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My experience gaming on the ASUS ROG G16CH Desktop (2023)
Introduction
I recently got my hands on the ASUS ROG G16CH. As a gamer I was eager to test out this desktop. The design is sharp but the real test is how it can run (the latest) games. Below are my impressions.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Uses For Product | Gaming | Brand | ASUS |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Memory Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB | Model Name | ROG G16CH |
| Included Components | User Guide, Mouse, Power Cord & Adapter, Keyboard, G16CH-DB774 | CPU Model | Core i7 |
| Color | Gray | Special Feature | Microphone |
Prices
Check prices of the ASUS ROG G16CH Gaming Desktop on:
Unboxing and First Impressions of the ASUS ROG G16CH
Right out of the box, the minimalist design grabbed my attention – the sleek chassis with its mesh front panel and those subtle yet customizable RGB lights had a modern, understated elegance. The built-in double D-ring handle and the transparent EMI Glass side-panel are practical features as well.
Here’s a quick rundown of my initial observations:
The design is on point – clean with just enough gamer aesthetic.
Connectivity options are abundant, which is a big plus.
It’s equipped with upgradable storage options – a nod to future-proofing.
Surprisingly, cooling seems to be an area where it falls a bit short, which could impact performance during long sessions.
The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and AI noise cancellation is a sweet touch for immersive gaming experiences.
However, as I delved deeper, I realized there were some drawbacks. For one, the inclusion of only a single rear fan seemed like a curious choice when dealing with powerful components known to generate significant heat. This may necessitate seeking additional cooling solutions, which isn’t ideal straight out of the box.
On the software front, the machine comes with Windows 11 Home installed, which ensures an up-to-date operating environment. With my personal preference for Windows’ familiar UI and ecosystem, this was another mark in the win column.
Included components like the mouse and keyboard were average, but that’s not a dealbreaker; most gamers, myself included, tend to have personal favorites when it comes to gaming peripherals.
Finally, while there’s ample room to grow with this system, initially, I was concerned about the reported fan noise issues. The potential for distraction during gameplay could be a concern, but I found it manageable – not a whisper, but not a turbine engine either.
In sum, the ASUS ROG G16CH’s unboxing raised a mix of excitement and a few questions, especially regarding cooling and fan noise, but nothing that overshadowed the positive first impression. It’s apparent that some corners were cut, but these are not insurmountable issues for a seasoned PC gamer. The base specs alone make it an appealing prospect for those looking to dive into gaming or needing a reliable rig for heavy multitasking.
Performance and Gaming Experience on the G16CH
When it comes to gaming rigs, there’s a balancing act between performance and aesthetics, and it seems like the G16CH mostly gets it right. My experience with this beast has been solid, especially considering the powerhouse combination of an Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 - this duo means business and I’ve been able to run all the latest titles on ultra settings with impressive framerates.
However, a good gaming rig isn’t just about being able to run games smoothly. Here are some thoughts:
Minimalist Design: The sleek chassis is not just eye candy; it fits well on or under the desk, and the double D-ring handle is practical for transportation.
RGB Lighting: It’s a given. It’s not intrusive, and Aura Sync makes the PC a showpiece in a dark room.
Storage Options: The expandable storage is a huge plus. Having up to a 2TB SSD and a 2TB HDD means less worry about uninstalling games for space.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some of the drawbacks are notable:
Cooling System: While the air cooling has been reliable, I question its long-term efficiency during marathon gaming sessions. I have concerns about whether the single rear fan setup is enough. Plus, it gets noisy - something most gamers want to minimize.
Connectivity: They promised an “abundant connectivity,” and in numbers, the ports check out. But the real-world experience feels limited, especially if you’re trying to connect multiple high-end peripherals and monitors.
Sound:*Dolby Atmos** and Two-Way AI Noise-Cancellation are great on paper, but the difference isn’t ground-breaking. Don’t expect a surround sound system experience.
The G16CH presents value to gamers who prioritize ease of setup and absolute peak performance out of the box. Saying that, if you’re the kind of person who likes to tinker, you may find yourself replacing components like cooling fans or RAM sooner rather than later.
Overall, my journey with this ASUS ROG beast has been mostly smooth sailing on the performance front. It delivers where it counts but still leaves room for those who like to personalize their gaming experience. True, some of its features feel like an afterthought, but at its core (pun intended), the G16CH serves up the high-octane gaming experiences it promises, and that’s what really counts in the end.
