05 Jan
Blog

HP Omen 45L Review: Gaming PC Designers, Take Notes

HP Omen 45L sits on a table.

Review HP Omen 45L: A master class in prefabricated gaming PCs

RRP $ 2,300.00

"The HP Omen 45L is the result when a manufacturer keeps its promise."

benefits

  • Excellent CPU cooling solution

  • Toolless design

  • Can be upgraded with commercially available parts

  • Great gaming performance

  • Doesn't get too loud

  • Additional hard drive bays

disadvantage

  • Limited number of USB ports

  • No DDR5 option

  • Bloatware is a bit annoying

The HP Omen 30L tops our list of the best gaming desktops. It's not tied up or barely hangs in one place – it's the best option if you're looking for a pre-built gaming desktop. Announced at CES 2022, the Omen 45L aims to make the best even better. And it works across the board.

No gaming desktop is perfect, especially the pre-built ones, but the Omen 45L improves on its predecessor in almost every way. It has a unique cooling design that actually pays off in thermals; the tool-free case is even easier to enter; and performance, though occasionally limited by memory speed, is worthy of the hardware inside.

The HP Omen 30L is no longer the best gaming desktop out there. HP has outdone itself, and even considering the minor issues with the Omen 45L, it's the gaming PC you should buy if you don't want to, or more likely can, not build a gaming rig right now.

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HP Omen 45L sits on a table.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The HP Omen 45L doesn't look like a normal gaming PC. It's taller than a standard mid-tower thanks to the cryo-chamber on the top, but the PC doesn't feel much larger after setting it up. It's only 18 inches long and 21.75 inches high, which is just a few inches taller than a mid-tower PC case.

Compared to last year's Omen 30L, the cryochamber is the biggest change in the Omen 45L. It looks silly at first, but I've come to appreciate the small gap thanks to its thermal performance. The upper chamber contains the 240 mm all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler, which is only connected to the main machine by a thin conduit through which the pipes run.

AIO tubes on the HP Omen 45L.

Cooler on top of the HP Omen 45L.

This fixes the biggest problem with the Omen 30L. It's an idea similar to the fanless, breathing PC we saw from DIY Perks earlier this year. Regardless of the orientation of the AIO, it always draws in cold air and releases hot air from the other components.

That made a huge difference in my tests. During a 30-minute AIDA64 stress test, the CPU immediately climbed to 89 degrees Celsius and the fans sped up to top speed. To my great surprise, the fans calmed down after about a minute and the CPU snuggled to a pleasant 65 degrees Celsius. In between there were no ramps up and down either – the Omen 45L withstood this temperature for the rest of the test without even a whisper of additional fan noise.

HP sells the Omen 45L case alone, and honestly, I could get one.

It's a massive improvement over the Omen 30L, where we've seen the Core i9-10900K hit temperatures close to 97 degrees Celsius and a fan noise that was "terrifyingly loud". The Omen 45L was almost silent when gaming, and when the fans were running they didn't get too distracting. HP actually sells the Omen 45L case on its own, and frankly, I could get one.

Aside from thermal and noise improvements, the Omen 45L retains the same design language as the Omen 30L. It's still a sleek black case with a bright omen diamond on top. The main difference is the inclusion of three 120mm ARGB fans that glow through the tinted tempered glass on the front.

The design is similar, but HP made a lot of changes to the case. The front inlets are now fully open to let in more air, and the dust filters (one in front and one under the power supply) are now removable. HP has also improved the tool-less entry, which I'll go into more in the next section.

Side panel of the HP Omen 45L.

Dust filter on the HP Omen 45L.

This is the kind of iterative improvement I love to see. HP hasn't given up on what made the Omen 30L look great. Instead, the company built on that design by making smart warmth and quality of life changes that are paying off. We always hear about improved thermal designs on new gaming desktops. But HP actually kept that promise in a big way.

Specifications and internals

Built-in components in the HP Omen 45L.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The Omen 45L comes with the best hardware you can buy anywhere. The heart of my test system was the Core i9-12900K paired with an RTX 3090 and 64 GB DDR4-3733 memory. HP doesn't offer this as a set configuration, although for around $ 5,000 you can make an exact match with HP's customization options.

HP also has much cheaper options. With a Ryzen 7 5800X, RTX 3070, and 16 GB of memory, you'll pay around $ 2,300. However, you have the freedom to build the PC you want. HP offers the Omen 45L either with an Intel or AMD chip or with an Nvidia or AMD graphics card. AMD cards are limited to the Radeon RX 6700 XT, otherwise HP has the latest flagship hardware on offer.

Central processor Intel Core i9-12900K
GPU Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
Motherboard HP 8917 Micro-ATX Z690
case HP Omen 45L ATX case
reminder 64GB HyperX DDR4-3733
warehouse 2x 2TB WD_Black PCIe Gen4
Power supply Cooler Master 800W 80 Plus Gold
USB ports 4x USB 3.2, 4x USB 2.0, 2x USB-C
Networking 1x Gigabit Ethernet

As with the Omen 30L, there is nothing proprietary in the Omen 45L. The graphics card and motherboard are manufactured by HP, but you can always swap them out or move them to a different computer. That's a big plus over machines like the Alienware Aurora, which uses its own motherboard design.

According to HP, the Omen 45L should feel like a DIY PC, and it does.

More than the standardized components, I appreciate how HP used its branded suite to bring branded components into the Omen 45L. You get HyperX memory, not no-name modules that could have been obtained from anywhere, and you get a Cooler Master power supply and cooler, not components supplied by obscure companies that specifically deal with manufacturers. According to HP, the Omen 45L should feel like a DIY PC, and it does.

However, there are some problems. HP opted for a micro ATX motherboard instead of a full-size ATX motherboard. The case supports an ATX board, but you cannot buy one from HP. This is a machine that can come with the best hardware out there and it deserves a full ATX board like the Asus ROG GA35 does.

It also only comes with DDR4 memory. Even if you choose a 12th generation Alder Lake CPU, you can't add DDR5 unless you buy a separate motherboard and memory yourself. DDR5 is obscenely expensive right now, so I understand why HP chose to stick with DDR4. That does have an impact on performance, however, which I'll cover in my benchmarks below.

Expandability

HP Omen 45L with the front panel removed.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Like the Omen 30L, the Omen 45L has a tool-free design. Except for the screws for your motherboard and cooler, you don't need anything to get into the case and move parts. Under the cryochamber there are two buttons for the side walls and two buttons to the front to snap off the front panel.

Even without instruction, I was in the Omen 45L within seconds. The design is not only tool-free, but also intuitive. Thanks to the clear labeling, the question of which button to press never arises, and the tool-free mechanisms are of high enough quality that you don't feel as though you are breaking anything. Pre-built or not, this is how you should design a PC case.

HP cleaned up the cables above the Omen 30L. There's still a bit of a mess behind the back panel, but the cables are hidden and it's clear that some effort has been made to clean up the cable runs. HP even includes some additional SATA power and data cables that dangle at the bottom of the device if you want to use the two 3.5-inch and two 2.5-inch drive cages on the rear.

Cable management in the HP Omen 45L.

Hard drive bays in the HP Omen 45L.

The Omen 45L is a treat. Not only does it allow upgrades unlike its Alienware counterparts, it invites them. I am into my Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic, but after using the Omen 45L, I am seriously considering getting the case alone. It is so good.

Connectivity

Connections on the front of the HP Omen 45L.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The weakest aspect of the Omen 45L is connectivity. The Micro-ATX motherboard is limited to the same number of ports as the Omen 30L, which is even more noticeable with this larger design. You should still have plenty of ports for everything, but you'll need to break out a USB hub if you have a lot of dongles or USB accessories.

Above the Omen 30L, the new model adds two additional USB ports on the front. The problem is that the new ports are locked on USB 2.0. I'll never argue with more USB ports in front of a PC, but that doesn't feel like much. Where are the USB-C ports on the front? At least HP could have added two more USB 3.2 ports on the front.

Connections on the back of the HP Omen 45L.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The same goes for the back. Just like the Omen 30L, you have two USB 3.2 ports (5 Gbit / s and 10 Gbit / s), two USB 2.0 ports and two USB-C ports (5 Gbit / s and 10 Gbit / s). I like the inclusion of two USB-C ports, but I really wish one was on the front. The single upgrade in connectivity doesn't matter, and it feels like HP could have done a lot more here.

Gaming performance

The HP Omen 45L is a gaming monster, and luckily the unfortunate state of DDR5 doesn't have a massive impact on gaming performance. The model I tested was equipped with a Core i9-12900K, 64 GB DDR4-3733 memory and an RTX 3090. Although I ran benchmarks from 1080p to 4K, the following results apply to 4K at the highest graphics preset.

HP Omen 45L Origin Neuron (Ryzen 9 5950X, RTX 3080 Ti) Custom PC (Core i9-12900K, RTX 3090, DDR5)
Forza Horizon 4 159 fps 146 fps 160 fps
Red Dead Redemption 2 76 fps 72 fps 79 fps
Battlefield V 121 fps N / A N / A
3DMark time spy 18,523 17,937 19,511
Fourteen days 82 fps 89 fps N / A
Control without RT 59 fps 55 fps N / A
Control RT 37 fps 35 fps N / A
Civilization VI (shooting time in seconds, lower is better) 7.44 N / A 7.3

The RTX 3090 may be over the top for gaming, but it still tears games apart. Compared to the Origin Neuron with an RTX 3080 Ti, I've seen improvements in Forza Horizon 4, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Control. Fortnite was the only eccentric, with my results with the Omen 45L being about 8% lower than with the Origin Neuron.

Outside of the graphics card, the Core i9-12900K shows its power in the Omen 45L. My custom built PC has identical specifications. The only difference is that it uses DDR5 memory instead of DDR4. You can see this in 3DMark Time Spy, with the Omen 45L sitting about 5% lower than my custom rig.

Graphics card in the HP Omen 45L.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The differences are otherwise minor. The few frames difference in Forza Horizon 4 and Red Dead Redemption 2 isn't big enough to matter. For gaming at least, the Omen 45L offers performance comparable to building the same PC yourself – and that's really what you'd expect from a pre-built gaming desktop.

DDR4 makes a difference, but in many games it doesn't matter. I tested an identical custom PC with DDR4 in 3DMark Time Spy and came out with a very similar score to the Omen 45L, which shows that this benchmark values ​​memory speed. Many games don't, as Forza Horizon 4 and Red Dead Redemption 2 have demonstrated.

Storage speed makes a much bigger difference in productivity apps where the Omen 45L falls behind.

Productivity performance

Water block in HP Omen 45L.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The Omen 45L is hampered by DDR4. It has the fastest processor and graphics card on the market, and the results should reflect that. But they don't. The slower memory keeps the Omen 45L from reaching its full potential, putting it on par with hardware that on paper should be less powerful.

HP Omen 45L Origin Neuron (Ryzen 9 5950X, RTX 3080 Ti) Custom PC (Core i9-12900K, RTX 3090, DDR5)
Cinebench R23 multicore 23,068 25.166 27,344
Cinebench R23 single core 1,893 1,587 1,989
Geekbench 5 multicore 15,685 15,872 18,282
Geekbench 5 single core 1.910 1,682 1,962
PugetBench for Premiere Pro 1,025 1,088 1,283
Mixer (average in seconds, lower is better) 51 53 N / A
Handbrake (seconds, lower is better) 51 50 47
PCMark 10 9,034 N / A 9.092

Cinebench shows the clearest difference. Although the Omen 45L still lets the single-core performance of the Core i9-12900K shine through, the multi-core performance is around 16% behind what is possible with DDR5. The same goes for PugetBench for Premiere Pro, where the Omen 45L lagged my custom PC by about 20%.

The Origin Neuron further illustrates this point. In Geekbench 5, for example, the Omen 45L caught up with the Origin Neuron in the multi-core test, but should do about 15% better. The single-core performance is still evident, but DDR4 is clearly a bottleneck for the Omen 45L.

However, it is not a bottleneck for applications. My results in Handbrake, Blender and PCMark 10 show only minor differences between the three devices. DDR5 makes a big difference with Alder Lake, but that difference is not the same for all apps.

HP doesn't offer the Omen 45L with DDR5, but there is a good reason for that. DDR5 is expensive and in high demand, which would either delay the Omen 45L or drive up the price.

It makes sense, but HP's logistical machinations don't matter with $ 5,000 at stake. Machines like the Origin Neuron are available with DDR5, even if it's a premium version. This is HP's top performing desktop, and a few hundred dollars for DDR5 is insignificant given the price that HP sets.

software

HP Omen Gaming Hub on Windows.

The Omen 45L comes with the HP Omen Gaming Hub, which is much more rugged than I expected. As with other HP devices, however, annoying bloatware was preinstalled, which interrupted my benchmarking with ads several times during the test.

It comes pre-installed with ExpressVPN, Dropbox, and McAfee. I've only seen ads for ExpressVPN and Dropbox once, but McAfee came up too many times to count. These are apps you might want to use, but I still don't appreciate a $ 5,000 gaming PC that comes preloaded with ads.

The Omen Gaming Hub takes care of that. Starting with the basics, the app lets you monitor your PC's usage, active processes, temperatures, and basically every other important element of your PC. It also includes integration with Intel XTU for overclocking as well as lighting control and a network monitor.

I appreciate having so many features in one place with Gaming Hub.

Aside from the basics, the Gaming Hub doubles as a hub for your games. You can view and launch your installed titles, track game time, save screenshots, and even earn rewards for playing selected titles (including free games). If you're in the mood for MOBAs, Mobalytics also lets you view stats about your gameplay.

The Omen Gaming Hub isn't strictly necessary and in some places it's a bit rough around the edges. But I still appreciate having so much functionality in one place. These types of apps are usually nothing more than ad-strewn support hubs. The Omen Gaming Hub is still a support hub and still has ads, but that's easy to miss with what else it offers.

Our opinion

The Omen 45L takes an already great design and improves on it. This could just have been a bigger Omen desktop with room for more fans, but it isn't. HP brought noticeable improvements in thermal and cable management and built on the fantastic tool-free design of the Omen 30L.

There are some issues – I would have liked more connectivity, and DDR4 can cripple the CPU in some applications. Still, at these points it's hard to pinpoint just how much else the Omen 45L has to offer. It's a great performer overall, and the tool-free design makes upgrades easy across the board.

