Laptop Lenovo B590 The 20206 series remains one of the most recognizable representatives of the budget segment, released back in the early 2010s. Despite its advanced age, this model is still found on the secondary market and in corporate fleets, where it serves as a reliable workhorse.
When choosing this device, it is important to understand that its characteristics can vary significantly depending on the configuration. Model range Lenovo B590 The 20206 offered different processor configurations, RAM amounts, and disk types, which directly impact performance in modern tasks.
You'll need to carefully review the specifications before purchasing, as the exterior of the case does not always reflect the internal contents. Many users mistakenly believe that all laptops labeled B590 are the same, but differences in components can be critical for comfortable work.
Processor platform and performance
The heart of this model is most often the processors of the family Intel Core second and third generations. Depending on the modification, you can find i3, i5 or even more powerful i7 series chips, although the latter are less common in this series. For everyday office-type tasks, such power is often sufficient even today.
However, if you plan to use your laptop for more complex computing, it's worth paying attention to a specific CPU model. Processors with index 3110M or i5-3230M provide a decent balance between power consumption and processing power.
It must be taken into account that the processor architecture is already outdated, so modern heavy applications may run slowly. However, for web surfing, working with documents and watching videos in resolution 1080p The system copes quite adequately.
Cooling system in Lenovo B590 designed taking into account the heat dissipation of these chips. The ventilation system is quite effective, but over time it requires cleaning from dust, otherwise overheating is possible.
Display and visual capabilities
The screen is one of the weakest points of this model, which is typical for budget devices of that time. The display diagonal is 15.6 inches, which provides a comfortable space for work, but the quality of the matrix leaves much to be desired. The matrix type is TN, which means limited viewing angles and not the most accurate colors.
Screen resolution in most cases is standard 1366x768 pixels. This is enough for basic tasks, but when viewing photos or working with graphics you will notice a lack of clarity. Contrast and brightness are also at average levels, which can make it difficult to work in bright sunlight.
If image quality is critical to you, you should consider replacing the matrix with an IPS screen, although this will require additional costs and effort in selecting a compatible model.
The surface of the screen is usually glossy, which creates glare in bright light. Matte options are less common, but they are preferable for long-term work due to reduced eye strain.
RAM and expansion options
Standard laptop configuration Lenovo B590 often came with 2 or 4 gigabytes of RAM type DDR3. This volume today is catastrophically small for comfortable work in modern browsers with many tabs. You definitely need to check the memory expandability.
The device is equipped with two SO-DIMM slots, which allows you to install up to 8 GB or even 16 GB of memory (depending on the motherboard support). The maximum amount of supported memory is the key point for upgrading the system.
Volume increase RAM up to 8 GB is the minimum requirement to run Windows 10. This will significantly speed up the system and avoid constant loading of data from the disk.
Memory frequency is usually 1333 MHz or 1600 MHz. When installing modules of different frequencies, the system will automatically reduce the speed to the slowest module, so it is better to use the same strips.
- 2 GB
- 4 GB
- 8 GB
- More than 8 GB
Data storage and speed
Initially, the laptop was equipped with hard drives HDD volume from 320 to 500 GB. The speed of operation of such disks today is the main bottleneck of the entire system. Loading the operating system can take several minutes, which is extremely inconvenient.
The solution to this problem is to replace the HDD with a modern one SSD. This will radically change the perception of how the device operates, speeding up system loading and program launches significantly. The connection interface is standard SATA 2.0, which is perfect for most budget SSDs.
After installing the SSD laptop Lenovo B590 The 20206 feels like a completely new device. Windows boot time is reduced to 15-20 seconds, and system response becomes instantaneous.
Some modifications provide a second bay for installing an additional hard drive or optical drive, which allows you to save storage space when switching to an SSD.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing your hard drive with an SSD, be sure to back up your important data, as the system transfer process requires care and can lead to information loss if an error occurs.
Graphics subsystem and multimedia
Most configurations use integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics (2500 or 4000 series), which is integrated into the processor. This is enough for video playback and working with office applications, but not for modern games. Heavy 3D projects or new games cannot be run on such a system.
Some rare versions had a discrete graphics card NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M or GT 720M with dedicated video memory. Even these cards are outdated today, but they allow you to run light games or speed up work in simple graphic editors.
