ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW Review: Gaming Powerhouse

by Alex Braham 52 views

Hey gamers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone else who loves a good laptop! Today, we're diving deep into the ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW, a machine that promises serious gaming prowess. This is going to be a comprehensive review, so buckle up, grab your favorite drink, and let's explore everything from its performance to its design. Is this the ultimate gaming laptop for you? Let's find out!

Unboxing and First Impressions: What's in the Box?

Alright, first things first: the unboxing experience. When you get your hands on the ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW, you're greeted with a sleek, well-packaged laptop. Inside the box, you'll typically find the laptop itself, of course, along with the power adapter and some documentation. ASUS usually throws in some ROG stickers too, which is a nice touch for those who like to customize their gear. The initial impression? It's a solid, well-built machine. The design is unmistakably ROG, with its aggressive angles, customizable RGB lighting (more on that later), and overall premium feel. It's not the thinnest or lightest laptop out there, but that's expected for a gaming powerhouse. This laptop screams performance, and the aesthetics certainly reflect that.

Design and Build Quality

Let's talk about the design and build quality of the ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW. ASUS has consistently delivered well-built laptops, and this one is no exception. The chassis feels robust, and the materials used give it a premium feel. The lid is made of metal, which adds to the overall durability. The design is undeniably gamer-centric, with the iconic ROG logo prominently displayed. The RGB lighting is customizable via ASUS's Armoury Crate software, allowing you to personalize the laptop to your liking. The keyboard deck has a subtle pattern, and the overall aesthetic is aggressive yet refined. It's a laptop that stands out without being overly flashy. While it's not the most portable laptop due to its size and weight, it's a worthwhile trade-off for the performance it delivers. The build quality gives you confidence that this machine can handle the rigors of gaming and everyday use. The hinges feel sturdy, the ports are well-placed, and the overall construction is top-notch. It's clear that ASUS put a lot of thought into the design and build of this laptop, creating a premium experience that enhances the gaming experience.

Display: Visuals That Pop!

The display is a crucial aspect of any gaming laptop, and the ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW doesn't disappoint. Depending on the configuration, you can expect a high refresh rate display, typically 144Hz, 240Hz, or even higher. This means smoother gameplay and reduced motion blur, giving you a competitive edge. The panel is generally vibrant, with good color accuracy, making games and other content look fantastic. The viewing angles are wide, so the image quality remains consistent, even when viewed from different positions. Whether you're playing fast-paced shooters or immersive RPGs, the display delivers a captivating visual experience. The high refresh rate is a game-changer, especially for competitive gamers. It allows you to react faster and see the action more clearly. The display also has good brightness, so you can game comfortably in various lighting conditions. ASUS often includes features like Adaptive Sync to reduce screen tearing and stuttering, further enhancing the gaming experience. Overall, the display on the ROG Strix G17 G713RW is a standout feature, providing a visually stunning experience.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: performance. The ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW is packed with powerful components, ensuring it can handle even the most demanding games. The specific configuration can vary, but you can typically expect to find an AMD Ryzen 9 series processor, paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti or RTX 3080 Ti laptop GPU. This combination delivers exceptional performance, allowing you to play games at high settings with smooth frame rates. The laptop also comes with a generous amount of RAM, typically 16GB or 32GB, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample memory for demanding games. The storage is usually handled by a fast NVMe SSD, providing quick boot times and rapid game loading. The cooling system is designed to keep the components running cool under heavy loads, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring sustained performance. This laptop can handle anything you throw at it, from AAA titles to demanding creative tasks. It's a true gaming powerhouse, capable of delivering a fantastic gaming experience. The combination of a high-end processor, powerful GPU, and ample RAM makes this laptop a top contender for gamers seeking peak performance. With this setup, you can expect buttery-smooth frame rates, even at high resolutions.

