Getting the right combination of highly effective gaming functionality and portability in a laptop computer isn’t a straightforward process. Taiwanese electronics big ASUS, nonetheless, got here up with the right answer within the type of its ROG Zephyrus G14 (evaluate) laptop computer final yr. Other than packing excessive internals, the machine exuded stylish appears to be like to appease players whereas holding the chassis remarkably light-weight. This yr ASUS has added to the profitable components with some key upgrades within the show division which makes the entire bundle much more interesting. The Zephyrus G14 2021 I’ve obtained for evaluate comes with AMD’s Ryzen 9 5900HS CPU and NVIDIA’s RTX 3060 GPU, and can set you again by Rs 1,57,990. Let’s learn the way properly this new G14 fares as a gaming machine whereas additionally functioning as a useful cell workstation.
Desk of Contents
Construct, design and show
The essential design of the Zephyrus G14 has not been altered in any respect, which is sensible for the reason that unique was roughly good on this side. Nevertheless, I do have points with the webcam nonetheless being omitted in these instances of video calls and do business from home tradition. The plastic chassis has blunt edges on all sides, offering a straightforward grip, and the palm relaxation doesn’t reduce into my wrists. The Anime Matrix design current on the lid’s again makes its means onto the brand new G14 as properly, and remains to be as customisable as ever so as to add that further contact of gravitas to your utilization. Nevertheless, by way of general utility, the Anime Matrix serves no function and provides to the majority of the machine. Even so, the G14 weighs round 1.6kg and has just below 2cm of thickness, a rarity for gaming laptops… making it very straightforward to ferry round in your bag. The audio system are current just under the keyboard on both facet and have been tuned for higher audio efficiency as in comparison with final time. ASUS has carried out the very well-appreciated ergolift hinge design that enabled higher airflow, thermals, and typing expertise. The Moonlight White and Eclipse Gray color choices additionally make a return and I’m very keen on the latter just because the darkish gray tones match so properly with the keyboard’s white backlighting.
The standard connectivity choices seen on the G14 from final yr have returned for this yr’s improve. There are Kind-C USB 3.2 ports on both facet (with the left one providing DisplayPort and Energy supply help), two Kind-A USB 3.3 ports on the correct together with one 3.5mm headphone jack, and an HDMI 2.0 port. There’s no ethernet port, however you do get Wi-Fi 6 capabilities together with Bluetooth 5.1.
Asus has overhauled the G14’s show to accommodate a WQHD (2,560 x 1,440) panel that ramps up the refresh charge to 120Hz as a substitute of 60Hz. For extra hardcore gaming lovers, there’s a 1080p panel choice as properly with a 144Hz refresh charge. So far as color accuracy goes, the earlier ROG gadgets haven’t disillusioned me and the 14-inch LCD of the 2021 G14 sports activities a fairly excessive DCIP3 color gamut protection too. Whereas the saturation was barely on the upper facet, the realism in Shadow of the Tomb Raider and the obvious visuals of Cyberpunk 2077 had been executed completely. The anti-glare coating on the show does assist in stopping reflections of sunshine sources instantly behind you. That being stated, I used to be much less impressed by the brightness of the panel which may hinder outside utilization in shiny sunny situations. Whereas the Zephyrus G14 will not be the best machine for photograph enhancing, players can be greater than glad with the show high quality.
Keyboard and trackpad
ASUS has saved the identical keyboard as final yr, providing a six-row chiclet-style association of the keys with medium journey and white backlight. The keys are fairly responsive and don’t really feel cramped in any respect. The hexagonal energy button on the highest is kind of distinctive whereas 4 separate buttons are offered for the amount, mic management, and opening the ROG Armory crate. The arrow keys may’ve been made barely larger however since I not often use them within the video games I play, my complaints are restricted.
The trackpad does really feel a bit small which might be a hindrance to customers who’re used to a wider floor space. Precision drivers allowed for simple multi-finger gestures and the latency is sweet sufficient for shopping by the web or working with Microsoft Workplace. Nevertheless, for the reason that major operate of the G14 is for gaming, I’d actually advocate investing in a high-quality wired mouse.
