The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023) is a gaming laptop that defies expectations. Beyond its sleek and understated design lies a formidable gaming powerhouse, ready to tackle the most demanding titles with ease. Boasting a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, and a stunning QHD+ display with a 240Hz refresh rate, this laptop offers a compelling combination of performance and visual excellence.
But the Strix G16 is more than just a gaming rig; it’s a versatile companion for work and entertainment. Its slimline chassis, impressive battery life, and robust build quality make it suitable for everyday tasks, from productivity to multimedia consumption. In this comprehensive review, we delve into every aspect of the Asus ROG Strix G16, exploring its design and build, specifications, performance, cooling system, battery life, and its pricing and value proposition. Join us on this journey to uncover the gaming laptop that might just redefine your computing experience.
Asus ROG Strix Scar G16, i7 13650HX and RTX 4060
6:10 FHD 165Hz, GeForce RTX 4060, Intel Core i7-13650HX, 16GB DDR5, 512GB PCIe SSD, Wi-Fi 6E
+ Excellent Portable Performance
+ Decent Battery Life
+ Great Keyboard
+ Nice Display
– 720p Webcam (step up from the lack of a webcam on previous models)
– Short Battery Life vs Battery Size
– Material gets dirty very easily
MSRP: $1,400 USD
Design and Aesthetic
The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023) is a gaming laptop that strikes a balance between form and function. Its design is an embodiment of sleek sophistication with a gamer-centric flair. Here, we delve into the key aspects of its design and build.
Exterior Aesthetics: The laptop features an outer chassis finished in matte black, which not only looks elegant but also resists fingerprints and smudges effectively. This choice of finish gives it a premium and understated look suitable for various environments.
Slimline and Compact: Despite its gaming prowess, the ROG Strix G16 manages to maintain a slimline profile, making it surprisingly portable for a gaming laptop. The slim design doesn’t sacrifice its overall sturdiness and durability. The laptop is equally at home in a gaming setup as it is in a professional environment.
RGB Lighting: When the laptop springs to life, it reveals its gaming heritage with an array of RGB lighting. The keyboard, in particular, is backlit with vibrant rainbow colors, with certain keys allowing light to shine through, adding a touch of flair to the typing experience. There’s also an additional RGB light bar beneath the laptop that casts a radiant glow, perfect for those who want to make a statement with their gaming setup.
Thin Bezel Display: The Asus ROG Strix G16 boasts a standout feature in its QHD+ screen, which boasts an ultra-thin bezel. This design choice not only looks modern but also minimizes distractions, ensuring that gameplay takes center stage without unnecessary obstructions.
Sturdy Hinges: The laptop’s hinges are robust yet easily maneuverable, allowing you to position the screen at the ideal angle for your gaming or work needs. They provide confidence in the laptop’s build quality, eliminating concerns about wobbling or instability during usage.
Overall Portability: While primarily designed for gaming, the laptop doesn’t compromise on portability. It’s compact enough to fit into a standard backpack, and the accompanying power brick is conveniently manageable. This blend of power and portability makes it suitable for both gaming on-the-go and everyday professional use.
The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023) strikes a balance between a stylish, understated design and gamer-centric aesthetics. Its slimline build, RGB lighting, and thin bezel display make it a versatile choice for those who appreciate both aesthetics and performance in their gaming laptop. Whether you’re gaming at home, at a LAN party, or using it for professional tasks, this laptop’s design ensures it stands out in any environment.
Performance
The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023) packs an impressive punch under the hood, delivering a level of performance that easily handles the demands of modern gaming and productivity tasks. With its high-end specifications, this laptop ensures a smooth and immersive experience across various applications.
Processor Powerhouse: At the heart of the Strix G16 lies the 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13980HX processor. This CPU, part of Intel’s latest mobile CPU lineup, offers a potent combination of six Performance Cores (P-cores) and eight Efficiency Cores (E-cores), with a maximum of 20 threads. The processor boasts a peak all-core frequency of 4.9 GHz, which results in exceptional computing power. Whether you’re running resource-intensive games or multitasking with productivity software, the i7-13980HX can handle it with ease.
Graphics Dominance: Gaming laptops are only as good as their GPUs, and the Strix G16 doesn’t disappoint. It’s equipped with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, a capable graphics card that’s part of Nvidia’s mobile GPU lineup. What sets this GPU apart is its 24 ray-tracing cores, which significantly enhance the rendering of light and shading in games and 3D applications, resulting in a higher level of realism. It also supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, the latest version of the DirectX API, ensuring compatibility with upcoming AAA game titles.
QHD+ Display: To complement its processing and graphics prowess, the Strix G16 features a stunning 16-inch QHD+ display. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time, this anti-glare display ensures that games and multimedia content are not only visually captivating but also incredibly smooth. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides an expanded field of view, enhancing the gaming experience.
