The 6 Best ASUS Gaming Laptops

I remember the exact moment when I decided I needed a gaming laptop. I was playing Torment: Tides of Numenera and I got to the Miel Avest Sanctuary part. It is a turn-based fight where you’re being chased by a terrifying giant shadow called The Sorrow, everything is in flames, and there’s a ton of NPCs to be saved from burning alive and not enough time to save them all.

To make things worse, Sorrow summons more evil creatures every couple of turns, so at one point there were so many characters involved in the fight that my laptop couldn’t handle it. It got so hot you could make s’mores on it and so slow it took around 40 minutes to replay the fight every time I died. I gave up, uninstalled the game, and made up my mind to purchase a laptop that was designed for gaming.

Unless your favorite games are Solitaire and Minesweeper, getting the best ASUS gaming laptop that can support demanding games is one of the best investments you can make. 🖥️ 🎮

For instance, when you’re playing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and you want that tub scene in crystal-clear 4K (or that’s just me).

Best 6 ASUS Gaming Laptops

ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) laptop line is purpose-built for gamers. Along with great specs, these laptops come with an advanced cooling system and other features that improve the gaming experience. If you’re thinking about getting an ASUS laptop for gaming, these are the six models to check out, ranging from budget to premium.

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Pros & Cons

• Good value for money
• Fast
• High quality display
• Sturdy material

• Narrow keys

Key Features:

• Latest 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8550U 1.8GHz (Turbo up to 4.0GHz) Processor
• 17.3″ Full HD Wide View display with 72% NTSC color gamut and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 4GB discrete graphics for flawless visuals
• Slim 16.2″ wide, 0.8″ thin and portable footprint. Maximum RAM Supported: 32.00 GB
• 16GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage combo; Ergonomic backlit keyboard with number pad
• Comprehensive connections with USB-C (Gen1), USB 3.0 Type-A, USB 2.0, HDMI, & headphone/mic ports for every device

Specifications:

• Screen Size 17.3 inches
• Max Screen Resolution 1920×1080 pixels
• Processor 1.8 GHz 8032
• RAM 16 GB DDR4
• Hard Drive 1000 GB Hybrid Drive
• Graphics Coprocessor NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
• Chipset Brand GeForce GTX 1050
• Card Description GeForce GTX 1050 4GB
• Graphics Card Ram Size 4 GB
• Wireless Type 802.11ac
• Number of USB 2.0 Ports 2
• Number of USB 3.0 Ports 1

ASUS VivoBook Pro Review

Even though ASUS VivoBook Pro isn’t strictly a gaming laptop like ROG models, its price and features make it a good choice if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck.

The storage has a 1 TB hybrid drive and a 265 GB SSD which is plenty of room for the operating system and a selection of game titles. Thanks to the SSD, the laptop boots in seconds and the performance is smooth and fast.

Those who appreciate a large display are gonna love this 17.3-inch screen that supports 4K UHD. The picture is crisp and clear, and with 72% NTSC color gamut and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 4GB, it’s just begging for a triple-A game with great graphics. If this is the kind of thing that gets you excited, check our selection of the best 17-inch laptops on the market.

Another thing to like about VivoBook Pro is its sturdiness – it looks like it could endure Hulk’s punch, but it’s better not to test it.

A fair warning: if you’ve been blessed with sausages for fingers as I have, you’ll find the keyboard pretty annoying. It looks like the keyboard was designed for a 15’’ model and some of the keys are really narrow, so it’s hard to hit the right one. I blame people with tiny hands for this.

If you’re interested in something that costs a little less, then check out our article on the best gaming laptops under $1000.

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Pros & Cons

• Ultra slim
• Great Active Aerodynamic cooling system
• Sleek design
• Keyboard layout

• Backlight bleed issues
• Battery life

Key Features:

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 8GB (base: 990 MHz, Boost: 1230 MHz; TDP: 90W)
• Intel Core i7-8750H Hexa-Core processor
• 15.6” 144Hz 3ms IPS-Type full HD (1920×1080) Display
• 16GB 2666Hz DDR4 | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD | Windows 10 Professional
• 0.62” thin, 4.6 lbs ultraportable military-grade magnesium alloy body gaming laptop with premium metal cover
• Rog active Aerodynamic System (AAs) with upgraded 12V fans and anti-dust tunnels to preserve cooling performance and system stability
• Customizable 4-zone ASUS Aura RGB Gaming Keyboard

