Asus ROG Flow Z13 review (2023 GZ301VV model – i9, RTX 4060)

That is my detailed assessment of the 2023 Asus ROG Drift Z13 sequence.

The Drift Z13 is a reasonably distinctive product, a conveyable pill+ keyboard folio layout with a 13-inch show, however on the similar time a tool with robust specifications that may rival the features of many full-size laptops. If truth be told, the ROG Drift Z13 remains to be on of the maximum robust 13-inch compact computer recently to be had in shops, along the relatively higher-specced 2023 technology of the ROG Drift X13.

On a primary look, the 2023 replace of the Zephyrus Z13 is really a {hardware} refresh of the 2022 Drift Z13 technology reviewed right here, as it’s constructed at the similar chassis and provides equivalent traits and capability.

Then again, Asus no longer simplest incorporated the newest specifications from Intel and Nvidia on this style (i9-13900H + RTX 4060 in this assessment unit), but additionally up to date the charger and the facility profiles as a way to permit those elements to run at larger chronic and function than sooner than. Moreover, additionally they incorporated an exquisite QHD+ show choice that makes much more sense on this layout than the FHD/UHD panels introduced sooner than.

With that during thoughts, down under I’ve collected my mind and impressions in this 2023 ROG Drift Z13 sequence, with an in depth have a look at all of the main points that you just must take note of as a possible purchaser.

Specifications as reviewed – Asus ROG Drift Z13 GZ301VV

Our assessment unit is the top-specced 2023 Drift Z13 configuration to be had at this level.

Listed below are the opposite variants introduced for the Asus ROG Drift Z13 (2023) technology:

• Asus ROG Drift Z13 GZ301VV – Intel Core i9-13900H + RTX 4060 65W + QHD+ show;
• Asus ROG Drift Z13 GZ301VU – Intel Core i9-13900H + RTX 4050 65W + QHD+ show;
• Asus ROG Drift Z13 GZ301VF – Intel Core i9-13900H + RTX 2050 65W + QHD+ show.

Replace: An ROG Drift Z13 GZ301VI style could also be discussed on Asus’s website online right here, with an i9 + RTX 4070 65W. This used to be additionally indexed in a couple of stores, with 32 GB of RAM, however maximum listings have been taken down within the intervening time. I’ll have an replace after I to find out extra about this.

Design and development

The entire design and capability of this 2023 ROG Drift Z13 sequence haven’t modified whatsoever from the gen1 style introduced ultimate yr, and mentioned intensive on this detailed assessment.

I’m no longer going to head over each little side once more on this article, so take a look at that preceding assessment for all my mind in this design.

In a couple of phrases, this Drift Z13 is a pill layout with a keyboard folio, beautiful just like a Floor Professional, however relatively thicker and heavier, and incomparably extra robust.

For what’s value, this 2023 technology weighs 1.2 pounds for the pill, and an additional .35 for the keyboard, for a complete of 1.55 mixed. That’s slightly heavy for a 13-inch instrument. However the {hardware} within compensates for it.

(*20*)

Now, as a pill PC, this makes essentially the most sense on a table, because the ergonomics in every other situation are moderately questionable.

I assume you’ll additionally use this as a pill, for surfing and studying and taking notes, nevertheless it’s reasonably clunky and heavy, and it’s additionally a Home windows instrument, so it doesn’t come as regards to the enjoy supplied by means of a devoted pill, like an iPad. No less than for me – it’s possible you’ll really feel in a different way.

In PC mode, this sits up due to an adjustable kickstand positioned at the again, with a mess of imaginable angles. It will probably simplest be positioned in panorama mode, even though, and no longer in portrait.

Plus, that kickstand isn’t slightly best possible, because it’s a pointy end with none rubber lip the place it is available in touch together with your table, and in addition doesn’t permit the display screen to be set vertically, at a 90-100 stage attitude, however just a little additional to the again. This would possibly no longer appear to be a lot, however I spotted this side at the gen1 style, and it hasn’t modified right here.

That apart, this pill seems gorgeous, with an business attraction and an RGB window peaking within at one of the most elements at the again, whilst the entrance is most commonly the display screen, with some cameras and microphones above and a few bezels throughout. It’s additionally constructed in point of fact neatly, and doesn’t squeak or flex whatsoever that might hassle you with day-after-day use.

One primary promoting level of this pill layout is the truth that the elements are positioned at the back of the display screen, and that implies that the keyboard folio all the time remains cool and comfy to touch, it doesn’t matter what you’re operating at the instrument. Plus, the thermal module isn’t obstructed, not like on common laptops, the place the followers are positioned beneath the principle chassis and with little house for correct airflow.

Moreover, the outputs are at the height edge, pushing the new air clear of the chassis and no longer into the display screen, as with many different ultraportables. Paired with the complicated vapor-chamber cooling module within this instrument, the design lets in Asus to squeeze robust {hardware} on this Drift Z13, or even run it at considerably larger chronic than at the preceding style.

