May 13, 2024

Is the ASUS ROG Strix G16 Worth It? Our In-Depth Review

by Faraz Khan

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 surpasses many of the gaming laptops currently available. It is a gaming and productivity powerhouse with a captivating design that helps you dominate the battlefield. It promises smooth gameplay and exceptional performance by combining a top-of-the-line Intel Core i9 processor and the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU.

Moreover, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 has an irresistible cyberpunk aesthetic and all the impressive specs it offers. That’s not all; the Strix G16 offers a spacious keyboard with handy shortcut keys and a surprisingly portable chassis. However, does it deliver the complete package, or are there hidden drawbacks beneath its stylish exterior? Keep reading this ASUS ROG Strix review to determine whether it lives up to the hype.

ASUS ROG Strix G16 Specifications & Features

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 caters to hardcore gamers who demand performance and style. The following are the specs and features of the ASUS ROG Strix G16:

Processor: Intel Core i9-13980HX
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (8GB GDDR6, 2,225 MHz Boost Clock, 140 W Max Graphics Power)
Memory: 16GB DDR4-4800 (2x 8GB)
Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Display: 16-inch, 1920×1200, 165 Hz, 16:10
Networking: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth 5.2
Connectivity: 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Type-C Gen 2, 2x USB 3.2 Type-A Gen 2, 1x HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm headphone jack, 1 Gbps Ethernet
Webcam: 720p
Battery: 90 Whr
Power Adapter: 280W
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Dimensions (WxDxH): 13.94 x 10.39 x 0.89 inches (354 x 264 x 304 mm)
Weight: 5.51 pounds (2.5 kg)
Price: $1,999

The powerful CPU, GPU, and ample RAM in the G16 ensure smooth gameplay, while the 165Hz display delivers a visually appealing experience. The design screams “gamers” with its cyberpunk flair, while the keyboard has dedicated shortcut keys for added convenience. However, the display resolution and thickness may be two points to consider for those who want the absolute sharpest visuals and portability.

Hardware Specifications

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a powerful hardware configuration built for serious gaming. The following is a breakdown of its hardware specifications.

CPU and GPU Options

Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU: A top-tier processor with a high core count and clock speeds. This processor can handle demanding games and multitasking with ease. Moreover, the i9 processor is an excellent choice for gamers who want the highest possible performance without any compromises.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU: It comprises 8GB GDDR6, 2225 MHz boost clock, and 140 W Max graphics power. The RTX 4070 is a powerful graphics card from NVIDIA’s latest generation. Because of this, it delivers excellent performance in modern games, providing high frame rates and resolutions.

RAM and Storage Options

Memory (RAM): The 16GB capacity (upgradable to 32GB) is a generous amount of RAM for most modern games. It allows for efficient gameplay and smooth multitasking. It contains DDR4-4800 memory, which provides excellent performance for gaming and demanding applications. Moreover, the RAM comes in two 8GB sticks configured in dual-channel mode. Due to this, the data transfer speeds and a slight performance boost in some games are improved.
Storage: The 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD is a large, fast solid-state drive providing ample space for installing games, applications, and files. The PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD type is the latest and fastest laptop storage technology. Lastly, it offers significantly faster loading times than traditional HDDs (hard disk drives) and even some SATA SSDs.

Display

Resolution: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) is a full-HD resolution. It offers a broader view than standard 1080p (1920 x 1080) displays. However, many laptops with similar CPU and GPU configurations have higher resolutions. Therefore, a laptop with such powerful hardware could have been better.
Refresh Rate: The high refresh rate of 165 Hz ensures smooth visuals with minimal motion blur. This is especially beneficial in fast-paced games.
Panel Type: IPS offers wide viewing angles and decent color reproduction. This allows visuals to look good from almost any position.

Connectivity Options

The ASUS Strix G16 offers a selection of ports for connecting various peripherals and displays.

1x Thunderbolt 4: high-speed data transfer, DisplayPort output, and a compatible USB-C power adapter can be used to charge the laptop.
1x USB 3.2 Type-C Gen 2: SuperSpeed USB data transfer of up to 10Gbps.
2x USB 3.2 Type-A Gen 2: Also allows SuperSpeed USB data transfer of up to 10Gbps.
1x HDMI 2.1: Supports higher resolutions, refresh rates, and features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for smoother visuals.
3.5mm headphone jack: Connect wired headsets or microphones.
Wi-Fi 6: Smooth online gaming experiences and fast download speeds.
Bluetooth 5.2: Connect wireless peripherals like headphones, speakers, or game controllers.
1 Gbps Ethernet: Ethernet jack for a reliable and stable wired internet connection.

