GIGABYTE A5 review
The GIGABYTE GIGABYTE A5 ranks as the #539 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 70. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #170-ranked connectivity among 278 laptops. Consider the Dell Vostro 15 7510 or Dell Inspiron 15 5505, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The XMG Apex 15/GIGABYTE A5 is a decent gaming laptop with some compromises. While the build quality and materials are fine, they're not as nice as more expensive options from larger brands. Battery life could be better, but swapping out the battery is a convenient feature. Gaming performance is decent, but the RTX 3070 in my model is on par with last-generation 2080 Super Max-Q machines. The 5900HX processor excels in CPU and content creator workloads, but Clevo's software and BIOS are limited, preventing full control of the chip. With a reasonable price, this laptop might be worth considering for those who don't mind warmer temperatures.
Build
The build quality of the GIGABYTE A5 is decent but not exceptional. The materials used are standard laptop fare, with a plastic chassis that feels durable enough but lacks any real premium feel. The construction is solid, with no creaky panels or uneven surfaces to speak of. However, it's clear that cost-cutting measures have been taken to keep the price competitive. While this doesn't necessarily detract from the overall experience, it does mean that those seeking a more luxurious feel may want to look elsewhere. Overall, the build quality is functional but unremarkable. You might want to check out GIGABYTE G5, featuring an upgraded build for a superior experience.
Display
The display on the Gigabyte A5 is a mixed bag. The response time is great, but the color gamut and brightness are merely okay. The 1080p resolution may be a limitation for some users, particularly those who want to take advantage of higher refresh rates or WQHD displays. On the other hand, the screen's 60Hz refresh rate should still provide smooth visuals in most modern games. Overall, while it won't blow anyone away, the display on the Gigabyte A5 gets the job done and is unlikely to disappoint most users. Take a look at GIGABYTE G5 - its improved display sets a new standard.
Performance
The performance of the GIGABYTE A5 is decent but not outstanding. The RTX 3070 graphics card performs similarly to last-generation 2080 Super Max-Q machines. While this may be due in part to the inability to disable Optimus, it's still a bit underwhelming for a next-gen GPU. On the other hand, the Ryzen 9 5900HX processor is a highlight, delivering strong performance in CPU and content creator workloads. However, the Clevo software and BIOS are limited, not allowing users to fully unlock the chip's potential. Overall, while the A5 is capable of handling demanding tasks, its performance may not exceed expectations, especially when compared to other laptops with more powerful GPUs. If you're after top-notch performance, consider Dell Latitude 16 7640.
Battery and Charging
The battery life of the GIGABYTE A5 is average, but its removable design allows for easy swaps when needed. However, this feature comes at the cost of reduced overall battery performance. The charging speed is also not particularly impressive, taking around 2 hours to fully charge from empty. Despite these drawbacks, the option to replace the battery can be a significant advantage for users who require frequent or heavy use. This trade-off may appeal to some users, but others may find it too inconvenient.
Connectivity
The GIGABYTE A5 has decent connectivity options. It features multiple USB ports, including two USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0, which feels outdated in today's standards. The laptop also includes an HDMI port, a headphone jack, and an Ethernet port, catering to various user needs. Give GIGABYTE G5 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled connectivity.
Features
The GIGABYTE A5 features a decent gaming laptop with a 5900HX processor, RTX 3070 graphics, and a 1080p screen. It has great response time and color gamut, but limited Clevo software and BIOS control. The chassis is thin, but thermals aren't ideal, with CPU thermal throttling in CPU+GPU workloads. Get your hands on GIGABYTE G5 if you're looking for better features.
Support and Maintenance
The A5's support and maintenance features are underwhelming. The Clevo software is limited, offering little control over the 5900HX processor despite its unlocked status. This means users can't fully utilize the chip's capabilities. Moreover, updates to the software seem nonexistent, making it feel outdated compared to other laptops like the XMG Neo 15. Overall, a disappointing aspect of an otherwise decent gaming laptop.
Pros
1. The XMG Apex 15 / Gigabyte A5 X1 is a decent gaming laptop with decent gaming performance, despite the RTX 3070 being close to 2080 Super Max-Q machines from last generation.
2. The 5900HX processor seems to be the reason it's doing so well in CPU and content creator workloads, making it a great option for those who need strong processing power.
3. The screen has great response time and ok color gamut and brightness, although my model did not have FreeSync.
4. The battery can be completely swapped out, which is a pretty uncommon feature these days.
Cons
1. The build quality and materials aren't quite as nice as some of those more expensive options from larger brands, but that's partly why it's priced better - a compromise in terms of price.
2. Battery life wasn't great, although this may be improved with the RTX 3060 graphics or 6 core 5600H processor options.
3. The Clevo software and BIOS are pretty limited, not letting you control the chip properly, especially since the HX series is supposed to be unlocked.
4. Thermals weren't great, with CPU thermal throttling at 95 degrees Celsius even with the fan maxed out and a cooling pad.
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