Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 GA605 Review: A Gaming Powerhouse

Since its introduction in 2017, the Asus ROG Zephyrus series has become a popular choice among gamers and professionals alike. This year, the ROG Zephyrus G16 returns with two models: the GU605, featuring the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, and the GA605, which is powered by the new AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. After testing the AMD version, it is clear that if you are satisfied with an Nvidia RTX 4070 for graphics and are willing to invest a bit more for design over raw performance, this laptop is a commendable option for gaming and other tasks.

The design of the Zephyrus G16 has evolved, maintaining much of the essence of its predecessor while introducing some notable changes. The laptop's lid now features a diagonal stripe of tiny white LEDs, known as Slash Lighting, replacing the previous dot matrix array. This new design is more minimalistic, but whether it is an improvement depends on personal preference. While some may appreciate the subtlety, others might find it lacking in customization options.

In terms of build quality, the G16 has undergone a significant rework. It now boasts a single unibody design that enhances its rigidity and provides a firmer typing experience across the keyboard. At just 0.59 inches (14.9mm) at its thinnest point and weighing 4.01 pounds, it is impressively thin and light for a gaming laptop. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers who also require a laptop for work or school, especially in creative fields that demand more graphics power than standard productivity laptops.

Internally, the AMD model offers a more limited configuration compared to its Intel counterpart. It is available in silver or black, with options for 16GB or 32GB of soldered memory and 1TB of fast NVMe SSD storage, which can be expanded via a second M.2 slot. Graphics options include the Nvidia RTX 4060 or RTX 4070. In contrast, the Intel version comes with 32GB of memory and allows for an upgrade to 2TB of storage, featuring either an RTX 4080 or RTX 4090. While the Intel variant offers superior performance, it also comes at a significantly higher price, ranging from $800 to $1,000 more, and has a shorter battery life due to increased power consumption.

One notable aspect of the AMD version is its Ryzen 9 HX 370 CPU, which is a powerhouse. It features 12 cores and 24 threads, making it ideal for multitasking and streaming gameplay. The CPU can reach speeds of up to 5.1GHz, which is beneficial for many games that rely on clock speed. Additionally, it is energy efficient, drawing only 28W of power at peak performance, allowing the laptop's 90wHr battery to outlast its Intel counterpart.

The display of the G16 is another highlight. It features a ROG Nebula Display, which is Asus's certification for high-quality panels. The OLED screen boasts a peak brightness of 500 nits in HDR and around 400 nits in SDR, with a resolution of 2.5K (2560 x 1600) and a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz. It supports Nvidia G-Sync for smooth gameplay and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, ensuring vibrant colors and excellent detail. Although the measured peak brightness fell slightly short at 462 nits, the color accuracy and coverage are impressive.

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) GA605 is a well-rounded laptop that caters to both gamers and professionals. Its sleek design, powerful internals, and stunning display make it a strong contender in the gaming laptop market. While the AMD version may not offer the same upgrade options as the Intel variant, it still provides excellent performance for gaming and productivity tasks. For those looking for a laptop that balances aesthetics and functionality, the G16 is certainly worth considering.