Customization and Upgrades
When it comes to the ASUS ROG G16CH, the personalization and upgrade possibilities are actually pretty impressive. Here’s what stood out to me from the get-go:
Minimalist case design with room for airflow customization
Transparent side panel for showcasing internal components
Aura Sync support for RGB customization
Pre-configured with two RAM slots free for additional memory
Expandable storage options with space for an additional SSD or HDD
One thing I particularly like is the case design—although it’s minimalist, it allows you to easily see what’s going on inside your rig, essential for diagnosing any issues or admiring your handiwork. For those who appreciate such aesthetic and functional design in a motherboard, the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A we tested offers a similar experience. Plus, the Aura Sync lets you tweak the lighting to your heart’s content, making your setup truly your own.
However, after spending some time with my G16CH, I’ve noticed a couple of pain points, especially around cooling and power supply. The machine comes with an air cooling solution that’s decent for starters, but if you’re planning on pushing the system with intense gaming sessions, you might have to think about additional cooling options or even a liquid cooling setup if you’re overclocking.
Here’s a quick rundown of the upgrade path I took:
Added two additional 120mm fans to help with airflow
Downloaded software for fan curve control to optimize cooling
Replaced the stock RAM with faster, higher quality modules
Swapped out the power supply for a modular, higher wattage unit
The transparent EMI Glass side-panel is great for showcasing the interior, but without optimal airflow, you’re going to feel the heat—literally. I had to install extra fans that weren’t included to ensure everything stays cool under peak load. Including additional, more powerful fans out of the box would have been a huge plus.
For those looking at future-proofing, the G16CH offers four U-DIMM RAM slots, and only two are occupied with the default 16GB of DDR4 RAM. This means you’ve got room to expand up to 128GB if you need it, without the hassle of replacing the existing sticks – a significant benefit for multitaskers or content creators who need that extra memory.
The motherboard is also fine but doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles you’d see on top-tier enthusiast boards. I was a bit disappointed to find limited BIOS and software support for advanced features, especially the stripped-down cooling and RGB control capabilities.
My experience upgrading this pre-built was a mixed bag. The potential to create an absolute gaming beast is there—you’ve just got to be willing to invest a bit more time and money. Despite my gripes, I have to admit that the core specs are solid and, after tweaking, the G16CH is a worthy centerpiece for my gaming shrine.
Overall Value and Final Thoughts
After spending some serious gaming hours with the ASUS ROG G16CH, I’ve got a handle on where it shines and where it could use some polish. Here’s how the pros and cons stack up for me:
Pros:
The Intel Core i7-13700F processor is a real workhorse, keeping up with the most demanding tasks without breaking a sweat.
That NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU ensures games look stunning and run buttery smooth.
Aura Sync customization rocks; it’s a blast to tweak the lighting to match my gaming vibe.
Up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM and options for a 2TB SSD gives me plenty of room to play with without constant worry about storage space.
Lastly, the design is slick — it’s a setup that looks good without being over the top.
Cons:
The cooling system, though reliable, can get loud. There’s room for improvement on noise reduction.
It’s a tad frustrating that for a system touted as tailor-made for gamers, it comes with some cheap-feeling peripherals.
I’m scratching my head about the decision to include a sparse one-fan cooling setup in a rig coming from ASUS; not what I expected.
So, here’s the gist: the G16CH feels like it’s in a race car lane with a few bicycle parts. Don’t get me wrong — it’s an impressive machine. Out of the box, I was up and running in moments, enjoying games that I could only play on low settings, now cranked up to high.
But it’s not without its idiosyncrasies. The single stock fan situation is a bummer. It means that in the future, I’ll have to shell out more cash to upgrade the cooling for a system that could really use that extra airflow.
Despite all that, I think the value proposition here is strong for gamers who might not want to build their own rig from scratch. You get high-end components and a system that runs modern games without hitch (though you might need some earplugs). If you’re okay with the idea of making a few tweaks down the line, the G16CH offers a solid foundation that’s tough to beat price-wise.
My take? ASUS has put together a good package with the ROG G16CH. It’s not perfect — few systems are. But if you’re in the market for a pre-built that hits high on performance and is game-ready straight out the gate, it’s worth considering. You might want to budget a little extra for future cooling upgrades and a new set of peripherals, but overall, it’s a satisfying rig that brings a lot to the table.