Gaming Performance

Thanks to its high-end CPU and GPU combination, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 packs a powerful punch for gaming. The following defines its gaming performance:

Benchmarks and Performance: The ROG Strix G16 performs very well in most games at 1080p resolution with high settings. It achieves frame rates that match the display’s 165Hz refresh rate, resulting in smooth and responsive gameplay. Interestingly, the laptop’s performance takes a minimal hit when moving from 1080p to its native 1920 x 1200 resolution. This is likely because the jump in resolution from 1080p to 1200p is less significant than the jump to 1440p.
DLSS and Frame Generation: The ROG Strix G16 supports NVIDIA DLSS. This technology can boost performance in supported games by upscaling lower resolutions to look like native resolutions. Thus, it can be beneficial for achieving higher frame rates while maintaining good image quality. Moreover, DLSS 3 Frame Generation is another feature that artificially increases frame rates.

Thermal Performance

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 packs a comprehensive thermal management system, which has the following key components:

Tri-Fan Technology: The ROG Strix G16 utilizes three fans, unlike many gaming laptops with dual-fan setups. This additional fan helps dissipate heat from the GPU and VRAM more efficiently.
Full-Width Heatsink: A large design with fins covering a massive surface area (174,183mm²) sits directly on the motherboard. This design allows the hot air to escape the system while improving airflow.
7 heat pipes: These heat pipes efficiently transfer heat from the CPU and GPU to the heatsink for dissipation.
Conductonaut Extreme Liquid Metal (on RTX 4080 models only): This high-performance thermal paste improves heat transfer between the CPU/GPU and the heatsink.

Productivity Performance

Core i9-13980HX CPU: This Intel processor provides serious processing power. It comprises a whopping 24 cores (8 performance cores and 16 efficiency cores) and 32 total threads.
High Clock Speeds: The performance cores can reach a maximum turbo clock of 5.6 GHz. This ensures smooth performance even in demanding applications such as video editing, 3D modeling, complex spreadsheets, and software development.
Fast Memory: 16GB of DDR5-4800 memory provides excellent multitasking capabilities and tackles memory-hungry programs effectively.

Design

The ROG Strix G16 is a modern and sleek design with a mix of aluminum and high-quality plastic construction.

Portability: This laptop is less portable due to its weight of around 2.5 kg and dimensions of 35.4 cm wide, 24.3 cm deep, and 2.03 cm thick.
Keyboard: It has a full-size keyboard with good key travel and responsiveness. Moreover, it features per-key RGB lighting for customization.
Touchpad: The touchpad is spacious and responsive, offering a smooth and comfortable user experience.

Build Quality

Materials Used: The laptop lid is constructed from aluminum for a premium feel. The rest of the chassis is made of high-quality plastic with a good fit and finish.
Durability: Some might prefer a full-aluminum chassis, but reviewers haven’t reported significant durability concerns. Though the build quality seems sturdy for everyday use, it is better to handle it with care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much RAM does the ROG Strix G16 have?

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has 16GB of DDR5-4800 but is upgradeable to 32GB (2x 16GB).

Is ASUS ROG Strix gaming good?

Yes, ASUS ROG Strix gaming laptops are generally considered suitable for gaming. Their strengths are its powerful hardware, build quality, excellent cooling systems, high refresh rate displays, and RGB keyboard backlighting. Looking at the drawbacks, it comes with a hefty price, is bulky, and has a limited battery life.

How fast is the refresh rate of ROG Strix G16?

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a refresh rate of 165Hz, according to the information provided. This means the display can update the image on the screen 165 times per second. This is a good refresh rate for gaming as it allows for a smoother and more responsive experience than traditional 60Hz displays. However, some higher-end gaming laptops might offer displays with even faster refresh rates, like 240Hz.

Conclusion

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a powerhouse of gaming and productivity alike. Thanks to its high-end CPU and GPU, it delivers excellent gaming performance at 1080p with high settings. It has a robust cooling system that prevents overheating, making it easier for this laptop to work under heavy loads.

However, the bulky weight and size make it less portable, and battery life might not be ideal for extended unplugged use. So, is the ASUS ROG Strix the right fit for you? If you’re a serious gamer demanding top-notch performance or a content creator needing a powerful workhorse, yes. However, you should explore other options if you are a casual gamer on a budget or prioritize portability. Are you intrigued after reading this G16 gaming laptop review? Explore more at Component Price.

Published on: May 13, 2024