Are there alternatives?

Yes. The Origin Neuron and Asus GA35 are the most direct competitors, but both don't have the unique cooling design that HP offers. At least the case is unique to HP.

How long it will take?

According to HP, the Omen 45L should feel like a DIY PC. The PC uses standard parts so you can upgrade it for as long as you want. HP even sells the case on its own, so you have unlimited uses as long as you upgrade the parts inside.

As configured, you can assume that the device will last around five years in demanding games and productivity apps. However, if you do a CPU or GPU swap, you can increase this lifespan exponentially.

Should you buy it?

Yes. In the crowded gaming desktop market, the HP Omen 45L stands out as one of the best desktops with its tool-free design, great cooling solution, and commitment to upgradeability. Aside from DDR4 and a slight lack of ports, it's the perfect gaming desktop.

Editor's recommendations



21 Dec
Blog

Asus ROG GA35 Review: A Great Gaming PC, But Not The Best

asus rog ga35 test g35dx 07

Asus ROG GA35

RRP $ 4,999.00

"A top-of-the-line gaming PC held back by some frustrating design decisions."

benefits

  • Stay cool under loud

  • Vertical GPU looks great

  • Two USB-C ports on the front

  • Hot-swappable SSD drives

  • Standard size components

disadvantage

  • No horizontal GPU option

  • A little loud

  • Upgrades are more frustrating than they should be

If you want one of the best gaming PCs available in 2021, building your own isn't an option. Pre-built versions used to be overpriced, underperforming options compared to building your own PC, but thanks to the lack of a GPU, they're downright a bargain. And that's the Asus ROG GA35 G35DX – a great offer for 2021.

I have some issues with this compared to boutique options from Origin and Maingear, but the ROG GA35 still has plenty of power to impress. It's not too expensive either, at least in the price crisis that is plaguing PC components at the moment. If I didn't already have a graphics card from queuing at Best Buy, the ROG GA35 would be at the top of my option list.

It probably wouldn't make the cut, however. Small issues like poor cable management and the lack of thumbscrews keep the GA35 from reaching the top tier of pre-built gaming PCs. That doesn't mean it's a bad choice, especially with high-end Asus hardware under the hood.

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Earlier Asus G-series desktops used a taller, more traditional mid-tower case design, but the GA35 did not. It has a squat case design that is 16.5 inches long and just under 11 inches wide to accommodate a two-chamber design. I'm a fan of dual chamber cases, but it doesn't feel like the GA35 is making effective use of space.

Asus G35DX sits on a table.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

I'll talk more about the internal build later. For now, all you know is that both chambers are the same size. The rear contains the power supply and the tangled cables, and the front contains all of the beautiful RGB components required for any modern gaming rig. Hiding ugly things, showing glitter – that's what double-chambered covers offer.

There are some strange design choices, however. The all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler is installed in the rear chamber and sucks air that has no inlet. It also causes the braided fluid hoses to be clumsily laid across the motherboard, which I noticed with the GA35's internal layout.

Air circulation wasn't a problem, but it could have been better. The only fan included is a 92mm vent on the back of the case, and there is no space to mount other fans. The device was a bit noisy during my test, but it wasn't like the Lenovo Thinkstation P620. It didn't get too hot either, because the CPU climbed to 48 degrees Celsius after a 30-minute AIDA64 stress test.

The GA35 is a cohesive, RGB-controlled PC that looks wonderful.

This is mainly due to the back of the open case design. On the angular edges of the GA35 there are filters that are cleverly hidden in the corners and edges of the housing. None of them have dust filters, so you need to be careful to keep the inside clean.

The temperature surprised me as the GA35 uses a vertical mount for the power-hungry RTX 3090. The vertical bracket also works wonders visually. The GA35 is adorned with as many ROG Strix products as possible, including the RTX 3090. The result is a cohesive, RGB-controlled PC that looks wonderful when lit.

Connectivity

Connections on the front of the Asus G35DX.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Asus makes some of the best gaming motherboards you can buy, so I wasn't surprised that the GA35 comes with great connectivity. You get a pair of USB-C and USB 3.0 ports on the front of the case, as well as separate headphone and microphone inputs that put even expensive devices like the Origin Neuron in the shade.

On the back you have access to a further seven USB 3.2 ports, another USB-C port, Gigabit Ethernet and the usual audio connections. All of these ports are great, but the two front USB-C ports make all the difference to me. My personal rig, which I built with a Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic, only has a single USB-C port on the front. I'm jealous that I don't have a second now because I was able to plug both my Samsung T5 and Steelseries Prime Wireless into the GA35 without reaching around the back.

The memory expansion is also excellent. The case offers two hot-swappable SSD slots on the front as well as an additional slot for a 3.5-inch hard drive in the HDD cage. The motherboard has two M.2 expansion slots – one of which is filled from the factory – though you'll have to struggle to get the GPU out to access it.

Expansion ports on the Asus G35DX.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The port selection is great and can rival boutique designs like the Falcon Northwest Talon. I also like the additional storage space, but I would have liked Asus to focus this effort on swapping out other components rather than adding more storage space.

Specifications and internals

Asus had four models of the GA35 that offer different GPU and CPU configurations. Each model has the same specifications otherwise – 16 GB DDR4-3200 memory, a custom Asus X570 motherboard, an 80 Plus Gold power supply and 3 TB total storage (1 TB NVMe SSD and 2 TB HDD).

Central processor AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
GPU Asus ROG Strix RTX 3090
Motherboard Customized Asus ROG Strix X570-F motherboard
case Customized Asus ROG case
reminder 16 GB DDR4-3200. unbranded
warehouse 1 TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD, 2 TB HDD
Power supply Delta 850W 80+ gold
USB ports Nine USB-A, three USB-C
Networking 1Gbit Ethernet

I tested the GA35DX-XB999 which comes with a Ryzen 9 5900X and an RTX 3090. This machine costs around $ 5,000, which is a better deal than you might think. I configured a machine that is identical to the GA35 and it was actually $ 100 more expensive (thanks, GPU shortage). A similarly configured Origin Neuron was $ 500 more expensive, but with better cable management and more RGB.

The GA35 is good business on the component front. My only complaint is the PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD. Ryzen 5000 chips support PCIe 4.0 so it's just a matter of Asus where it is possible.

I like the dual chamber design of the GA35, but I don't like how closed it is for upgrades.

The GA35 has some internal problems outside of the components. Cable management is sloppy, component swaps are annoying at best and impossible at worst, and the case actively fights you when you try to get inside. I like the dual chamber design of the GA35, but I don't like how closed it is for upgrades.

It's not like the Alienware Aurora R10. You can still swap out components as everything inside complies with ATX standards. It's just a hassle to get there. There are extra screws on every corner, and they're buried. There aren't even thumbscrews to unlock the side panels, let alone a tool-less design like the HP Omen 30L.

A plastic cover covers the outside of the chassis, which is cheap and frustrating. I immediately broke one of the plastic tabs holding the front cover and didn't apply enough pressure to get off. There are long plastic tubes in the center of each part of the bowl to keep you out and that's all they're good for.

Cable management is sloppy, but you don't see it right away. It's like shining a flashlight on a dusty desk in a dark room, revealing all the messy things you didn't know about. When I opened the case, I quickly noticed that ketchup and mustard cables led to the graphics card, an additional CPU power connector hung just on the side, and several small wires for RGB and fan connections that were pressed into crevices around the motherboard. All of the chunky cables are also routed through a single channel, exposing a small bird's nest of cables in the front that only grows in the rear chamber.

Cable in the back of the Asus G35DX.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The vertical GPU bracket is a welcome addition, but it's your only option. The RTX 3090 fits straight flat and the GA35 does not have a bracket for this type of configuration. It only has two vertical brackets that will keep you from upgrading to a triple-slot GPU in the future.

In terms of specs, the GA35 is as high-end as PCs have come. Asus has made some clear design choices to deter users from upgrading, even though the form factor allows for those upgrades.

Productivity performance

CPU pump on the Asus G35DX.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The Asus GA35 is a powerful machine, but the Ryzen 9 5900X is slowly showing its age compared to the best and brightest from Intel. It's still way ahead of Intel's 10th and 11th generation chips, and the single-core performance is great for gaming. However, the higher number of cores of the Ryzen 9 5950X and the hybrid architecture of the Core i9-12900K give them an advantage over the Ryzen 9 5900X.

Asus ROG GA35 Custom PC (Core i9-12900K, RTX 3090) Origin Neuron (Ryzen 9 5950X, RTX 3080 Ti)
Cinebench R23 multicore 21,907 27,344 25.166
Cinebench R23 single core 1,501 1,989 1,587
Geekbench 5 multicore 12,695 18,282 15,872
Geekbench 5 single core 1,692 1,962 1,682
PugetBench for Premiere Pro 1,115 1,283 1,088
Mixer (average in seconds, lower is better) 53 N / A 53
Handbrake (seconds, lower is better) 58 47 50

You can see that clearly in my results. In terms of single-core performance, the machine corresponds to the Ryzen 9 5950X in the Origin Neuron in Cinebench and Geekbench. Unsurprisingly, the Ryzen 9 5950X scores well above the 5900X in the multi-core tests, with the four additional cores providing an increase of up to 15%.

Outside of pure processor benchmarks, the GA35 shows more performance. It was able to score higher than the Origin Neuron in PugetBench for Premiere Pro, which shows the RTX 3090's slow acceleration, and it matched the Neuron in Blender. I tested Blender with CUDA rendering, so this is my most interesting result. The RTX 3090 showed no advantages over the RTX 3080 Ti.

Intel's Core i9-12900K raises this tricky comparison between the Ryzen 9 5950X and 5900X. It's faster across the board, sometimes by up to 25%. However, this does not apply to older Intel chips. Go back to the Core i9-11900K, and the GA35 can mop the floor.

The GA35 does about what I expected. It's great, but I wouldn't recommend configuring it with the RTX 3090. In some cases it gives a small boost, in others it is of no use at all. That's even more true when it comes to gaming performance, which is probably why you're interested in the GA35.

Gaming performance

Components inside the Asus G35DX.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The GA35 is built for 4K – and better with an RTX 3090 under the hood. I ran a number of benchmarks across resolutions, but I only recorded my results in 4K with the highest graphics preset possible. This should tie performance to the GPU and remove the CPU from the equation. But my results show some big differences.

Asus ROG GA35 Custom PC (Core i9-12900K, RTX 3090) Origin Neuron (Ryzen 9 5950X, RTX 3080 Ti)
Forza Horizon 4 147 fps 160 fps N / A
Red Dead Redemption 2 73 fps 79 fps 72 fps
Assassin & # 39; s Creed Valhalla 69 fps 66 fps 55 fps
3DMark time spy 17,356 19,511 17,937
Fourteen days 78 fps N / A 89 fps

In Forza Horizon 4 and Red Dead Redemption 2, the GA35 underperformed my custom built rig with an RTX 3090. The processors are different, but they shouldn't affect performance much. Even the aging Core i9-10900K performed better in these two games when paired with the RTX 3090.

RAM is the problem. The GA35 only comes with 16 GB of RAM, which is an odd configuration for such a high-end system. Asus does not use any branded RAM modules beyond the capacity. I was told by a company representative that the modules use Samsung, Micron, and Hynix memory. And if you know anything about Ryzen processors, you know how much of a difference these these can make.

I couldn't verify the chips used for the modules in my tester. However, I used Corsair memory in the other two machines that use Samsung B-Die modules (which are known to work best with Ryzen chips). With 16 GB DDR4-3200, Asus chose the lowest reasonable option – and it shows in my results. DDR4-3600 modules would solve the problem, but otherwise leave slightly lower performance on the table.

In fact, the RTX 3090 shows a great advantage in Assassin's Creed Valhalla.

3DMark Time Spy shows how well the device compares to the Origin Neuron. My custom rig was able to get a higher score, but that's on the back of the Core i9-12900K.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is also interesting. This game is still having issues with Intel's 12th gen platform which explains the lower scores I've seen with my custom PC. The RTX 3090 actually shows a big advantage here by sliding the GA35 over the Origin Neuron. In most other cases, the added power of the RTX 3090 was of no use.

The GA35 is a super fast gaming PC. There is no doubt about that. However, there are a couple of small issues that are mostly related to system memory. In most cases the differences are no more than a few frames. But they are there and you should keep them in mind if you are planning on losing $ 5,000.

Guarantee and support

Asus offers a one-year warranty for the GA35 as standard. Finding that out, however, was tedious. The warranty information is not printed on the warranty card and you cannot find it on the Asus website. Instead, it's listed on a sticker on the back of the device, just labeled "12M" with no context. It is frustrating that Asus encloses a copy of this sticker with the warranty card – just without the warranty information.

Warranty sticker on Asus G35DX.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

You can purchase insurance cover plus accident protection for up to three years. The standard warranty only covers defects and workmanship. One year is common for desktops. However, Asus could make it easier to access the warranty instead of splitting the information across three locations.

A product support card is included with the warranty information. Asus offers 24/7 phone support as well as live chat and email. For the second two, the support brochure points you to a website that is not working. I had to navigate through the Asus support site to find the right post.

Like the device itself, Asus doesn't go wrong with its warranty or support. There are just additional unnecessary steps that can make the process frustrating.

Our opinion

The Asus GA35 is a damn good gaming PC. It's packed with top-notch hardware that provides gaming and productivity without getting too hot (even though the fan is noisy). It also uses a standard form factor so upgrades are possible even though they may not always be practical.

It's just not all it could be. Thumbscrews, black power cords, and paying more attention to upgrades would put it at the top of our list of best desktop computers. I recommend the GA35, but you should know its quirks before you lose $ 5,000.

Are there alternatives?

Yes. The Origin Neuron and Maingear Vybe are the most direct competition, and the Vybe costs about $ 1,000 less. The HP Omen 30L is also a solid alternative thanks to its high-end hardware and tool-free housing design.

The Alienware Aurora R14 and Falcon Northwest Talon are also high-end gaming options, although they are both slightly different from the GA35. The Aurora R14 is more restrictive when it comes to upgrades, while the Northwest Talon uses all off-the-shelf parts and costs a little more.

How long it will take?