The presence of discrete graphics increases power consumption and heating, which requires more careful maintenance of the cooling system. Switching between integrated and discrete graphics occurs automatically via NVIDIA drivers.
The port is used to connect external monitors VGA and sometimes HDMI, which allows you to expand your workspace. The quality of the image output on an external monitor is often higher than on the built-in screen.
☑️ Checking the condition of the laptop before purchasing
Ports, interfaces and peripherals
Laptop Lenovo B590 has a rich set of ports, which distinguishes it from many modern ultrabooks. You'll find multiple USB ports including USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 (depending on the model), which allows you to quickly transfer data to external drives.
There are also connectors Ethernet for wired internet, VGA and HDMI for connecting projectors, as well as a card reader for memory cards. Having a full-fledged DVD-RW optical drive allows you to read and write discs, which is still relevant for some users.
Audio connectors are standardized: a separate microphone input and a headphone output. The built-in speakers sound quite loud, but the sound quality is average, without pronounced bass.
A module is provided for wireless communication Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi speeds are limited to the 802.11n standard, which is sufficient for home Internet, but can be a bottleneck when working with gigabit networks.
What drivers are needed for Lenovo B590?
For correct operation of all components, you must install drivers for the chipset, video card, audio codec and network adapters from the official Lenovo website. Without them, some functions may not work correctly.
Operation and upgrade recommendations
If you own this laptop or are planning to purchase one, it is important to understand how to extend its life. Regularly cleaning the cooling system from dust and replacing thermal paste with high-quality analog paste will help avoid overheating of the processor and video card.
Installation SSD and increasing the amount of RAM to 8 GB are two mandatory steps to revitalize the system. Without these improvements, using modern software will be difficult.
Windows 10 operating system will run on this laptop, but Windows 11 is not officially supported due to the lack of TPM 2.0 and the new processor. However, you can install it, although this is not recommended for stable operation.
The battery in such laptops has often already exhausted its life. Replacing the battery with a new one or using a laptop in constant connection mode are common use cases.
Before buying a used laptop, always check the battery wear using the built-in diagnostic utility or third-party software, since replacing the battery can be expensive.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to disassemble the laptop case yourself if you do not have experience, as the plastic latches can easily break and the keyboard backlight cables can tear.
Final assessment and feasibility of purchase
Laptop Lenovo B590 20206 today is the choice for those who need a simple, cheap and repairable device for basic tasks. Its main advantages are a reliable case, an optical drive and a comfortable keyboard with a numeric keypad.
The main disadvantages are related to the outdated platform, poor screen quality and slow hard drive in the stock version. These problems can be solved, but require additional investments.
You shouldn't count on this model for professional graphics or video work. However, for studying, working with documents and watching movies at home, it remains an excellent budget option.
The main secret of the success of this model is its maintainability. Easy access to all components allows you to easily upgrade the device, extending its service life for several more years.
⚠️ Attention: When buying this laptop on the secondary market, be sure to check the integrity of the case and the absence of signs of major repairs, as this may indicate hidden defects.
A comprehensive upgrade with replacing the HDD with an SSD and installing 8 GB of RAM turns the old Lenovo B590 into a full-fledged workstation for office tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to install Windows 11 on Lenovo B590?
Windows 11 is not officially supported due to the lack of TPM 2.0 and an outdated processor. However, it is technically possible to bypass these restrictions and install the system, but stability is not guaranteed.
What is the maximum amount of RAM this laptop supports?
Officially, the laptop supports up to 8 GB of memory (two 4 GB slots). Some users report success with 16GB, but this depends on the specific motherboard and processor revision.
Does the laptop support USB 3.0 booting?
Yes, laptop Lenovo B590 Supports booting from USB storage devices, including USB 3.0 ports. To do this, you need to change the boot priority settings in the BIOS.
Is it possible to replace the screen with an IPS matrix?
Yes, replacing the matrix with IPS is possible, but it requires selecting a compatible model in terms of connector and mount. This will improve viewing angles and color reproduction, but may require modifications to the case.
Which processor is best for upgrading?
The best choice for upgrading is the Intel Core i5-3230M or i7-3520M processors, which provide the maximum performance supported by the chipset and cooling system of this laptop.