Efficiency and battery
AMD’s Ryzen 9 5900H primarily based on the brand new Zen 3 structure leads the cost for all processor-intensive duties on the Zephyrus G14. The octa-core CPU is maybe the very best chipset for the worth and has a most clock velocity of 4.6GHz together with 16 threads. Benchmark numbers paint a blazing quick image for the Zephyrus G14 which had skipped on Intel’s silicone final yr as properly in favour of AMD. You too can try our ASUS ROG Strix G15 evaluate which additionally makes use of the identical CPU.
On Cinebench’s R23, the G14 scores a mind-boggling 12,159 on multi-core whereas the single-core end result was 1,469. PCMark 10’s simulation of real-world utilization returned a rating of 6,558 which could be very a lot in keeping with the present ROG lineups sporting the Ryzen 9 CPU. You additionally get 16GB of DDR4 RAM soldered in together with 1TB of PCIe SSD storage. CrystalDiskMark’s take a look at for Sequential Learn and Write speeds confirmed scores of three,597MB/s and three,088MB/s that are once more wonderful for the worth. From these benchmark numbers, you may get an general image of the processing capabilities that embody the G14. Dealing with regular person necessities starting from a number of RAM-consuming Chrome tabs or working Microsoft’s Workplace suite goes to be a bit of cake for this laptop computer.
So far as the graphical efficiency goes, NVIDIA’s RTX 3060 packs greater than sufficient juice for many of your gaming wants. A phrase of warning, nonetheless. I’d advise you to run all heavy-duty AAA video games at FHD (1,080 x 1,920) settings solely, as working at full WQHD decision locations the GPU underneath super stress. The Shadow of Tomb Raider benchmark outputted a median fps of 87 on FHD and Excessive graphics settings. The identical rating for WQHD was 69fps. Whereas normally, I didn’t discover any throttling, the bottom of the laptop computer does get significantly heat after prolonged utilization. Ray tracing and NVIDIA’s DLSS will enhance your visible expertise however not all video games help it. Cyberpunk 2077 gave a cool 64fps at Excessive settings, with the followers working at full velocity. Decrease depth titles like Name of Obligation Warzone and Valorant ran and not using a hitch, however there was nonetheless the acquainted downside of overheating. All-in-all, the Zephyrus G14’s skinny chassis and restricted vents could cause a thermal bottleneck, however the general gaming efficiency could be very a lot on par with different gaming-centric laptops in the identical value vary. The G14 additionally has two 2.5W common audio system and two 0.7W tweeters which aren’t the loudest however supply unbelievable readability and Dolby Atmos help. So far as software program goes, ASUS’ Armory Crate lets you fine-tune the efficiency of your CPU and GPU to your liking and in addition monitor thermals, clock speeds, and extra whereas gaming.
Final yr’s Zephyrus G14 boasted astounding battery life, and this isn’t one thing you hear usually when taking a look at gaming laptops. It claimed single cost use of 11 hours which is on par with Ultrabooks which have considerably weaker CPUs. The 76WHrs, 4-cell Li-ion Polymer battery on this yr’s G14 is rated for 12 hours of utilization. I started a daily workday at 100% battery, and by the tip of about 7-8 hours, I used to be left with round 30 p.c within the tank. Understand that this was with the display screen set at WQHD decision and 120Hz refresh charge, which makes this fairly spectacular. After all, from a gaming perspective, the laptop computer must be plugged into the facility supply for max effectivity.
Last verdict
The ROG Zephyrus G14 is a near-perfect laptop computer in nearly all features, whether or not you may have skilled wants or gaming. Heavy-duty internals wrapped in a bundle that’s gentle sufficient to suit snugly in your backpack is a rarity, and ASUS appears to have mastered the artwork. A degree of concern is the absence of Thunderbolt 4 ports that Intel-powered gadgets have available. The shortage of a webcam additionally means that you’d have to buy a further accent in case you are to conduct video calls. Lastly, there does seem like some form of heating problem on the machine however that hasn’t affected my gaming expertise. The Zephyrus G14 is my prime suggestion for customers that prefer to dabble in video games but in addition need to carry the identical machine to their workplace or school.
Editor’s score: 4 / 5
Professionals:
- Blazingly quick
- Skinny and light-weight design
- Excessive-res, easy 120Hz show
Cons:
- Heating points
- Lacks Thunderbolt 4.0
- No webcam