Processor and Graphics Card

The ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW typically features a high-end AMD Ryzen 9 series processor, providing excellent processing power for gaming and other demanding tasks. This processor, combined with the powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti or RTX 3080 Ti laptop GPU, delivers exceptional performance. The GPU is the key component for gaming, and the RTX 3070 Ti or RTX 3080 Ti can handle even the most demanding games at high settings with smooth frame rates. The combination of these two components ensures that the laptop can handle any game you throw at it, providing a lag-free, visually stunning experience. The RTX series GPUs offer features like ray tracing and DLSS, which enhance the visual quality of games. Ray tracing provides realistic lighting and shadows, while DLSS uses AI to boost frame rates without sacrificing image quality. The Ryzen 9 processor provides ample processing power, ensuring that the CPU doesn't become a bottleneck for the GPU. This means you get the most out of your graphics card, resulting in a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The power of these components makes the ROG Strix G17 G713RW a top choice for gamers who demand the best possible performance.

RAM and Storage

The amount of RAM and the type of storage in a gaming laptop significantly impact its overall performance. The ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW typically comes with 16GB or 32GB of RAM, which is more than enough for gaming and multitasking. More RAM helps with loading times, and allows you to run multiple applications simultaneously without performance slowdowns. The storage is usually handled by a fast NVMe SSD, providing lightning-fast boot times, quick game loading, and overall system responsiveness. SSDs are significantly faster than traditional hard drives, and they make a noticeable difference in the user experience. You'll spend less time waiting for games to load and more time actually playing them. The large capacity of the SSD also means you can store your entire game library on the laptop without worrying about running out of space. The combination of ample RAM and a fast SSD ensures that the ROG Strix G17 G713RW runs smoothly and efficiently, providing a seamless gaming experience. These components work together to reduce loading times, enhance multitasking capabilities, and deliver a responsive overall system.

Keyboard and Trackpad: Input Devices

The keyboard and trackpad are essential input devices, and the ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW offers a good experience in these areas. The keyboard typically has a comfortable layout with good key travel and responsiveness, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. It often features per-key RGB lighting, allowing for extensive customization of the lighting effects. The trackpad is generally accurate and responsive, with smooth tracking and support for multi-finger gestures. While many gamers prefer to use an external mouse, the trackpad is still useful for general use and for situations where a mouse isn't available. The keyboard layout is well-designed, with the function keys and other controls easily accessible. The keys feel sturdy and durable, capable of withstanding the wear and tear of intense gaming sessions. The RGB lighting adds a touch of flair and can be customized to match your preferences. The trackpad is also responsive and provides a smooth experience for everyday use. Overall, the keyboard and trackpad provide a comfortable and functional input experience.

Per-Key RGB Lighting and Customization

One of the standout features of the ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW is its per-key RGB lighting. This allows you to customize each individual key on the keyboard with different colors and effects. You can create unique lighting profiles for different games, assign specific colors to different keys, or simply choose your favorite color scheme. The customization options are extensive, allowing you to personalize the laptop to your exact preferences. The RGB lighting is controlled via ASUS's Armoury Crate software, which provides a user-friendly interface for creating and managing your lighting profiles. You can choose from a variety of pre-set effects or create your own custom effects. The RGB lighting enhances the overall gaming experience by adding a visual element that complements the gameplay. It can also be useful for identifying specific keys in low-light conditions. The per-key RGB lighting is a great way to personalize your laptop and make it stand out from the crowd. It adds a touch of flair and allows you to express your creativity. The ability to customize each key individually sets this laptop apart from many others. It's a fun and engaging feature that enhances the user experience.

Audio: Immersive Sound Experience

Audio is often overlooked, but the ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW delivers a surprisingly good sound experience. The laptop usually features a set of stereo speakers that provide clear and balanced audio. The sound quality is generally good, with decent bass and clear highs. The speakers are well-positioned, so the sound is directed towards the user. ASUS often includes software enhancements, such as virtual surround sound, to further enhance the audio experience. This can make gaming and watching movies more immersive. For serious gamers, using a headset is always recommended for the best audio experience. The laptop has a headphone jack for connecting your favorite headset. Overall, the audio on the ROG Strix G17 G713RW is above average for a gaming laptop, providing a good sound experience for gaming and other activities.

