Optically, rarely anything else has modified at the Zenbook Professional 16X, whose predecessor was once matter to an in depth overview ultimate yr. Throughout the pocket book, however, there’s now a lot more energy. Whilst the slightly vulnerable RTX 3060 of ultimate yr was once some extent of grievance, the present Zenbook shines with an impressive Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080. The brand new CPU and LPDDR5 RAM association will have to ensure that sooner reminiscence get admission to, so the already robust Intel Core i9-13905H will have to paintings even sooner.
After all, robust {hardware} additionally calls for correct cooling. That is as soon as once more ensured through AAS cooling underneath the flip-up keyboard from Asus, mixed with Three-D vapor chambers, liquid steel and Three-D-shaped 12 V fanatics. This permits the gadget to eat as much as 200 watts with out warmth build-up. Accordingly, the brand new Zenbook Professional 16X is in a position to greater than double the functionality of its predecessor in some benchmarks.
Asus has additionally tweaked the display and is now in spite of everything providing a 120 Hz OLED show. This comes properly calibrated out of the field and provides complete DisplayP3 and DCI P3 protection, which means that this powerhouse can be a very good selection for media designers. The potential of pen enter additionally helps this perception, in addition to the Asus Dial, which can be utilized to briefly get admission to a large number of purposes in inventive tool. Finally, the robust graphics features of the brand new Zenbook Professional 16X makes it attention-grabbing for avid gamers who’re on the lookout for a not-so-flashy computer.
There are fairly a couple of competition to make a choice from right here. On the decrease finish of the fee scale is the Asus ROG Strix G16 G614JZ, which additionally comes with an RTX 4080 and an Intel Core i9, however does now not have an OLED show. As a substitute, a very good IPS panel is put in. The MSI Stealth 17 Studio A13VH-014, which could also be provided with an RTX 4080, is slightly extra geared in opposition to inventive use. The Lenovo Legion Professional 7 and the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 are even higher provided, each coming with an RTX 4090.
We additionally evaluate downward with the Lenovo Legion Narrow 7i 16 Gen 8 and the Asus Vivobook Professional 16X, as they’re provided with RTX 4070 and RTX 4060, respectively. After all, ultimate yr’s Zenbook Professional 16X could also be integrated for comparability.
No vital adjustments seem to have been made to the case of the brand new Zenbook Professional 16x. At maximum, the keyboard is extra distinctively coloured. In our opinion, the stableness of the hinges has advanced relatively in comparison to the predecessor. The hinges particularly are elaborately designed as a result of, whilst you open the computer, the keyboard is raised through 2 cm on the again. Beneath, two fanatics attract chilly air, which Asus calls AAS Extremely Cooling. Some other benefit of the propped-up keyboard is that it stays very cool, as there’s no direct temperature conduction between the nice and cozy {hardware} and the keyboard.
Glass and steel distinguish the haptics of the Zenbook Professional 16X. Best the housing of the keyboard unit is made from plastic. Total, the computer feels solid, does not creak when twisted and is of superb workmanship.
Discreet RGB lighting fixtures additionally embellishes the computer. Controllable LEDs are positioned underneath the keyboard and within the emblem at the lid. The keys may also be in my view illuminated. Asus manages a tight balancing act between a discreet look and stylish RGB, which you’d in a different way be expecting from crowd pleasing gaming laptops.
At simply over 2 kg, our check software lands in the midst of the comparability box. With regards to measurement and thickness, handiest the three kg MSI Stealth 17 Studio sticks out amongst maximum competition. Then again, with regards to the thinnest imaginable software, the Lenovo Legion Narrow and our Zenbook haven’t any festival.
One level of grievance concerning the predecessor was once the deficient connectivity. Sadly, not anything has modified right here: USB ports are handiest to be had at the left-hand aspect of the computer, whilst the HDMI and audio ports in addition to the now not specifically rapid card reader are at the right-hand aspect.
The use of our AV PRO microSD, the switch speeds have higher relatively in comparison to the predecessor, however the computer remains to be not able to regulate 100 MB/s in studying. If our 128 GB card was once utterly stuffed with photos, we’d most likely have to attend a just right 20 mins for a complete switch.