One ultimate side to say this is the IO.

Asus put two USB-C ports in this unit, each at the left facet, a USB-A and a headphone jack at the proper, in addition to a microSD card reader at the again, beneath the kickstand.

Not like the former gen, the USB-A slot is 3.2 gen1 in this technology, and the two USB-C slots each enhance knowledge, video (one throughout the iGPU, one throughout the dGPU), and charging.

There’s additionally the proprietary XG cellular connection at the left edge, lined by means of a protecting rubber cap. Asus have additionally up to date their XG Cellular eGPUs for this technology, bumping them to RTX 4080/4090 specifications, and we’ll cover its efficiency in a long run article.

All in all, this ROG Drift Z13 2023 replace is just about the similar design as the unique style launched in 2022, with some slight refinements within the IO and biometrics. Many of the modified are at the within, even though, as you’ll see in just a little.

Keyboard folio, keyboard, and touchpad

The ROG Flox Z13 ships with an incorporated keyboard folio that provides an RGB backlit keyboard and a clickpad.

The folio attaches to the pill thru a bodily connector, and magnets are well positioned at the folio and the ground of the pill as a way to help the docking procedure and make it as easy as imaginable. That implies the keyboard reaction is immediate, with none of the lag of Bluetooth peripherals, however on the similar time, way you can’t use the keyboard when no longer bodily attached to the pill.

(*15*)

This keyboard can be utilized in two positions, one being flat at the table and any other being relatively angled, for a extra comfy typing place. Those two modes are same old for this type of instrument. Within the bumped-up mode, the deck of this folio flexes just a little beneath the load of your palms, however no longer in some way that can intrude with the typing enjoy.

(*3*)

The folio feels slightly great to touch as neatly, with a faux-leather end for the interior and a canvas-like subject matter at the again. I’ve no proceedings about any of those, and I’m happy they appear to be slightly smudge resistant, which issues a great deal in this type of darker colours.  Confidently, they’ll additionally age neatly, particularly the leather-based at the palm leisure. Time will inform…

So far as the true keyboard is going, it’s a horny same old Asus ROG structure and really feel, with most commonly full-size keys and smaller arrows.

This can be a 13-inch keyboard layout, even though, so moderately extra cramped than on better ROG laptops. Plus, not like at the different ROG units, there’s no longer enough space in this one for the additional set of media keys on the top-left facet.

Total, even though, those keys be offering excellent comments and deep shuttle for this magnificence, with a 1.7 mm stroke. They’re additionally quiet, so in point of fact, no actual proceedings.

Asus additionally applied single-zone RGB lights right here, with vibrant and evenly-lit LEDs. The lights is uniform, but some mild nonetheless creeps from beneath one of the most keycaps with the narrow profile of the folio.

(*13*)

The clickpad is simplest alright by means of these days’s requirements. There’s little house beneath the keyboard and this implies the touchpad is reasonably small. It’s additionally created from plastic, and whilst it tracks neatly and translates gestures and faucets as anticipated, the bodily clinks are reasonably clunky and loud. However a minimum of the skin doesn’t rattle with more impregnable faucets.

As for biometrics, there’s not a finger sensor within the chronic button in this technology, as at the 2022 style, however the digicam comprises IR capability with enhance for Home windows Hi. I wouldn’t thoughts having each a finger sensor and an IR digicam, even though.

Display screen

There’s a 13.4-inch 16:10 contact show at the ROG Drift Z13 sequence, with a unmarried panel choice for this technology: IPS QHD+ 165Hz.

This can be a excellent and balanced display screen by means of these days’s requirements, with superb sharpness at this length, 500+ nits of brightness, and 100% DCI-P3 colour protection. This could also be a shiny contact implementation with a layer of Gorilla glass over the panel, however it’s most commonly vibrant sufficient to be usable in maximum stipulations, together with outside or in vibrant administrative center areas, in spite of the related glare.

This panel could also be 165Hz high-refresh with middling reaction instances, each must-have options on a contemporary gaming computer. Moreover, as a novelty for this yr, GSync is supported at the primary show, to stop tearing in video games.

The place this panel comes a bit of quick are blacks and distinction, particularly at the larger brightness ranges. It additionally doesn’t get very dim at the lowest brightness environment, nevertheless it must be high-quality as it’s even for darkroom use.

Right here’s what we were given in our exams of this panel, with an X-Ceremony i1 Show Professional sensor:

• Panel HardwareID: TL134ADXP01-0;
• Protection: 99.8% sRGB, 84.8% AdobeRGB, 98.0% DCI-P3;
• Kind: 10-bit HDR, with Dolby Imaginative and prescient enhance;
• Measured gamma: 2.17;
• Max brightness in the course of the display screen: 523.22 cd/m2 on chronic;
• Min brightness in the course of the display screen: 29.11 cd/m2 on chronic;
• Distinction at max brightness: 1122:1;
• White level: 6900 Ok;
• Black on max brightness: 0.46 cd/m2;
• PWM: No.