Cooling System: Keeping Things Cool

Keeping the components cool is crucial for sustained performance, and the ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW features a robust cooling system. ASUS typically uses a combination of heat pipes, fans, and vents to dissipate heat efficiently. The cooling system is designed to handle the high heat output of the powerful components, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring consistent performance. The fans are usually quiet during light use, and they ramp up when needed during gaming or other demanding tasks. ASUS often includes features like liquid metal thermal compound, which improves heat transfer between the processor and the heatsink. This helps to keep the temperatures down and maximize performance. The cooling system is a critical component of any gaming laptop, and the ROG Strix G17 G713RW's cooling system is well-designed and effective. It ensures that the laptop can run at its peak performance for extended periods without overheating. The cooling system is a testament to the engineering that went into designing this laptop, making it a reliable performer even under heavy load.

Ports and Connectivity: Staying Connected

The ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW provides a good selection of ports and connectivity options. You'll typically find a variety of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, for connecting peripherals such as mice, keyboards, and external storage devices. There's also a USB-C port, which supports Thunderbolt 4 for fast data transfer and external display connectivity. In addition, the laptop usually includes an HDMI port for connecting to an external monitor or TV, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. For connectivity, the laptop supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering fast and reliable wireless internet connectivity, and Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting wireless devices. The port selection is well-rounded, covering all the essential connectivity needs for gaming and everyday use. The placement of the ports is well-considered, making it easy to connect and disconnect devices. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 is a significant advantage, providing fast data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to external displays. The Wi-Fi 6E support ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity. The port selection and connectivity options make the ROG Strix G17 G713RW a versatile machine, suitable for various uses.

Battery Life: How Long Does It Last?

Battery life is always a consideration for laptops, and the ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW, being a gaming laptop, isn't known for its exceptional battery life. However, the battery life is decent for a gaming laptop, and you can expect several hours of use for light tasks like web browsing or video playback. When gaming, the battery life will be significantly shorter, typically an hour or two, depending on the game and the graphics settings. The laptop comes with a large battery, but the high-performance components consume a lot of power. To maximize battery life, it's recommended to adjust the power settings, dim the display, and disable unnecessary features. Overall, the battery life is adequate for everyday use, but you'll want to keep the charger handy when gaming. The battery life is a trade-off for the high-performance components, but it's still possible to get a reasonable amount of use out of the laptop without being plugged in.

Software and Features: Beyond the Hardware

The ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW comes with a variety of software and features that enhance the gaming experience. ASUS's Armoury Crate software is a central hub for managing the laptop's settings, including performance profiles, RGB lighting, and fan speeds. It provides a user-friendly interface for customizing the laptop to your liking. The laptop also includes other ASUS software utilities, such as MyASUS, which provides system updates and support. The software suite is designed to enhance the overall user experience, providing tools for optimizing performance, customizing the appearance, and managing system settings. The Armoury Crate software is particularly useful for gamers, allowing them to easily customize the laptop's settings and monitor its performance. The software adds value to the overall experience and provides a level of control and customization that enhances the gaming experience.

Pros and Cons

Let's summarize the pros and cons of the ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW:

Pros:

  • High Performance: Packs a powerful processor and GPU for smooth gaming.
  • High Refresh Rate Display: Provides a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
  • Customizable RGB Lighting: Allows for extensive personalization.
  • Good Build Quality: Offers a premium feel and durable construction.
  • Comprehensive Connectivity: Provides a wide range of ports and connectivity options.
  • Effective Cooling System: Keeps the components running cool under heavy loads.

Cons:

  • Size and Weight: Can be bulky and heavy compared to other laptops.
  • Battery Life: Battery life isn't the best, especially when gaming.
  • Price: High-end configurations can be expensive.

Conclusion: Is the ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW Worth It?

So, is the ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW the right gaming laptop for you? If you're looking for a high-performance gaming machine with top-of-the-line components, a high refresh rate display, and customizable features, then the answer is likely yes. This laptop delivers excellent performance, a stunning display, and a premium build quality. However, it's not the most portable laptop due to its size and weight, and the battery life is not its strong suit. The price can also be a consideration, as high-end configurations can be expensive. Overall, the ASUS ROG Strix G17 G713RW is an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize performance and are willing to make some compromises on portability and battery life. It's a true gaming powerhouse that delivers a fantastic gaming experience. If you are looking for an immersive and powerful gaming experience, then this is definitely a laptop you should consider. It's a top contender in the gaming laptop market, offering a combination of performance, features, and build quality that is hard to beat. If you are a serious gamer, then you will not be disappointed with the capabilities of this machine.