In spite of 3 WLAN antennas with a wise transfer, we handiest noticed moderate transmission speeds when hooked up to our Asus ROG AX11000 reference router. The ones wanting a solid community connection too can use the integrated LAN adapter.
The integrated Home windows Hi-capable webcam at the Zenbook is moderately just right and has a solution of 1920 × 1080. Colour deviations, distinction and sharpness are ok, however now not outstanding.
The Zenbook Professional 16X is provided with a fingerprint scanner and facial popularity. Each paintings briefly and easily. The standard quite a lot of safety features of contemporary processors also are to be had. TPM 2.0 and SecureBoot are on board.
Along with the computer and an identical 280-watt energy provide, a protecting case and the Asus Pen 2.0 are integrated. There could also be a corresponding charging cable and 3 alternative guidelines. An RJ45 USB-C adapter could also be provided in order that the computer will also be hooked up to the community by the use of cable. Closing however now not least, the packaging of the Zenbook will have to now not be forgotten – it’s specifically trendy and can be utilized as a computer stand.
Ten screws in 4 other lengths stay the bottom plate securely mounted in position. House owners will have to thus notice the places of person screws when unscrewing. Another way, now not a lot effort is needed to get within the computer. There aren’t any clips or clamps and the bottom plate will also be simply got rid of with out the screws.
Within, there’s a replaceable SSD, whilst the RAM and WLAN module are soldered. The Zenbook is subsequently now not truly user-friendly in relation to restore or repairs.
To match the outdated and new Zenbook Professional 16X, Asus despatched us a motherboard of the predecessor and a processor module in SoM design with built-in LPDDR5X RAM. We will be able to subsequently see that within the new Zenbook Professional 16X that the space between RAM and CPU has been lowered through a complete 8 mm. The lowered floor field occupied through the parts will have to additionally reinforce the cooling functionality slightly. In the end, alternatively, we will say that the outdated board would have additionally fitted into the brand new Zenbook.
Asus gives a 24-month guaranty for purchases in Europe, which in fact would possibly fluctuate in different areas, so consumers are suggested to double test ahead of buying.
At maximum, the Zenbook nonetheless lacks enter by the use of gesture keep an eye on. Aside from that, the collection of enter strategies on our check software is big, consisting of the keyboard, touchpad, touchscreen, Asus Dial and Asus Pen 2.0. All enter gadgets paintings with out factor, however we nonetheless in finding that they now and again get in each and every different’s manner.
Having a drop of round 1.7 mm, the chiclet keyboard at the Zenbook gives delightful key trip and enough haptic comments. The relatively upper keyboard attitude particularly makes the Zenbook a pleasing software for typing lengthy texts. Players will have to additionally benefit from the keyboard: along with the aforementioned benefits, it gives RGB illumination of person keys and N-key rollover
The touchpad at the Zenbook nonetheless has no bodily keys or buttons. The delightful “click on” is generated through a configurable haptic motor. In spite of this, or most likely exactly as a result of this, the proper clickpad is simple to paintings with. Hands go with the flow simply at the matte glass floor, however fingerprints briefly turn into visual. If desired, customers can even have a numpad displayed right here. Then again, this handiest works correctly if the USA keyboard structure has been activated in Home windows.
The Asus Pen 2.0 is integrated and the MPPT 2.0 stylus from Asus works flawlessly at the Zenbook’s touchscreen. The stylus has a integrated battery that may be charged by the use of a USB-C cable. As much as ten palms are correctly known at the touchscreen. The Asus Dial additionally gives a large number of purposes. Then again, as was once the case with the predecessor, the person enter gadgets incessantly get in each and every different’s manner. When typing, you have a tendency to position your hand at the dial, which may end up in wrong entries. So as to paintings at the display with the Asus Pen, customers are beneficial to leisure their arm at the keyboard, however this does not paintings with out issues both. In the end, the display is from time to time too wobbly for a stylus.
Just like the predecessor, the display within the present Zenbook is Pantone qualified. It’s round 350 cd/m² vibrant and has a body price of 120 Hz. In conventional Asus style, there are quite a lot of not obligatory settings for the display within the MyAsus app. Display exams have been first performed in local mode after which in DisplayP3 mode.
