ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 GX703 review
The Asus ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 GX703 ranks as the #122 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 79. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #39-ranked connectivity among 171 laptops. Consider the Asus ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713P or Asus ASUS TUF Gaming A16, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 GX703 is an impressive laptop, but its value proposition depends on individual priorities. The 11th gen Intel Tiger Lake H45 platform and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop Chip provide exceptional performance for gaming and demanding tasks. However, the mechanical keyboard may not appeal to everyone, and the IO positioning could be improved. The thermal design appears robust, with two fans and a multitude of heat pipes. A 90Wh battery and 280W charger are also notable features. Overall, this laptop offers impressive specs and potential performance, but its worthiness depends on weighing these benefits against personal preferences and priorities.
Build
The build quality of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 GX703 is exceptional. The laptop's aluminum chassis exudes a premium feel, with a sturdy keyboard deck that provides a comfortable typing experience. The smartly designed open back effectively channels fresh air into the radiators and out to the back, suggesting good thermal management capabilities. The hinge mechanism also pushes up the keyboard deck, providing ample space for a mechanical keyboard. Overall, the build quality is robust and well-thought-out, setting the stage for a high-performance gaming laptop. For a superior build, Asus ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713R could be the right choice.
Display
The display on the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 is a highlight of the laptop. The QHD panel offers vibrant colors and crisp details, making it ideal for gaming and content creation. While I would have preferred a 4K option, the QHD screen still provides an excellent viewing experience. Additionally, this configuration supports NVIDIA's Advanced Optimus technology, which seamlessly switches between the integrated GPU and dedicated GPU to optimize performance. The display also has a good color gamut, with accurate representation of colors in various lighting conditions. Overall, I'm impressed with the display on the Zephyrus S17. A better alternative might be Asus ASUS VivoBook 16X, featuring a next-level display.
Performance
The performance of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 is promising. Powered by Intel's 11th gen Tiger Lake H45 platform, this laptop delivers strong results in demanding loads and gaming. The Core i9 processor provides impressive clock speeds and turbo velocity. With up to 32GB of RAM and 3x PCIe Gen4 M.2 storage slots, the system boasts fast transfer speeds. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop Chip at 140W of power with dynamic boost 2.0 further enhances gaming performance. Advanced Optimus technology with smart mux-like switch ensures seamless video throughput and display signal switching between iGPU and dGPU. Overall, the Zephyrus S17's performance is competitive and reliable. You may find Asus ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713R a better fit, thanks to its superior performance.
Battery and Charging
The battery life in the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 is decent, but not spectacular, with a 90Wh cell on board. The included 280W charger is chunkier than previous models, but still compact for its power rating. Unfortunately, no USB-C charging is available, which might be a disappointment for some users. In contrast, the 65W USB-C charger that comes with some other ASUS laptops is significantly smaller and more portable. Overall, while not particularly impressive in this regard, the Zephyrus S17's battery life and charging options are still respectable and should get you through a day of use.
Connectivity
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 GX703 boasts an impressive array of connectivity options. Three PCIe Gen 4 M.2 storage slots offer rapid transfer speeds, while two USB-A ports and a USB-C port provide flexibility. A smart mux-like switch enables seamless video signal switching between the iGPU and dGPU, supporting NVIDIA's Advanced Optimus technology. This setup promises improved performance and convenience for gamers and content creators alike. Asus ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713R might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded connectivity.
Features
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 GX703 boasts an impressive feature set. The laptop is built on the 11th gen Intel Tiger Lake H45 platform, with a Core i9 processor and up to 32GB of RAM. It also features three PCIe Gen 4 M.2 storage slots with RAID support, making it a powerhouse for gaming and content creation. Additionally, the laptop's QHD panel supports NVIDIA Advanced Optimus technology and G-Sync, providing seamless visuals and improved performance. For an improved features, Asus ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X 3D OLED is worth considering.
Support and Maintenance
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 GX703 is a reliable laptop that offers strong support and maintenance features. The Intel-exclusive platform ensures seamless integration with the 11th gen Intel Tiger Lake H45 CPU, while the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 laptop chip provides robust graphics performance. Additionally, the laptop's thermal design and smart mux-like switch enable efficient video processing and display signal routing.
Pros
1. The form factor is easily my favorite in the 17-inch segment right now.
2. The screen options and overall package are very promising.
3. The thermal design with two fans and a multitude of heat pipes is smartly designed to channel fresh air into the radiators and out to the back.
4. The motherboard design and complexly engineered hinges that also push up the keyboard deck showcase Asus' engineering expertise.
5. The system's ability to seamlessly switch the video throughput and display signal between the iGPU and dGPU without requiring a restart is a significant advantage.
6. The laptop's potential to match thicker and less portable designs in terms of performance and thermals while being more portable is a major plus.
Cons
1. The lack of an AMD model on this Zephyrus S17 may be a disappointment for some users.
2. The IO positioning might raise some eyebrows, especially with the mechanical keyboard placement.
3. There is no mention of whether the system's battery life and thermals will live up to expectations during gaming sessions or demanding loads.
4. It's unclear if the system will meet its performance promises in the retail model, as this was a preview unit.
5. The IO positioning might be less than ideal for some users who prefer more convenient placement of ports.
6. There is no mention of whether a QHD screen with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU would be available and if it would offer better value compared to the 3080 4K model.
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