb | Better value for new buyers; better drivers & battery |
Lenovo Y700 vs Dell G5 (entry-level)
| Lenovo Y700 | Dell G5 (modern) |
|---|---|
| Older i7 + GTX 900-series | Modern Intel/AMD CPU + RTX-series GPU |
| Basic warranty for used units | Stronger Dell support and service options |
| Cheaper as used | Better longevity and performance for current games |
Lenovo Y700 vs HP Omen (base)
| Lenovo Y700 | HP Omen (base) |
|---|---|
| Older midrange GPU | Better thermal design & newer GPUs |
| Upgrade-friendly | Often better display options and software support |
7) Reddit users’ feedback analysis — Lenovo Y700 Reddit review
I scanned Reddit threads and community boards discussing “Lenovo Y700” (IdeaPad Y700) and the newer Legion/ Y700 tablet posts to assemble an aggregate sentiment and practical takeaways.
What Redditors say (summary)
- Positive: Many owners praise the Y700 for offering solid value when new; lots of threads show users enjoyed the performance for older titles and appreciated upgrade options (SSD, RAM). Some long-term owners report years of service.
- Negative / Common complaints: recurring comments point to thermal throttling, bloatware and occasional boot/BIOS quirks; some users report hardware aging issues (slowdowns, fan noise, boot loops). On the used market, battery health and physical wear are recurring concerns.
- Current context: newer “Y700” branded devices under the Lenovo Legion/tablet line (2023–2025) are a different product category; Reddit threads often mix conversations about the old IdeaPad laptop and the new Legion Y700 tablet. That confusion shows up frequently in searches and comments.
Verdict from Reddit (ultimate outcome)
- If you find a cheap, well-tested IdeaPad Y700 with documented upgrades (recent SSD, fresh thermal paste, known battery state), Reddit users say it can be a practical secondary or budget gaming laptop. But for a primary daily driver in 2025, Reddit consensus leans toward buying a modern alternative with newer GPU/CPU tech due to driver support, battery life, and cooling improvements.
(In short: Reddit’s verdict for “Lenovo Y700 Reddit Review” is mixed—good value as a used buy, not ideal as a current primary gaming laptop.)
8) Popular FAQs around Lenovo Y700
Q: Is the Lenovo Y700 worth buying in 2025?
A: Only if you find a very cheap, well-maintained unit and your expectations are modest. For new purchases, modern budget gaming laptops outperform it significantly.
Q: Can I upgrade the Y700 RAM/SSD?
A: Yes—the Y700 series is upgradeable (RAM slots, 2.5″ HDD/SSD and often M.2 options depending on exact SKU). Always verify the specific internals before buying.
Q: Does the Y700 run modern games?
A: It will run older, esports, and less demanding titles fine, but modern AAA games at high settings will be limited due to the older GPU.
Q: Common problems to watch for?
A: Battery degradation, fan/thermal throttling, BIOS/boot quirks and bloatware. Check Reddit/timely forum threads for specific fixes and community guides.
Q: Is “Lenovo Legion Y700” the same as IdeaPad Y700?
A: No—Lenovo’s branding has reused “Y700” in different product lines (the older IdeaPad Y700 laptops vs recent Legion Y700 tablets). Confirm the exact model (serial/model number) before assuming specs.
Our Final Recommendation (US market)
- If buying used/refurb: insist on photos, battery health, proof of SSD/HDD condition, and a short return window. Expect to spend $200–$500 depending on condition and config.
- If buying new: skip the aging Y700 and look at current Lenovo Y700 alternative options like Lenovo’s current Legion line, Acer Nitro, ASUS TUF, Dell G-series, or HP Omen—these yield better performance-per-dollar and vendor support.
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