Specifications:

• Screen Size: 15.6 inches
• Screen Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
• Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Processor: 3.9 GHz Intel Core i7
• RAM: 16 GB DDR4
• Memory Speed: 2666 MHz
• Hard Drive: 512 GB Hybrid Drive
• Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max Q
• Chipset Brand: NVIDIA
• Card Description: Dedicated
• Graphics Card Ram Size: 8 GB
• Wireless Type: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Number of USB 2.0 Ports: 2
• Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 3

ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Ultra Slim Review

When it comes to ASUS and gaming, it’s no surprise that some of the best gaming equipment comes from their ROG (Republic of Gaming) brand. The first thing you’ll notice about Zephyrus S is its ultra-slim design. Don’t be fooled by its lightweight appearance – this machine is a beast.

If you plan to crank up the settings and run something as demanding as Battlefield V or COD: BO4 on 144 Hz, it’s paramount to look for a laptop with good cooling. This model comes with the Great Active Aerodynamic cooling system that does a great job of preventing scorching your wrists after 10 minutes of gameplay.

The trackpad and keyboard layout is somewhat unconventional, but I believe that most people will grow to love it. The keyboard is silent and smooth and comes with RGB lighting.

On the downside, the battery drains faster than your bank account during a Steam sale. Unless you’re dead set on gaming out in the fresh air, this is easily resolved by keeping the laptop plugged in.

Some users have reported backlight bleed, and it seems to be a hit-or-miss kinda issue that affects some units. Although you’ll get a replacement if you’re unlucky to get a defective laptop, it can be a pain in the lower back region.

If you’re interested in something that costs a little less, then check out our article on the best gaming laptops under $2000.

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Pros & Cons

• High speed
• Lightweight
• Plenty of RAM

• Touchpad needs some getting used to

Key Features:

• Powerful 6th-generation Intel Core i7-6700HQ 2.6GHz. 16GB RAM; 1TB 7200RPM Storage.
• 15.6 inches Matte IPS FHD display. 1920 by 1080 resolution. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M gaming graphic card.
• GameFirst III technology prioritizes the flow of the game data across your network.Refer user manual below
• Feature the latest USB3.1 Type-C port for more convenient connectivity options. Input : 100 -240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
• 100 solder points for durability and solid-feel, one piece keyboard with 1.8mm of key travel, gives you responsive keystrokes when typing and entering commands; The slide-off upgrade panel offers instant access, fit an M.2 SSD, a bigger hard drive or upgrade memory.

Specifications:

• Screen Size 15 inches
• Max Screen Resolution 1920*1080 pixels
• Processor 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7
• RAM 16 GB
• Memory Speed 2133 MHz
• Hard Drive 1 TB HDD
• Graphics Coprocessor NVIDIA GTX960M 2GB GDDR5
• Chipset Brand NVIDIA GeForce
• Card Description Dedicated
• Graphics Card Ram Size 2048 MB
• Wireless Type 802.11ac
• Number of USB 2.0 Ports 1
• Number of USB 3.0 Ports 2

ASUS ROG GL552VW-DH71 Review

If you don’t have $3k to spend on a Zephyrus S, ASUS ROG GL552VW-DH71 is one of the best choices around the $1k price tag. It comes with 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, which makes it a great work/leisure combo laptop for those who need a strong machine for work.

The GL552VW-DH71 model has a 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GTX960M graphic card with 2GB of GDDR5. When put to a test, the laptop performs smoothly, is fast to load games, and offers a great gaming experience.

At 5.6 lbs, this laptop is pretty lightweight. For those looking for something to replace their desktop with, GL552VW-DH71 works great. In case you’re still weighing your options, you can check out some of the best gaming PC cases for comparison.

One thing that’s not to like about this model is its touchpad. Instead of being centered, it’s positioned slightly to the left and you’ll find yourself struggling to use it if you’re accustomed to a centered touchpad.

