ASUS’ high-end gaming brand, the Republic of Gamers (ROG), encompasses three distinct product lines: Flow, Zephyrus, and Strix. Notably, only the Strix laptops fall under the classic gaming laptop category. ASUS further categorizes the Strix line into two subcategories: ROG Strix and ROG Strix Scar. ROG Strix laptops offer comparable hardware to the ROG Strix Scar models but feature a more straightforward design.
That said, the device in review, the 2023 ASUS ROG Strix G16, powered with its Intel Core i7-13980HX and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, is one of the best-equipped devices. ASUS installed a massive cooling system with three fans to keep the powerful hardware at an enjoyable operating temperature. Liquid metal also ensures good heat dissipation and long boosts
The 2023 ASUS ROG Strix G16 Spec Sheet:
2023 ASUS ROG Strix G16
Display: 18-inch, 16:10, non-touch, matte, ROG Nebula QHD+ 2560 x 1600 px IPS, 240 Hz 3ms, 450-nits with 100% DCI-P3
Processor: Intel 13th gen Raptor Lake, Core i9-13980HX, 8C+16c/32T
Video: Intel UHD + Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop 16GB (up to 175W with Dynamic Boost) with MUX, Advanced Optimus, GSync
Memory: 32 GB DDR5-4800 RAM – up to 64 GB (2x DIMMs)
Storage: 2x 1 TB SSDs in Raid0 (Samsung PM9A1 drives) – 2x M.2 PCI 4.0 x4 slots
Connectivity: WiFi 6E (Intel AX211) 2×2 with Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5Gigabit LAN
Ports: Left: power, 2.5G LAN, 1x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C gen2 (with video, data, power), HDMI 2.1 FRL, headphone&mic
Right: 2x USB-A 3.2 gen2
Battery: 90Wh, 330 W power adapter and 100W USB-C charger, USB-C charging up to 100W
Size: 400 mm or 15.75” (w) x 294 mm or 11.57″ (d) x 23.1 – 30.8 mm or .9″ – 1.21” (h)
Weight: 3.05 kg (6.73 lbs),
1.12 kg (2.47 lbs) power brick and cables, EU version.
39 kg (.86 lbs) USB-C charger and cables, EU version
Extras: rubber-dome per-key RGB backlit keyboard with NumPad, updated touchpad, HD camera, quad speakers, updated tri-fan cooling module
Case – Top Design
The designers of the Asus ROG Strix G16 have paid meticulous attention to detail, leaving no aspect of the laptop untouched by their creative vision. Every component of the laptop features intricate design elements or lettering, often with a 3D sculpted touch. For instance, the top surface of the base boasts a subtle concave curvature around the edges, enhancing its visual appeal. RGB light strips adorn the front and certain parts of the sides, adding a dynamic and customizable lighting element to the laptop. The keyboard is also illuminated with RGB lighting, strategically emphasizing the essential gaming keys with translucent keycaps. The overall aesthetic is defined by a palette of various shades of grey, lending a sophisticated look to the laptop.
Even the typically overlooked underside of the laptop has received design attention, with various elements aimed at both aesthetics and improved cooling. Some ports have been relocated from the rear to accommodate a comprehensive rear-mounted heat sink, boasting an impressive surface area of over 174 mm². This feature contributes to the laptop’s striking and aggressive appearance. Thanks to the sturdy yet secure hinges, the laptop’s 16:10 aspect ratio screen can be effortlessly opened up to 130 degrees with just one hand. These hinges effectively support the 16-inch (approximately 41 cm) display in various viewing angles.
Display – Responsive QHD+
The IPS display offers QHD+ resolution in 16:10 format and a refresh rate of 240 Hz. However, the panel does not achieve the advertised response time of 3ms; in some cases, the value even doubles. The brightness is also not quite as high as the 500 cd/m² that Asus promises in the datasheet. We still have a solid display with a matte surface and high DisplayP3 colour space coverage. No visible illumination errors were detected here.
