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My thoughts on using the ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop: i7-13650HX + RTX 4060 with 64GB RAM (2024)
Introduction
I recently got my hands on the ASUS ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop - quite a powerhouse with an i7 CPU, RTX 4060 and a 64GB of RAM (which I need for data analysis). More on my thoughts on it below.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | ASUS | Model Name | ASUS ROG Strix G16 |
| Screen Size | 16 Inches | Color | Gray |
| Hard Disk Size | 2 TB | CPU Model | Core i7 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 64 GB | Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Special Feature | Backlit Keyboard | Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
Prices
Check prices of the ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop on:
Stellar Display Experience
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 boasts a 16’’ WUXGA anti-glare display, which is a cut above many gaming laptops. Precision and detail are crucial when immersing yourself in virtual worlds, and with a 1920 x 1200 resolution combined with a 165Hz refresh rate, your favourite games look crisp, offering a seamless experience that nearly eliminates motion blur.
Display Resolution: 1920 x 1200 pixels ensures textures and details are sharp.
Refresh Rate: At 165Hz, there’s a noticeable smoothness in motion, particularly in fast-paced scenes.
Anti-Glare: This is a subtle yet game-changing feature for those marathon sessions where you need to stay focused without external light sources affecting your view.
Dolby Vision and Adaptive-Sync: For richer colors and improved sync between GPU and display, which enhance the overall visual fidelity.
But it’s not all sunshine; the higher resolution on a 16-inch screen means that some games optimized for 1080p might not look as good without some tweaking. In addition, while the color richness is great for gaming, professionals looking for perfect color accuracy for photo editing might find it lacking compared to specialized monitors.
The IPS panel also deserves a shout-out for providing consistent and accurate colors across wide viewing angles, making this laptop suitable for both solo and group gaming sessions. The combination of Dolby Vision and Adaptive-Sync support takes multimedia consumption to a higher level as well, ensuring you get the best possible experience whether gaming or binge-watching your favorite series.
In terms of aesthetics, the screen-to-body ratio is impressive at 90%, offering a more immersive and less distracted viewing experience. This sleek design choice means the device has thin bezels, which is always a plus in my book. However, thin bezels sometimes mean a compromise on webcam placement, though it doesn’t seem to be an issue with this model’s 720P HD webcam still sitting above the display.
While we’re on the topic of compromises, another minor drawback could be the battery life; driving such a display at its maximum refresh rate can tax the battery, so if you’re away from an outlet, you might need to dial down some display settings to preserve power.
All things considered, the ASUS ROG Strix G16’s display stands out as a key sell, especially for those who prioritize visual performance in their gaming experiences. The few drawbacks, such as potential battery drainage or the scaling of some visuals, are far outweighed by the immersive and fluid gaming experience provided by the top-tier screen specs.
Unleashing Processing Power
Unleashing computing prowess is critical in the world of gaming laptops, where players constantly seek a competitive edge. The ASUS ROG Strix G16, armed with the Intel Core i7-13650HX Processor, is an example of how performance can significantly uplift the gaming experience. But let’s break it down:
Pros:
High-end Processor: The 14-core 20-thread configuration of the i7-13650HX provides smooth gaming and multitasking ability.
Advanced Graphics: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU ensures rich visual fidelity, necessary for modern AAA titles.
Ample Connectivity: With a variety of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1.FRL, connectivity is versatile and future-proof.
Cons:
Weight: At 5.51 lbs, it’s not the lightest laptop for portability.
Battery Life: High performance might impact battery life, a common trade-off in gaming laptops.
Holding the G16, I feel empowered knowing that the Intel Core i7 is equipped to handle whatever I throw at it, making AAA gaming smooth and streaming a breeze. The 20-thread capability particularly stands out, suggesting that players can game while simultaneously running other demanding applications without a hitch. This feature is crucial for content creators who stream their gameplay or multitask heavily.
The built-in 2TB PCIe SSD is another stand-out feature for me. With such a large storage capacity, downloading large games and accessing my library swiftly is never an issue. I can keep my entire game library installed without the need to uninstall one game to make room for another.
However, I’ve noticed that incredible performance often comes at the cost of heft and potential impacts on battery life. Weighing over 5 pounds can be a drawback for those who frequently travel or commute with their laptop. Additionally, although not explicitly mentioned, the raw power and high-performance components could mean that the battery drains faster than I would like during intense gaming sessions, necessitating a power outlet nearby.
