[CES 2023] ASUS Introduces Updated ROG Laptops

ASUS Introduces Updated ROG Laptops

Following the “Maxed Out” launch event, ASUS formally announces its updated lineup of ROG laptops featuring all the latest hardware from three major chipmakers and various chassis upgrades.

Updated ROG STRIX SCAR (left) and ROG STRIX G (right) models.

First off is the gaming-focused STRIX series – once again powered by Intel’s latest-and-greatest in the form of Core i9-13980HX, a 24-core (8P+16E), 55W-class CPUs; plus NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU with 16GB VRAM – Team Green’s first-ever 90-class mobile GPU, in its full-bore configuration.

These new parts will land on newly-designed STRIX SCAR 16 and SCAR 18, plus G16 and G18 – which features 16-inch and 18-inch 16:10 displays at QHD resolution, with “at least” 500 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 coverage and refresh rate up to 240Hz. The SCAR 16 in particular will receive ASUS’s most advanced displays on offer – dubbed Nebula HDR Display, this panel in particular contains a 1,024-zone Mini-LED panel that can drive peak brightness up to 1100 nits.

ROG STRIX SCAR 17 (left) and STRIX G17 (right).

AMD CPUs are to remain on 17-inch designs (SCAR 17 and G17), with minor facelift based on existing chassis. The 17-inch models will run on the combination of AMD’s Ryzen 9 “Zen 4” processor up to 16 performance cores plus the same RTX 4090 Laptop GPU found on Team Blue’s models. ASUS didn’t explicitly mention the model number of CPU for these models, but we’d make an educated guess which is likely a Ryzen 9 7945HX – also a 55W-class CPU based on what’s known so far.

All models will support NVIDIA Advanced Optimus with MUX switch, plus Dynamic Boost which allows up to 175W TGP (except G17 at 140W TGP) to be allocated to the GPU. On the cooling side, the new designs on Intel models features full-length exhaust on the rear (which relocates I/O to both sides like Zephyrus models), and a triple-fan setup (based on Flow X16’s design) for managing increased amounts of power and heat of the new parts. With iterative chassis, AMD models will retain its general cooling layout based from previous models, but webcams make a return to all STRIX models.

ROG Zephyrus lineup.

Moving on to Zehpyrus – with four models that is M16, G16, G14 and Duo 16. Oddly enough, alongside the M16, the G16 (which is based on G15) is now converted into Intel-powered machine, leaving the latter two of four sporting AMD Zen 4 CPUs that are so far unspecified.

Both Intel models will feature Core i9-13900H, with the premium M16 model sporting the same ROG Nebula HDR Display featured on the aforementioned STRIX SCAR 16. GPU features up to RTX 4090 (145W TGP); the laptop also features ASUS’s AniMe Matrix LED array on the back side of the display. New triple-fan, full-width cooling system enables 25 watts higher combined power targets for the CPU and GPU compared to the outgoing chassis.

For the Zephyrus G16 – which was previously a G15, now with 16:10 displays, is now converted into an Intel-based laptop with the aforementioned Core i9-13900H, with GPUs available up to RTX 4070 (120W TGP). ASUS also has given this model a non-HDR “Nebula Display” which otherwise features the same QHD 240Hz spec as the other models.

Moving to the AMD-based laptops, the Zephyrus G14 now comes with further upgraded internals with an unspecified ‘Zen 4’ Ryzen 9 CPU, plus RTX 4090 (125W TGP) onboard. Talk about pocket rocket. ASUS notes that this model comes with the first-ever 14-inch Nebula HDR Display, with slightly different specs to the 16-inch: 504 zones, 600 nits peak and 100% DCI-P3 coverage. Based on the wording, it looks like this feature comes at the cost of AniMe Matrix – so you’ll have to pick either one of two.

Finally, the big one: Zephyrus Duo 16 gets updated internals while largely retains the same design. Powering it is RTX 4090 Laptop GPU (165W TGP) and the most powerful Zen 4 mobile CPU on offer – this yet-to-be-revealed CPU comes with full-fat 16 cores at disposal, with the signature dual-display design that features the same Nebula HDR Display up top, and a 4K touchscreen panel down below.

ROG Flow series & XG Mobile.

The ultra-lightweight ROG Flow series also gets a hardware refresh. X13, X16 and Z13 returns – alongside a new XG Mobile module that contains RTX 4090 Laptop GPU at 150 watts TGP. The Flow X13 now features Zen 4 CPUs, plus up to RTX 4070 (60W TGP) at disposal and a maximum of 32GB LPDDR5 RAM. The newly-designed chassis features slightly smaller footprint while increasing battery capacity from 62Wh to 75Wh; new intake layout for better cooling; and increased touchpad size. Gone is the 4K or 1080p touch panel – and in comes a QHD 165Hz touch panel.

The detachable Z13 meanwhile has the option for RTX 4060 (65W TGP), with Core i9-13900H handling the compute duty. Display is courtesy of the same QHD 165Hz touch panel as the X13 model. The bigger Flow X16 now features Core i9-13900H as well as RTX 4070 (120W TGP) at disposal, with the same QHD 240Hz Nebula HDR Display that’s seen on other contemporary models. All Flow models features Corning Gorilla Glass DXC, which claims to increase hardness while reducing glare.

No pricing or launch information has been released so far – so stay tuned for updates.

Pokdepinion: Not sure if the Intel STRIX’s design choice would be a popular one given that rear-facing ports used to be one of the positive points of the laptop. Also, the sheer amount of different TDP ratings for these “RTX 4090” GPUs…