Benchmark Performance: Benchmark tests showcase the laptop’s capabilities. In titles like “Shadow of the Tomb Raider,” the Strix G16 delivers an impressive average frame rate of 165.6 FPS, making it clear that it can handle even the most demanding AAA games with ease. “Forza Horizon 5,” known for its rigorous demands on hardware, maintains a solid average of 74 FPS, demonstrating smooth gameplay without hitches or frame rate drops. Similarly, “Hitman 3” runs at an average of 112.2 FPS in Dubai and 101.2 FPS in Dartmoor, highlighting the laptop’s consistent high-performance levels.
Quiet and Efficient Cooling: One of the common concerns with gaming laptops is heat management and fan noise. The Strix G16’s cooling system efficiently dissipates heat, ensuring that the laptop remains at a comfortable temperature even during extended gaming sessions. Impressively, the laptop’s fan noise remains low, with a consistent hum that doesn’t disrupt gameplay. This steady and unobtrusive fan operation is a testament to the laptop’s cooling design.
This laptop excels in terms of performance, thanks to its potent CPU-GPU combo, high-refresh-rate display, and efficient cooling system. It effortlessly handles graphically demanding games and resource-intensive tasks, providing users with a smooth and immersive experience. Whether you’re gaming at maximum settings or tackling demanding workloads, the Strix G16’s performance capabilities make it a top-tier choice among gaming laptops.
| Processor | Intel Core i7-13980HX |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA RTX 4060 Laptop |
| Memory | 16GB DDR5, 4800Mhz |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 SSD (Space for 1x Extra) |
| Display | 16 Inch QHD+, 16:10 Ratio, 1920×1200, 165Hz Refresh Rate |
| Weight | 5.51 LBs |
| Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Type A, 1x USB 3.2 Type C, 1x Thunderbolt 4 (Charging Available), HDMI 2.1, Ethernet Port, DC-in, Aux Port |
Cooling and Fan System
Efficient cooling is a critical aspect of any gaming laptop, and the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023) addresses this need with a well-designed cooling system that keeps temperatures in check even during intense gaming sessions.
Tri-Fan Cooling System: The Strix G16 features a sophisticated Tri-Fan cooling system designed to optimize thermal performance. Three strategically placed fans work in tandem to dissipate heat effectively. This system includes seven heat pipes that help distribute heat away from the critical components, including the CPU and GPU. The inclusion of Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal further enhances the cooling capabilities, ensuring that the laptop maintains consistent and safe operating temperatures.
Thermal Design: Asus has made substantial improvements in the thermal design of the Strix G16 compared to its predecessors. The laptop’s chassis has been carefully engineered to accommodate the new heatsink efficiently. This heatsink is divided into three sections and built around the motherboard to maximize airflow and create efficient pathways for hot air to escape. The result is a laptop that runs up to 15% cooler than its predecessors, even under heavy workloads.
Low Fan Noise: One remarkable aspect of the Strix G16’s cooling system is its ability to maintain low fan noise levels. While gaming laptops often produce significant fan noise during gaming sessions, the Strix G16 keeps things remarkably quiet. The fans operate at a consistent hum that is easily overshadowed by the laptop’s built-in speakers. This means that the laptop’s cooling system effectively manages heat while minimizing any disruption to your gaming experience.
Temperature Control: Temperature control is vital for both performance and durability. The Strix G16 excels in this regard, with temperatures remaining within safe limits even during demanding tasks. The lower chassis, where components like the CPU and GPU are located, stays surprisingly cool. This effective temperature management ensures that the laptop maintains its performance levels and extends its longevity.
Long Gaming Sessions: For gamers who enjoy extended gaming sessions, the Strix G16’s cooling system is a valuable asset. It prevents overheating, thermal throttling, and performance degradation, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted gameplay for hours on end. The laptop’s ability to maintain consistent thermal performance is a testament to the thought and engineering that went into its cooling solution.
In conclusion, the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023) features a highly efficient and quiet cooling system that effectively manages heat, even during demanding gaming sessions. The Tri-Fan design, coupled with innovative thermal solutions, ensures that the laptop remains cool and performs optimally. Whether you’re engaged in intense gaming or handling resource-intensive tasks, the Strix G16’s cooling system ensures a reliable and enjoyable computing experience.
Battery Life and Everyday Use
The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023) may be a gaming powerhouse, but it doesn’t neglect practicality and versatility for everyday tasks.
Battery Life: One of the notable aspects of the Strix G16 is its surprisingly decent battery life, considering its gaming prowess. While gaming laptops are not typically known for their extended battery performance, this laptop manages to strike a balance. When used for regular everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, or video streaming, the Strix G16 can last approximately 6 to 7 hours on a single charge. This makes it a practical choice for those who need a laptop for work or school during the day.
