Table of Contents
- Intro
- Budget or High-End Laptops?
- Entry-Level Gaming Laptops vs General Mid-Range Laptops
- Important Specs For Gaming Laptops
- Understanding GPUs - RTX & GTX Series
- All of ASUS Gaming Laptop Series - Explained
- Best Value ASUS Gaming Laptops To Buy
Gaming laptops are considered the most versatile devices as they can be used for any purpose, ranging from work to gaming without sacrificing the mobility of a laptop. However, the truth is that gaming laptops are not cheap compared to normal laptops or notebooks, especially high-end flagship gaming laptops.
A common dilemma among users who plan to buy a gaming laptop is whether they want to splurge their money on a high-end model that can run anything at the best performance. Or, if they should go for an affordable option that is sufficient enough to run normal software and games.
Budget or High-End Laptops?
Buying a high-end gaming laptop does not mean that it is the best for you. Instead of focusing on the price of the laptop, it is more important to get the right laptop with adequate specifications for your needs. That means the right choice for you doesn’t have to be the most expensive choice.
Based on your preferences and choices, you should save on high-end hardware costs by spending it on laptop features that are useful for you. Whether it’s a thin and light laptop, convertible laptop, or a premium build machine purely for the best performance, there’s always one that fits your budget.
Why entry gaming laptops can be better than generic mid-range laptops
Sure, it’s nice to have a gaming laptop that can run the latest Triple-A games on maximum graphics settings and play games with the highest Frames-Per-Second (FPS). However, these laptops generally cost an arm and a leg and are typically only suitable for hardcore gamers.
So, you may think that it is better to get a mid or higher-end generic laptop as opposed to an entry or budget gaming laptop. But we beg to differ.
Specs that are built for gaming:
Most entry or budget gaming laptops come with decent specifications, such as GPU, processor, graphics card, etc. that are actually able to compete with that of mid-range laptops. Although the performance of budget gaming laptops may be slightly worse than higher-end ones, they still get the job done and are good enough for casual gamers.
Special features that are gaming-focused:
A lot of budget to mid-range gaming laptops come with special features that are likely not available to more expensive and premium laptops as the mid-range ones are not solely built for gaming.
To add, compared to high-end models, some budget gaming laptops are more lightweight, making carrying them around easier. Some also have features for students or for work that are useful for multitasking, and some have better battery life for more convenient usage.
Even if you have the budget to buy a more expensive gaming laptop, you have to take into consideration factors other than gaming performance that suits your usage. Sometimes the more expensive option is not necessarily the best option for you.
Important specs to look at when choosing a gaming laptop
Depending on your usage of your gaming laptop, you will need different specifications to ensure the best experience.
For gaming only:
It is important to find a gaming laptop with the right CPU, GPU, RAM, storage amount and display. A good GPU and CPU with many cores ensure better performance in terms of FPS, whereas high RAM and storage will prevent lags and stutters. In terms of a good display, they provide a better gaming experience overall. Having a good display with a higher refresh rate and resolution is also important if you frequently watch movies.
For work or school:
If you also want to use your gaming laptop for work or school, you should prioritise high RAM and storage for better multitasking and sufficient space to save files. Compatibility with the correct software and features related to work or school (such as Microsoft Office) is also important as you won’t be able to do anything without them.
For portability:
If you plan on bringing your laptop outside frequently, you might want to find a gaming laptop that is more lightweight with a smaller build to make it more convenient to carry around. You should also look into the battery life as most gaming laptops have bad battery life that will make it inconvenient as you always have to bring a charger.
In general, you should always look for a gaming laptop with decent specs to ensure that your device runs smoothly. A gaming laptop with an SSD is highly recommended as it will make your device run much smoother.
Looking at laptops with great value, ASUS is one of the many popular brands for gaming laptops and their machines have decent specs at affordable prices. Overall, their devices have high standards and are really good value for money, especially for their budget and mid-range offerings.
Understanding the GPU Series
The GPU is arguably one of the most important components in a gaming laptop and it’s important that your preferred laptop has the right GPU.
What is a GPU:
The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is a specialized processor that is responsible for graphics rendering which is useful for video editing, gaming and other applications. Many specifications determine the quality of a GPU, including the number of cores, clock speed, memory, thermal design power, power supply and more. At the moment, there are 2 main manufacturers of GPU in the industry - Nvidia and AMD.