But there is one thing that may prove a nuisance when gaming. The Asus ROG Strix G16’s status LEDs are located directly below the screen, of which the storage device LED blinks quite frequently during gaming and is distracting, especially during action-packed games. For an immersive gaming experience, the only thing that can help is a strip of black tape.
Performance – Up to 175 watts for the GeForce RTX 4080
The Asus ROG Strix G16 is available in various configurations. The top configuration comprises an Intel Core i9-13980HX with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080. Our test unit is identical, apart from the 16 GB RAM. There are hardly any gaming limits, thanks to high TDP and TGP values. At the highest quality settings, many current titles are rendered on the ROG Strix in the display’s native QHD+ resolution at well over 60 FPS.
Processor
Raptor Lake is the name of Intel’s 13th processor generation, which brought forth the Intel Core i9-13980HX. The high-end CPU is designed for larger notebooks with solid cooling. Thanks to eight P cores and 16 E cores, the i9 has 32 threads. The CPU in the Asus gaming notebook operates well above Intel’s recommended TDP values. In Turbo mode, up to 130 watts of continuous power is possible.
Connectivity Ports – Full Options
Most of the ports on the 2023 ROG Strix G16 are conveniently located on the left side of the notebook i.e. DC power supply, RJ-45 (LAN), HDMI 2.1, USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, 3.5 mm jack. You’ll find just two USB ports on the right side: USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A. The two USB Type-C sockets on the left side have dual functionalities: the rear port supports Thunderbolt 4, the front one supports Power Delivery, and both are compatible with DisplayPort. It’s worth noting that the laptop’s USB-C power supply has some limitations. Specifically, it requires a power output of 20 volts and can draw a maximum of 100 watts. As a result, it’s not possible to achieve the laptop’s full performance potential through USB-C Power Delivery.
Intel’s Wi-Fi 6E AX211 module ensures fast connections between the local network and the Asus gaming laptop and is thus state-of-the-art. Upload and download connection speeds are slightly above average, but we’ve seen even stronger results with Intel’s WLAN-ax module.
Input Devices –
Keyboard – The ROG Strix G16 is equipped with a chiclet keyboard, which nevertheless provides a pleasant typing feel due to its 1.9 mm essential travel and decent haptic feedback. The keyboard design is typical for gaming laptops, with RBG lighting installed. In addition, the keys most important for gaming are highlighted. All buttons have been designed as full-size keys, meaning the arrow keys on the right side are rather cramped. You could easily hit the wrong key here in the heat of the moment. The laptop would have had enough space to shift the arrow keys down a little. When typing texts, however, you have to get used to the shortened shift key.
Above the function keys are five more keys that can be assigned various macros. However, the macro keys are very far from the palm rest. Depending on the size of your hand, they are difficult to reach without changing the
position of your hand.
Touchpad – At 13 × 8.5 cm, the gaming notebook’s ClickPad is pleasantly large and positioned to not interfere with keyboard operation. Thanks to its glass surface, it should retain its silky matte texture for a long time. This has a pleasant feel and good gliding properties. The ClickPad responds quickly and precisely to all inputs up to the corners.
Gaming Performance
Thanks to the ample graphics performance values of the RTX 4080, high frame rates (FPS) are possible in many current titles, even at the highest quality settings and in QHD resolution. The graphics chip can also handle ray tracing well. In the native resolution of 2560 × 1600, however, the display’s 240 Hz can only be fully utilized in undemanding games or at reduced quality settings.
The 2023 ASUS ROG Strix G16 proves ASUS’ commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences. This gaming laptop excels in handling demanding gaming scenarios, pushing the boundaries of performance. ASUS has gone the extra mile to ensure adequate cooling with its advanced tri-fan system and liquid metal for efficient heat dissipation during extended gaming sessions. With a stunning QHD+ display, robust connectivity options, and a thoughtfully designed keyboard and touchpad, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 promises a gaming experience that’s as immersive as it is powerful.
Considering its recent launch, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 in Nigeria is currently unavailable but should be available across ASUS Nigeria partner stores from December 2023.