Portable Design: The laptop’s design complements its portability. With a sleek and slimline chassis, it’s easy to slip the Strix G16 into a backpack for on-the-go use. The accompanying power brick, although providing ample power for gaming, is relatively compact and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk when you need to carry it along.
Hybrid Usage: The Strix G16’s hybrid capabilities are a standout feature. While it excels as a gaming laptop, it can seamlessly transition to everyday tasks. Whether you need to handle emails, browse the web, or work on documents, this laptop doesn’t break a sweat. The high-resolution display and snappy performance ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for productivity tasks.
RGB Lighting: It’s worth mentioning that the laptop’s RGB lighting, while a statement during gaming sessions, can be adjusted or turned off for a more subdued appearance during work or study. The customizable lighting adds a touch of personality when you want it and can be toned down when you don’t.
Entertainment Hub: Beyond work and gaming, the Strix G16 serves as an excellent entertainment hub. The QHD+ display with a 240Hz refresh rate and impressive color accuracy provides a fantastic viewing experience for movies and streaming content. The loud and clear audio, enhanced by Dolby Atmos support, ensures immersive audiovisual entertainment.
Versatile Companion: The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023) offers versatility as a gaming laptop that can effortlessly transition to everyday use. Its decent battery life, portable design, and hybrid capabilities make it a practical choice for professionals, students, and anyone seeking a high-performance laptop that can handle both work and play. Whether you’re conquering the gaming world or tackling daily tasks, the Strix G16 proves to be a reliable and adaptable companion.
Pricing and Value
The pricing of gaming laptops often raises questions about the value they offer. In the case of the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023), there are several factors to consider when evaluating its worth.
Performance-Price Ratio: At its core, the Strix G16 delivers exceptional value through its high-performance components. Equipped with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, it’s a formidable gaming machine. This means it can handle the latest AAA titles with ease, offering an immersive gaming experience. When you factor in the raw power it brings to the table, the price tag starts to make sense.
Versatility: What sets the Strix G16 apart is its versatility. It’s not solely designed for gaming; it’s also a capable workhorse for everyday tasks. Whether you’re crunching numbers in a spreadsheet, attending virtual meetings, or enjoying multimedia content, this laptop adapts effortlessly. This versatility enhances its overall value, as it can replace both a gaming rig and a traditional laptop for various needs.
Display and Entertainment: The laptop’s QHD+ 16:10 display with a 240Hz refresh rate and exceptional color accuracy contributes significantly to its value. It’s a visual treat for gamers and content creators alike. The immersive display makes gaming more enjoyable, and the Pantone Validated certification ensures it’s suitable for professional tasks like photo editing or graphic design.
Build Quality: The Strix G16’s build quality adds to its perceived value. It features a slimline, matte black chassis that not only looks elegant but also resists fingerprints and dirt. The robust hinges and overall durability are signs of a well-built device that’s built to last.
Battery Performance: While gaming laptops are notorious for shorter battery life, the Strix G16 manages to strike a balance. It offers around 6 to 7 hours of battery life for everyday tasks, making it practical for work or study. This extended battery life enhances its overall value, as it reduces the need for frequent charging.
Price Considerations: It’s important to acknowledge that the Strix G16’s pricing may vary based on the region and configuration you choose. While it may fall in the higher price range for laptops, it’s important to remember that you’re investing in a premium gaming and productivity device. When compared to building a separate gaming desktop and buying a conventional laptop, the Strix G16 consolidates these needs into a single package, potentially saving you money in the long run.
The Strix G16 (2023) offers a compelling blend of high-end performance, versatility, and build quality. While it may have a price tag that places it in the upper echelons of gaming laptops, its ability to serve as both a gaming powerhouse and a capable everyday laptop makes it a valuable investment for gamers, professionals, and students alike. It’s a device that offers the best of both worlds without compromising on quality, making it a strong contender in the gaming laptop market.
Is the Asus ROG Strix G16 2023 Right For You?
Before making a decision to purchase the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023), it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key points to help you determine if this laptop is the right fit for you:
- Gaming Enthusiast: If you’re a serious gamer who demands high performance, the Strix G16 is tailored to meet your needs. Its powerful CPU and GPU combination, along with a high-refresh-rate display, ensures you can play the latest games at top-notch settings without compromising on frame rates.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The laptop’s sleek and stylish design, featuring a matte black chassis with RGB lighting accents, appeals to those who want a gaming laptop that not only performs well but also looks great. If aesthetics are important to you, the Strix G16 delivers in this aspect.