The GA35 is packed with powerful hardware, so what's in it should last for years. You can upgrade at any time, but the case doesn't make upgrades as easy as they could be.

Should you buy it?

Yes, as long as you considered the other options. The Maingear Vybe and Origin Neuron are both top-of-the-range gaming PCs, and the GA35 is just a small step below. It still works fine, but the options from Maingear and Origin are a bit easier when it comes to upgrading.

Editor's recommendations



25 Nov
Blog

LG GP9 Review: The Best Gaming Speaker You Shouldn’t Buy

LG GP9 speakers in front of a monitor

LG UltraGear GP9 Review: The Best Gaming Speaker You Shouldn't Buy

RRP $ 499.00

"The LG GP9 is an incredible speaker that is only as good as its price allows."

advantages

  • Excellent sound quality for games

  • DTS: X and Hi-Res headphone support

  • Broad sound field

  • Excellent microphone echo cancellation

disadvantage

  • Way too expensive

  • Weak battery life

  • Below average music experience

LG's UltraGear brand is known for gaming monitors, but it's branching out. The GP9 gaming speaker is LG's first attempt at establishing UltraGear as a gaming brand beyond the field of monitors and hopefully getting LG into the conversation when it comes to the best gaming speakers. It's a solid attempt, but unfortunately it's tarnished by nagging oversights and an astronomical price tag of $ 500.

It seems that LG designed the GP9 in a vacuum, outperforming alternatives like the Razer Leviathan and Panasonic SoundSlayer by a few hundred dollars. On paper, the GP9's features justify the higher price tag – a built-in microphone for voice chat, support for high-resolution audio, and wireless operation from the built-in battery. In practice, however, these benefits do not match the price LG is asking.

Immediately after unboxing and setting up the GP9, I was overwhelmed with its gaming performance. This is one of the best gaming speakers, and it can't be denied, but it's hard for the GP9 to keep the conversation going when speakers that cost half the sound are almost as good.

Establish connection

Inputs on the LG GP9 speaker.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The GP9 has three inputs and two outputs. For inputs, you can connect it using the USB-C port, an optical cable, or Bluetooth. That's a solid range of options, although I imagine most of them use USB by default, which I have been doing throughout my review.

Bluetooth is a nice addition, but I wouldn't want to use the GP9 as a bluetooth speaker. For one thing, it's big and bulky so it's not the best travel companion, and it doesn't have an IP or water resistance rating, so leaving it outside isn't a good idea. Even with these issues, battery life is the real killer.

The GP9 has a built-in battery that LG says can last five hours, but even that is generous. On a morning of sparse video calling and the occasional YouTube video, the speaker lasted just under four hours. Blink, and the GP9 is dead.

In addition to the inputs, the GP9 has a headphone output. This port supports DTS Headphone: X for 7.1 virtual surround sound, but this is less of a feature than more of a plus. The GP9 is a $ 500 gaming speaker, after all, so plugging in headphones just for virtual surround sound would be a shame.

Built for games

Using the GP9 for the first time is like putting on one of the best gaming headphones. The soundscape suddenly opened up, sound effects felt like they were having an impact, and music complemented the game sound instead of working against it. If you've used a good quality gaming headset, you already know the experience the GP9 delivers.

LG GP9 speakers on a desk.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

In Deep Rock Galactic, the synthesizer-driven soundtrack perfectly superimposed the sound of the drill through the stone, and the sound field seemed to stretch from one end of the room to the other. My desk is in the living room, but the GP9 still envelops the room.

The default sound profile sounds great. I tried it out in a couple of rounds of Call of Duty: Vanguard and Halo Infinite and could make out footsteps, bullet splatters, and explosions around me. LG's 3D gaming sound may seem like a gimmick, but it works.

In addition to the standard profile, the GP9 includes an FPS profile and an RTS profile. The names are irrelevant, even if these profiles sound great. The FPS profile has a more forward-looking presence, with much of the sound moving towards the center of the sound field, while the RTS profile pushes things to the sides as if the floor has fallen out of frequency range.

There's no denying that the GP9 sounds great in games.

The GP9 sounds great for games and skillfully places the smallest nuances around the sound field so that even separate 2.0 systems cannot cope. It's hard to ignore the cost, however. At $ 500 the tone is not enough. The Razer Leviathan sounds great too, is half the price, and includes a dedicated subwoofer.

Films and music take a back seat

The LG GP9 is a gaming speaker, and it shows in the sound quality of other media too. It is set up to play games, not listen to music or watch movies.

LG GP9 speakers on a desk.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Music was the biggest pain point for the GP9. I started with an emphasis on bass, uploading DNA from Kendrick Lamar and See You Again from Tyler, The Creator (which turned into a full listen to Flower Boy, as so often happens). For $ 500, I wasn't impressed. The GP9 sounded good, but no better than a $ 200 bluetooth speaker like the Sonos Roam.

With music, the main problem was having consistent bass. Songs with a consistent low end – like a metal track like Spiritbox's Circle With Me – worked fine, but any kind of dynamic low end fell apart. The GP9 undergoes the compression that often comes with smaller speakers, with the high-end getting out of the way for a moment while the bass booms.

And the bass is booming. The two passive bass radiators bring out impressive bass for such a small speaker, maybe even too much. In terms of sound, the bass is not too strong, but the speaker on my desk vibrated constantly when listening to music, even at about half the volume.

When watching movies or listening to music, it was like using a completely different speaker.

Problems still exist at the other end of the spectrum. The speaker is very bright and does not separate the higher frequencies when the volume is turned up. I couldn't counteract the problem with EQ, just blunt it. A couple of larger satellite speakers, like the Logitech G560s, can handle these higher frequencies with more grace.

If you want to listen to music, stick with headphones. The Quad-DAC shines with a flat pair of sockets like the BeyerDynamic DT 770 Pros. It supports high resolution, lossless audio, and I could immediately see the bright top end, warm bass, and massive sound field compared to my PC's sound card.

LG GP9 speakers with headphones attached.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Movies were better on the speaker. I saw Dune and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Dune sounded great. The transition from ambient to bombast in the score felt natural, and the soundscape, although narrow, still felt a lot wider than the speaker. Shang-Chi brought me back to earth, and the sound seemed to funnel into the hard upper mid-range.

Even with a bright spot in Dune, this isn't a speaker I would use outside of games. When watching movies or listening to music, it was like using a completely different speaker.

A functional built-in microphone

Microphone button on the LG GP9 loudspeaker.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

One advantage of the GP9 over gaming speakers like the Panasonic SoundSlayer is that it includes a microphone, but the quality isn't great. It's just slightly above a laptop's microphone, although it was able to pick up my voice cleanly from a few feet away.

What impressed me more was LG's noise cancellation. LG is calling it Clear Voice Chat technology, which sounds like a bullet point on a product page. Fortunately, it's more. Even at a comfortable volume, the microphone was able to separate my voice from the speaker's audio, and that's hard to achieve.

The microphone is a voice chat solution, just not a great one. Clear Voice Chat is an impressive addition, but I would prefer most of the other microphones to the one in the GP9. You get far better quality with a $ 150 boom mic headset like the Corsair HS80 Wireless.

The app: a compromise case

App screens for the LG GP9.

The LG GP9 was designed for gamers, not gamers, and you don't need to look further than LG's XBoom app to see this. The app isn't bad and it only took a few minutes to set up the GP9 the way I liked it. But it's absurd that a speaker designed for PC gaming doesn't have a desktop app.

XBoom feels like a half-baked solution.

To connect the speaker you need to connect it to bluetooth, download the app, pair it with your phone, and then go back to your original audio source. That took me about 30 seconds. Here's the problem: turn off bluetooth and you'll have to repeat the process all over again. It's not bad, but XBoom still feels like a half-baked solution.

In the app you can adjust the EQ curve, change the RGB sub-lights and update the firmware of the speaker, as well as access all functions that are available as buttons on the top of the speaker. It's not a bad app, but a desktop version would round out the GP9's list of features.

Our opinion

LG has launched an attractive kit with the GP9. It's a speaker that offers the gaming headset experience without the annoying hassle, with a wide sound field, a built-in microphone for communication, and a healthy dose of RGB flair. At $ 300, I'd sing the praises of the GP9. At $ 500, it's an excellent gaming speaker that shouldn't be bought.

It's one of the best gaming speakers in terms of sound, but the sound isn't enough for a speaker that costs as much as a new console.

Are there alternatives?

Dozens. The Razer Leviathan and Panasonic SoundSlayer are the most obvious alternatives, but there are several other options for gaming. These include the Audioengine A2 + speakers and the Logitech G560 kit, both of which are cheaper than the LG GP9.

How long it will take?

Without years of using the GP9, it's hard to tell how long the speaker will last. LG offers a one-year parts and labor warranty as standard.

Should you buy it?

No, unless you can have one on sale. The GP9 is too expensive for what it is, and its positives are outweighed by the price. However, if you can pick one up for around $ 300, this is an excellent option.

Editor's recommendations



14 Nov
Blog

HP Victus 16 Review: A New Gaming Brand Makes Its Mark

Oblique view of the HP Victus 16.

HP Victus 16 in the test: A new gaming brand sets the tone

RRP $ 1,360.00

"The HP Victus 16 is a solid gaming laptop at an affordable price."

advantages

  • Excellent productivity performance

  • Solid 1080p gaming performance

  • Comfortable keyboard

  • The display is good for both productivity and gaming

  • Acceptable price

disadvantage

  • Build quality is below average

  • The keyboard backlight is limited

  • Bad battery life

Gaming laptops have never been more popular, and HP has a new line of devices to meet the growing interest. Victus is the name, and it is under HP's premium gaming brand Omen, replacing the Pavilion slot machines on a budget level.

HP Victus brings a higher quality design, souped-up internals and Windows 11. I was sent a high-end configuration with a Core i7-11800H and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 for $ 1,360.

That's a fair price for a moderately-featured gaming laptop – the next Omen 16 configuration I was able to put together is $ 1,950 in comparison. Given the price difference and great performance, the HP Victus 16 has already made a name for itself in the world of affordable gaming laptops.

draft

An oblique view of the rear of the HP Victus 16.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The first thing that catches your eye once you are familiar with the Omen line is the Victus logo. It's a "V" based on the same core geometry as the Omen logo, with the lower portion essentially isolated to stand on its own. The logo is not only located on the outer lid and on the display chin, but is also embedded in the ventilation above the keyboard and outlines the ventilation on the underside of the case. If nothing else, the Victus has its branding below.

The rest of the Victus 16's aesthetic is minimalist, with few nods to a more eye-catching gaming design. In fact, the only real gaming design element is the row of air vents along the back of the case. They give a visual flair and at the same time offer improved thermals (more on that in a moment). My test device was the color Mica Silver (black); Performance Blue and Ceramic White are the other options.

Overall, the Victus 16 is a gaming laptop with a more traditional laptop design. We saw this on a few other gaming devices, like the conservatively designed (and much more expensive) Razer Blade 15 and the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, which has a non-gaming aesthetic along with the lid and rear ventilation. The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro lives in both worlds at the same time, with a no-nonsense design with some gaming elements such as aggressive ventilation openings that appear to be glued on. Conversely, the Asus ROG Strix G15 and Alienware laptops retain a die-hard gaming aesthetic through and through.

The Victus 16 has quite small bezels for a gaming device, at least on the top and on the sides. Even with a massive chin, the combo results in a screen-to-body ratio of 84% – not bad for a gaming laptop. This made it possible to integrate the 16-inch display into a housing that is more like a 15-inch gaming device. The Legion 5 Pro has smaller bezels around its 16-inch display with an aspect ratio of 16:10 and is almost identical in width and depth to the Victus 16, which has an old-school 16: 9 panel.

The Asus ROG Strix G15 with a 15.6-inch display in 16: 9 format is a fraction of an inch wider and deeper. The Victus 16 is 0.93 inches thick and weighs 5.5 pounds, compared to the Legion 5 Pro at 1.1 inches and 5.4 pounds and the ROG Strix G15 at about an inch and 5.7 pounds. This makes the Victus 16 a decently sized gaming laptop in view of the display and components. You can get thinner gaming laptops like the Razer Blade 15 which is only 0.67 "and the HP Omen 16 which is 0.89", but you will pay for them.

Straightforward picture of the HP Victus 16.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

One area where the Victus 16 doesn't quite live up to its price is the build quality. It's an all-plastic laptop, which is fine, but the lid is too pliable and the keyboard deck has enough flexibility that you can feel your fingers pressing against anything directly under the keyboard and palm rest. The Legion 5 Pro and ROG Strix G15 felt more stable to us, and they're about the same price as the Victus 16. The hinge was incredibly wobbly, easy to open with one hand, but prone to shaking during gaming sessions. Perhaps the build quality was carried over from the budget-conscious Pavilion gaming line, but HP may want to improve it in future generations.

One of the more sensible upgrades to the Pavilion Gaming 16 is the thermal design. HP integrated a new system with five-way airflow thanks to an additional exhaust opening on the RTX 3060 model, four heat pipes and larger fans. The result, according to HP, is 30% more airflow, which makes the laptop quite loud when you work hard, but keeps it cooler than its predecessor. As we'll see in the performance section below, the Victus 16 gets the most out of its components, and that's in part because of its excellent thermal design.

The HP Victus 16 has an Ethernet port, a full-size HDMI port, a USB-A 3.2 port, a USB-C 3.2 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a full SD card reader Size on the left.

Two USB-A 3.2 ports on the right side of the HP Victus 16.

The Victus 16 has a mix of ports, with an emphasis on being able to connect a wide variety of gaming peripherals. There's an Ethernet port, a full-size HDMI port, a USB-A 3.2 port, a USB-C 3.2 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a full-size SD card reader on the left Side and two more USB-A 3.2 ports on the right side. Juice is provided by a massive 200 watt power brick and a proprietary barrel connector.

There is no Thunderbolt 4 support, however, which is disappointing. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 offer wireless connectivity.

power

The Victus 16 is powered by a 45-watt eight-core / 16-thread Intel Core i7-11800H – a workhorse among Intel's lineup that offers some of the best creative application performance you'll find outside of the AMD Ryzen 5000 series. Not to mention its productivity performance, which is exaggerated for even the most demanding office worker.

