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ASUS ROG Strix G17 Review
Introduction
The ASUS ROG Strix G17 is a powerhouse gaming laptop designed to deliver high performance and immersive gaming experiences. Packed with top-tier hardware and innovative features, it targets serious gamers and power users looking for a machine that can handle demanding applications and games with ease. In this review, we will delve into the key aspects of the ASUS ROG Strix G17, including its design, display, performance, thermals, battery life, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS ROG Strix G17 sports a sleek and aggressive design that is characteristic of the Republic of Gamers (ROG) lineup. The laptop features a sturdy chassis made from a combination of metal and high-quality plastic, providing both durability and a premium feel. The aesthetic is further enhanced by customizable RGB lighting on the keyboard and the iconic ROG logo on the lid.
The laptop's dimensions are substantial, measuring 15.55 x 11.1 x 1.02 inches and weighing around 6.28 pounds. While it may not be the most portable option, its size allows for better cooling and a more immersive gaming experience. The overall build quality is excellent, with minimal flex and a solid hinge mechanism that ensures the display stays firmly in place.
Display
The ROG Strix G17 boasts a 17.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with a refresh rate of up to 300Hz and a 3ms response time. This combination results in incredibly smooth and responsive gameplay, making it ideal for fast-paced titles such as first-person shooters and racing games. The display also supports Adaptive-Sync technology, reducing screen tearing and stuttering for a more fluid visual experience.
Color accuracy and brightness are commendable, with the display covering 100% of the sRGB color gamut and offering peak brightness levels of around 300 nits. These attributes make the G17 suitable not only for gaming but also for content creation and media consumption. The slim bezels on three sides of the display provide a more immersive viewing experience and a modern aesthetic.
Performance
Under the hood, the ASUS ROG Strix G17 is equipped with some of the latest and most powerful hardware available. The review unit we tested came with an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU with 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM. This configuration ensures that the laptop can handle even the most demanding games and applications with ease.
In benchmark tests, the G17 consistently delivered impressive results. In 3DMark Time Spy, it scored over 11,000 points, placing it among the top performers in its class. Real-world gaming performance was equally impressive, with titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and Call of Duty: Warzone running smoothly at high settings and maintaining frame rates well above 60 FPS.
The combination of the Ryzen 9 processor and RTX 3080 GPU also makes the G17 a capable machine for tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and other resource-intensive applications. The 32GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and future-proofs the laptop for years to come.
Thermals and Cooling
One of the critical aspects of any high-performance gaming laptop is its ability to manage heat. The ROG Strix G17 excels in this regard, thanks to its advanced cooling solution. The laptop features a comprehensive cooling system that includes multiple heat pipes, dual fans, and large exhaust vents strategically placed around the chassis.
During extended gaming sessions, the G17 remained relatively cool, with CPU and GPU temperatures staying within acceptable ranges. The fans do get loud under heavy load, but this is a common trait among gaming laptops. ASUS has included various performance modes that allow users to balance performance and noise levels according to their preferences. The “Turbo” mode unleashes the full potential of the hardware, while the “Silent” mode significantly reduces fan noise for quieter environments.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard on the ROG Strix G17 is a standout feature, offering a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The keys have a good amount of travel and tactile feedback, making them suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks. The keyboard is fully customizable with ASUS Aura Sync, allowing users to create personalized lighting effects and synchronize them with other ROG peripherals.
The trackpad is spacious and accurate, with Windows Precision drivers ensuring smooth and responsive tracking. However, most gamers will likely prefer using an external mouse for better precision during gameplay.
Audio
Audio quality on the G17 is handled by a set of stereo speakers located on the sides of the laptop. The speakers deliver clear and loud sound, with a surprising amount of bass for a laptop. The inclusion of DTS
Ultra technology provides virtual 7.1-channel surround sound, enhancing the overall audio experience during gaming and media playback. While the built-in speakers are impressive, audiophiles and competitive gamers may still prefer using high-quality headphones or external speakers for the best audio experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is often a compromise on high-performance gaming laptops, and the ROG Strix G17 is no exception. The laptop houses a 90Wh battery, which provides around 4-5 hours of mixed-use battery life under normal usage scenarios, such as web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity tasks. During gaming sessions, battery life drops significantly, lasting around 1-2 hours, depending on the game and settings.
It’s worth noting that the G17 supports fast charging, allowing the battery to reach 50% capacity in just 30 minutes. However, for extended gaming sessions, it is advisable to keep the laptop plugged in to ensure consistent performance.
Connectivity and Ports
The ROG Strix G17 offers a comprehensive selection of ports to accommodate various peripherals and accessories. The laptop includes three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port with DisplayPort 1.4 support, an HDMI 2.0b port, an Ethernet jack, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
One notable omission is the lack of a Thunderbolt 3 port, which might be a drawback for users who require high-speed data transfer and external GPU support. However, the available ports should suffice for most gaming and productivity needs.
Software and Features
ASUS includes several useful software tools with the ROG Strix G17, enhancing the overall user experience. The ROG Armoury Crate software allows users to customize performance profiles, monitor system metrics, and adjust RGB lighting settings. Additionally, the GameFirst VI technology prioritizes network traffic for gaming applications, reducing latency and improving online gaming performance.
The laptop also features an integrated webcam, which, while not exceptional in quality, is sufficient for video calls and streaming. A physical privacy shutter would have been a nice addition for those concerned about security.
Conclusion
The ASUS ROG Strix G17 is a formidable gaming laptop that excels in performance, design, and features. Its powerful hardware, high-refresh-rate display, and effective cooling system make it an excellent choice for serious gamers and power users. While it may not be the most portable option, its robust build quality and comprehensive feature set justify its size and weight.
The main drawbacks include limited battery life and the absence of a Thunderbolt 3 port, but these are minor trade-offs considering the overall performance and capabilities of the laptop. With its competitive price point and impressive specifications, the ASUS ROG Strix G17 stands out as one of the best gaming laptops in its class, delivering a top-tier gaming experience that is hard to beat.
