We added another computer to our test for you fine readers. We added an Asus ROG Zephyrus GX701 laptop. The system came with a 1 TB M.2 NVMe SSD with 16 GB RAM and an RTX2070 with 144hz screen and Optimus or G-Sync.
Unit is packaged by Asus with WINDOWS 10 and its external 1080p webcam in box – Micro-USB
Display – 17+” of Smooth 144hz refresh rate. Back lid made of aluminum, really thin bezels with a 1” chin filled with NVIDIA’s stickers on the left. Unfortunately, this laptop a FINGERPRINT MAGNET.
Cooling vs Typing for GAMERS – I personally prefer the front keyboard layout rather than the traditional laptop ergonomics, as the purpose of the machine is extreme gaming with the able to transport to any location for a gaming session.
The perforated top is warm while gaming but did its job in keeping things cool. Asus aura RGB keyboard looks wonderful, although the software is lacking in customization and compatibility with other RGB devices. Chassis RGB lights can be optionally turned off as well. Keyboard feels good for typing, once you get use to its position. Track\Num pad took a short time for me to get acquainted with using it to navigate Window. Unfortunately, the deck and keypad is another fingerprint magnet.
Noise – The GX701 uses the CPU fan mainly, while doing little tasks. Making the Zephyrus sounds and looks like any other Zen design ASUS. However, the two GPU fans kicks in when a game loads up and this thing comes alive. In comparison, this Zephyrus is much quieter than “classical” gaming laptops of early 2017.
Interface – Lacking Thunderbolt and RJ45 port. At least there are two u.s.b gen-1 and one u.s.b gen-2. Hopefully on future models the missing thunderbolt will be addressed.
Speakers – There laptop speaker. They are better than the Zenbook speakers and are actually not bad for their class.
Battery – Power brick is 19.5v barrel plug. 3.2 A . Supports USB PD. Disabling the Geforce and using the intel graphics, I could use the Zephyrus to watch YOUTUBE for a bit over 3 hours. However, with GeForce enabled the battery life from a full charge was less than 45 mins of G-SYNC, surfing the web.
GAMING –On this 17” (1920 X 1080) I was able to play multiple games on the highest settings and FPS were high and the G-Sync eliminated all the tearing. Great performer.
We are going to continue to use this laptop as a daily driver to see how if it still impresses after a couple months.
If you want us to test anything out leave a comment, and I will try to get to it.