There's nothing that says a gaming laptop can't be used to get work done, so it's worth looking at how well the Victus 16 does for non-gaming tasks. Consider my wife, an interior designer: she was given an Alienware gaming laptop as a work machine because it offers both a fast CPU and a separate GPU to accelerate applications such as AutoCAD, Revit, CET and the Adobe suite. The HP Victus 16 would fit more discreetly into an office environment than an Alienware computer, that's for sure.

Image of the bottom of the HP Victus 16.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

In any case, the Victus 16 is undoubtedly a fast notebook compared to mainstream laptops with comparable equipment. It led the field in Geekbench 5 with impressive high scores, finished third in Cinebench R23 (with the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and its Ryzen 7 5800H being the fastest machine), and finished first in our handbrake test, the one 420 MB video as coded H.265 and even achieved the high score in PCMark 10, a primarily productivity-oriented benchmark.

In PugetBench, which uses Premiere Pro to handle a number of demanding tasks and can use a separate GPU, the Victus 16 again achieved the highest score among its closest competitors.

If you are looking for a fast notebook for productivity and creative tasks, then you have come to the right place with the HP Victus 16. It takes its components to extremes thanks largely to its excellent thermal design and is certainly faster than your typical mainstream and often thinner and lighter laptop. Note that you can also buy the Victus 16 with an AMD Ryzen 7 4800H if you want even faster CPU performance.

Laptop Underdog bench 5 Cinebench R23 PugetBank
(Premiere Pro)		 Handbrake
(Seconds)		 PCMark 10
HP Victus 16 (Core i7-11800H) 1594/9141 1510/10145 765 91 6808
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4 (Core i7-11800H) 1520/7353 1519/10497 388 99 6251
Dell XPS 15 OLED 2021 (Core i7-11800H) 1544/7692 1513/9979 509 101 6024
MSI Creator Z16 (Core i7-11800H) 1540/7625 1444/9615 738 103 6486
Dell XPS 17 (Core i7-11800H) 1568/8801 1525/10145 692 n / A 6209
LG gram 16 (Core i7-1165G7) 1573/5454 1394/4137 N / A 213 4827
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro (Ryzen7 5800H) 1460/7227 1430/11195 622 99 n / A

Games

Top view of the lid of the HP Victus 16.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

But of course the Victus 16 is a gaming laptop and should therefore compete with other gaming laptops. Here, too, it impressed with quite a good performance, as it has one of the slower GPUs in our comparison group. Note that HP includes its Omen Gaming Hub app with the Victus 16, which enables undervolting and three power modes: quiet, standard, and performance.

I ran all of the benchmarks – including those in the section above – in both standard and performance modes and found very little differences in performance. In most games, the performance mode only squeezed out a few additional frame rates.

The 3DMark Time Spy Score was in line with our comparison group, coming in penultimate place, with only the MSI Creator Z16 – a non-gaming computer with the same GPU that I added for comparison purposes – achieving a lower score.

In actual games, the Victus 16 did well. It managed to get close to the Razer Blade 14 and Lenovo Legion 5 Pro in Assassin's Creed Valhalla in a few frames – and both are equipped with RTX 3070s. It almost reached the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro in Battlefield V and beat the Razer Blade 14 in Fortnite. It eventually beat both RTX 3070-equipped machines in Civilization VI.

And best of all, these are very playable frame rates across the board, making the Victus 16 a high-performance 1080p gaming device. These results are all at high graphics settings, which means you don't have to turn things down to maintain high frame rates. For a gaming laptop with an RTX 3060, the Victus 16 is competitive. If you go for the AMD version of the laptop, you can opt for a slower AMD Radeon RX5500M GPU to save some money.

Laptop 3DMark time spy Assassin's Creed Valhalla
(1080p ultra high)		 Battlefield V
(1080p-Ultra)		 Fourteen days
(1080p epic)		 Civilization VI (1080p Ultra)
HP Victus 16 (RTX 3060) 7341 59 fps 72 fps 99 fps 118 fps
Razer blade 14 (RTX 3070) 8605 60 fps 96 fps 96 fps 111 fps
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro (RTX 3070) 9175 61 fps 73 fps 101 fps 114 fps
Asus ROG Strix G15 (RX6800M) 10504 77 fps 109 fps 108 fps 150 fps
MSI GS66 Stealth (RTX 3080) 9097 70 fps 117 fps 140 fps 149 fps
Razer blade 15 (RTX 2080 Super) 7637 58 fps 98 fps 110 fps 134 fps
MSI Creator Z16 (RTX 3060) 6322 50 fps 57 fps 56 fps (1600p) 92 fps

The Victus 16 moves a lot of air when it's working hard, so the fan noise was quite audible. It is not enough to force you to wear headphones all the time, but you can still do so. The laptop's surface remained reasonable, reaching 101 degrees Fahrenheit on the right side of the keyboard deck during benchmarking. The underside of the chassis did not exceed 115 degrees F during my tests. The notebook stayed cool and quiet in non-gaming mode.

According to 3DMark, the maximum GPU temperatures were between around 75 ° C and 100 ° C, which is the highest possible safe temperature. We usually don't like it when temperatures get this high, and you can find better thermals in laptops like the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro.

Configurations

While our test configuration was on the high end for $ 1,360 – with the Core i7-11800H, RTX 3060, 16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD, and the 144 Hz Full HD display – you can get the Victus 16 for a lot get less money. For example, for just $ 730 you can get a Core i5-11400H, GTX 1650, 8 GB RAM, a 256 GB SSD and the entry-level 60 Hz Full HD panel. But honestly, that's not a configuration most people will enjoy between the outdated graphics card and the 60Hz display.

The $ 1,640 maximum you can spend upgrading our configuration to 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a QHD (2,560 x 1,440) 165Hz display.

If you're looking to save money but don't want to compromise as much on performance, you can still keep your purchase price below $ 1,000. For $ 920, you can get the Core i5, an RTX 3050 Ti, 8 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD, and a 144 Hz Full HD display – a solid entry-level gaming laptop at a very attractive price especially if you're trying to buy a gaming laptop under $ 1,000.

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Close-up of the HP Victus 16 display.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Gaming laptops don't always have displays with wide and accurate colors and high contrast, but instead focus on things like refresh rates. The display installed in my test report Victus 16 circumvented these restrictions. It's a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, with its only weakness being the old-school 16: 9 aspect ratio.

But when I used the display, it seemed like a similar panel I could find on a thin and light premium laptop aimed at productive work. It was bright, with dynamic colors that weren't oversaturated, and enough contrast to make blacks stand out against white.

I was very happy with the display on the Victus 16.

My colorimeter confirmed my impressions. The display is indeed bright at 375 nits, well above our 300 nit threshold, and the contrast was 1120: 1, beating our preferred 1000: 1. The colors were above average at 79% AdobeRGB (with about 72% being the norm) and 100% sRGB, and fairly accurate with a DeltaE of 1.85 (1.0 or less is considered excellent).

The Asus ROG Strix G15 wasn't nearly as good with 278 nits, a contrast ratio of 1,090: 1 (a good result) and only 48% AdobeRGB and 64% sRGB with a color accuracy of 2.19. The Legion 5 Pro's display was also good with 515 nits, a contrast ratio of 1,380: 1, 74% AdobeRGB and 97% sRGB, and a color accuracy of 1.36.

I was very happy with the display on the Victus 16. Not only is it fast for gaming, but it can also perform well for productive work. Thanks to its fast performance, it can even do some creative work in a pinch.

The tone wasn't quite as impressive. The two downward-facing speakers were very quiet even when turned up fully, although there was no distortion. The mids and highs were clear enough, but the bass was missing. You will need headphones when playing at full strength as the sound is not loud enough to comfortably overcome the fan noise. The same goes for Netflix binge and listening to music – headphones are a must.

Keyboard and touchpad

Close-up of the HP Victus 16 keyboard.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Here's one thing the Victus 16 didn't inherit from the Omen line: RGB lighting per key on the keyboard. Although the keyboard of the Victus 16 is actually backlit with white lighting, it is only switched on or off with no level in between. So HP has taken great care to ensure that the Omen retains its lead here. The keyboard feels great, however, with a large travel and very snappy switches that provide great responsiveness for both gamers and productivity users. It's not a mechanical keyboard, but it shouldn't hold back competitive gamers.

The touchpad has become larger compared to the Pavilion Gaming 16 and takes up most of the space on the palm rest. It has a pleasant surface to swipe, but I found the buttons a bit loose and they only vibrated a touch when pressed. It's nothing outrageous, and as a Microsoft Precision touchpad, it supports the full complement of Windows 11 multitouch gestures. Overall, I would rate the touchpad as competent, but nothing special.

There is no passwordless support for Windows 11 Hello and the display is not touch-enabled. So these are two missing features that would have been welcome but are often missing on midrange gaming laptops.

Battery life

The Victus 16 is a gaming laptop with relatively high-quality components and a 70-watt-hour battery. I wasn't expecting great battery life from the machine and I didn't get it.

In our web browsing test, which ran through a number of complex websites, the Victus 16 only lasted 4.5 hours – a terrible score. The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro worked over seven hours, which is still not great, but it is far better than HP's, while the Asus ROG Strix G15 does even worse at just 3.8 hours.

In our video test going through a local 1080p movie trailer, the Victus 16 got 6.5 hours, another terrible score. The ROG Strix G15 lasted eight hours, and we didn't put the Legion 5 Pro through this test.

I also ran the PCMark 10 Applications battery test which got the Victus 16 up to just over five hours. We haven't tested any other gaming laptops with this benchmark, but most laptops get 10 hours or better. In the PCMark 10 gaming battery test, the Victus 16 lasted 92 minutes, which means that it also works without a power plug.

The Victus 16 is not intended to be a portable productivity machine, so these battery results are forgivable. Just keep in mind that you'll want to have your fairly large power adapter with you when you change gaming environments.

Our opinion

The HP Victus 16 is a legitimate competitor in the mid-range gaming market. It is well equipped and performs admirably. Its chassis is a bit too flexible, but not too big to take with you.

HP has found a nice balance with the Victus 16. And now the company has a real gaming brand under the Omen range that should be better off attracting gamers on less money.

Are there alternatives?

The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is probably the best alternative to the Victus 16. It's about the same size, although its display is in the superior 16:10 aspect ratio and its gaming performance is similar. You will also be spending roughly the same amount of money.

You might also consider the AMD-equipped Asus ROG Strix G15 as an inexpensive alternative, and the ROG Zephyrus G15 offers a thinner chassis and higher specs for those looking to take their gaming one step further.

How long it will take?

Despite a loose hinge and an easily bendable lid and chassis, the Victus 16 should withstand years of hard gaming. The one year warranty remains as disappointing as ever.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. For the price, the HP Victus 16 is a competent gaming performer in a comfortable case.

Editor's recommendations



24 Sep
Blog

Gigabyte M32U Monitor Review: 4K Gaming Without the Fluff

The back of the Gigabyte M32U gaming monitor.

Gigabyte M32U monitor in the test: 4K gaming without fluff

RRP $ 800.00

"The Gigabyte M32U doesn't have much competition, but it still feels hard to beat for $ 800."

advantages

  • One of the few 32-inch 4K monitors with a high refresh rate

  • Excellent color accuracy after calibration

  • Two HDMI 2.1 ports

  • Built-in KVM switch

  • Inexpensive

disadvantage

  • Bad HDR performance

  • Below average status

  • Poor color accuracy before calibration

If you are looking for a 32-inch 4K monitor with a high refresh rate in Newegg, you will find three options: two listings for the Gigabyte Aorus FI32U and one for the Gigabyte M32U. Large 4K monitors with a high refresh rate are still a largely untapped space, with the world's LGs and Asus sticking to the tried and tested 27-inch format.

However, Gigabyte is quickly capitalizing on the as-yet unclaimed ground with these two new gaming monitors that have some unique features.

It's hard to separate the Gigabyte M32U from the Auros FI32U even if you ignore the identical specifications. They both use the same panel and offer largely the same features, but the M32U costs $ 200 less. It has the comfortable price of around $ 800 that many 4K 27-inch displays like the Acer Nitro XV273K or LG 27GN950 have settled on.

The case for the purchase of the M32U then looks tidy – it offers a high refresh rate at 4K for the same price as its 27-inch counterparts, but with a little more screen space. However, the story has a little more to offer. So if you're not using a 32-inch display over a 27-inch display, don't add the M32U to your cart just yet.

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Gigabyte M32U on the Digital Trends website.

Gigabyte monitors aren't known for their innovative design, and the M32U doesn't change that either. It's basically a stretched version of Gigabyte's budget 1440p monitors like the M27Q, with an identical stand but without the gamer flair normally associated with high-refresh rate 4K displays like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX.

Basically there is no RGB or branding associated with games. For that, you'll have to spend $ 200 more on the FI32U, which is exactly the same panel but from Gigabyte's Aorus line of products. It has a more angular look suitable for gaming, with some RGB accents on the back. In the case of the panel, however, it is identical to the M32U.

Panel and performance aside, the M32U doesn't feel like a well-spent $ 800. There's just a bit of metal in the base to break up the plastic monotony. The top of the back is a bit glossy, but otherwise it's a matte plastic finish all around that feels like function over form. And given the cost savings compared to the FI32U, that is what the M32U's focus is on.

The stand offers a few adjustments, including 130mm height adjustment, 25 degrees tilt, and 60 degrees swivel, but I was never able to adjust the monitor the way I wanted. The stand just doesn't allow enough height adjustment for my setup, as only the top third of the screen occupies my field of view at its highest point.

The size of a 32-inch panel makes up for it, but I wanted to throw the stand away almost as quickly as I set it up. Using the VESA 100 mounting holes on the back with a monitor arm transforms the M32U from a cheap-feeling monitor with a bad stand into a subtle display that's all about performance.

Connections and controls

Controller on Gigabyte M32U.

The port selection of the M32U is excellent, especially a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports. Even newer high-end monitors like the LG 34GN850-B have stayed with HDMI 2.0 and limit the 4K output to 60 Hz. With HDMI 2.1 you have access to 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 60Hz.

DisplayPort is still better for PC gamers – and I'll get into why in a moment – but HDMI 2.1 was a delight during my time with the M32U. I used the HDMI ports on my PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and switched between them and my PC via the DisplayPort connection without the refresh rate loss in mind.

