Source: ASUS
The acclaimed Asus Zephyrus G14, previously hailed as the top choice for a 14-inch gaming laptop, has been replaced. However, there's no need to worry. While the steadfast design of the 2023 G14 has been updated for 2024, the new rendition boasts a sleeker, more polished appearance and now incorporates the latest AMD Ryzen mobile processors. Without a doubt, this revamped G14 delivers an enhanced visual appeal, tactile experience, and overall performance.
A prominent enhancement of the new G14 is its all-aluminum chassis. Crafted from CNC-machined aluminum and encompassing the entire laptop, this upgrade significantly elevates both the aesthetics and tactile sensation compared to its predecessor, which relied on some plastic components. Furthermore, the underside, once made of flexible plastic, is now aluminum, enhancing durability. However, it's worth noting that the transition to an all-metal chassis means the laptop can get quite warm to the touch during intense gaming sessions.
Additionally, the new G14's chassis contributes to a reduction in thickness; the updated model measures 1.59cm compared to the previous version's 1.99cm, making for a slimmer and more streamlined profile.
Asus has truly perfected the presentation of the G14. Upon bringing the laptop into the PC Gamer offices, the entire team unanimously concurred that the updated styling positions the G14 as a formidable contender against renowned models like the Razer Blade 14. The incorporation of an all-metal body and a subtly refined lighting system on the lid—comprising a single strip of programmable white LEDs running diagonally across—imparts a distinctly premium feel to the G14, elevating its status as a high-end device.
ASUS ROG ZEPHYRUS G14
(REVIEW MODEL) SPECS
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (90W)
Memory: 32GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
Screen size: 14-inch OLED
Resolution: 2880 x 1800
Refresh rate: 120Hz
Battery: 73Whr
Dimensions: 31.1 x 22.0 x 1.59 ~ 1.63 cm
(12.24 x 8.66 x 0.63 ~ 0.64-inches)
Weight: 1.5kg (3.3lbs)
Price: $2,000 USD
GPU & CPU
As reviewers, we often receive the highest-spec model of gaming laptops for review, which typically come with a hefty price tag. However, Asus has taken a different approach by providing us with a more modest gaming laptop this time around. Interestingly, it's the model I would consider purchasing myself if I were in the market: a sensible combination of an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 mobile GPU paired with an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU.
The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS boasts eight cores and 16 threads of Zen 4 architecture, delivering robust performance for both gaming and multitasking, such as editing. While it's not drastically different from the AMD Ryzen 7 7940HS found in earlier G14 models, AMD has introduced XDNA NPUs within the 8040-series chips, purportedly to accelerate certain local AI workloads. However, in my typical testing, I find it challenging to discern a noticeable difference. While we don't currently benchmark AI workloads and NPUs aren't particularly beneficial for gaming, technically, this laptop falls into the category of 'AI PCs' that have been receiving considerable attention lately.
Source: Future
Now, onto the crucial aspect for gaming: the RTX 4070 GPU. In order to fit inside the compact chassis of the G14, this GPU is capped at 90W, which provides less power compared to the 140W variants found in the Razer Blade 14 and MSI Vector 17 HX. As a result, the G14's benchmark results tend to be noticeably lower. However, it's worth noting that the G14 still outperforms the RTX 4060 laptops we've previously tested, underscoring the value of the larger RTX 4070 chip, even if it doesn't quite match the performance levels of bulkier, more power-hungry gaming laptops.
The RTX 4070 kicks in whenever necessary, thanks to Nvidia Optimus and the built-in MUX Switch. Additionally, this laptop is equipped with AMD's 780M iGPU, a capable gaming chip in its own right, ideal for casual gaming sessions away from a power source. For instance, I often enjoy playing World of Horror on-the-go, benefiting from significant power savings provided by the 780M, which perfectly suits the game's requirements.
When switched to Turbo mode, the G14's volume can increase, though it remains comparable to most other laptops. However, it's worth noting that the laptop tends to heat up under heavy usage. The Ryzen 9 CPU can reach temperatures of up to 96°C, while the GPU peaks at a more moderate 81°C. Although these temperatures aren't the highest we've observed for similar components, they're not particularly low either. As mentioned earlier, the metal chassis tends to get quite warm to the touch, especially around the area above the processor and GPU, situated between the power button and shortcut keys.
Screen Display
Sporting a native resolution of 2880 x 1800, the G14's display surpasses the typical 1440p panel in both vertical and horizontal resolution. The added pixels and screen real estate result in a remarkably clear image with a high pixel density, although it does demand more performance from the already power-constrained GPU. Nonetheless, gaming performance didn't feel significantly compromised, and the overall visual experience remains stunning.
