What To Know
- The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is a popular choice for professionals seeking a reliable and durable laptop for work.
- While not designed for AAA gaming, the T470 can run certain games, depending on your expectations and the specific titles you have in mind.
- If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle modern games with ease, the ThinkPad T470 isn’t the ideal choice.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is a popular choice for professionals seeking a reliable and durable laptop for work. But can this business workhorse also handle some gaming? The answer, as with most things in technology, is a nuanced one. While not designed for AAA gaming, the T470 can run certain games, depending on your expectations and the specific titles you have in mind.
Understanding the ThinkPad T470’s Hardware
To understand the T470’s gaming capabilities, we need to look at its hardware specifications. The T470 comes with a range of processors, including the Intel Core i5-7200U and Core i7-7600U, which offer decent performance for everyday tasks. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 is the standard graphics solution, while some models offer the optional NVIDIA GeForce 940MX dedicated graphics card.
Can the ThinkPad T470 Run Games?
The answer to this question depends on what kind of games you want to play. With the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620, you can expect playable performance on older, less demanding games like:
- Minecraft: This popular sandbox game runs smoothly on the T470 with the integrated graphics.
- Stardew Valley: This charming farming simulator is another good option for the T470’s integrated graphics.
- Terraria: This 2D action-adventure game is also playable on the T470 with the integrated graphics.
However, if you’re looking to play modern, more demanding games like:
- Fortnite: This popular battle royale game requires a dedicated graphics card for smooth gameplay.
- Call of Duty: The latest Call of Duty games demand high-end hardware and may not run well on the T470, even with the optional NVIDIA GeForce 940MX.
- Cyberpunk 2077: This graphically intensive game is far beyond the capabilities of the T470.
Exploring the Potential with the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX
The optional NVIDIA GeForce 940MX dedicated graphics card offers a significant performance boost over the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620. With the 940MX, you can expect to run more demanding games at lower settings and resolutions. However, don’t expect to play these games at high frame rates or with ultra-high graphics settings.
Here are some examples of games you might be able to play with the 940MX:
- League of Legends: This popular MOBA game can run smoothly on the T470 with the 940MX.
- Dota 2: Another popular MOBA game, Dota 2 can also run well on the T470 with the 940MX.
- Overwatch: This fast-paced team-based shooter can be played at lower settings with the 940MX.
Setting Expectations and Optimizing Performance
Even with the 940MX, it’s important to set realistic expectations. The T470 isn’t a gaming laptop and shouldn’t be treated as such. You’ll need to make compromises on graphics settings and resolution to achieve playable frame rates.
Here are some tips for optimizing performance on the T470:
- Lower Graphics Settings: Reduce graphics settings like texture quality, shadows, and anti-aliasing to improve performance.
- Lower Resolution: Playing at a lower resolution like 1366×768 or 1280×720 can improve performance.
- Close Background Apps: Close any unnecessary applications running in the background to free up system resources.
- Update Drivers: Ensure you have the latest drivers for your graphics card for optimal performance.
Alternatives for Gaming on the Go
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle modern games with ease, the ThinkPad T470 isn’t the ideal choice. However, there are other options available if you’re looking for a portable gaming experience:
- Dedicated Gaming Laptops: Gaming laptops are specifically designed for high-performance gaming and come with powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and cooling systems optimized for demanding games.
- Cloud Gaming Services: Services like GeForce Now and Stadia let you stream games to your laptop, bypassing the need for powerful hardware.
The Verdict: Can the ThinkPad T470 Run Games?
The ThinkPad T470 can run games, but it’s not a gaming laptop. With the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620, you can play older, less demanding games. The optional NVIDIA GeForce 940MX allows you to play more demanding games, but you’ll need to make compromises on graphics settings and resolution. If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle modern games with ease, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Final Thoughts: A Business Workhorse, Not a Gaming Machine
While the ThinkPad T470 can handle some games, it’s essential to remember that it’s primarily a business laptop. Its strengths lie in its durability, reliability, and long battery life. If you’re looking for a machine that can handle demanding games, you’ll need to explore other options.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I upgrade the graphics card in the ThinkPad T470?
A: No, the graphics card in the ThinkPad T470 is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
Q: What are the best settings for gaming on the ThinkPad T470?
A: The best settings will depend on the specific game you’re playing. Generally, you’ll want to lower graphics settings like texture quality, shadows, and anti-aliasing to improve performance. You may also want to reduce the resolution.
Q: Can I play VR games on the ThinkPad T470?
A: No, the ThinkPad T470 does not have the graphics power to run VR games.
Q: Is the ThinkPad T470 good for streaming games?
A: The ThinkPad T470 can be used for streaming games, but you’ll need to lower the graphics settings and resolution to achieve a smooth streaming experience.
Q: Which ThinkPad models are better for gaming?
A: If you’re looking for a ThinkPad that can handle gaming, consider the ThinkPad P series, which is designed for professional applications and includes more powerful graphics cards.