In addition to the two HDMI ports, you have access to a single DisplayPort 1.4 port, which offers a slight increase to a refresh rate of 144 Hz at 4K. Honestly, this is the dream port setup right now. DisplayPort 2.0 is a better option, but it's still not there after suffering some long delays.

Otherwise you can use USB-C as an input, as well as the three USB 3.0 ports on the back of the display. The M32U even has one more USB 3.0 port than the FI32U.

This is the dream port setup right now.

You can make good use of all of these ports too. Like its more expensive Aorus brother, the M32U has an integrated KVM switch. In short, you can control multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse connected through the monitor. The switch was a lifesaver for switching between my main machine and the test bench, and it saved me space and time on my desk when hopping between two machines.

Unfortunately, you have to use the on-screen display (OSD) to configure the KVM switch and that's not great. The OSD runs with a significantly lower resolution, which makes it look smeared on the otherwise sharp 4K panel. Navigating through the menu isn't bad, although the rotary wheel takes a bit of getting used to.

It's high up on the back of the monitor, and even after weeks of using the M32U, I'd have to search blindly to find it. It's a four-way toggle with a middle click, and I would push it in one direction many times while trying to use the middle click. You shouldn't spend too much time using the OSD, but I wanted a better controller.

picture quality

The M32U doesn't look great out of the box, but it's hard to expect much from a $ 800 32-inch 4K monitor with a high refresh rate. Typical of IPS panels, the contrast ratio isn't high and the display doesn't get too bright, which makes the panel feel like the budget option it compares to some of the higher quality 4K displays.

Still, Gigabyte is promoting 123% coverage of sRGB and 90% coverage of DCI-P3. Testing with my SpyderX Elite clorimeter found a slightly lower 87% coverage of DCI-P3, although that's not too far from what Gigabyte claims. I also measured a contrast ratio of 950: 1, which is only slightly different from the 1000: 1 ratio typical for IPS panels, as well as a peak brightness of 366.5 nits (Gigabyte lists 350 nits).

SpyderX on Gigabyte M32U.

Everything checked, but the bigger problem is color accuracy. Out of the box I measured a Delta-E (difference from real) of 2.32, which is outside the typical range for color work and reflects the poor out-of-the-box performance of the Eve Spectrum 4K. You are looking for a Delta-E value of less than 2 for a color-accurate representation. Calibrating the display with the SpyderX, however, cleaned up a lot and lowered the Delta-E value to 0.5.

This is an exceptional achievement for the price and more than acceptable for photo or video work. The color performance after calibration outperforms the LG 27GN950, a monitor for the same price as the Gigabyte M32U but five inches smaller.

The brightness uniformity wasn't great right away either, with up to 10% difference in the lower left corner which was 83% brightness. A quick glance at a black screen showed why, with the lower right corner showing just a hair of the backlight. Still, consistency was never a problem for me, and with the most sensitive work happening in the center of the screen, the M32U is still set up for creative work after calibration.

In terms of specs, the M32U is on par with competing 27-inch 4K displays like the Asus ROG Strix XG27UQR, only with a larger screen size. However, the Eve Spectrum 4K and LG 27GN950 show what can be gained by foregoing the screen size. Although smaller, both displays are the same price and have higher peak brightness.

With HDR enabled, the monitor looks like it is trying to cram too much dynamic range into too little space.

This is important for HDR. The M32U carries DisplayHDR 400 certification from VESA, not the DisplayHDR 600 certification of the Eve Spectrum and LG 27GN950. With HDR enabled, the monitor looks like it is trying to cram too much dynamic into a space that is too small, which is typical for DisplayHDR 400 monitors.

Worse, using HDR enables the M32U's local dimming function. There aren't too many dimming zones and they are slow to respond to changes. I shot a dimming test video that produced some notable stuttering as a white dot moves to different parts of the screen, showing that the dimming zones are slowly keeping up.

I ended up leaving out HDR when using the M32U with my consoles. It's not a bad picture, but I've never looked at the dimming zones or the eye-burning contrast that comes from a mediocre HDR implementation. IPS panels just aren't good for HDR, and the M32U doesn't break that shape.

Still, the M32U looks good with HDR turned off. Although 4K stands out a little more on a smaller screen size, at 32 inches, the pixel density is still high enough to produce crisp images and clean lines in text. Even when I held my face inches from the screen, I couldn't see pixels of black text on a white background.

Gaming performance

Control on Gigabyte M32U.

Pixel peeping is one thing, but when you take the M32U into games, it shows where it really shines. It just expanded my Destiny 2 habit and offers super sharp images at high frame rates. The 144Hz panel isn't as fast as the 360Hz Asus ROG Swift PG259QNR, but this monitor is limited to 1080p. Plus, I don't need an even higher refresh rate to know how bad I am at Valorant.

And 144 Hz is the gold standard for gaming monitors for good reason. Like jumping from 30 frames per second (fps) on an Xbox One to 60 fps on an Xbox Series X, you can't go back to 60 Hz after trying 144 Hz. It's particularly smooth. Even games on my PS5 felt choppy after a few hours playing at 144Hz on my PC.

Defeating champions in Destiny 2 looked great in 4K, especially with the ultra-smooth refresh rate.

Just because the M32U offers 144 Hz doesn't mean you can enjoy it in games. Native 4K is still a killer for most PC hardware. Even with an RTX 3090 and an Intel Core i9-10900K, I couldn't achieve more than 60 fps in Control or Assassin's Creed Valhalla when all the sliders were turned up.

The high refresh rate is more relevant in games like Destiny 2, which are less demanding. Defeating champions and melting down Gambit bosses looked great in 4K, especially with the ultra-smooth refresh rate.

Still, you need powerful hardware to use a display like the M32U. You should have at least an RTX 3070 or RX 6800 XT if you want to play the latest AAA games in native 4K. Or you can always cheat the resolution a bit with a feature like Nvidia Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), which lets the high refresh rate shine through in a game like Control.

Our opinion

Unless you're spending $ 3,000 on something like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ, you won't find another high-refresh rate 32-inch 4K gaming monitor. It's in a class of its own, but that doesn't make it the best by default. There's a far larger selection of 27-inch displays for the same price, many with better HDR and higher peak brightness.

However, if you have chosen 32 inches, there is no other option. The Aorus branded model is aesthetically better, but that's hard to justify with an extra $ 200 on the table. Gigabyte created a monitor that ticks the boxes in an area where there are very few monitors, and at an affordable price.

Just make sure to attach a Spyder to it before using the M32U for any serious work.

Are there alternatives?

No, outside of the Aorus FI32U, that's $ 200 more expensive. Many high refresh rate 4K gaming displays are fixed at 27 inches, including the Eve Spectrum 4K and the LG 27GN950. However, you can get higher brightness and better HDR performance if you sacrifice screen size.

How long it will take?

Given how demanding 4K still is for modern PC hardware, the M32U will last for years. The M32U will keep up until 8K becomes the norm or midrange GPUs can achieve high frame rates at 4K. HDR throws the bill, however, so you may need to upgrade in a few years if you want to use HDR in games.

Should I buy it?

If you need a 32-inch 4K gaming monitor, yes. The Gigabyte M32U is in a class of its own by default. However, you can get a better 27-inch 4K monitor for the same price, which is what I would recommend to most people.

Editor's recommendations



14 Sep
Blog

Logitech G435 Gaming Headset Review: Too Cheap to Be Good

The Logitech G435 gaming headset on a stand.

Logitech G435 gaming headset

RRP $ 80.00

"The Logitech G435 is a wireless gaming headset that sacrifices too much to be affordable."

advantages

  • Wireless Lightspeed connection with Bluetooth support

  • Easy

  • Comfortable for long gaming sessions

  • Payable

disadvantage

  • Feels cheap

  • Disappointing sound quality

  • Not a boom mic

When looking for the best gaming headset, it's easy to fall into the trap of wanting wireless connectivity. With one less cord, the workspace is really tidy, and it's nice to be able to get up without taking off the headset.

However, the feature significantly increases the price due to the need for a wireless radio, electronics, and battery. However, this is not the case with the Logitech G435 Lightspeed. You won't find a cheaper wireless gaming headset – at least not one from a well-known brand.

Unfortunately, the G435 is cutting too many corners to reach this price point, leaving you with a headset that doesn't feel like it's worth $ 80.

draft

Thin headband of the G435 gaming headset from Logitech.Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

When it comes to design, the first thing you notice about the G435 is that it is extremely light. It only weighs 165 grams, which is absolutely nothing for headsets, especially wireless ones. For comparison: Razer's Barracuda X weighs 250 grams, which is considered light, and something high-end like Corsair's Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT weighs 382 grams, even lighter than the 240-gram Logitech G335.

So yes, the G435 is very light indeed. But the quality of workmanship is a problem with a headset for this lamp. There is no getting around it: The G435 feels thin and cheap. The plastic parts are all thin, there are no beautiful materials and the headband looks full, but is just a plastic frame with a fabric cover.

I feel like if I held the headband in my fist it would just be strong pressure to snap. This is not good. Logitech only markets the light weight as a benefit, but it feels like it was a decision to cut costs, and it shows. The heavier Logitech G533 looks and feels higher quality and can be picked up at a discount for less than the newer G435.

However, I cannot deny the advantages of an ultra-light headset. The light weight and soft fabric ear cups of the G435 make it one of the most comfortable headsets I've ever worn. It's also surprisingly comfortable to rest on your neck.

The ear cups don't pivot to lie flat on your chest, but since there's no protruding microphone and it's surprisingly small, your chin won't collide as much when you turn your head.

characteristics

Beamforming microphone on Logitech's G435 headset.

When it comes to features, it's no surprise that the G435 isn't very featured. But that doesn't mean it's shabby. The headset supports various spatial audio codecs including Dolby Atmos, has an optional volume cap of 85 decibels to protect your ears, and the dual beamforming microphones work together to reduce background noise.

And yes, that means the G435 doesn't have a boom mic, as is common with gaming headsets. Boom microphones provide sharper, clearer audio quality compared to the smartphone-grade quality that beamforming microphones offer. It's a surprise to see Logitech leave it out here as even the G335 includes one.

The G435 is charged via the USB-C port, and a fully charged battery has a lifespan of 18 hours. Controls are just as easy: there is an on / off button, volume control and a microphone / mute button.

Controls of the G435 gaming headset.Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

The primary connection method for the G435 is via the included 2.4 GHz Lightspeed dongle, but you can also use it with Bluetooth devices in a low-latency mode – this combination does it not only with PCs, but with PlayStation devices and mobile phones can be used.

That's pretty cute considering the vast majority of gaming headsets don't support Bluetooth and you often have to jump on something like the SteelSeries Actis 9, which costs a whopping $ 200.

Sound quality

Logitech G435 gaming headset ear pads.

The actual test of the headset naturally depends on the sound quality. The G435 is still packed with 40mm drivers, which sounds promising, but in practice I wouldn't expect any acoustic miracles from the G435. There's a lot of bass and some detail at the top, but the headset lacks something in the middle section – I'd describe the sound profile as hollow.

The sound lacks the "fullness" that makes you turn up the volume for the satisfaction you want. So it is good that it is equipped with a volume limiter.

But then again, this is a $ 80 wireless headset. Great sound quality was never the primary goal, and the acoustics are good enough for casual gaming. However, if you are a competitive gamer you may want to look for something a little more revealing sound so you don't miss your opponents' steps as they sneak up on you.

Our opinion

The Logitech G435 Lightspeed has a lot to offer, such as light weight, comfort and Bluetooth support. However, unless you absolutely need a wireless headset for under $ 80, I'd stay away from that and spend the same budget on a wired pair.

With the need to squeeze a wireless radio, control module, and battery into the tight budget, Logitech had to make concessions on build quality and sound quality. They take off too much of the overall experience, and while it's wireless, the G435 doesn't feel like $ 80 headphones.

Are there alternatives?

The next alternative is Razer's recently launched Barracuda X gaming headset, which costs $ 20 more. While it doesn't support Bluetooth, it offers better processing and sound quality, plus a proper microphone, and looks better for outside the home. It's more expensive, but well worth the extra effort.

The Logitech G533 is also a good choice. Although it originally sold for $ 150, you can currently pick it up at Retailers for only $ 74.

If you're shopping wired on the same budget, the entry-level HyperX Cloud II headset offers much better build quality and sound quality.

How long it will take?

Although the G435 should last two to three years if carefully cared for, its fragile construction is an accident or a rage that is far from snapping into place.

Should I buy it?

If you really need a $ 80 headset, don't buy a wireless headset. Too much of the budget goes into the wireless radio, electronics, and battery, and with that budget it is better to buy a wired headset.

Editor's recommendations



25 Aug
Blog

Asus ROG Flow X13 Review: 13-Inch Gaming Laptop, Done Right

The ROG Flow X13 on a table overlooking a city.

Asus ROG Flow X13 Review: The King of Small Gaming Laptops?

RRP $ 1,500.00

"The ROG Flow X13 is an ultra-compact and surprisingly powerful gaming laptop."

advantages

  • Amazing portability

  • Good performance for its size

  • Comfortable keyboard and touchpad

  • XG Mobile is a great option

  • 120 Hz refresh rate

disadvantage

  • Mediocre battery life

  • Screen could be brighter

  • Cumbersome port configuration

The Razer Blade Stealth 13 has long been the smallest gaming laptop you could buy. The Asus ROG Flow X13 has a lot to say about this.

It's the second 13-inch gaming laptop you can buy right now, but in some ways it goes further. With up to an RTX 3050 Ti GPU and Ryzen 9 5900HS processor, you can be sure that these are the most powerful components you can cram into a laptop this size.

Most configurations come with the interesting XG Mobile external graphics case. But my review unit is a standalone model that sells for $ 1,500 exclusively at Best Buy. That's not a bad price for a premium gaming laptop. Despite a few minor issues I've had, the ROG Flow X13 keeps the promise of playing in the smallest possible package on the go.

draft

The structured lid of the ROG Flow X13.

Judging by its size, the ROG Flow X13 is what was formerly known as an “ultrabook”. Thanks to the 360 ​​hinge and touchscreen, it is also a convertible 2-in-1.