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Pros & Cons

• Great performance
• Amazing keyboard
• Fast system boot

• Loud fan

Key Features:

• 7th-generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ quad-core 2.8GHz (Turbo to 3.8GHz) with discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 4GB graphics
• Slim 0.9″ profile and lightweight 5.7 lbs body gaming laptop with 15.6″ Full HD Matte Panel
• 128GB M.2 SSD + 1TB HDD for ideal balance of OS drive speeds and storage space, 8GB DDR4 DRAM
• Red-backlit gaming keyboard with anti-ghosting technology, 1.8mm key travel distance, and N-Key Rollover
• 802.11ac 2×2 Dual Antenna WiFi (up to 6x faster than traditional BGN); Bluetooth 4.1, 2x USB 3.1 (Type A), 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x Mini DisplayPort, 1x headphone/Mic jack, 1x RJ45 LAN port, 1x card reader

Specifications:

• Screen Size 15.6 inches
• Max Screen Resolution 1920×1080 pixels
• Processor 2.8 GHz 8032
• RAM 8 GB DDR4
• Hard Drive 1000 GB Hybrid Drive
• Graphics Coprocessor NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
• Chipset Brand nvidia
• Card Description GTX 1050 4GB
• Graphics Card Ram Size 4 GB
• Wireless Type 802.11ac
• Number of USB 2.0 Ports 1
• Number of USB 3.0 Ports 2

ASUS FX503VD Gaming Laptop Review

FX503VD comes with nice specs – a 2.8 GHz processor that can be overclocked to 3.8 GHz with the turbo feature, 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 with 4 GB RAM. Don’t expect to be running the latest games at the highest of settings, but this laptop still gives great performance with what it’s got.

For one, it’s fast. It boots faster than you can say “please stop making more terrible Star Wars movies”, and it can double as a work computer. One of the strongest points of FX503VD is the keyboard – it has anti-ghosting technology, 1.8mm key travel distance, and N-Key Rollover. The discreet red backlight is a nice touch.

Now is the time to test your noise cancelling headphones, because this model is very loud. The fans are noisy, so if you’re bothered by this, look for another laptop.

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Pros & Cons

• High-performing processor
• Great speakers
• Smooth quality keyboard with adjustable red backlight

• Needs a SSD upgrade

Key Features:

• Durability – Dual fans with anti-dust technology. Red-backlit keyboard rated for 20-million keystroke durability
• Portable design gaming Laptop with 0.98″ Thin profile and weight of only 5.07 lbs
• 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8300H Processor and GeForce GTX 1050 2GB for superior gaming performance and multitasking
• 1TB FireCuda Solid State Hybrid Drive; 8GB DDR4 high-frequency 2666MHz RAM
• Gigabit wave 2 Wi-Fi up to 1.73Gbps with 2×2 802.11AC
• Windows 10 Home Pre-Installed

Specifications:

• Screen Size 15.6 inches
• Screen Resolution 1920×1080 pixels
• Max Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Processor 3.9 GHz Intel Core i5
• RAM 8 GB DDR4
• Memory Speed 2666 MHz
• Hard Drive 1000 GB Hybrid Drive
• Graphics Coprocessor NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
• Chipset Brand nvidia
• Card Description Dedicated
• Graphics Card Ram Size 2 GB
• Wireless Type 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Number of USB 2.0 Ports 1
• Number of USB 3.0 Ports 2

ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop FX504 Review

At the heart of FX504 is a 3.9 GHz Intel Core i5 processor that doesn’t disappoint – it makes the laptop run great. There is 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, which is pretty modest for a machine like this, with room for up to 32 GB of RAM. If you’re unsure how much RAM is enough, read our guide on how much RAM do you need for gaming.

Heat management is well done and the laptop stays relatively cool during heavy use. According to ASUS, the keyboard is rated for 20-million keystroke durability. It comes with an adjustable red backlight with three different settings. The keys are full-size, nice on the fingers, with a comfortably designed NumPad.

High quality sound is not something you’d normally expect of a laptop, which is why FX504 surprised us. The speakers provide an experience as enjoyable as playing with a good headset.

The basic version of this laptop comes with a 1 TB FireCuda solid state hybrid drive, which is a shame, because a SSD would greatly improve overall performance. On the bright side, it is easy to add a SSD upgrade, and I highly recommend this.