Lastly, enhanced connectivity with multiple USB ports, including USB-C with DisplayPort and power delivery, an HDMI 2.1.FRL port, and Thunderbolt 4, is a significant plus. These allow me to connect an array of peripherals and external displays, transforming the laptop into a versatile gaming station.
In my opinion, despite the potential drawbacks, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 presents a formidable platform for gamers who prioritize top-tier performance and are willing to overlook the reduced portability and battery life. For professionals and hardcore gamers, the pros outweigh the cons, making it an attractive choice in the high-performance gaming laptop market.
Expanded Memory and Storage
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop comes with options that offer an impressive amount of memory and storage, which can be crucial for gamers and professionals alike. Here are some key points to consider:
64GB DDR5 RAM: This allows for efficient multitasking without slowdown, perfect for running multiple applications or browser tabs simultaneously.
2TB PCIe SSD: Ensures quick load times for games and software, and ample space for a large media library.
The 64GB of DDR5 RAM is a standout feature, especially when it comes to memory-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering. For gamers, it means smoother performance in memory-heavy game scenes and the ability to have numerous applications open without any lag.
The 2TB PCIe SSD is equally impressive, delivering the storage space needed for an extensive collection of games without the need for an external hard drive. This means faster boot times and quicker game loading, making the overall experience much more efficient.
Now, while the benefits are substantial, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
Price: Upgrades to such high levels of RAM and storage can significantly increase the cost of the laptop.
Battery Life: Higher capacity memory and faster SSDs can draw more power, potentially reducing battery life during intense usage sessions.
In terms of overall value, these upgrades on the ASUS ROG Strix G16 are a game-changer for those who need the additional performance. However, for casual users, the cost might not be justifiable, and the standard models might offer a better balance between price and capability.
For those in specialized fields or with the specific need for such powerful specs, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is an undeniable powerhouse. It feels future-proof, capable of handling upcoming software and games that will increasingly demand higher specifications.
Having such expansive memory and storage might feel like overkill today, but considering the rapid development of technology, this laptop can still be a relevant piece of equipment for years to come. Meanwhile, in practical terms, it’s reassuring to know that I won’t be running out of space or dealing with performance issues anytime soon, which in itself can be worth the investment.
Gaming in Style
Cruising through waves of virtual adversaries and basking in the vibrant hues of explorable digital worlds has been a sheer delight on the ASUS ROG Strix G16. Its 4-zone RGB Backlit Keyboard is more than a fancy light show; it’s a beacon guiding my fingertips during late-night gaming marathons. The deep travel and tactile response make for comfortable, error-free gaming sessions.
Here’s my summary based on my experience:
Pros:
The sleek gray chassis is stylish and doesn’t scream “gaming laptop,” which is a plus for me.
Keyboard aesthetics are coupled with practicality; spaced function keys and dedicated hotkeys save time.
The RTX 4060 brings games to life with hyper-realistic ray tracing. I’ve seen reflections and shadows in games that I didn’t know were possible on a mobile platform.
Cons:
At 5.51 lbs, it’s not the most travel-friendly. You can feel the heft when you’re on the move.
A 720P HD webcam is just average for streaming quality.
Windows 11 Pro effortlessly handles all the gaming and multitasking thrown at it. With 64GB DDR5 RAM and a 2TB PCIe SSD, this machine fires up programs in the blink of an eye. I’ve loaded multiple games simultaneously and still haven’t even made a dent in capacity or experienced any lag. Gaming on this laptop runs as smoothly as you’d hope for the hardware inside.
The dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 makes me giddy with its performance. Yet, it’s not just about gaming; I’ve noticed substantial benefits while using resource-intensive applications for content creation.
But, not everything is as stellar as the display or the processor; the laptop has its small quirks to contend with. The port selection, while comprehensive, has me wishing for just one more USB-C port. It gets a little tight when I have my peripherals connected for a gaming session.
The balance in portability and power is always tricky. Despite its weight, I find the trade-off acceptable for the performance it packs. And to top it off, the bonus 32GB Hotface USB Card is a neat touch, making transferring data and carrying additional files convenient.
In sum, gaming on the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is an experience tethered in performance and pleasure. It’s a powerful rig that blends into an office setup as well as it stands out in a gaming corner. My experience with it is definitive – it’s a statement piece for gamers looking to perform and impress.
This isn’t just about keeping up with technology; it’s about being ahead of the curve - and the ASUS ROG Strix G16 places me there comfortably.