But with its design and performance, it's unabashedly a gaming laptop. A small gaming laptop. The sleek, all-black exterior is similar to the rest of the ROG line of gaming laptops, including the Zephyrus G15 or some of the older M-series laptops. The lid features structured diagonal lines on the front and a small name tag in the lower corner for the logo. A more subtle version of this texture can be found on the palm rests. It's a pretty minimal design as long as you can overlook the typical gamer font used on the keycaps.

Asus claims that the textured lines add extra strength to the structure as well. Whether it's true or not, the Flow X13 feels very sturdy. The lid doesn't bend too much, especially at the top. The weakest point of the laptop is on the lid along the hinge. This is a common weak point, especially on laptops with a 360-degree hinge – another unique aspect of this laptop. The keyboard gives very slightly, but overall it's a laptop with a rigid feel.

Of course, the size of the Flow X13 is its calling card. I cannot stress enough how impressively small this thing is. A laptop this size just shouldn't be able to handle an 8-core CPU and discrete RTX graphics card – and yet it is here.

Play Fortnite on the ROG Flow X13.

The ROG Flow X13 is not alone, however. The dimensions of the Razer Blade Stealth 13 are almost identical. Razer's 13-inch gaming laptop is 0.2 inches thinner than the Flow X13 and has a different shape due to the screen view. The higher 16:10 shape of the Flow X13 makes it a bit longer on the table, while the 16: 9 Razer Blade Stealth 13 is wider. The ROG Flow X13 is lighter at just 2.87 pounds. In terms of portability, I can happily call it a tie, which makes the Flow X13 one of the smallest gaming laptops you can buy.

There are also some 14-inch gaming laptops that are only marginally larger than the ROG Flow X13. It certainly has a smaller overall pressure than laptops like the Razer Blade 14, ROG Zephyrus G14, or Predator Triton 300 SE – but not as much as you might suspect. Each is about an inch taller in either direction, depending on the laptop, and most are heavier. Still, they are a solid alternative to the ROG Flow X13.

Ports

The connections of the ROG Flow X13.

In terms of connections, the ROG Flow X13 offers the essentials for a gaming laptop. On the right side there is a USB-C port for charging and USB-A. On the left is a headphone jack and HDMI. That's pretty limited, especially on the USB side.

Then there is the most original thing about the ROG Flow X13: its proprietary PCIe interface is located on the left side of the laptop under a flap.

Laying the USB-C cable is particularly annoying for right-handed people. Due to the need for ventilation openings, the ports are located further down the side. This is common with gaming laptops, but since the system is powered by USB-C (and because there is only one USB-C port) there is only one place to plug it in – and right-handed people will be with the cord have to fight space with your mouse. Annoying that a second USB-C port on the left could have solved. Unfortunately, this space is reserved for Asus' proprietary port for connection to the external XG Mobile graphics card housing. However, if you don't want to use it, it's just a waste of space.

Another little annoyance? The position of the power switch. Like many convertible 2-in-1s, it is on the side of the device, right next to a USB port. However, this button is extremely sensitive, resulting in a lot of accidental presses while looking for a port or even just readjusting the laptop on my desk.

Keyboard and touchpad

I may not like the aesthetics of the ROG keyboard used here, but I can't deny its typing enjoyment. It's a big, luxurious layout – the same size you'd find on a 15-inch laptop. In addition, the keys have a chunky 1.7mm travel, which is practically unknown these days. The long stroke ensures fast, precise typing, which I immediately enjoyed. No learning curve.

Interestingly, the ROG Flow X13 doesn't include an RGB backlight. There isn't a rainbow of colors anywhere on this laptop. Some may find the refreshing, albeit individually illuminated, keypad to be a cost-saving measure. There are three levels of backlight control which is the minimum I would expect from a laptop.

The illuminated keyboard of the ROG Flow X13.

The touchpad is also good. I wouldn't have minded if it was a bit wider, but it has a smooth finish and the tracking feels accurate.

The ROG Flow X13 does not contain a Windows Hello IR camera for facial recognition, but the fingerprint reader is integrated into the power button.

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The ROG Flow X13 uses a 13.4-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200. That strange resolution comes from the 16:10 aspect ratio, which is increasingly becoming the new standard and is what you see on the MacBook Pro, Find the Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo Legion 5 Pro. Taller screens aren't great for watching movies, but for everyday work and general use, the 16:10 aspect ratio gives a bigger screen for almost anything you do.

The ROG Flow X13 has a glossy, touch-enabled display that is unique compared to the Razer Blade Stealth 13. It makes for a brighter and clearer screen, although reflections can be an issue. The screen achieves a maximum output of around 300 nits, which is good enough for everyday use as long as you're not sitting in a bright room or next to a window. In the dark lighting of a horror movie or game with lots of shadows, you might find yourself staring at yourself. That is not optimal.

The corner of the display of the ROG Flow X13.

However, the screen has other strengths. First, it has a refresh rate of 120 Hz. That's perfect for this performance. Most games won't hit this threshold, which means there's plenty of bandwidth to tweak settings in games and maximize frame rates.

The color saturation is good with 98% in sRGB and 76% in AdobeRGB color spaces. More expensive laptops like the Razer Blade 14 are better in this regard as well as color accuracy. Asus did a good job of keeping the colors natural and not too warm. They are "Pantone-validated", which means that they correspond exactly to the common colors within the Pantone matching system.

All in all, this is a solid screen for both work and play.

Asus has paired it with a decent set of speakers too. They're on the bottom of the laptop, which is fine if you have the laptop on a desk.

The good news, however, is that they sound great. Although facing down, they provide clearer and fuller sound than many laptops, whether it's audio for a video or sound effects in a game. Thanks to the solid separation, it's not bad to listen to some music either. There's not a lot of bass here – and they still don't hit the speakers in MacBooks.

power

You are right if you are skeptical about the performance of the ROG Flow X13. I was also special because of its size. My configuration includes an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS, RTX 3050 Ti, 16GB of dual-channel RAM, and a 1TB SSD for $ 1,500. The RTX 3050 Ti is a newer graphics card that we haven't seen in many laptops, but it is a replacement for both the older GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1650 Ti. These were common in budget-range gaming laptops, and the GTX 1650 Ti is currently included in the Razer Blade Stealth 13. Razer's 13-inch laptop hasn't been upgraded to the RTX 30 series yet, which means the ROG Flow X13 is really the only option in that regard.

So while the ROG Flow X13 is one of the first to hit the market, you can expect the RTX 3050 to show up in a number of budget gaming laptops under $ 1,000. That means the ROG Flow X13 will likely be one of the more expensive laptops with this GPU. Of course, you can also buy a version with an RTX 3050 bundled with an XG Mobile that includes an RTX 3080. That gets you much better frame rates, but it also costs you $ 2,800.

The ROG Flow X13 alone was able to hold its own in terms of performance.

Laptop 3DMark time spy Cinebench R23 Underdog bench 5 PCMark 10 Fortnite (1080p Epic) Civilization VI (1080p Ultra)
Asus ROG Flow X13 (RTX 3050 Ti) 4503 1420/9701 1415/7592 6429 47 fps 65 fps
Acer Swift X (RTX 3050 Ti) 4073 1437/10135 1287/6663 6247 43 fps 66 fps
Acer Predator Triton 300 SE (RTX 3060) 6038 1412/5855 1503/4606 5776 78 fps 84 fps
HP Envy 14 (GTX 1650 Ti) 3147 1343/5028 1398/4741 5178 39 fps n / A

There's only one other laptop we've tested with the RTX 3050 Ti and that is the Acer Swift X. The ROG Flow X13 does well with this, with a slight head start in graphics performance. That's what you would expect from a gaming laptop.

The RTX 3050 Ti is a significant improvement over the GTX 1650 Ti, with an increase in 3DMark Time Spy scores of up to 30%. We don't have any GTX 1660 Ti laptop scores to compare, but that's a promising generational leap.

In games, however, you might get a little disappointed. Civilization VI was the only game I could play with maximum settings that stayed above 60 frames per second (fps). Fortnite and Battlefield V had to reduce the settings to get over 60 fps. The difference between the ROG Flow X13 and 14-inch gaming laptops with the RTX 3060 is clear.

The amount of VRAM makes a huge difference. The 4 GB in the RTX 3050 Ti (compared to the 6 GB in the RTX 3060) represent a hurdle for games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla. The game is almost unplayable on the ROG Flow X13 with an average of only 20 fps in 1080p at high settings.

Ryzen and Nvidia RTX stickers on the palm rests of the ROG Flow X13.

So if you are interested in the ROG Flow X13 it is important that you know what you are buying. Don't expect to play modern games at maximum settings, at least not without putting up with some choppy frame rates.

However, the processor performance is quite impressive. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS is a 35-watt processor with eight cores and 16 threads. Intel's Core i7-11370H is the direct competitor of this chip and comes in the Predator Triton 300 SE. But like many of the Intel vs AMD matches, AMD's additional cores offer improved multithreaded performance. The ROG Flow X13 achieved a whopping 40% better results than the Triton 300 SE in the multi-core test of the Cinebench R23 and was even able to beat it easily in the single core. I've never seen the Flow X13 go up to the promised 4.6GHz, but it did step up to 4.5GHz on occasion. That's not bad.

All of this plays out well in day-to-day tasks and productivity. The ROG Flow X13 scores great across the entire PCMark 10 suite, which ensures that it is a system that works just as well for web surfing, video conferencing, and word processing as it does in games.

Battery life

The Windows lock screen on the ROG Flow X13.

The battery life of the ROG Flow X13 is a disappointment. Given the 120 Hz screen and RTX graphics card, I'm not particularly surprised.

A 62 watt hour battery is big for a 13 inch laptop, but it turned out to be not quite enough to make the Flow X13 the battery life champion.

The system lasted just five hours and 25 minutes in our web browsing test, which ran through a series of difficult websites until the battery was drained. That's not great even when compared to other larger gaming laptops. The ROG Flow X13 did better in our lightest video playback test, which repeated a local 1080p video until the battery was drained. It took over nine hours in this test.

The Razer Blade 14 is still the most durable gaming laptop, even with the RTX 3070 that I tested in my test device. Despite a larger, higher resolution screen, it lasted a few hours longer than the ROG Flow X13.

Our opinion

The ROG Flow X13 is a one-of-a-kind gaming laptop thanks to its unique eGPU and incredible portability. Despite some strange design choices and mediocre battery life, it's hard not to be impressed with how much power Asus has put into this compact laptop.

Are there alternatives?

The Razer Blade Stealth 13 is the primary alternative. It's more expensive, however, and is currently still related to older graphics card and processor options.

The various 14-inch options are all good options, although they are a bit larger. The Razer Blade 14, Acer Predator Triton 300, and ROG Zephyrus G14 are all great 14-inch laptops that are more powerful than the ROG Flow X13 for a similar price.

How long it will take?

The ROG Flow X13 should last four or five years, assuming you don't want to keep abreast of the latest games and technology. Even if you do, the ability to add the XG Mobile is a nice addition that could extend the life of this laptop.

Should you buy it?

Yes, as long as you know what you're getting yourself into. This is nowhere near the most powerful gaming laptop in the world, but if portability is an attractive proposition, you've found an incredibly unique laptop that will fit your life.

Editor's recommendations



21 Aug
Blog

Logitech G915 TKL Review: The Gaming Magic Keyboard

logitech g915 lightspeed tkl review presented

Logitech G915 Lightspeed TKL long-term test: The Magic Keyboard for gaming

RRP $ 230.00

"The Logitech G915 TKL is an expensive gaming keyboard that easily deserves its price."

advantages

  • Excellent typing experience

  • Bright RGB lighting

  • Fast wireless technology

  • Long battery life

  • Error-free, useful software

disadvantage

  • Expensive

  • Incompatible with most mechanical keyboard accessories

Logitech's G915 is for gamers who want the aesthetics of Apple's Magic Keyboard with the feel of a mechanical switch (plus a good dose of RGB). I've searched far and wide for a keyboard that gets the look and feel to the point, and after browsing dozens of low-profile options, I turned to Logitech's latest G915 TKL.

It's not as sturdy as a full-size board and, like many Logitech peripherals, the price is too high. However, the combination of Lightspeed wireless technology, rather unique low-profile switches, and rock-solid build quality makes the G915 feel like it deserves its award.

It's a keyboard that manages games and typing well, and it's a show stopper in the visual department. Although it took me a while to get used to Logitech's flat keycaps and switches, I loved the balance the G915 offers – and after months of non-stop use, I never return to a full keyboard at any point Size back soon.

draft

Logitech G915 TKL on an orange background. Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The Logitech G915 is available in two versions: Either full-size or a Tenkeyless (TKL) design. I got my hands on the TKL version that omits the number pad that normally occupies the right side of the board. TKL boards have become increasingly popular in recent years – take the Corsair K70 RGB TKL for example – and that's a trend I can follow.

A little extra space on your desk goes a long way towards gaming, and the overall slim design of the G915 TKL makes it appear a lot smaller than it actually is. Logitech sells a version with a number pad, but if you don't need one for hotkeys in programs like Adobe Premiere or Pro Tools, stick with the TKL model.

The design of the G915 TKL is simple but beautiful. It's a brushed aluminum plate that some buttons stick to, but it still looks better than boards like the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini.

There are mutliple reasons for this. First the RGB lighting. Even at full brightness, the lighting barely shines out of the sides of the keys, with most of the light being directed towards the top of the keycap. Second is the limited number of extra buttons that help keep it functional without leaving the deep end.

The design of the G915 TKL is simple but beautiful.

Outside the buttons, you have access to four media buttons, four function buttons and a volume wheel. The four function keys do different things. There's a brightness button that lets you toggle through five levels of brightness (including Off), as well as a game mode switch that turns off the Windows key. You can use the supplied G-Hub software to deactivate all the buttons you want in game mode.

The other two buttons are for inputs, either Logitech's own Lightspeed wireless technology or Bluetooth. You can switch seamlessly between Lightspeed and Bluetooth at the touch of a button, which is a big win for the G915. It's small enough to use on the couch with something like the Nvidia Shield, and I appreciated being able to jump back and forth without reconnecting dongles or messing around with pairing.