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Pros & Cons

• Great 75Hz G-Sync display
• Good performance on max game settings
• Fast system boot

• Needs a cooling pad

Key Features:

• Latest NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB Graphics Card, Intel Core i7-7700HQ Processor, 2.8GHz (Turbo to 3.8 GHz)
• 12GB DDR4 RAM, 128GB SSD + 1TB 7200RPM HDD for fast multitasking performance, fast OS speeds and large storage capacity
• 17.3″ FHD 1920×1080 Matte G-SYNC Display with 75Hz Wide view Panel. Illuminated Chiclet Keyboard
• Duo-copper thermal module and dual cooling fans for increased CPU and GPU performance
• 1x HDMI 2.0 Port, 1x mini DisplayPort, 802.11ac Wi-Fi 2×2, Bluetooth 4.1, 1x USB 3.1-Type C(Gen 2), 1x Headphone-out and Audio Combo Jack, 1x RJ45 LAN Jack

Specifications:

• Screen Size: 17.3 inches
• Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Processor: 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7
• RAM: 12 GB DDR4
• Hard Drive: 1000 GB Hybrid Drive
• Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
• Chipset Brand: GTX 1070
• Card Description: Dedicated
• Graphics Card Ram Size: 8 GB
• Wireless Type: 802.11ac
• Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 3

ASUS ROG Strix GL702VS Gaming Laptop Review

This laptop has a 17.3 inch 75 Hz display, but don’t let the frequency put you off. It may not have 120 Hz, but with the G-Sync feature that synchronizes refresh rates with the GPU, the display is very smooth.

Strix GL702VS can be used (as intended) for heavy gaming, and it performs great even on maximum settings. Loading time is short for both the system boot and demanding games. The processor can be overclocked from 2.8 to 3.8 GHz for better performance, which unfortunately can cause an overheating issue.

As far as the downsides go, Strix GL702VS has a problem with overheating. Although it has a duo-copper thermal module and dual cooling fans, the cooling system is subpar.

The surface becomes really hot after a short while, and I wouldn’t recommend buying this model without getting a cooling pad. For more information, check out our tips for choosing the best laptop cooling pad.

ASUS Gaming Laptops: Buying Guide

Processor – Your No. 1 Investment

Since most laptops have soldered-in CPUs, get the best possible processor for your money’s worth, even if it means paying a little extra or saving on other components.

GPU Type

When choosing a GPU, always match it with the monitor resolution. It is useless to spend money on a high-end graphics card if your monitor doesn’t support anything higher than 1080p.

Battery Life

Short battery life is the pain point for most gaming laptops, but gamers usually don’t mind keeping their laptop plugged in all the time. Unless you have a specific need for a battery that lasts for hours at a time, you don’t have to worry about this feature.

RAM – More, the Better

If you’re interested in heavy gaming, don’t go for a model with less than 8 GB of RAM, and always check the RAM upgrade options since this will be one of your future investments.

Storage Space

Even if you hoard games, filling up a 1 TB hard drive will take some time. When choosing a laptop, consider whether it comes with a hybrid or an SSD storage unit and try to get an SSD large enough for your preferred operating system and several games.

High-Resolution vs. High Speed

Unless you’re prepared to pay several thousand for a gaming laptop, you will have to make this choice. The right answer depends on whether you plan to use your laptop for work or only for gaming, and on the type of games you’ll be playing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are All Asus Laptops Good for Gaming?

Whether a laptop is good for gaming or not depends on its specifications and features. While regular ASUS laptops may be a good choice, ASUS ROG line is designed especially for gaming.

What Is the Best Gaming Laptop Brand?

There is no universal answer since every brand has budget products with inferior features as well as premium laptops that are good for any use. When making a decision, look for laptops that were built for gaming.

Why Are Gaming Laptops so Expensive?

Most new game titles are very demanding in terms of memory, processor power, and graphics. Minimum requirements for these games are high, which is why gaming laptops have better specifications than the average laptop and are thus more expensive.

Do ASUS Gaming Laptops Last Longer Than Normal Laptops?

Since gaming laptops have strong components, to begin with, they are likely to last longer than normal laptops without needing an upgrade. Gaming laptops are often designed to be easily upgraded with more RAM or SSD, and these small upgrades make them last even longer.

Asus laptops, in particular, are known to be durable and have high-quality builds. Both design-wise and regarding hardware.

Is a Gaming Laptop Better Than a Regular Laptop?

Typically, yes. Gaming laptops are built for intense performance and usually have better cooling systems, better graphics, faster processors, etc.

Do Gaming Laptops Overheat?

Gaming laptops are at a higher risk of overheating because they are often used under heavy load for hours at a time. Some brands design gaming laptops with additional cooling, and you can prevent overheating with additional cooling like a cooling pad.

While cooling pads will keep your laptop safe internally, you can further protect it from external damage by getting a great laptop backpack.

Conclusion

ASUS offers a wide selection of quality gaming laptops, especially in the ROG series. To compare these models with other brands, read our article on the best gaming laptops.