Sadly, the brand new Zenbook has inherited one damaging facet from its predecessor: within the subpixel matrix, the blue subpixels are to this point aside that individuals with excessive visible acuity could make out the gaps.
The Zenbook covers virtually 100% of the 3 necessary colour areas, specifically AdobeRGB, DisplayP3 and sRGB. This will have to get advantages inventive execs from all fields.
The other show modes at the Asus Zenbook Professional 16X ensure that correct colour illustration. In local mode, the show has a median colour deviation of ΔΕ2000 3.36 (DisplayP3 goal colour house). The DisplayP3 preset from Asus guarantees an overly low colour deviation of handiest ΔΕ2000 1.58 in the similar colour house. Which means even a skilled eye is not likely to note any colour variations.
Because of the great viewing attitude balance of OLED presentations, one can at all times in finding an attitude at which the show is rather simple to learn, even open air. However the reflective floor may cause issues, so it is best to discover a shady spot. As our viewing attitude pictures display, even the keyboard lighting fixtures is now and again sufficient to provide transparent reflections at the display.
With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 and the Intel Core i9-13905H, the {hardware} on this yr’s Zenbook has been considerably advanced. The computer is obviously aimed toward content material creators, avid gamers and different customers who depend on extraordinarily robust {hardware}. With greater than 170 watts at their disposal, the 2 chips on this pocket book can paintings in combination properly.
3 other energy profiles will also be toggled by the use of the MyAsus app. We made up our minds to make use of Efficiency mode with the intention to put the {hardware} via its paces. Then again, to make certain that the computer was once as economical as imaginable when operating on battery, MSHybrid mode remained energetic with each graphics devices. This permits the Zenbook to deativate the RTX 4080 for undemanding duties. Efficiency mode isn’t to be had in battery mode; the computer robotically switches to Usual mode.
The RTX 4080 operates at a relentless most of 140 watts. The Intel Core i9 reaches a PL2 of 130 watts and a PL1 of 90 watts. Within the Prime95 and Furmark tension exams, we see that the processor runs regularly at 45 watts and the graphics chip at 117 watts.
With 14 cores, the Intel Core i9-13905H has 20 threads. Which means there are 6 P and eight E cores operating at excessive functionality ranges. The Zenbook is in a best place functionality smart, however the rival gadgets also are robust. Jostling for best place is the Lenovo Legion Professional 7, the Asus ROG Strix G16 and, strangely, the inexpensive Asus Vivobook Professional 16X. The present Zenbook Professional 16X does now not have a transparent functionality merit over its predecessor in regard to processor functionality, because the uncooked functionality values of the Core i9-13905H and the Core i9-12900H from ultimate yr are simply too an identical. However, Intel has optimized just a little, so the generic benchmarks of Aida64 display a distinct image. The present fashion obviously sticks out right here and is handiest crushed through the 3 rival gadgets discussed above.
What sticks out over and over in our benchmarks is that the Zenbook does not truly make the most of its fanatics. Those handiest kick in handiest a lot later within the Cinebench R23 multi-core run and best rankings are accomplished handiest after a number of runs within the Cinebench R15 loop. Some functionality is most likely misplaced within the procedure. However throughout shorter load peaks and in on a regular basis use, the Asus computer incessantly stays very quiet or utterly silent.
With a extra robust graphics card and a processor this is no less than on par, the brand new Zenbook Professional 16X will have to if truth be told carry out a ways higher than its predecessor within the PCMark 10 and CrossMark benchmarks. We additionally anticipated a transparent lead within the AIDA64 reminiscence benchmarks. However the reminiscence latencies are rarely any decrease in spite of the shortened trail to the RAM chips. Best the write and replica speeds of the RAM obviously get pleasure from the brand new SoM design.