The panel comes neatly pre-calibrated out of the field, with just a slight skewness in Gamma and the White Level which may be progressed. As soon as calibrated, we measured excellent luminosity and colour uniformity ranges on our pattern, and spotted nearly no mild bleeding on darkish backgrounds.

Total, this is a superb panel for this type of computer, and simply higher balanced for day-after-day use, ingenious paintings, or gaming than the FHD/UHD choices introduced with the 2022 Drift Z13 technology.

{Hardware} and function

Our take a look at style is a top-specced configuration of the Asus ROG Drift Z13, code identify GV301VV, constructed on an Intel Core i9-13900H processor, 16 GB of DDR5-4800 reminiscence in twin channel, 1 TB of mid-tier SSD garage, and twin graphics: the Nvidia RTX 4060 8GB dGPU and the Iris UHD iGPU built-in inside the Intel processor.

Earlier than we continue, needless to say our assessment unit used to be despatched over by means of Asus and it runs at the early instrument to be had as of early-March 2023 (BIOS 301, Armoury Crate 5.4.10, GeForce 528.69 drivers). Some facets would possibly alternate with later instrument.

Spec-wise, this 2023 Asus ROG Drift Z13 is constructed on the newest mid-tier Intel and Nvidia {hardware} to be had up to now.

The Core i9-13900H is a mid-tier i9 in Intel’s Raptor Lake Thirteenth-gen platform, with 14 Cores and 20 Threads. This can be a hybrid design with 6 Prime-Efficiency and dual-threaded Cores, and 8 Potency cores, which paintings in combination or one by one within the more than a few actions.

The design and thermal module of this ROG Drift pill permit the processor to run at ~65W of sustained chronic in difficult CPU so much, at the Turbo or Handbook profiles. That’s not up to at the full-size Zephyrus laptops,  as anticipated in this shape issue, however remains to be a bump from the former 2022 Drift Z13 that ran at ~50W sustained.

For the GPU, the 2023 ROG Drift Z13 is to be had with low and mid-tier RTX chips. What we’ve in this pattern is the RTX 4060 Computer dGPU operating at as much as 65W with Dynamic Spice up. This can be a Max-Q environment friendly variant, and no longer the full-power chip applied on better laptops.

The next TGP is applied on this technology. Moreover, any other novelty is the MUX with enhance for Nvidia’s Complex Optimus generation and GSync at the primary show.

For RAM, this comes with soldered reminiscence and both 8 or 16 GB DDR5 configurations. In the meanwhile, there’s nonetheless no choice for 32 GB of reminiscence in this sequence, which might had been favored.

For garage, there’s a unmarried M.2 SSD slot in this instrument, however in a miniaturized 2230 layout. The incorporated Micron 2400 1TB SSD isn’t as rapid because the SSDs introduced with different ROG fashions.

Getting within to the elements is hard in this ROG Drift Z13, however the SSD is the one upgradeable section anyway, and you’ll simply get to it throughout the devoted get entry to tray positioned at the again of the instrument, beneath the kickstand. Needless to say this laptop makes use of an M.2 2230 SSD layout, so possible upgrades are imaginable, however extra restricted and dearer than with common M.2 2280 drives.

Specifications apart, Asus be offering their same old chronic profiles within the Armoury Crate keep an eye on app: Silent, Efficiency, Turbo, and Handbook, with more than a few chronic settings and fan profiles between them, summarized within the following desk.

Apart from those primary chronic profiles, there also are some GPU choices to choose between: Final (dGPU simplest, calls for a restart when decided on), Same old (permits Complex Optimus), Optimized (permits common Optimus), and Eco (common Optimus, however disables the dGPU). I most commonly stored the laptop on Same old for day-after-day use and exams, and opted for Final for gaming.

Earlier than we soar to the efficiency segment, right here’s how this laptop handles on a regular basis use and multitasking at the Silent profile, unplugged from the wall. The odB generation is applied at the Silent profile, protecting the followers idle so long as the elements don’t recover from 50 levels Celsius. Then again, that’s simplest imaginable with video streaming and really mild use, because the followers get lively with multitasking; they spin slowly, at sub 30 dBA, however you’ll nonetheless pay attention them in quiet environments.

Efficiency and benchmarks

Directly to extra difficult so much, we begin by means of trying out the CPU’s efficiency by means of operating the Cinebench R15 take a look at for 15+ instances in a loop, with a 1-2 seconds extend between each and every run.

The Core i9 processor stabilizes at ~65W of sustained chronic at the Turbo environment, with temperatures of round 80-85 C and rankings of ~2550 issues. The followers spin at ~43 dB at head point on this mode.