Where Are ASUS’s GPU’s From:
GPUs on ASUS gaming laptops are mainly from Nvidia and come from either the GTX or RTX series. The latest generation for both series come with Turing which brings exceptional performance and efficiency with next-generation shading technology for today’s latest games.
RTX GPUs:
To note, the main difference between the two series is that RTX GPUs offer real-time ray-tracing and AI.
With real-time ray-tracing, RTX GPUs offer stunning life-like lighting such as shadows, reflections, refractions and global illumination. Gaming is much more realistic and immersive, especially with popular Triple-A games where users can experience the difference in visual impact, which is why RTX is renowned for being the best performing GPU.
GTX GPUs:
Although without real-time ray-tracing, GTX GPUs still get the job done to secure a high-quality gaming experience for users. It is regarded as one of the best GPUs for popular games and esports such as League of Legends, PUBG and more. As of the latest GTX 16 series, the gaming performance is rated excellent and can compete with that of the RTX series.
Breaking down all of ASUS Gaming Laptops
ASUS has two main series of gaming laptops: TUF and ROG. The former is generally advertised alongside ASUS’s main line of laptops whereas the latter is a sub-brand that’s fully focused on gaming laptops.
In general, laptops from both series are top-of-the-line and are cost-efficient as you get excellent specs for the price. Here, we break down the details and specifications of the laptop lines to see which one is suitable for you.
TUF:
The TUF series is one of the latest series by ASUS which features the ASUS TUF Dash F15. This series is introduced as the gaming powerhouse line while maintaining a slim, durable build. With that, the ASUS TUF Dash F15 is the perfect laptop choice for users that are always on the go, no matter for work or school.
Some qualities like an ultrathin build and long battery life on top of an eye-catching 144Hz display make the low price tag unbelievable. Not to mention the excellent gaming performance and specifications that allow for smooth, high frame-rate gaming.
ROG - Strix:
For the ROG series, there is the ASUS ROG Strix which is a budget-friendly gaming line that offers decent gaming specs. It is designed for gamers or streamers that are mobile and are on a budget.
They generally have great gaming performance and offer two high refresh display options to ensure the best gaming experience. Most devices also have great cooling and long battery life with fast charging, making them suitable for gaming on-the-go.
ROG - Zephyrus:
For the ASUS ROG Zephyrus, they are powerful and stylish gaming laptops at an entry-level price. This line of laptops is perfect for those who are more invested in gaming as it comes with top-of-the-line specs including a powerful CPU and GPU, two gorgeous display options and impressive audio system. On top of that, there is also an AniMe Matrix™ which is a programmable LED display on the laptop cover, giving it a premium and modern look.
ROG - Flow:
Finally, the ASUS ROG Flow is another gaming laptop line from the ROG series that has similar price points to the Zephyrus, but caters for gamers that are working. If you are looking for a laptop that serves your gaming and work needs, a laptop like the ROG Flow X13 may be the one.
They are generally portable and flexible, commonly designed with a 360-degree hinge display, paired with quality and touch-screen display which makes them suitable for multitasking. Not to mention their low profile designs are a god-sent for workers who are constantly on-the-go.
Best Value ASUS Gaming Laptops To Buy:
Table of Contents
ASUS’s all-new TUF Dash F15 puts the powerful Windows 10 gaming into a super-slim chassis that’s equipped with excellent specs, display and battery life. And these are all available to you at a budget-friendly price.
Specs:
- Year: 2021
- CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-11370H Processor
- GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 / 3060 / 3050 Ti
- RAM: 8GB / 16GB (Max capacity: 32GB)
- Storage: 512GB / 1TB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 ratio, 144Hz Refresh Rate
- Weight: 2.0 kg
- Ports: 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1x HDMI 2.0b, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x RJ45 LAN port, 1x Thunderbolt™ 4 support DisplayPort™ / power delivery
- Dimensions: 36.0 (W) x 25.2 (D) x 1.99 (H) cm
Features:
The TUF Dash F15 has a 19.9mm thin build that is very durable and can resist everyday knocks and bumps. It also has up to 16.6 hours of battery life which is very impressive for a gaming laptop with one full charge. This laptop features crystal clear audio with two loud and immersive speakers that are paired with Virtual 7.1-channel surround sound as well as AI Noise-Cancelation.