- Versatility: Beyond gaming, the Strix G16 proves to be versatile. Its robust hardware allows you to handle demanding tasks like video editing, content creation, and more. If you require a laptop that can multitask efficiently and handle resource-intensive applications, this laptop is up to the task.
- Portability with Power: Despite its gaming prowess, the Strix G16 maintains a reasonably portable form factor. If you need a laptop that can accompany you on the go while offering gaming-grade performance, it’s a suitable choice.
- Battery Life: If you value long battery life for productivity tasks, the Strix G16 impresses with its ability to last through a full workday on lighter usage. However, for extended gaming sessions away from a power source, you may need to consider alternative power solutions.
- Budget Considerations: The Strix G16 falls into a premium price range due to its high-end components and build quality. Ensure that it aligns with your budget and that you’re willing to invest in a laptop that delivers top-tier gaming performance.
The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023) is an excellent choice for gamers and power users who prioritize both performance and style. If you’re seeking a laptop that can handle demanding gaming sessions, content creation, and everyday tasks while turning heads with its design, this laptop is well worth considering. However, budget-conscious buyers may want to explore more affordable options.
Conclusion
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 is a testament to the advancements in gaming laptop technology, offering a compelling blend of power, performance, and design tailored for both gamers and content creators. Its bold aesthetic, customizable features, and premium build quality underscore its identity as a gaming powerhouse.
The laptop’s robust performance is driven by the Intel Core i9 processor, RTX 3070 Ti GPU, ample DDR5 memory, and lightning-fast SSD. These components ensure seamless multitasking, high frame rates in games, and efficient content creation capabilities. The 1440p 240Hz display delivers fluid visuals, making it an excellent fit for both competitive gaming and content creation tasks that demand precision.
The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023) is a gaming laptop that effortlessly balances style and substance. With a sleek and understated design, it defies the flashy stereotypes often associated with gaming laptops, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Beneath its elegant exterior lies a formidable gaming machine powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU.
The laptop excels in the performance department, effortlessly handling even the most demanding games with ease. Whether you’re diving into the lush landscapes of open-world adventures or engaging in fast-paced competitive gaming, the Strix G16 ensures a smooth and immersive experience.
One of the standout features of this laptop is its efficient cooling system. Despite its impressive performance, the Strix G16 keeps fan noise to a minimum and maintains comfortable chassis temperatures, ensuring that your gaming sessions remain enjoyable and distraction-free.
Beyond gaming, the Strix G16 proves to be a versatile companion for everyday tasks. Its robust build quality, impressive battery life, and slimline design make it suitable for work, multimedia consumption, and more. The laptop’s QHD+ display with a 240Hz refresh rate delivers stunning visuals, making it equally impressive for content creation and entertainment.
While the Strix G16 comes at a premium price point, its combination of performance, build quality, and versatility justifies the investment. If you’re in the market for a gaming laptop that doesn’t compromise on power or style, the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023) should be at the top of your list. It’s a laptop that redefines what a gaming machine can be—a sleek, high-performance powerhouse ready to tackle any challenge you throw at it.
TL;DR
The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2023) is a stylish gaming laptop that combines sleek design with powerful performance. It’s equipped with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, making it a gaming powerhouse. The laptop excels in performance, offers efficient cooling, and boasts a QHD+ display with a 240Hz refresh rate. It’s versatile enough for both gaming and everyday tasks, with impressive battery life. While it comes at a premium price, it delivers excellent value for its performance and build quality. A top choice for gamers seeking style and substance in one package.
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
FEATURES
PORTABILITY
OVERALL RATING vs SIMILAR
ONE OF THE BEST GAMING LAPTOPS
Asus ROG Strix Scar G16, i7 13650HX and RTX 4060
6:10 FHD 165Hz, GeForce RTX 4060, Intel Core i7-13650HX, 16GB DDR5, 512GB PCIe SSD, Wi-Fi 6E
+ Excellent Portable Performance
+ Decent Battery Life
+ Great Keyboard
+ Nice Display
– 720p Webcam (step up from the lack of a webcam on previous models)
– Short Battery Life vs Battery Size
– Material gets dirty very easily
MSRP: $1,400 USD
Alternative Options
Previous Generation
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15.6″, i9 12900H and RTX 3070 Ti
240Hz IPS QHD Display / NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti / Intel Core i9 12900H / 16GB DDR5 / 1TB SSD / Per-Key RGB Keyboard / Windows 11 Home
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Tri-Mode Connection / Dampening Foam & Switch-Dampening Pads / Hot-Swappable ROG NX Snow Switches / PBT Keycaps
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Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse
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Razer Basilisk V3 Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse
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Hero 25K Sensor, PowerPlay Compatible, Tunable Weights and Lightsync RGB
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