GIGABYTE A7 review
The GIGABYTE GIGABYTE A7 ranks as the #408 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 73. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #60-ranked connectivity among 287 laptops. Consider the GIGABYTE AERO 17 HDR or GIGABYTE U4, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The GIGABYTE A7 is a powerhouse gaming notebook that delivers top-tier performance. Its NVIDIA RTX 307 GPU and AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU make it one of the best gaming notebooks available. The cooling system, dubbed Wind Force, is exceptional, keeping temperatures in check even during intense gaming sessions. While the battery life is disappointing, lasting only around 4 hours, the device's upgradable slots and excellent performance make it a worthwhile investment for gamers seeking a reliable and fast experience.
Build
The GIGABYTE A7x1 boasts a sturdy build with a predominantly black plastic shell. Weighing under 2.6 kgs, the device is slightly bulkier than other notebooks, but this trade-off is justified by its impressive cooling system and power-packed performance. The removable battery, which clips out easily, adds to the device's practicality. However, the lack of a slim or compact design may not appeal to those seeking portability. Overall, the A7x1's build exudes a utilitarian aesthetic that prioritizes functionality over style. For an improved build, GIGABYTE AERO 17 HDR is worth considering.
Display
The display on the GIGABYTE A7 is a 17.3-inch HD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, ideal for gaming. However, it falls short in other areas. The screen has poor viewing angles and low brightness, measuring just 320 nits. This results in lackluster HDR performance and limited color accuracy. The panel's RGB coverage is also limited to 90s and Adobe RGB, making it more suited for gaming than creative tasks. While not a bad display by modern standards, the A7's screen is simply average. Its primary use case will be for gaming on the device itself, rather than as an external monitor. You might want to check out GIGABYTE AERO 17 HDR, featuring an upgraded display for a superior experience.
Performance
The Gigabyte A7x1 is a powerhouse gaming notebook with top-tier performance. The Nvidia RTX 3 GPU combined with an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU makes it one of the best gaming notebooks on the market. Gaming performance was exceptional, with most titles hitting 50 FPS at 4K and over 100 FPS at 144Hz. Productivity also performed well, making this notebook a great all-around choice for gamers and professionals alike. The Wind Force cooling system kept temperatures in check, even during intense gaming sessions. Overall, the A7x1's performance is its greatest strength, making it a top pick for gamers and anyone seeking a powerful portable PC. Take a look at GIGABYTE AERO 17 - its improved performance sets a new standard.
Battery and Charging
The battery in the GIGABYTE A7 is removable, but it has some downsides. It takes longer to charge than built-in batteries and doesn't last as long, with a maximum of 4 hours at moderate brightness. With max brightness and average non-gaming use, it lasts just under an hour and a half. Charging requires the DC power adapter, which is inconvenient for on-the-go use. Overall, the battery performance is disappointing, but not deal-breaking. However, it's worth considering if you prioritize performance over portability.
Connectivity
The GIGABYTE A7 features a great selection of ports, including HDMI, LAN, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and Mini DisplayPort at the back. The left side has two additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, while the right side houses audio jacks and a slower USB 2.0 port, keeping clutter-free gaming possible. It’s worth checking out GIGABYTE G6X, delivering remarkable connectivity.
Features
The GIGABYTE A7 features an NVIDIA RTX 3070 GPU, AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU, and a 17.3-inch HD 144Hz display. It has a removable battery, massive fans (Wind Force cooling system), and upgradable slots for storage and RAM. The notebook also boasts a decent keyboard, touchpad, and speakers. Ports include HDMI, LAN, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and mini DisplayPort on the back, with audio jacks and a DC port on the right side. Give GIGABYTE AERO 17 HDR a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled features.
Support and Maintenance
The GIGABYTE A7's removable battery is a unique feature that offers easy replacement without tools. However, this comes with some downsides, such as longer charging times and shorter battery life. The device charges via DC power adapter, making it cumbersome to use on-the-go. While the performance and cooling system of the A7 are top-notch, the battery limitations make it less ideal for users who need a reliable and portable solution.
Pros
1. The Gigabyte A7x1 packs an NVIDIA RTX 3070 GPU combined with an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU, making it one of the best gaming notebooks on the market.
2. The device has some incredible power and some of the best cooling I've seen in a Windows notebook.
3. The display is a 17.3-inch HD 144Hz panel, great for gaming, with a good selection of ports.
4. The notebook's bulkiness allows for better airflow and cooling system performance.
5. The removable battery is convenient and easy to replace without tools needed.
6. The Wind Force cooling system keeps the device cool during intense gaming sessions.
7. The upgradable slots make this a long-term investment, allowing users to upgrade their storage and RAM as needed.
Cons
1. The notebook's design is basic, with a plain black plastic shell.
2. The battery life is relatively short, lasting around 4 hours with brightness on 40%.
3. Charging the battery takes longer than built-in batteries.
4. The display has poor viewing angles and low brightness (measured at 320 nits).
5. It's an RGB panel, which may not be ideal for photo editing or video production (has only 90 sRGB coverage).
6. The speakers can get loud during gaming sessions and might be distracting.
7. The notebook gets quite warm during heavy use, reaching temperatures of up to 99°C (212°F) internally.
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