The CPU runs at excessive chronic over 100W for a couple of loops, however then the machine limits the facility as a way to stay temperatures at bay. Regardless, even at 65W, this i9-13900H is inside 15-20% of the sustained efficiency of alternative better and higher-power implementations.

Choosing the Handbook profile with the followers set at 100% rpms pushes the noise ranges to ~44 dBA, however doesn’t affect the efficiency or temperatures in any notable approach.

Switching over to the Efficiency profile interprets within the CPU stabilizing at ~55W and temperatures within the excessive 70s, with the followers spinning a bit of quieter at ~39 dB at head-level. Another time, the machine power-limits the CPU, and the efficiency takes a 10% drop from the Turbo profile.

At the Silent profile, the CPU runs at round 40W for a couple of loops, after which stabilizes at 20W, with slightly audible followers (sub 30 dB) and temperatures within the high-50s C.

In the end, the CPU runs a 45W for a couple of runs on battery chronic, at the Efficiency profile, and ultimately stabilizes at ~30W. Main points under.

(*2*)

Total, those are some superb effects for a 13-inch computer, inside much less 15-20% of what you must be expecting in a higher-power implementation of the similar i9-13900H chip, introduced in better units.

Moreover, this 2023 ROG Drift Z13 is 30+% quicker than the former technology on this similar take a look at, and quicker than every other sub-14-inch ultraportable to be had in the market. It’s additionally a bit of louder than the former Z13, at 43 dBA on Turbo vs 40 dBA at the preceding style.

(*1*)

We then went forward and extra verified our findings with the extra taxing Cinebench R23 loop take a look at and Blender – School room, which ended in equivalent findings to what we defined above.

We additionally ran the 3DMark CPU take a look at at the Turbo profile.

In the end, we ran our mixed CPU+GPU rigidity exams in this pocket book. 3DMark rigidity runs the similar take a look at for 20 instances in a loop and appears for efficiency variation and degradation through the years. This assessment unit simply handed the take a look at, this means that the elements by no means overheat whatsoever that might affect the sustained mixed efficiency.

Subsequent, we ran all the suite of exams and benchmarks, at the Turbo profile with the GPU set at the Same old mode (MUX on Complex Optimus), and with the display screen set on the local QHD+ solution.

Right here’s what we were given:

• 3DMark 13 –CPU profile: max – 8841, 16 – 8082, 8 – 6364, 4 – 4089, 2 – 2199, 1 – 1115;
• 3DMark 13 – Hearth Strike (DX11): 19841 (Graphics – 22072, Physics – 30334, Mixed – 8715);
• 3DMark 13 – Port Royal (RTX): 4979;
• 3DMark 13 – Time Undercover agent (DX12): 9290 (Graphics – 8816, CPU – 13363);
• 3DMark 13 – Pace Method (DX12 Final): 2156;
• Uniengine Superposition – 1080p Excessive: 5089;
• Uniengine Superposition – 1080p Medium: 13940;
• Handbrake 1.3.3 (4K to 1080p encode): 64.15 reasonable fps;
• Handbrake 1.6.1 (4K to 1080p encode): 80.42 reasonable fps;
• PassMark 10: Ranking: 6775 (CPU: 34257, 3-D Graphics: 18078, Reminiscence: 3461, Disk Mark: 24376);
• PCMark 10: 8006 (Necessities – 11440, Productiveness – 11059, Virtual Content material Introduction – 11009);
• GeekBench 5.5.1 64-bit: Multi-core: 13971, Unmarried-Core: 2034;
• CineBench R15 (perfect run): CPU 2950 cb, CPU Unmarried Core 297 cb;
• CineBench R20 (perfect run): CPU 7249 cb, CPU Unmarried Core 792 cb;
• CineBench R23: CPU 18670 cb (perfect unmarried run), CPU 16958 cb (10 min run), CPU Unmarried Core 2031 cb;
• x265 HD Benchmark 64-bit: 23.67 s.

And listed below are some workstation benchmarks, at the similar Turbo profile:

• Blender 3.01 – BMW scene – CPU Compute: 2m 21s ;
• Blender 3.01 – BMW scene – GPU Compute: 24.90s (CUDA), 10.68s (Optix);
• Blender 3.01 – School room scene – CPU Compute: 5m 40s;
• Blender 3.01 – School room scene – GPU Compute: 50.51s (CUDA), 27.24s (Optix);
• Blender 3.41 – BMW scene – CPU Compute: 2m 18s;
• Blender 3.41 – BMW scene – GPU Compute: 26.15s (CUDA), 10.93 (Optix);
• Blender 3.41 – School room scene – CPU Compute: 5m 49s;
• Blender 3.41 – School room scene – GPU Compute: 51.57s (CUDA), 24.46s (Optix);

• PugetBench – DaVinci Get to the bottom of: 1300 issues;

• SPECviewperf 2020 – 3DSMax: 81.96;
• SPECviewperf 2020 – Catia: 51.88;
• SPECviewperf 2020 – Creo: 94.48;
• SPECviewperf 2020 – Power: 29.71;
• SPECviewperf 2020 – Maya: 297.55;
• SPECviewperf 2020 – Clinical: 29.10;
• SPECviewperf 2020 – SNX: 19.09;
• SPECviewperf 2020 – SW: 191.99.
• V-Ray Benchmark: 12069 – CPU, 985 – CUDA, 1465 – RTX.