The effects display that the RTX 4080 achieves an important build up in issues within the virtual content material introduction sub-area. The opposite sub-areas in PCMark10 additionally noticed a small build up in issues in comparison to the predecessor. The comparability to the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 or the Lenovo Legion Professional 7 with their RTX 4090 unearths that the nominally more potent graphics card confers just about no benefits in those benchmarks. The closed 18 mm skinny case rarely turns out to persuade the extraordinary functionality of the pocket book, however every other issue does: the fanatics and the ability keep an eye on of the Zenbook Professional 16X react very slowly to adjustments underneath load. This reality was once already visual within the long-term Cinebench R15 check. A “preheated” gadget from time to time gives extra functionality than a freshly began computer. In the end, alternatively, that is splitting hairs for the reason that Asus Zenbook Professional 16X is an especially high-performance computer that may simply deal with PhotoShop or Premiere Professional.
With regards to latency, the Zenbook Professional 16X if truth be told plays fairly properly in comparison to its competition. However even at 1164 µs, LatencyMon nonetheless states that there may well be issues of real-time packages. In the end, the present motive force configuration and software firmware are decisive for DPC latencies. Each may see vital adjustments via updates.
In idea, the Samsung PM9A1 is an impressive NVMe SSD. A module with a capability of two TB is put in in our check software. All learn and write speeds are just right in our exams, even though we spotted a slight drop in 4K write speeds in comparison to different laptops. In sequential learn and write, the SSD is in best shape and with none dropouts.
The RTX 4080 within the Asus Zenbook Professional 16X supplies 12 GB of GDDR6X RAM. Which means the graphics unit right here is far better suited for video enhancing than the RTX 3060 within the predecessor. Because of an influence provide of as much as 140 watts, the graphics chip is obviously within the higher fluctuate of its functionality spectrum. Nvidia gives as much as 150 watts for the chip, which could also be noticeable in our 3DMark, Blender and PugetBench benchmarks. The Zenbook achieves excessive rankings in all packages. In some eventualities, it even comes inside putting distance of the RTX 4090 within the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16. Best the Lenovo Legion Professional 7 and the Asus ROG Strix G16 truly stand proud of the check box.
Certainly one of our most powerful criticisms of the predecessor has been eradicated by the use of the considerably extra robust graphics chip. The Nvidia RTX 4080 is a forged selection right here and could also be appropriate for gaming at a local show solution of 3200 × 2000.
4K gaming items no issue for the Asus Zenbook Professional 16X. Ray tracing could also be in most cases imaginable. Best Cyberpunk and Alan Wake 2 carry the computer to its knees just a little, despite the fact that the body charges are nonetheless at a rather playable 30 fps. The local QHD solution of the display runs at 60 fps in all examined video games and settings. The narrow computer proves to be a powerful gaming computer within the benchmarks and likewise in our reside circulation on YouTube.
The Zenbook stays at an overly delightful noise stage underneath mild to medium load. At a distance of 15 cm we handiest measured 38 dB(A). Underneath complete load in Usual mode, the computer is obviously audible at 41 dB(A), however now not disturbingly loud. Best in Efficiency mode do the fanatics rev as much as complete pace and generate as much as 51 dB(A). Medium and coffee frequencies are audible in all pace levels, so the background noise is extra of a pleasing hiss.
One specifically noticeable factor concerning the Zenbook Professional 16X is that the computer heats up its setting greater than itself. The cooling gadget is so robust that the computer’s chassis, at a most of 36 °C, stays 3 levels cooler than the tabletop in the back of the air vents on the rear in our tension check. The thermal symbol additionally obviously displays how robust the 2 fanatics within the Zenbook are.
The skin of the computer additionally remained in large part cool throughout our exams. The keyboard particularly is sort of at ambient temperature because of the distance to the {hardware}. A peek underneath the keyboard with the Flir One Professional does divulge hotter places, however even within the hole we measure a most of 39 °C. Thus, the Zenbook stays strangely cool in spite of the 200 watts of energy drawn from the socket.
Whilst a steadiness is accomplished moderately briefly within the person Prime95 or Furmark tension exams, the Zenbook shifts the functionality from the CPU to the GPU fairly slowly in each benchmarks. The Intel Core i9-13905H is in spice up mode for nearly two mins. In Prime95 by myself that is round 125 watts; if Furmark could also be operating, the spice up energy drops from 126 watts to 100 watts. In tension checking out with each systems operating on the identical time, an preliminary equilibrium is accomplished after two mins with 70 watts for the processor and 100 watts for the RTX 4080. Then again, the functionality continues to progressively shift over the following 12 mins, in which CPU functionality drops through round 25 watts whilst GPU functionality will increase to a median of 120 watts.
