Unleash the Power of Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 ft. AMD Ryzen 9!

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Home Hardware Unleash the Power of Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 ft. AMD Ryzen 9!

Unleash the Power of Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 ft. AMD Ryzen 9!

Introduction 🌟

In the midst of the current global situation, many of us have found ourselves working from home, confined to the same space day in and day out. With this in mind, let's take a break from the ordinary and dive into something more engaging. Today, we'll be exploring the all-new Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 laptop, specifically the Ryzen 4000 series. Over the past couple of weeks, I've had the opportunity to test out the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed. From its powerful performance to its sleek design, there's a lot to unpack here. So, let's jump right in!

Design and Display 🖥️

When it comes to design, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 offers a more subdued aesthetic compared to previous models. Available in two color choices, black or white, I opted for the latter. The laptop is constructed with a magnesium alloy, making it feel both rigid and premium. The matte coating on the body helps resist fingerprints, while the silver accents add a touch of elegance. As for the display, you have two options: a 1440p 60Hz panel or a 1080p 120Hz panel. Both offer excellent 100% sRGB coverage, but I personally recommend the 1080p panel for its higher refresh rate.

Keyboard and Trackpad ⌨️

The keyboard on the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is well-designed and easy to use. It features the same layout as previous Asus laptops, with well-spaced keys and a good amount of key travel and response. There are four dedicated keys at the top, including two volume control keys and a mic key, which is particularly useful for streamers and gamers. The fourth key launches the G Armory Crate, where you can customize profiles and settings for the laptop. The trackpad, while not the largest, functions well and is responsive.

Speakers and Audio 🎧

One of the standout features of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is its impressive speaker setup. With two speakers on the top and two on the bottom, the audio quality is excellent, especially considering the laptop's 14-inch form factor. Whether you're consuming entertainment or gaming, the speakers deliver a great audio experience. However, I still recommend using a good pair of headphones, especially for tasks like editing or playing games where sound accuracy is crucial.

Ports and Connectivity 🖥️

In terms of ports, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 offers a decent selection. On the right side, you have two USB 3.0 ports and a Type-C 3.0 Gen 2 port. On the left side, there's a proprietary HDMI 2.0 port, another Type-C port, and a headphone/mic combo jack. Notably, the Type-C port on the left supports not only DisplayPort 1.4 output but also up to 65 watts of charging. This means you can charge the G14 with a USB-C charger, which is great for those who are often on the go or in remote locations. However, for demanding tasks, it's recommended to use the AC adapter for the full CPU and GPU performance.

Performance and Benchmarks ⚡

Now let's dive into what matters most: performance. The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is powered by the Ryzen 9 4900HS, a 35-watt chip that competes with Intel's i9-9900HK. In our tests and benchmarks, the Ryzen 9 outperformed the Intel chip in both multi-core and single-core scores, achieving a 25% increase in performance. While Intel has traditionally been dominant in lightly threaded applications, the Ryzen 9 is changing the landscape. In applications like DaVinci Resolve 16, where we tested the rendering times, the Ryzen 9 was slightly faster than the i9-9900HK, showcasing its capabilities as a powerful workstation.

Gaming Capabilities 🎮

When it comes to gaming, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 holds its own. Equipped with an RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU, it delivers smooth performance in most games. While there is not much difference compared to laptops with the same GPU, the G14's smaller form factor makes it a more portable option for gaming on the go. Thanks to its 1080p 120Hz display, gaming feels responsive, and the G14 excels in eSports titles. For a 14-inch laptop, the gaming experience is impressive.

Thermals and Noise 🔥

Thermals are always a concern when it comes to powerful laptops, and the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 handles them well for the most part. During CPU-intensive tasks like Cinebench R20, the CPU temperature reached around 87 degrees Celsius on average, thanks to the laptop's efficient cooling system. However, under more demanding workloads like rendering in DaVinci Resolve, the CPU temperature can hit around 90 degrees Celsius, but it maintains stable clock speeds at around 3.2 GHz. It's worth mentioning that the fan noise can be noticeable when the laptop is under heavy load, but the balanced profile offers the best compromise between performance and noise levels.

Battery Life ⚡

Battery life has seen significant improvements with the Ryzen 4000 series, and the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is no exception. With its efficient CPU and optimized power management, the laptop can easily last between 8 to 10 hours on a single charge. This makes it a reliable option for those who need long battery life while working or studying on the go.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts 💭

In conclusion, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 stands out as one of the most powerful gaming laptops in the 14-inch form factor. With the Ryzen 4000 series, AMD has successfully brought desktop-class performance to the mobile lineup, putting added pressure on Intel. While the landscape may have changed with the arrival of Intel Tiger Lake processors, the G14 remains a solid choice for those seeking a powerful and portable workstation. From its sleek design to its impressive performance, this laptop leaves a lasting impression. As we adapt to the changing world, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 proves itself to be a reliable and capable companion.

FAQ

Q1: Can I upgrade the RAM on the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14? Yes, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 has one accessible RAM slot, allowing you to upgrade the memory. However, please note that half of the RAM (16GB) is soldered onto the system chip, so the maximum RAM capacity you can achieve is 40GB.

Q2: Does the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 have a webcam? Unfortunately, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 does not have a built-in webcam. However, it does feature a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button for convenient and secure login.

Q3: What is the battery life like on the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14? The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 offers impressive battery life, lasting between 8 to 10 hours on a single charge. This makes it suitable for extended work or study sessions on the go.

Q4: Can I charge the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 using a USB-C charger? Yes, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 supports charging via USB-C. The Type-C port on the left side not only supports DisplayPort 1.4 output but also up to 65 watts of charging. However, for maximum performance, it is recommended to use the AC adapter.

Q5: Is the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 suitable for gaming? Yes, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is well-suited for gaming. With its powerful Ryzen 9 processor and RTX 2060 GPU, it can handle most modern games with ease. The 1080p 120Hz display provides a smooth and responsive gaming experience.