This Drift Z13 is a superb performer in its magnificence of ultra-compact units.

In comparison to the 2022 i9 + RTX 3050Ti height configuration, this technology is 20-30% quicker in CPU so much and 50-100% quicker in GPU-heavy actions.

In comparison to the top-tier 2022 Zephyrus G14 Ryzen 9 + RX 6800S configuration, this Drift is 15-30% quicker in CPU efficiency, and 15-25% slower in GPU features.

Moreover, in comparison to the 2023 Zephyrus G16 higher-power i9 + RTX 4060 implementation, the similar specifications within the Drift Z13 translate in a 5-15% drop in CPU efficiency, and 15-25% drop in GPU features.

At this level, the one different compact laptop that are supposed to outperform this one is the up to date Asus ROG Drift X13, to be had this yr in a Ryzen 9 7940HS + RTX 4070 60W configuration. Or even this one will simplest win in GPU-heavy so much, however in all probability no longer in CPU-heavy duties. We’ll know extra after we get to check the Drift X13, within the close to long run.

Replace: A 4070 65W variant of the Drift Z13 could also be discussed right here and there (on Asus’s website online and a few shops in Europe), in order that may additionally be to be had one day within the close to long run.

Turbo Mode vs. Efficiency, Silent

Earlier than we continue, let’s contact at the Efficiency and Silent profiles introduced in Armoury Crate.

The ones Turbo-mode effects are superb for this manner issue, however the laptop runs at ~43 dBA in this Turbo profile, which isn’t very loud, however nonetheless audible in maximum environments. Thus, when you’re prepared to sacrifice the efficiency to some degree as a way to stay the followers quieter, the Efficiency and Silent profiles must be of hobby.

Right here’s how this 2023 ROG Drift Z13 plays at the Efficiency profile, which limits the followers to round 39 dBA at head point.

• 3DMark 13 – Hearth Strike (DX11): 17411 (Graphics – 19913, Physics – 27296, Mixed – 7005);
• 3DMark 13 – Time Undercover agent (DX12): 7849 (Graphics – 7438, CPU – 11429);
• Uniengine Superposition – 1080p Excessive: 4702;
• CineBench R20 (perfect run): CPU 6412 cb, CPU Unmarried Core 773 cb;
• Blender 3.41 – School room scene – CPU Compute: 6m 23s.

The CPU and GPU run at relatively decrease chronic in this profile, therefore the rankings take a slight hit of 10-15% in our exams.

You’ll be able to additionally go for the Silent profile, by which case the followers are a lot quieter and gained’t cross over 30 dBA. Right here’s what we were given on this case:

• 3DMark 13 – Hearth Strike (DX11): 15470 (Graphics – 17922, Physics – 17691, Mixed – 6986);
• 3DMark 13 – Time Undercover agent (DX12): 6268 (Graphics – 6514, CPU – 5164);
• Uniengine Superposition – 1080p Excessive: 4021;
• CineBench R20 (perfect run): CPU 3669 cb, CPU Unmarried Core 647 cb;
• Blender 3.41 – School room scene – CPU Compute: 13m 04s.

For informal use and short-duration extensive duties, the Silent profile remains to be aggressive, as proven in those effects above. With longer sustained so much, even though, the CPU stabilizes at 20W sustained and the GPU runs at simplest 25W of chronic, so the efficiency in those situations takes a extra notable hit than at the different profiles, so for essentially the most section, I wouldn’t counsel Silent mode for any severe so much. I might definitely go for this mode for normal use and multitasking, even though.

Efficiency with the XG Cellular eGPU (RTX 4090)

As with every different ROG Drift units, this Z13 technology is suitable with the XG Cellular eGPU enclosure, which Asus have up to date with as much as RTX 4090 dGPUs for this yr. It’s nonetheless unclear at this level whether or not this runs at 150W or as much as 175W with Dynamic Spice up.

I were given to spend time with an engineering pattern of the 4090 XG Cellular, and it carried out rather well. This used to be no longer a last unit, so I will be able to’t percentage all of the efficiency findings but, however I will be able to percentage an excessively transient early spoiler:

• 3DMark 13 – Time Undercover agent (DX12): 18535 (Graphics – 19857, Physics – 13458);
• 3DMark 13 – Port Royal (RTX): 12491;
• Uniengine Superposition – 1080p Excessive: 12600.