Temperatures of the CPU and GPU stay inside limits in all exams at round 75 °C. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080‘s relatively upper hotspot temperature of 90 °C within the Furmark tension check led to us some discomfort. In particular circumstances the place handiest the graphics card is totally stressed out for lengthy sessions of time, functionality is also relatively affected.
There are 4 speaker modules with six drivers within the Zenbook Professional 16X. Tweeters are positioned at the left and correct of the keyboard and two full-range audio system with two drivers each and every within the base. The total result’s a well-rounded sound high quality. At round 88 dB(A), the Zenbook too can get fairly loud and does not need to shy clear of a comparability with the MacBook Professional 16.
Asus features a 280-watt energy provide with the Zenbook Professional 16X. For just right reason why, as we quickly came upon in our power measurements. The pocket book extracts as much as 262 watts in tension checking out. Underneath complete load, the pocket book’s energy intake is continuous at round 200 watts. That is utterly suitable in view of the computing energy on be offering.
The comparability box additionally displays that the Zenbook will also be fairly economical in idle mode and underneath low a lot.
A 96 Wh battery is put in within the Zenbook, which even has the similar section quantity as its predecessor. In our WiFi internet browsing check, the runtime accomplished fell through a just right hour. Best when idle does the brand new Zenbook ultimate little longer than its predecessor. You will not be able to regulate a complete operating day with out energy provide, however no less than the Zenbook has higher staying power in comparison to its competitors. So long as you do not want to draw on complete energy from the pocket book at the pass, you’ll be able to no less than take a smaller energy provide or a corresponding energy financial institution because of USB-PD.
In relation to the predecessor, we made a transparent observation: excessive functionality features, but wasted attainable. Asus has made large enhancements right here. The brand new Zenbook Professional 16X is extra robust, quieter and does not want to shy clear of devoted workstations and avid gamers. It’s also relatively compact, and our check software is the most productive Zenbook that we have reviewed to this point. It kind of feels similarly appropriate for content material creators and avid gamers or any individual on the lookout for an important computer this is nonetheless narrow. Then again, some issues of criticisms from ultimate yr stay: Asus has significantly loosened the reins on energy keep an eye on, however the fanatics nonetheless kick in fairly overdue right here, this means that that just a little spice up time is wasted. However, the Zenbook obviously holds it personal in opposition to gaming gadgets such because the Lenovo Legion Narrow 7i or MSI Stealth.
The brand new Zenbook Professional 16X can rightly be described as a flagship. Asus displays what’s imaginable in spite of an 18 mm skinny chassis.
Closing yr, we criticized quite a few minor issues concerning the Zenbook and those sadly stay within the present fashion. The computer remains to be overloaded with enter strategies that now and again intrude with each and every different. The gaps between the blue subpixels also are nonetheless visual. The connectivity may well be extra in depth, and in the long run the excessive acquire value could also be deserving of grievance within the eyes of a few.
OLED, AAS cooling and a narrow chassis can’t be the one acquire standards, because the Asus ROG Strix G16 and the Lenovo Legion Narrow 7i 16 have an identical options and each price over US$1000 much less. Certain, the Zenbook has a better enter variety and extra steel for the chassis, however the fee distinction right here nonetheless turns out over the top for all those that don’t need or want to use the Zenbook’s complete fluctuate of purposes. However, for all those that desire a robust graphics card, an excellent (contact) display and most likely additionally pen enter and the Asus Dial, the Zenbook could be very a lot with out another.
The Zenbook Professional 16X is recently to be had in two configurations. The weaker configuration with a Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 32 LPDDR5X RAM and 1 TB will also be bought by the use of newgg for US$2699.99. The more potent configuration with an RTX 4080, 32 GB RAM and a couple of TB is priced at US$3,394.00 at Adorama.
Allow 48h for review and removal.