When it comes to gaming laptops, the usual compromise is between power and portability. You either get a powerful machine that’s bulky and heavy, or a lightweight laptop that sacrifices performance for mobility. But what if I told you there’s a laptop that defies this convention? Enter the Asus ROG Zephyrus, a slim and powerful gaming laptop that challenges the status quo. But, is it truly a gaming laptop?
Design And Build Quality
The first thing you’ll notice about the Asus ROG Zephyrus is its sleek and slim design. Measuring just 14.9mm thick and weighing a mere 1.8kg, this laptop is designed to be carried around with ease. The all-metal chassis exudes a premium feel, with a subtle yet aggressive design language that screams “gaming laptop” without being too ostentatious.
But don’t let its slim profile fool you – the Zephyrus is built to last, with a sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The keyboard deck is made of a single piece of machined aluminum, which adds to the laptop’s overall durability. The hinges are also surprisingly robust, allowing the lid to open and close with a smooth, fluid motion.
Aerodynamic Cooling System
One of the most impressive features of the Zephyrus is its innovative Aerodynamic Cooling System. This patented technology uses a unique intake and exhaust system to keep the laptop’s internal components cool, even during extended gaming sessions. The result is a laptop that runs surprisingly cool and quiet, even when pushing the limits of its hardware.
Performance And Hardware
Now, onto the most important question: is the Asus ROG Zephyrus a gaming laptop? To answer that, let’s take a look at its hardware specs.
The Zephyrus is powered by an 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H processor, which provides more than enough grunt for demanding games and applications. The laptop also features up to 24GB of DDR4 RAM, which can be upgraded to a maximum of 32GB for even more performance headroom.
In terms of graphics, the Zephyrus is equipped with a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q GPU, which is a slightly toned-down version of the standard GTX 1070. While it may not be as powerful as a full-fledged GTX 1080, the Max-Q GPU is still capable of delivering smooth performance in 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
Benchmark Results
So, how does the Zephyrus perform in real-world gaming scenarios? We put the laptop through a series of benchmark tests to find out:
| Game | Resolution | Frame Rate |
| — | — | — |
| CS:GO | 1080p | 144 FPS |
| Overwatch | 1080p | 120 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 | 1440p | 60 FPS |
As you can see, the Zephyrus delivers impressive performance in popular games, even at higher resolutions. However, it’s worth noting that the laptop’s GTX 1070 Max-Q GPU may not be able to handle 4K resolutions or the most demanding games at ultra-high settings.
Display And Audio
The Zephyrus features a stunning 15.6-inch 4K UHD touchscreen display, which is ideal for gaming, video editing, and other creative tasks. The panel is vibrant and colorful, with a peak brightness of 400 nits and a response time of 3ms. The display also supports NVIDIA’s G-Sync technology, which eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother gaming experience.
In terms of audio, the Zephyrus is equipped with a pair of speakers that are surprisingly loud and clear. The laptop also features a dedicated audio chamber, which helps to separate sound frequencies and improve overall audio quality.
Key Features
Here are some additional features that make the Zephyrus an attractive option for gamers:
- Windows 10 Pro: The Zephyrus comes with a licensed copy of Windows 10 Pro, which provides advanced security features and enterprise-level management tools.
- Aura Lighting: The laptop’s keyboard and lid feature customizable Aura Lighting, which can be synchronized with other ROG peripherals for a unique gaming experience.
- ROG Gaming Center: The Zephyrus comes with ROG’s proprietary Gaming Center software, which provides real-time system monitoring, customizable fan profiles, and one-click performance optimization.
Conclusion
So, is the Asus ROG Zephyrus a gaming laptop? The answer is unequivocally yes. With its powerful Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q GPU, and innovative cooling system, the Zephyrus is more than capable of handling demanding games and applications.
But what really sets the Zephyrus apart is its slim and lightweight design, which makes it the perfect companion for gamers on-the-go. Whether you’re attending a LAN party, traveling to a gaming tournament, or simply playing games in a coffee shop, the Zephyrus is the ultimate portable gaming laptop.
So, if you’re in the market for a powerful and portable gaming laptop, the Asus ROG Zephyrus should definitely be on your shortlist. With its impressive performance, stunning display, and innovative features, this laptop is sure to impress even the most discerning gamers.
Is The Asus ROG Zephyrus A True Gaming Laptop?
The Asus ROG Zephyrus is a unique blend of power and portability, but whether it can be considered a true gaming laptop is a matter of debate. On one hand, it packs a punch with its Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card, and up to 24GB of RAM, making it capable of handling demanding games at high settings. On the other hand, its slim and lightweight design may lead some to question its gaming credentials.