With video games, the machine allocates 50-60W of chronic to the CPU on this setup, and the GPU runs at round 150W TGP. Those early GPU rankings are inside 3-7% of rankings at the ultimate ROG Scar 18 reviewed right here. However take them with a lump of salt, as they’re on an early pattern with early instrument, and they’d alternate within the retail variations.

We’ll have a separate article at the RTX 4090 XG cellular efficiency on ROG Drift units one day within the close to long run.

Gaming efficiency

Let’s see how this ROG Drift Z13 GV301 (2023 technology) handles fashionable video games, since that is, in the end, a part of the ROG circle of relatives.

We examined a few several types of video games at the more than a few to be had profiles at QHD+ and FHD+ solution, all with the MUX set at the Final GPU mode.

Listed below are the consequences:

• Battlefield V, Cyberpunk, Doom, Witcher 3 – recorded with Fraps/in-game FPS counter in marketing campaign mode;
• A ways Cry 5, 6, Metro, Crimson Lifeless Redemption 2, Tomb Raider – recorded with the incorporated Benchmark utilities;
• Crimson Lifeless Redemption 2 Optimized profile in accordance with those settings.

The ones above are rasterization exams, and listed below are some effects for RTX – Ray Tracing efficiency, with and with out DLSS.

This configuration is a power-capped implementation of the Cor ei9 + RTX 4060 {hardware}, however can nonetheless maintain most current video games at QHD+ solution and Extremely settings.

Regardless, that is just a MaxQ 4060, so positive, with some titles you’ll have to chop down the main points to Prime/Medium for 60+ fps, and the efficiency struggles with Ray Tracing. For that, you’ll need to turn on DLSS, however even within the titles that enhance DLSS3, the affect in this mid-tier RTX 4060 chip isn’t as important as at the higher-tier RTX 4080/4090 configurations.

So far as the gaming efficiency is going compared to the previous-gen i9 + RTX 3050Ti Drift Z13, this technology is 2 instances quicker at FHD+ solution, give or take. Plus, with the higher-tier GPU and the additional vRAM, it might probably run video games that the former style merely may just no longer.

I’ll additionally upload that this 4060 65W implementation is set 15-25% slower in video games than the RTX 3060 120W configuration examined within the Zephyrus G16, each at the similar Core i9-13900H platform. That’s a decent distinction taking into account the Drift Z13 is part the facility of the 16-inch Zephyrus G16.

With that out of the best way, let’s cross over some efficiency and temperature logs.

The Turbo mode ramps up the followers to ranges of ~43 dBA in this instrument, which isn’t dangerous at serious about a height profile, although you’ll nonetheless pay attention the ones followers in maximum environments.

The internals runs between 70-80 levels C at the CPU and 70-73 C at the GPU. Those are excellent temperatures, although the whole crossload chronic of this technology has been bumped to 80W mixed, a notable building up from the 57W mixed chronic at the preceding Z13 2022 style. Is fairly, even though, the elements run at relatively larger temperatures on this replace, and the followers run relatively louder as neatly.

That you must additionally go for the Handbook profile and push the followers to 100% rpms, which is able to push the noise at 44 dBA, however this mode gained’t impact the efficiency or the temperatures in any notable approach.

Therefore, this type of max-fan Handbook profile doesn’t make a lot sense right here. However different types of tweaks would possibly. I’ll will let you mess around with the settings.

Then again, when you’re prepared to sacrifice the framerates to some degree and get a quieter gaming enjoy, the Efficiency and Silent profiles are value pursuing.

The Efficiency profile drops the followers’ noise to ~39 dBA at head point and bounds the crossload chronic to 60W, with as much as 45W going to the GPU. This interprets right into a more or less 20% drop in framerates, but additionally a drop in inside temperatures, particularly at the GPU facet, which now averages round 65-67 C.

The Silent profile limits the GPU at 25W of sustained chronic, with a crossload environment of beneath 40W. It additionally helps to keep the followers very quiet, at just about 30 dBA at head point.

The gaming efficiency takes a success, at about 60% of what this instrument is able to in Turbo, however when you’re prepared to drop to FHD+ solution, many of the examined titles are nonetheless completely playable in this Silent profile even on Extremely graphics settings. No longer dangerous in any respect!

In the end, I’ll point out the gaming efficiency on battery chronic, at the Efficiency profile.

This pattern limits the GPU to round 35W of chronic in this profile, which interprets in excellent efficiency, however lower than one hour of battery existence.

Noise, Warmth, Connectivity, speakers, and others

The cooling module in this 2023 Drift Z13 hasn’t modified from the former technology. It’s nonetheless the similar dual-fan dual-radiator vapor-chamber design, with liquid metallic thermal compound carried out on each the CPU and the dGPU.