Function keys on the Logitech G915 TKL.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Logitech sells a wired version of the G915 (called the G815), but it's only slightly cheaper than the wireless version. Wireless peripherals have gotten a lot better over the past few years, and Lightspeed is an example of that. It's impossible to tell the difference between wired and wireless, even in troubled shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

The volume wheel feels great. It's made of metal and offers a smooth adjustment over the edge of the board, making quick volume changes a breeze. I just wish that the quality is transferred to the media and function keys. They are made of a soft rubber material and feel squishy. I didn't miss any input while using them, but they still don't feel good.

In addition to the keyboard, the scope of delivery also includes a Logitech micro-USB cable, the Lightspeed USB receiver and a USB range extender. Crucially, the G915 TKL lacks a palm rest, which is hard to swallow for $ 230. However, when using the G915, I didn't miss a palm rest.

I use a desk pad for my keyboard and mouse. Given the G915's slim shape – it's only 0.9 inches tall – my wrists rest comfortably on my desk pad without having to bend up. This is great in my situation, but not ideal if you don't have a desk pad. Slim palm rests only cost about $ 15, so it would have been nice to see one in the box.

Switch and power

Turns on the Logitech G915 TKL keyboard.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

I prefer a traditional brown switch for typing because it offers the tactile feedback of a blue switch without the annoying click. The G915 TKL does not use a mechanical Cherry MX switch or one of its derivatives, but one of Logitech's GL switches, which approximates the feel of a full-size Cherry switch.

There are three options available: Clicky, Tactile or Linear, which correspond to a Cherry MX Blue, Brown or Red switch. I chose the Tactile Switch to find a balance between my daily typing and gaming. Cherry makes some low-profile switches, but not a Brown variant, which makes the Tactile switch perfect for my purposes.

I've always struggled between writing and playing, and the tactile switch compromises that I can live with. It's not as pleasant to tap as a full-sized brown switch, and the gaming experience doesn't come close to a red switch. But the balance between the two is excellent. Gaming feels better thanks to the shorter travel distance and writing still feels tactile.

The thinner profile, however, took some getting used to. The G915 itself is angled, but the keys live on a flat plane. That increases the chance of accidentally sliding up or down in a row while typing or gaming, which I did a lot when I first picked up the G915 TKL. Fortunately, after a few weeks with the keyboard, I got used to the slightly different typing experience.

Profile of the Logitech G915 TKL keyboard.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Although the Tactile Switch comes close to a Cherry MX Brown, it is not an exact copy. Logitech's switch is 1.5mm actuation distance, while a full size switch is 2mm apart. When you poke the key, the Logitech switch can travel up to 2.7mm while a full size switch can travel 4mm.

The greater difference takes effect. The Logitech Tactile Switch requires 60 grams of force to reach the tactile point, while a Cherry MX Brown is slightly lighter at 55 grams. It's a small change, but the added pressure makes all the difference in a low-profile design. The added power makes the tactile switch feel closer to a full size switch despite having a much smaller stroke.

The switches from Logitech hold up well against the Cherry competition.

Although the switch bears Logitech's GL branding, it actually comes from Kailh's Choc range. There are few keyboards that come with these switches and no options that I could find from big brands. However, there are more boutique boards like the Morgrie RKB 68 that they use, and this board is cheaper than the G915 TKL.

Nevertheless, the switches in the G915 have a compromise. They're not perfect for gaming or perfect for typing, but both are good enough to make a living. As long as you're ready to adjust to a slightly different typing experience, Logitech's switches hold up well against the Cherry competition.

Unfortunately, these are still Logitech switches and, like previous designs, are not compatible with other keycaps. There aren't many low profile keycaps out there right now, but it would have been nice to see additional universal support as more sets inevitably pop up.

That makes mechanical keyboards like the Roccat Vulcan TKL and Cooler Master SK630 a little more attractive – especially compared to the G915. Both keyboards use the standard cross for Cherry switches, which makes replacing the keycaps a breeze.

G-Hub software

I don't mess around with bundled keyboard software much. In most cases, I set the lighting I want and let the software quietly eat up system resources in the background. Logitech's G-Hub is different. It's functional, easy to use, and – critically – free of errors. How to make peripheral software.

Animation window in Logitech G-Hub.

The lighting is divided into three categories: presets, freestyle and animations. Presets give you access to standard RGB effects like breathing and a color wave, Freestyle lets you paint colors on any key you want, and animations allow you to create a chain of unique color changes.

Although there are other software out there with more options – Corsair iCUE in particular – G-Hub still offers a good level of customization. It's easy to use for someone who wants to set and forget about RGB while still offering various effects and animations. You can even set the lighting to match what is displayed on your screen or how an audio visualizer works.

You can also automatically synchronize the G915 with other Lightsync products from Logitech, as well as use special lighting effects in supported games. For example, you can see your ammo bar in Borderlands 3, as well as instantly see your critical keys in Final Fantasy XIV. Only a small number of games are supported, but ramping up a supported title was a nice treat.

The lights will take you to G-Hub, but that won't keep you there. You can reassign each key, set up macros and assign system functions such as copy and paste. This isn't unusual for a gaming keyboard, but G-Hub makes mapping macros feel effortless. You can quickly drag functions such as Alt + Tab from a pool onto a function key and switch between commands and macros with an optional G-Shift key.

Macro panel in the Logitech G-Hub.

When you've set everything up to your liking, you can save three macro and two lighting profiles on board and cycle through them with a key of your choice (the first four function keys by default).

Finally, you can view your battery level in G-Hub as well as your remaining battery life. Logitech rates the G915 TKL for 40 hours of use at 100% brightness (30 hours for the full version), but you get a lot more than that. The keyboard automatically goes into sleep mode after a while to save battery life when not on Your desk.

I've used the G915 TKL at 50% brightness for months, and with semi-continuous use of 10 to 12 hours a day, I usually have to charge the battery every couple of weeks. This time is significantly reduced at full brightness, but the buttons emit a lot of light even at lower brightness levels and save you a lot of battery life.

The G915 uses a micro USB cable for charging and you can continue to use the keyboard while it is charging. Although Logitech includes a micro-USB cable in the box, I would have preferred USB-C for charging. At least in my case, USB-C has become the standard on all of my devices, so I can quickly swap out a new cable if I inevitably lose the one that came with the package. With the G915 TKL, I have to dig through a stack of three-foot micro-USB cables to find one that actually extends to the connector.

However, that's proof of the G915 – I charge it so infrequently that I don't have a dedicated cable on my desk. Still, USB-C isn't all that much of a demand for a $ 230 keyboard, especially one that's still fairly new.

Our opinion

The Logitech G915 TKL is overpriced when compared to other keyboards that offer the same or a similar low-profile experience. The combination of wireless connectivity, useful media and function keys, a robust construction and error-free software makes the G915 TKL deserve its price.

It creates a balance between typing and gaming that I enjoy, and it looks amazing when it's on my desk. It takes some time to adapt to the low profile switches, but in my many months of using the G915 TKL, I've never felt the need to go back to a full-size switch.

The downside is, like other Logitech peripherals, you don't have options for third-party accessories. As someone who likes to swap out keycaps and experiment with different switches, I know that the G915 TKL will lie dormant in my keyboard graveyard at some point. It hasn't got there yet, however, and that's a good sign.

Are there alternatives?

Yes, but not much. The Roccat Vulcan TKL and Cooler Master Cooler Master SK630 are both cheaper low-profile alternatives, although they don't have WiFi and use different switches. The G915 is quite unique in its combination of switches and wireless technology, but there are boutique options that use the same switches with a cord.

How long it will take?

Logitech's GL switches are designed for 50 million actuations. The number of keystrokes depends, of course, on how often you use your keyboard. With general use, the G915 will last for several decades and even then it could still have a little life.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but look for it on offer. The G915 has some obvious flaws and is incompatible with most mechanical keyboard accessories. It's a fantastic low-profile option, but Logitech can charge a steep price considering how few real competitors there are in this category.

Editor's recommendations



19 Aug
Blog

Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless Review: All a Gaming Headset Needs

Corsair HS80 cover

Corsair HS80 gaming headset

RRP $ 149.00

"The Corsair HS80 hits the nail on the head with less is more approach and offers great comfort, great sound and effortless control."

advantages

  • Intuitive controls

  • Great sound quality

  • Oh so comfortable

  • Wireless connection with PC and Playstation

  • RGB

With so much choice on the market, buying a new gaming headset isn't easy. If you suffer from decision-making paralysis, it's easy to go for something top-notch, like Corsair's Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, that is not only good-looking but also packed with features. The problem? It comes at a high price and it's still not perfect. This is where something like Corsair's new HS80 RGB Wireless comes into play.

At first I wasn't very enthusiastic about the HS80. It's not top notch, it's just mid-range, so it isn't full of features and doesn't offer the most luxurious of materials. But in some ways that's its best quality, which may make it one of my new favorite gaming headsets.

Design and functions

Corsair HS80 headbandNiels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

With the HS80, Corsair didn't focus on making the most beautiful headset. Rather, the focus here is on comfort. It uses a headband-like fit on the top that molds perfectly to your skull, making it one of the more comfortable headsets I've tested. The ear cups have fabric on top of the foam, which in turn is not the most luxurious of materials.

But it offers plenty of depth for wider ears, and the headset has an asymmetrical design to accommodate your earlobe. As a result, the HS80 doesn't feel like an expensive headset, but it is sleek and smooth in fit. This is a headset that you could wear for hours and this headband makes it more comfortable than a classic design headset like the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro.

Then there are the controls of the HS80, or rather the lack of them. On the left ear cup, you'll find a power button and volume control, and that's it. The right earpiece is completely free of controls. What is clearly missing is a microphone mute button, but it's fine: just flip the microphone up to mute it and down to unmute it. It also has a bell that lets you know what it's doing, and the light on the end turns red in the up position, although that doesn't help that much with a microphone like this as it's out of sight. This means fewer buttons than most headsets, and simply flipping the microphone up is much more intuitive than fumbling for the mute button like you do with the SteelSeries Arctis 7 or Logitech G Pro X wireless headsets.

The simplicity of the controls on the HS80 makes it one of the most intuitive gaming headsets out there.

It charges through a standard USB-C port with up to 20 hours of battery life, which is roughly industry standard – expect to charge the HS80 once or twice a week. Connectivity is via a USB dongle, which is connected to PCs and laptops together with PlayStation 4 and PS5 units.

Corsair HS80 sideNiels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

But this simplicity is what makes the HS80 so great – many multi-function headsets have too many controls, and fiddling around to find the right ones can be a hassle. This is one that you just turn on, change the volume, and flip the microphone up and down to mute it – it's that simple.

Sound quality and games

Typically, wireless gaming headsets don't have the best sound quality due to limitations in the wireless protocol – the dongle prioritized the audio stream based on latency rather than quality, causing some compression loss along the way. The HS80 is no exception, but all in all, its sound profile is actually very pleasing.

Corsair HS80 auricleNiels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

Let me explain: if you listen to quiet music, you won't notice anything wrong. In fact, you'll enjoy the sound of the HS80 thanks to its superb 50mm drivers. But when the music is busy you will hear some compression loss. But it's a headset to play with, and in-game you're generally too busy to pay attention to those losses – and if not – it's likely a relaxed scene playing quieter sounds that don't suffer from those losses anyway.

Pleather ear cups may look better, but the HS80's foam ear cups improve its sound profile.

The HS80 comes with the same 50mm drivers as the much more expensive Virtuoso XT Wireless RGB, so they sound just as good in terms of frequency response and sound signature. In fact, they sound better – I prefer the sound of the HS80 over the more expensive headset.

I suspect this has something to do with the foam pads instead of synthetic leather and the shape of the ear cups – the softer materials lead to a warmer and fuller sound without sacrificing details at the top.

The HS80 also comes with Dolby Atmos support, which you can activate through Corsair's iCue software. While it paints a slightly better 3D picture of the sound around you, I'm generally not a huge fan of these sound-modifying algorithms – yes, they expand the soundstage and make sounds look like they're further away with more "position". “But the reduction in intimacy leaves a flatter sound that is subjectively less detailed. I just leave it out – sound engines in games today are pretty good anyway, especially a game like Insurgency Sandstorm.

Our opinion

After a solid week with the Corsair HS80, I can confidently say that it is one of the best gaming headsets available today. It might not be the fanciest, but it's super comfortable, has a great sound, and is intuitive to use – isn't that all you expect from a headset? There is no reason to pay more for features that interfere with the primary purpose of hearing.

Are there alternatives?

At $ 149, there's quite a bit of competition for the HS80. The main competitors are the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro and the SteelSeries Arctis 7, both of which are available at the same, if not slightly higher, prices.

But they don't offer more features, making the HS80 a compelling mid-tier option.

How long it will take?

It is reasonable to expect the HS80 to last about three years under most circumstances, or slightly longer with mild use.

Should I buy it?

Yes, the Corsair HS80 is a brilliant gaming headset that meets all the right criteria and not much more. The HS80 offers a simple, straightforward, effective and comfortable design and is an easy recommendation.

Editor's recommendations



13 Aug
Blog

Intel NUC 11 Extreme Review: A True Mini Gaming PC

Intel NUC 11 Extreme on a table.

Intel Beast Canyon NUC 11 Extreme in the test: A real mini gaming PC

RRP $ 1,180.00

"The NUC 11 Extreme is too expensive, but that still doesn't hold it back."

advantages

  • Keep calm

  • Solid processor performance

  • Full-size graphics card support

  • Excellent connectivity

disadvantage

  • Too expensive

  • Larger than previous NUCs

On my desk, where my gaming PC used to live, is an empty space that is now occupied by Intel's NUC 11 Extreme, also known as Beast Canyon. It's a barebones kit with welcome tradeoffs that balances desktop-like performance with a form factor smaller than a current game console.

It's too expensive, awkward compared to a full-size device, and a little too weak compared to a desktop chip. But I can't stop using the NUC 11 Extreme. It is an intelligently designed PC that only makes concessions when needed and exists in its own category.

That doesn't mean Beast Canyon is for everyone. It caters to a very specific market – those with an affinity for crafting who don't mind paying for interesting designs. That said, if you don't mind getting your hands dirty (and you have a spare graphics card) the NUC 11 Extreme is excellent.

design

The side of an Intel NUC 11 Extreme.