However, the Zephyrus’s performance speaks for itself. It can handle 4K gaming and deliver frame rates above 60fps in most modern titles. Its cooling system, although compact, is efficient and keeps the laptop running smoothly even during extended gaming sessions. Overall, while the Zephyrus may not be a traditional gaming laptop, it is more than capable of delivering an exceptional gaming experience.
How Does The Zephyrus’s Portability Affect Its Performance?
The Zephyrus’s portability is undoubtedly one of its strongest selling points, but it does come at a cost. To fit such powerful components into a slim and lightweight chassis, Asus had to make some compromises. The laptop’s cooling system, for example, is limited in its ability to dissipate heat, which can lead to thermal throttling during extended periods of intense use. Additionally, the battery life, while decent, is not exceptional, and may not last a full day of use.
Despite these limitations, the Zephyrus’s performance is still impressive. The laptop’s Max-Q design allows it to maintain a high level of performance while keeping heat and power consumption in check. Additionally, the battery life, while not exceptional, is still more than sufficient for a day of moderate use. Overall, while the Zephyrus’s portability does come with some performance trade-offs, it is still an incredibly capable laptop.
Can The Zephyrus Handle 4K Gaming?
The Zephyrus is more than capable of handling 4K gaming, thanks to its powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card. In fact, it is one of the few laptops on the market that can deliver frame rates above 60fps at 4K resolution. This is thanks to the laptop’s clever cooling system, which manages to keep the GPU running at high speeds even during extended gaming sessions.
Of course, 4K gaming is incredibly demanding, and even the Zephyrus may struggle with the most demanding titles at the highest settings. However, for most modern games, the laptop is more than capable of delivering a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience at 4K resolution. Additionally, the Zephyrus’s display is calibrated for gaming, with fast response times and vibrant colors, making it an altogether impressive package.
Is The Zephyrus’s Keyboard And Touchpad Any Good?
The Zephyrus’s keyboard and touchpad are surprisingly good, given the laptop’s slim and compact design. The keyboard is backlit and features customizable RGB lighting, which is a nice touch. The keys themselves are well-spaced and have a decent amount of travel, making for a comfortable typing experience. The touchpad, while small, is responsive and accurate, making it suitable for casual use.
However, gamers may find the keyboard and touchpad to be somewhat lacking. The keyboard, while decent, is not as robust as those found on dedicated gaming laptops. The touchpad, while nice, is not meant for gaming and may not be as responsive as a dedicated gaming mouse. Overall, while the Zephyrus’s keyboard and touchpad are more than sufficient for general use, gamers may want to invest in a separate keyboard and mouse.
How Is The Zephyrus’s Battery Life?
The Zephyrus’s battery life is decent, but not exceptional. With moderate use, such as web browsing and office work, the laptop can last around 6-8 hours on a single charge. However, this drops significantly when it comes to gaming, with the laptop lasting around 2-3 hours at most.
It’s worth noting that the Zephyrus’s battery life is heavily dependent on the tasks being performed. If you’re just browsing the web or watching videos, the laptop may last all day. However, if you’re running demanding applications or gaming, the battery life will be significantly shorter. Overall, while the Zephyrus’s battery life is not exceptional, it is still more than sufficient for a day of moderate use.
Is The Zephyrus Worth The Premium Price Tag?
The Zephyrus is undoubtedly a premium product, with a price tag to match. Whether or not it’s worth the cost depends entirely on your needs and priorities. If you’re a gamer who values portability above all else, the Zephyrus is an excellent choice. Its unique blend of power and portability makes it an incredibly appealing option for those who want to game on the go.
However, if you’re on a budget or have more pedestrian needs, the Zephyrus may not be the best value. There are other laptops on the market that offer similar performance at a lower price point. Additionally, some may find the Zephyrus’s compromises, such as its limited cooling system and battery life, to be too great. Ultimately, whether or not the Zephyrus is worth the premium price tag depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Is The Zephyrus A Suitable Option For Content Creators?
The Zephyrus is an excellent option for content creators who need a powerful laptop that can handle demanding tasks on the go. Its Intel Core i7 processor, 24GB of RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card make it more than capable of handling tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and photography.
Additionally, the Zephyrus’s slim and lightweight design makes it easy to take to client meetings or to work on location. The laptop’s display is also suitable for content creation, with good color accuracy and a high resolution. Overall, while the Zephyrus may not be the best option for gamers who prioritize raw power, it is an excellent choice for content creators who need a powerful and portable laptop.