(*11*)

Moreover, the pill layout lets in for unrestrained airflow into the followers and for the new air to be simply driven up and clear of the consumer, these kinds of elements including as much as the whole superb thermal findings documented within the preceding segment.

After all, because of the pill layout, Asus must set reasonably low thermal limits for the inner elements. At low to mid 70s at the CPU/GPU, those are a bit of larger than at the preceding Drift Z13 technology, and the followers run a bit of louder as neatly, at 43 dBA at head-level on Turbo (vs 40 dBA at the 2022 style). Total, even though, inside temperatures and noise ranges are high-quality in this instrument.

As a abstract, so far as noise ranges cross whilst operating difficult so much, be expecting 44+ dBA on Handbook with max-fans, ~43 dBA on Turbo, ~39 dBA of Efficiency, and sub-30 dBA at the Silent profile.

So far as the exterior temperatures cross, the Drift Z13 helps to keep simplest heat with difficult so much, however with hotspots across the height exhausts and at the again of the chassis. Issues must be high-quality so long as you’re protecting this at the table, however the metallic surfaces gets uncomfortable when you’re making plans on operating video games hand-held, in pill mode.

On the similar time, since the elements are at the back of the display screen, the pill folio helps to keep completely comfy it doesn’t matter what you’re operating at the instrument, at excessive 20s and occasional 30s Celsius. The thermal readings display how the center of the folio, round the place the Area key’s located, will get just a little hotter than the whole lot else.

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*Gaming – Silent – taking part in Witcher 3 for half-hour, Silent profile, followers at ~30 dBA
*Gaming – Turbo – taking part in Witcher 3 for half-hour, followers at ~43 dBA

Gaming apart, this laptop is a breeze to make use of with day-after-day use, with mild multitasking, surfing, or video streaming.

The 0dB Era lets in the followers to totally transfer off with mild use at the Silent profile, so long as the {hardware} remains beneath 50 C. That simplest occurs with very mild use and video streaming, even though, because the elements cross the temperatures prohibit with multitasking, and thus the followers change into lively.

They spin quietly on Silent, at sub 30 dBA, however those smaller followers nonetheless have a high-pitched roar that you just’ll definitely pay attention in quiet environments. For this type of product, a method that might simply drive the followers idle at the next CPU temperature prohibit would had been helpful.

On the similar time, I haven’t spotted any digital noises or coil whining in this unit.

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*Day-to-day Use – streaming Netflix in EDGE for half-hour, Silent profile,  followers at 0-30 dBA

For connectivity, there’s the latest-gen WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5 thru an Intel module in this instrument. It carried out neatly with our setup. I didn’t realize any problems or disconnects all through our exams, nor an important drop in efficiency at longer distances clear of the router.

Audio is treated by means of a suite of stereo speakers that fireplace thru grills positioned at the facets of the pill. The audio high quality is reasonable at perfect, even more or less susceptible I’d say, with respectable mids and highs, however little bass, and max volumes of simplest round 75 dB.

In the end, I’ll additionally point out that there’s a digicam positioned on the height of the display screen, flanked by means of microphones. The principle digicam in this unit is 5 Mpx, with IR enhance. Then again, 5 MPx is for a 4:3 layout, whilst 16:9 is simplest as much as 2 MPx, and by means of default the digicam app in Home windows selects the 2 MPx mode. Total, the digicam is OK in excellent mild and usable in dimmer mild.

For what’s value, there’s an additional 13 MPx (on 4:3 layout) digicam at the backs, if that issues to you whatsoever. I for one can’t be troubled taking footage with a pill, so…

Battery existence

There’s a 56 Wh battery within this ROG Drift Z13, which is alright for a 13-inch pill with this type of {hardware} and cooling.

The machine could also be set to mechanically transfer the display screen’s refresh to 60 Hz when the usage of the laptop on battery chronic, so when you’ll realize a handy guide a rough display screen flicker while you disconnect the laptop from the wall, that’s a side-effect of this tweak. I’ll additionally upload that when you’re taking a look to maximise runtimes, it’s vital to make use of the laptop on any choice however the Final dGPU mode in Armory Crate – preferably at the Silent Profile and on Same old/Eco dGPU mode.

Right here’s what we were given on our assessment unit when it comes to battery existence, with the display screen’s brightness set at round 120 nits (~40 brightness) and on Same old dGPU mode.

• 10.5 W (~5 h of use) – textual content modifying in Google Force, Silent  Mode, display screen at 50%, WiFi ON;
• 8 W (~6-7 h of use) – 1080p fullscreen video on Youtube in Edge, Silent Mode, display screen at 50%, WiFi ON;
• 10 W (~5 h of use) – Netflix 4K HDR fullscreen in Edge, Silent Mode, display screen at 50%, WiFi ON;
• 17 W (~3-4 h of use) – surfing in Edge, Silent Mode, display screen at 50%, WiFi ON;
• 65 W (sub 1 h of use) – Gaming – Witcher 3, Efficiency Mode, display screen at 50%, WiFi ON, no fps prohibit.