In 2012, Intel presented the concept of NUC or Next Unit of Computing for the first time. a graphics card). The heart of the PC is the compute element, which you can unplug like a graphics card.

The new NUC 11 Extreme is a tiny PC, but not as small as previous versions. The 8 liter chassis is 14.1 inches long, 7.1 inches high and 4.7 inches wide. The NUC 9 Extreme is larger at 8.5 inches, but much shorter and a little less wide. It also doesn't support full size graphics cards like Beast Canyon.

That is the compromise with Beast Canyon. It's larger than previous NUCs and other mini-PCs, but it supports a full-length graphics card. You can't have and eat your cake, and I'm pleased with the compromises Intel has made. As I will learn in the next few sections, the NUC 11 Extreme still beats its weight class despite its slightly larger size.

This becomes clear when you compare it to other small form factor options. The Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P is one of the smaller Mini-ITX cases that supports a full-size GPU and is still 10 liters larger than the NUC 11 Extreme. There are smaller NUC cases like the Razer Tomahawk, but this device has an older computing element and is more expensive than the NUC 11 Extreme.

The star of the show is a massive RGB skull on the front of the NUC 11 that connects to ambient RGB strips that illuminate the bottom of the case. Fortunately, you can tweak the LEDs and turn them off if you want. With the included NUC Software Studio you can control the skull and the front, right and left LEDs independently of each other.

Skull on the Intel NUC 11 Extreme.

It's a decent suite that lets you set a solid color or set standard RGB modes like strobe or breathing. You can also use the NUC Software Studio to monitor system temperature and usage, change your fan curve, and switch between processor performance modes.

While the NUC Software Studio offers a decent list of options, it's a little flawed. The software is easy to bounce around, but it would constantly get stuck for a second or two after I changed a setting. It's not a deal breaker, but the NUC Software Studio doesn't feel good.

For my tests, I stayed in balanced fan mode to see the curve Intel intended. There are a trio of 92mm fans under the top to keep everything cool, and they never got loud enough to bother me while testing (even on a Cinebench R23 loop). They make noise, but the NUC 11 Extreme is remarkably quiet given its size. The NUC 11 Extreme was silent when answering emails or hanging out online.

Connectivity

Intel could have reduced the number of ports on the NUC 11 Extreme, but didn't. As with many aspects of the kit, you give up surprisingly little when compared to a full-sized desktop. You are spoiled for port options with the NUC 11 Extreme, and in some ways it goes beyond some full-size PCs.

Front connectors on Intel NUC 11 Extreme.

On the front you have quick access to two USB 3.1 ports, a headphone / microphone combo jack and an SDXC card slot. This turned out to be sufficient in my tests, although I missed a USB-C port on the front. I often use an external Samsung T5 SSD to swap games between PCs and it would have been nice to just toss it in front of the case.

Instead, I had to plug it in at the back, but that wasn't a problem. Even in this small size, Intel manages to accommodate six USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, 2.5G Ethernet and two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the back of the case. The motherboard also has an HDMI 2.0b output in case you want to use the integrated graphics.

Of course, HDMI out isn't all you have access to when you plug in a graphics card. It's only there to provide the built-in graphics option. So when you add a graphics card, you also have access to the ports it has. In the case of the RTX 3060 in my test device, this included a single HDMI and three DisplayPort outputs.

Back ports on Intel NUC 11 Extreme.

Compared to the NUC 9 Extreme, this device adds two more USB ports on the back and upgrades the Thunderbolt ports from Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 4. Even if you run out of ports – which is unlikely given the eight USB ports surrounding the case – you can always throw a Thunderbolt dock into the equation to further expand your connectivity.

For wireless connectivity, the NUC 11 Extreme contains Intel's AX201 chip, which offers dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

Internals

Intel offers the NUC in two configurations: either with a Core i7-11700B or a Core i9-11900KB. As with all NUCs, you will need to bring your own graphics card, SSD, RAM, and operating system. Everything else you need is already in the compute element or in the housing. This includes a 650W 80+ Gold power supply and an Intel AX201 chip.

Central processor Intel Core i9-11900KB or Intel Core i7-11700B
GPU Support for full-size dual-slot GPU or Intel UHD 750
Storage Up to 64 GB dual-channel SO-DIMM DDR4
storage Up to two PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDs, up to two PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSDs
Power supply 650W 80+ gold
USB ports Up to 12, including eight
Thunderbolt ports Two Thunderbolt 4
Networking 2.5G Ethernet, dual band WiFi 6
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.2
Ports Headphone / microphone connection, SDXC reader, HDMI 2.0b

My test device was equipped with the Core i9-11900KB computing element, a souped-up laptop chip that is part of the 10 nm Tiger Lake family. In short, it should not be confused with the desktop Core i9-11900K, which is built by Intel using the 14 nm process and requires more than twice the performance.

The Core i9-11900KB is a 65W chip, but it is still equipped with eight cores and 16 threads and can accelerate up to 4.9 GHz based on Intel specifications. My chip never reached this speed during the test, but it got close at just over 4.8 GHz. The slightly cheaper Core i7-11700B still comes with eight cores and 16 threads, but with a slightly lower clock rate.

Both chips come with integrated graphics, but I was disappointed to find that they use Intel UHD graphics, not Iris Xe like many Tiger Lake mobile chips. As I'll get into in a moment, if you're going to get any decent gaming performance out of Beast Canyon, you need a discrete GPU.

Otherwise, the NUC 11 Extreme supports whatever you can get it to do. This includes up to 64 GB of dual-channel DDR4 laptop memory (SO-DIMM), a dual-slot graphics card and up to four M.2 SSDs, one of which you have to install in the computing element.

Opening everything is a breeze. There's some nice attention to detail here from Intel, including the tiny captive screws on the backplate, a handy door to unlock the compute element, and an SSD slot on the bottom so you can quickly upgrade your storage.

Intel NUC 11 Extreme with no GPU installed.

Once you've removed the side panels, the NUC 11 Extreme opens and offers unprecedented access in this small form. The top cover with three fans can be folded up so that you have all parts of the case free. And there's not much going on inside.

Most of the PC is in the compute element, so you have a small specially designed motherboard, power supply, compute element, and GPU if you have one installed. The NUC 11 Extreme has exactly what it needs, reducing the fat that often comes with small builds.

It's not without its problems, however. The latch for the PCIe slot of the graphics card can hardly be reached when the card is installed. I had to slide the back end of a screwdriver between the GPU and the computing element to open it, and you need to remove the GPU before you can get to the computing element.

Support for full-size graphics cards should also be marked with a large asterisk. It's true that you can plug a full-length dual-slot GPU into the NUC 11 Extreme, but that's about it. That doesn't take into account the additional modular power cables that have to share the space with the rear end of the GPU.

The NUC 11 Extreme has exactly what it needs, reducing the fat that often comes with small builds.

However, dual slot is the limit. If your cooler protrudes even slightly beyond the dual-slot mark, it will not fit into the NUC 11 Extreme. Nvidia Founder's Edition cards could also be a problem. The RTX 3080, for example, has a fan on both sides. In this case, a fan would sit directly on the back of the power supply unit.

Overall, though, this is the most enjoyable small form factor experience I've ever had. I have a few minor issues with the graphics card slot and the extra cables, but these are easy to miss with Intel's clear focus on the building experience. The NUC 11 Extreme is still an argument for barebones, small PCs.

The most disappointing part of the NUC 11 Extreme is that you can't buy it all. Adding RAM, SSD, and Windows is easy, but Beast Canyon really shines with an installed GPU. And adding the price of an expensive graphics card to the NUC 11 Extreme's already high price tag is a tough sell.

But the premium makes sense. Something like the NUC 11 Extreme cannot be built with off-the-shelf parts. However, if you're willing to shop around and have a mini-ITX graphics card, there are options like the Velka 3 that are actually smaller than the NUC 11 Extreme.

Processor power

To get back to the raw power of Beast Canyon, it's more powerful than I expected. The Core i9-11900KB isn't quite on par with a full desktop piece, but it doesn't have to be in such a small package. There's a little compromise, but it's much smaller than it should be given the size of Beast Canyon.

I started testing with PCMark 10, which gives a good overview of performance on a long list of tasks. The NUC 11 Extreme achieved an overall score of 7,520, which is just below the MSI Aegis RS 10 – a mid-tower desktop with a full-size Core i9-10900K. He also beat the flagship Tiger Lake in the HP Elite Dragonfly Max with almost 3,000 more points.

Computing element in Intel NUC 11 Extreme.

PCMark 10 is also demanding. The processor reached a maximum temperature of 93 degrees Celsius during the benchmark, but never clocked down. Even when it was struck, my i9-11900KB continued to climb slightly above 4.8 GHz.

Next up was Cinebench R23, which pushes processors to their limits by forcing them to render a complex 3D image. Here the Core i9-11900KB achieved a single-core score of 1,636 and a multi-core score of 11,424. The multi-core score is in the upper range, but a desktop Core i9-10900K can still beat it by around 30%. Every other Tiger Lake chip doesn't even come close, however.

The Core i9-11900KB even beats the desktop Core i9-10900K by around 23% in the single-core test. While Cinebench performed strongly, it did reveal some weaknesses in Intel's design. According to HWiNFO64, the Core i9-11900KB reached its maximum operating temperature of 100 degrees Celsius before it clocked down to 3.4 GHz. Even with a solid cooling solution, the NUC 11 Extreme is prone to throttling when it's pushed to the limit.

GeekBench 5 is nowhere near as demanding and the NUC 11 Extreme has once again proven its strengths. Similar to PCMark 10, the Core i9-11900KB beats the desktop Core i9-10900K in the single-core test and just under second place in the multi-core test. It also shot way ahead of the NUC 9 Extreme, beating the older device by about 23%.

It's a competent counterpoint to a desktop chip and outperforms all of the other Tiger Lake offerings available.

Handbrake told a similar story. The NUC 11 Extreme reduced our coding time of the Elysium trailer by 13 seconds compared to the NUC 9 Extreme. However, Handbrake showed that the Core i9-11900KB is still essentially a mobile part. Compared to the desktop Core i9-10900K, the chip was a full 30 seconds slower.

Finally, I reached out to PugetBench for Premiere Pro to see how the NUC 11 Extreme would handle video editing. This type of machine seems perfect for the job and my results confirm it. Overall, it scores above a desktop Core i9-10900K, which is configured with an RTX 3060 and 32 GB of RAM. However, this is mainly due to the smooth playback performance, as the NUC 11 Extreme lagged behind the desktop in terms of export and GPU values.

With the NUC 11 Extreme you don't get the full performance of a desktop chip, but with less than half the wattage, that shouldn't come as a surprise. It's a competent counterpoint to a desktop chip and outperforms all of the other Tiger Lake offerings available. Heat was an issue in Cinebench, but this benchmark is a bit of a stress test. There should be no throttling for most tasks.

Gaming performance

I only did a few gaming tests with the NUC 11 Extreme as it doesn't actually come with a graphics card. Your performance will depend on what you put into it. Nevertheless, I wanted to get an overview of how the RTX 3060 would behave in my test device compared to one in a full desktop. And good for Intel, there is practically no difference.

The NUC 11 Extreme averaged exactly the same frame rate in Fortnite at 1080p Epic settings as a desktop configured with a Core i9-10900K and RTX 3060. Up to 1440p, only three frames separated the NUC 11 Extreme from the desktop, with the NUC averaging 83 fps (frames per second) and the desktop averaging 86 fps.

Intel NUC 11 has opened.

That was also the case in Civilization VI, where the NUC averaged 141 fps at 1080p Ultra and the desktop 143 fps. At 1440p with the same settings, the two machines were within a frame of each other. The NUC 11 Extreme's side panel gives the GPU a lot of headroom, and based on my limited testing, cards should work about as well as they would in a desktop.

When you order a NUC, you won't get this performance without adding a graphics card. The UHD graphics in the Core i9-11900KB are pitifully slow for games. They are available, but a bit not an option. In fact, I couldn't complete my 1440p tests because the built-in graphics just wouldn't hold up.

3DMark Time Spy showed how big the difference is. With the RTX 3060 installed, the NUC 11 Extreme achieved a total of 8,953 points. Without a GPU, the device only scored 828 points, less than a tenth of what the RTX 3060 could achieve. Even in Fortnite, I couldn't go over the 1080p High settings as the integrated GPU only averaged 15 fps.

Civilization VI was slightly better at 1080p with medium settings, but even then the UHD graphics only averaged 23 fps. The built-in graphics are not suitable for gaming unless you are ready to shut down to 720p and run on low settings, and even then, some games may have problems.

You should clearly add a GPU to the NUC 11 Extreme. The built-in graphics aren't very good, but the good news is that between a full-sized desktop and the NUC 11, you're practically not giving up when it comes to GPU performance. The design of the chassis allows a lot of air inside, so most cards should hold up.

Our opinion

The NUC 11 Extreme is excellent – as long as you can handle its high price. The kit starts at $ 1,150 for the i7-11700B, and that doesn't include an operating system, RAM, an SSD, or, more critically, a graphics card. Add those in and you're looking at a machine that easily costs over $ 2,000 without a high-end GPU.

It's way too expensive, but that's the point. You already know if the NUC 11 Extreme is right for you. It is not a machine trying to get a certain price or offer a certain value. Instead, it offers an excellent, small form factor design, a unique way to design a computer, and performance that even full-size desktops are a race for their money.

If you've looked at the NUC jealously, it will meet your expectations – provided you have a graphics card to plug in.

Are there alternatives?

There are other mini PCs out there, but nothing compares to the NUC 11 Extreme. Unless you're looking for a boutique case and configuring your own rig, there is no other machine that packs as much power as the NUC 11 Extreme in this small case. Most Mini-ITX cases are not only larger, but also more difficult to use.

That said, you can save some money by building your own machine if you're okay with a slightly larger case or if you can settle for a mini-ITX GPU.

How long it will take?

The whole point of a NUC is that you can upgrade it with a new computing element over time. Assuming Intel continues to ship them, you can use the NUC 11 Extreme until the power supply fails.

Should you buy it?

Yes, as long as you know what you're getting yourself into. The NUC 11 Extreme is not just a mini PC. So, if you're looking for something to set up and forget, a machine like the M1 Mac Mini is probably better.

Editor's recommendations



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