Adding to its appeal, the G14 features an OLED panel, ensuring virtually limitless contrast and a vibrant color palette—enhanced by its DisplayHDR True Black 500 rating. OLED displays also excel in gaming scenarios due to their swift response times, with this particular panel boasting a rated response time of 0.2 ms and a 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, G-Sync and Adaptive Sync technologies ensure smooth gameplay regardless of the GPU being used.
Source: Future
It's crucial to acknowledge the potential risks of burn-in associated with OLED screens: prolonged display of a static image may result in permanent retention. Asus has implemented several OLED-specific settings accessible through Armoury Crate to mitigate these risks. These options include features such as automatically hiding the Taskbar in Windows, flicker-free dimming, and Target Mode, which maintains maximum brightness for the active window while reducing brightness for others. Asus OLED Care offers Pixel Refresh and Pixel Shift, standard burn-in protection features commonly found on OLED gaming monitors, although the latter doesn't seem to involve any pixel overprovisioning. I've reached out to Asus for clarification on this matter.
Overall, the screen remains a standout feature of the 2024 G14, as it has been in previous iterations. During my experience, playing Baldur's Gate 3 on this machine over the past few weeks has been remarkably immersive, thanks to the 16:10 OLED display. Additionally, the 14-inch screen doesn't feel as cramped for work tasks as some other laptops in the same size category.
Notable Parts
Recognizing the potential risks of burn-in with OLED screens is paramount; extended display of a static image can lead to permanent retention. Asus has taken steps to address this issue by incorporating various OLED-specific settings accessible through Armoury Crate. These settings include features like automatically hiding the Taskbar in Windows, flicker-free dimming, and Target Mode, which optimizes brightness levels by maintaining maximum brightness for the active window while reducing it for others. Asus OLED Care offers Pixel Refresh and Pixel Shift, standard burn-in protection features commonly found on OLED gaming monitors. However, it appears that Pixel Shift does not involve any pixel overprovisioning. I've reached out to Asus for clarification on this matter.
In summary, the screen remains a standout feature of the 2024 G14, as it has been in previous iterations. Throughout my usage, playing Baldur's Gate 3 on this machine over the past few weeks has been exceptionally immersive, thanks to the 16:10 OLED display. Furthermore, the 14-inch screen doesn't feel as restrictive for work tasks as some other laptops in the same size category.
Source: Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
The built-in webcam nestled within the top bezel boasts 1080p resolution and infrared capabilities, facilitating swift Windows Hello login—a feature I increasingly consider essential for a laptop in 2024. Moreover, robust connectivity has become a priority for me, and the new G14 delivers on this front with an array of options. These include USB Type-C and Type-A ports operating at 3.2 Gen2 speeds, a USB4 port, and a reliable MicroSD card reader.
Some Downsides
Regarding software, I'm less than thrilled to find McAfee still present on the desktop upon startup out of the box. For me, that's an immediate uninstall, and I need to ensure I remove any secondary web protection apps as well. However, Asus includes its own proprietary app and Armory Crate software. While neither offers an inspiring user experience, they do help me configure the laptop to my preferences once I navigate through the menus.
Source: Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
The G14 comes equipped with a decent 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD—although I wouldn't have minded a larger 2TB option, especially considering there's only one available NVMe slot. Additionally, 32GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM completes the package, making for a well-equipped gaming laptop overall. Accessing the internals is straightforward with a Torx screwdriver, though two screws are hidden beneath rubber grommets near the hinge. However, there isn't much room for tinkering inside. Nearly everything is soldered in place to save space and reduce the laptop's thickness. The single NVMe slot is already occupied by the 1TB drive, requiring a complete replacement for any upgrades, and the memory is enclosed under a cooling solution featuring three radial fans.
Conclusion
Once again, my experience with the G14 leaves me thoroughly impressed. The latest model introduces significant improvements that are certainly worth considering over its predecessor. Importantly, Asus has managed to strike the right balance to entice even the most discerning Razer fans away from the Blade 14. The specific G14 configuration I have on hand is priced at $2,000, significantly more affordable than a comparable new Blade 14 priced at $2,700. However, in the UK, the G14 may be a tougher sell at £2,400.
While the new Blade 14 still boasts a few premium features over the G14, such as a 240Hz refresh rate and a 140W TGP for the RTX 4070, the 2024 Zephyrus G14 stands out with its attractive all-metal finish and impressive specification sheet. Given its competitive price point, it's incredibly difficult for me to overlook the G14 as a top contender in the 14-inch gaming laptop market.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2023)
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