The Asus ROG Zephyrus S (GX701) redefines what it means to pack desktop-grade power into a sleek, 17-inch gaming laptop. Designed for gamers and creators who demand uncompromising performance on the go, this machine boasts an Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia RTX 2080 Max-Q GPU, and a Pantone-certified 144Hz display. But with a staggering price tag of ₹3,49,990, does it justify its cost? Let’s dive into the details.
Asus ROG Zephyrus S (GX701) Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-8750H (6-core, 2.2–4.1GHz) |
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q (8GB GDDR6) |
| RAM | 24GB DDR4 (2666MHz) |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD (expandable via second M.2 slot) |
| Display | 17.3-inch FHD (1920×1080), 144Hz, IPS, Pantone-validated, G-Sync |
| Battery | 76Whr |
| Ports | 3x USB-A (3.1 Gen1/Gen2), 1x USB-C (DP 1.2), HDMI 2.0b, Audio Jack |
| Weight | 2.7kg |
| OS | Windows 10 Home |
| Special Features | Active Aerodynamic System, Per-key RGB, Volume Knob, Aura Sync Lighting |
Asus ROG Zephyrus S (GX701) Review Design & Build: Slimmer Than It Looks
The Asus ROG Zephyrus S (GX701) Review defies expectations with its 17-inch display squeezed into a chassis thinner than most 15-inch laptops (18.7mm). The brushed aluminum lid features Asus’s signature ROG logo with customizable RGB lighting, while the magnesium-aluminum base ensures durability.
Key Highlights:
- Active Aerodynamic System: The bottom panel lifts when opened, improving airflow by 22% and keeping temps low.
- Ergonomic Keyboard: Edge-to-edge layout with 1.4mm key travel and per-key RGB lighting via Armoury Crate.
- Trackpad-as-Numpad: A unique touchpad that transforms into a numpad, though lacks tactile feedback.
Pros:
- Ultra-slim profile for a 17-inch laptop.
- Sturdy build with minimal lid flex.
- Innovative cooling design.
Cons:
- Flimsy bottom panel prone to bending.
- No webcam.
- Trackpad numpad feels gimmicky.
Asus ROG Zephyrus S (GX701) Review Display: Pantone-Certified Brilliance
The 17.3-inch FHD IPS panel shines with 144Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, and G-Sync support. Pantone validation ensures 100% sRGB coverage, making it ideal for color-sensitive tasks.
Display Tests:
- Brightness: 300 nits (adequate for indoor use).
- Color Accuracy: ΔE < 2 (excellent for content creation).
- Contrast: 1000:1 (deep blacks for immersive gaming).
Verdict: A stellar display for both gaming and creative work, though HDR support is missing.
Performance: RTX 2080 Max-Q Unleashed
Equipped with an Intel Core i7-8750H and RTX 2080 Max-Q, the GX701 handles AAA titles and 4K editing effortlessly.
Benchmark Scores:
- 3DMark Time Spy: 7,850 (GPU), 4,200 (CPU).
- Cinebench R20: 2,450 pts.
- PCMark 10: 6,100 (Productivity).
Gaming Performance (Ultra Settings):
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: 98 FPS.
- Cyberpunk 2077: 62 FPS (DLSS Off), 78 FPS (DLSS On).
- Doom Eternal: 144 FPS (capped).
Thermals:
- Turbo Mode: Fans hit 50dB, but keep CPU/GPU below 85°C.
- Keyboard Temps: WASD zone stays at 30°C under load.
Pros:
- Desktop-level gaming performance.
- No thermal throttling.
- Quiet operation in Silent Mode.
Cons:
- Loud fans in Turbo Mode.
- No Thunderbolt 3 for eGPU support.
Battery Life: Expectedly Short
The 76Whr battery lasts 2.5–3 hours during light tasks (web browsing, Office apps) and <1.5 hours while gaming.
Power Management Tips:
- Switch to Optimus mode for 15% longer battery life.
- Lower screen brightness and disable RGB lighting.
Cons:
- Requires the bulky 230W charger for gaming.
Special Features
- Volume Knob: Tactile wheel for quick audio adjustments mid-game.
- Aura Sync: Sync keyboard lighting with peripherals.
- G-Sync + Optimus: Switch between smooth gaming and battery efficiency.
Pros and Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Desktop-grade gaming performance | Extremely expensive (₹3.5L) |
| Slim, premium design for a 17-inch laptop | No webcam or Thunderbolt 3 |
| Pantone-validated 144Hz display | Mediocre battery life |
| Excellent thermal management | Trackpad numpad lacks tactile feedback |
| Expandable storage (dual NVMe slots) | Flimsy bottom panel |
Ratings (Out of 5)
- Design: 4.5
- Performance: 4.8
- Display: 4.7
- Battery Life: 3.0
- Value for Money: 3.5
- Overall: 4.3
Who Should Buy the Asus ROG Zephyrus S (GX701)?
- Hardcore Gamers: Max settings at 1080p/144Hz.
- Content Creators: Pantone display for photo/video editing.
- Frequent Travelers: Slimmer than most 17-inch laptops.
Avoid If:
- You need long battery life.
- Your budget is under ₹2L.
Alternatives
- Asus ROG Strix Scar III (₹2,20,000): Cheaper, but thicker and no G-Sync.
- Razer Blade Pro 17 (₹3,30,000): 4K 120Hz display, but weaker GPU (RTX 2070).
- MSI GS75 Stealth (₹2,90,000): Similar specs, but better battery life.
Final Verdict
The Asus ROG Zephyrus S (GX701) is a triumph of engineering, merging a 17-inch display and RTX 2080 into a sub-2.7kg chassis. While its price and battery life are hard to stomach, it’s unmatched for gamers and creators needing portability without compromises.
Rating: 4.3/5
Leave a Reply