No longer dangerous, no longer nice. This runs extra successfully than different Thirteenth-gen Core i9 units we’ve examined, most commonly due to the smaller show. However the smaller battery results in simplest reasonable runtimes, at perfect.

Compared, right here’s what we were given on ultimate yr’s ROG Drift Z13 with a FHD+ IPS show.

• 11 W (~5-6 h of use) – textual content modifying in Google Force, Silent Mode, display screen at 50%, Wi-Fi ON;
• 8.5 W (~6-7 h of use) – 1080p fullscreen video on Youtube in Edge, Silent Mode, display screen at 50%, Wi-Fi ON;
• 7.7 W (~7-8 h of use) – Netflix fullscreen in Edge, Silent Mode, display screen at 50%, Wi-Fi ON;
• 14 W (~4-5 h of use) – surfing in Edge, Silent Mode, display screen at 50%, Wi-Fi ON;
• 60 W (<1 h of use) – Gaming on Efficiency mode, Witcher 3, display screen at 50%, Wi-Fi ON.

Roughly the similar.

This Z13 technology ships with a 130W USB-C charger, larger capability and a bit of better and heavier than the 100W charger within the preceding style. It’s a normal dual-piece design with two lengthy cables and plugs in by way of USB-C in both of the two ports at the left edge.

It’s vital to say that this instrument will simplest run in Turbo/Handbook chronic modes so long as you’re plugging on this incorporated ROG charger, as different USB-C chargers can be deemed non-compliant and simplest permit for the Efficiency and Silent profiles. One thing to bear in mind when you plan to possibly use your personal GaN charger or a Macbook charger or anything. And ensure to not unfastened this incorporated charger!

Worth and availability- 2023 Asus ROG Drift Z13

The 2023 Asus ROG Drift Z13 is indexed in some markets on the time of this newsletter, however no longer all of the configurations are to be had in all places.

I discovered this top-tier ROG Drift Z13 GZ301VV style reviewed right here, with the i9 + RTX 4060 specifications, indexed at 2300 EUR on Asus’s retailer in France. It’s additionally to be had right here in Romania for round 2600 EUR, however I will be able to infrequently to find it any place else.

Judging by means of that worth at the Asus retailer, I’d reckon this must promote for round $2000-$2200 in the United States, one day within the close to long run. That’s no longer dangerous, taking into account the previous-gen i9+3050Ti style nonetheless sells for $1800 at Absolute best Purchase.

I’ll replace this segment after we know extra.

Within the intervening time, observe this hyperlink for up to date configurations and costs on your area on the time you’re studying this newsletter.

Ultimate thoughts- 2023 Asus ROG Drift Z13 assessment

The ROG Drift Z13 remains to be a novel instrument, an impressive all-purpose computer in a compact 13-inch pill shape issue. If truth be told, it’s considerably extra robust on this 2023 replace than the former technology, and provides a show that’s higher suited to on a regular basis use, ingenious paintings, and gaming.

In my opinion, I’m nonetheless no longer fully offered at the pill shape issue, as I nonetheless preffer the ergonomics of 2-in-1 convertibles for lap/sofa use. However for table use, this layout has a minimum of two primary benefits over the opposite choices: higher cooling and a extra comfy daily-use enjoy, because the keyboard folio helps to keep cool to touch, for the reason that elements are tucked away at the back of the show. It’s additionally a extra comfy pill, for what’s value, even supposing nonetheless chunky and no longer just about as handy as a devoted pill like an iPad.

Nonetheless, when you respect this layout and want the type of efficiency in paintings programs and video games that this Drift Z13 provides, you’ll infrequently to find anything else higher in the market.

Identical to up to now, this one’s possible nemesis is the up to date ROG Drift X13, now to be had in a majorly refreshed variant for 2023, with quicker specifications, up to date ergonomics, and a larger battery. This latter element is particularly vital, because the battery lifetime of the Z13 is one of its weaker issues, and I’d be expecting maximum of you interested by this type of instrument to need to apply it to battery chronic slightly ceaselessly. However we’ll know extra after we get to spend time with the up to date X13 as neatly.

Anyway, this wraps up our assessment of the Asus ROG Drift Z13 2023-generation, and I’d love to listen to your mind, questions, and comments down under.

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Evaluate by means of:
, Editor-in-Leader. I have a Bachelor’s in Laptop Engineering and I have been overlaying cellular generation for the reason that 2000s. You’ll be able to most commonly to find opinions and thorough guides written by means of me right here at the web site, in addition to some occasional first-impression articles.