Overall, it is a very good laptop for users that intend to use it for multiple purposes (gaming and work/school) and are frequently on the go.
Performance:
Able to support up to an 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-11375H CPU and GeForce RTX™ 3070 GPU, the TUF Dash F15 runs games with fast and fluid graphics to power through everyday apps and games.
The said powerful GPU reliably delivers high frame rates with minimal stutters and lag. Supporting the laptop’s overall speed further are its 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage which are sufficient for casual gaming and usage. Rest assured that they can be upgraded to up to 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD.
Moreover, the display is excellent with a 144Hz refresh rate and adaptive-sync technology to ensure ultra-smooth, immersive gameplay and usage.
At a starting price of RM4,899, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is a powerful and ultraportable mid-range gaming laptop that is built for gamers.
Specs:
- Year: 2020
- CPU: AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800HS Processor
- GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 / 3050 Ti
- RAM: 8GB / 16GB (Max capacity: 24GB)
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) 16:9 / FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9, anti-glare display, 120Hz / 144Hz Refresh Rate
- Weight: 1.70 kg
- Ports: 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1x HDMI 2.0b, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort™ / power delivery / G-SYNC
- Dimensions: 32.4 (W) x 22.2 (D) x 1.99 (H) cm
Features:
The clean and aesthetic design of the Zephyrus G14 comes in four unique colours with further customisation available via the programmable AniMe Matrix™ mini-LED display on the lid. This AniMe Matrix™ display also features status notifications about battery life, calendar, alarm and more with an interactive assistant.
Moreover, the laptop comes with an uncompromised keyboard that fits full-size functionalities into a much smaller machine, including a fingerprint login feature on the power button. Additionally, information about its cooling and audio system are shown on the mini-LED display.
Performance:
With an AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800HS processor and support for up to an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 Ti, the Zephyrus G14 is slated to have excellent gaming performance. Its prowess is its lower power consumption and thermals to ensure high frame rates while gaming and to prevent FPS drops.
In addition, the laptop is also compatible with ROG Armoury Crate which can boost your gaming performance and enable many configurations to ensure the best gaming experience. Not forgetting; the display of the laptop is good with up to WQHD resolution and 120Hz Refresh Rate. A thing to note is that hardcore gamers may need to upgrade RAM as 8GB might not be enough to run certain high-end games.
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ASUS’s ROG Flow X13 is a compact and flexible gaming laptop that not only runs games well but also caters for workaholics.
Specs:
- Year: 2021
- CPU: AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900HS Processor
- GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce GTX™ 1650
- RAM: 16GB (Max capacity: 32GB)
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 13.4-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10, glossy display, 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Weight: 1.30 kg
- Ports: 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1x HDMI 2.0b, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x ROG XG Mobile Interface, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort™ / power delivery
- Dimensions: 29.9 (W) x 22.2 (D) x 1.58 (H) cm
Features:
The Flow X13 is a convertible gaming laptop that is very flexible and portable with a 360-degree hinge and low profile design. With its design and build being quite minimalistic and compact, it is perfect for gamers that work or are always on-the-go.
You’ll be glad to know that the laptop can be converted into tablet mode, stand mode and tent mode to suit your preference. Another highlight is that the cooling and battery are very good as the former is fine-tuned to perform optimally whereas the battery life should last up to 10 hours of video playback and can charge to 50% in only 30 minutes.
Performance:
Performance-wise, the Flow X13 may be outshined by the Zephyrus G14, but it still packs a punch. With a decent CPU and GPU, the laptop can run many mainstream games smoothly and with high FPS.
Thanks to its high RAM and storage, they make for fewer stutters and lags during gaming, as well as facilitate multitasking for those who are working or studying.
Additionally, the laptop is compatible with the ROG software - Armoury Crate which allows users to control settings and customize profiles to make adjustments based on their preference.
(Playtime. Anytime. Play the latest games with graphics that rival reality. Play with players on console. Play with the peripherals that you love. When it comes to playing your way, Windows 11 makes it happen.)
Note: All of the points stated herewith are based on our own experiences and research. Do also know that we may get a commission for each click on the links in this article, with no cost at all from your end.
[This article is made in collaboration with ASUS Malaysia]