ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2021)
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
|---|---|
| Product family | ROG Flow |
| Release date | January 2021 |
| Introductory price | USD 1500 to 2000 |
| Discontinued | No |
| Operating system | Windows 10 Home (Can be configured with Windows 10 Pro) |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS |
| Memory | 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz |
| Memory slots | 0 user accessible |
| Storage | 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD |
| Storage slots | 1 user accessible |
| Display | Screen size: 13.4 inch Panel type: IPS Coating: Glossy Resolution: 1920 x 1200 PPI: 169 Aspect ratio: 16:10 Refresh rate: 120 Hz Brightness: 300 Nits sRGB: 113 % DCI-P3: 80 % Screen-to-body ratio: 85 % |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop 4 GB GDDR6 Optional: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 (via external XG Mobile GPU) |
| Sound | 2 x stereo speakers |
| Camera | Front: 720p |
| Touchpad | Mylar, 4.1 inches (10 cm) x 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.1 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C) 1 x HDMI 2.0 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack 1 x proprietary XG Mobile external GPU port |
| Dimensions | W: 11.8 inches (30 cm) D: 8.7 inches (22 cm) H: 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) |
| Mass | 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg) |
| Battery | 4 cell Li-Polymer 62 WHr |
| Keyboard | White backlit, 3 brightness levels |
| Chassis | Color: Black Materials: Magnesium alloy Cooling: 2 x fans |
| Number pad | No |
| Fingerprint reader | No |
| Facial recognition | No |
| Special features | 2-in-1 convertible design |
| Website | ASUS |
All statements attributed to reviews are the reviewer's own opinion. Note that these claims were accurate at the time of publication and may be dated when you are reading this article. Read more.
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The ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2021) is a compact 2-in-1 gaming laptop that combines portability with performance. It features an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, with the option to connect an external XG Mobile GPU for enhanced graphics performance. The Flow X13 is designed for users who need a versatile device for both gaming and productivity.
Primary Hardware
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Processor
The ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2021) is equipped with the AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS processor. This CPU features 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock speed of 3.3 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.6 GHz. It is designed to deliver high performance for both gaming and productivity tasks.
In CPU-heavy performance tests, the Flow X13 holds its own. In the Geekbench 5.4 multicore CPU benchmark, the Flow X13 scored 7,650 points, outperforming the Ryzen 9-equipped Razer Blade 14 (7,471) and the Core i7 Tiger Lake-equipped laptops (6,924). The CPU ensures a smooth experience for day-to-day tasks like browsing the web, word processing, watching videos, and attending virtual meetings.[1]
Benchmarks:
- Geekbench 5.4 multicore score: 7,650[1]
Graphics
The Flow X13 comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU with 4 GB of GDDR6 memory. Additionally, users have the option to connect an external XG Mobile GPU, which features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080, for enhanced graphics performance.
The RTX 3050 Ti is capable of handling medium settings in most games, but users should not expect high frame rates at ultra settings. The optional XG Mobile external GPU provides significantly better performance, allowing for higher settings and better frame rates in demanding games.[1]
Benchmarks:
- Grand Theft Auto V (1080p): 42 fps
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (1080p): Not enough VRAM to run
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p): 35 fps[1]
Memory
The ROG Flow X13 is equipped with 16 GB of DDR4-3200 MHz RAM. This amount of memory is sufficient for multitasking and ensures smooth performance for both gaming and productivity tasks.
The ample RAM allows for multitasking without significant slowdowns, making it suitable for users who need to run multiple applications simultaneously.[1]
Storage
The Flow X13 comes with a 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD. This storage solution provides ample space for games and applications, contributing to the overall performance of the device. The NVMe SSD ensures fast load times and quick access to files.[1]
Co-processors
The ASUS ROG Flow X13 does not include any dedicated co-processors for AI or other specialized tasks.[1]
Input Devices
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Keyboard
The Flow X13 features a spacious keyboard with three brightness settings for the backlight. The keyboard does not have RGB lighting, but the white backlight is sufficient for most users. The key spacing is ample, providing a comfortable typing experience similar to that of 15-inch laptops. The keyboard is suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks.[1]
Touchpad
The touchpad on the Flow X13 is smooth and delivers precise swiping and tracking. However, its relatively small size could pose problems for users who make large gestures. Despite its size, the touchpad is intuitive and responsive, providing a good user experience.[1]
Webcam
The Flow X13 is equipped with a 720p webcam. The webcam is adequate for video conferencing and casual chats, but the image quality is somewhat washed out and the colors feel muted. Good lighting can enhance the image quality, but not significantly. The webcam does not have IR sensors or privacy shutters, so users cannot log in with their face using Windows Hello.[1]
Microphone
The ASUS ROG Flow X13 does not include a built-in microphone.[1]
Output Devices
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Display
The Flow X13 features a 13.4-inch 16:10 screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display achieves an average brightness of 289 nits, though it can reach up to 300 nits around the center of the screen. The colors are accurately rendered, covering 113% of the sRGB color gamut and 80% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. However, the glossy screen can be quite reflective in bright light, making it difficult to see in direct sunlight.[1]
Benchmarks:
- Average brightness: 289 nits
- Color gamut: 113% sRGB, 80% DCI-P3[1]
Audio
The Flow X13 is equipped with stereo speakers that produce rich sound. While the speakers lack thumping bass, they deliver clear audio for both gaming and music. Users who are not satisfied with the built-in speakers can connect their favorite pair of headphones for a better audio experience.[1]
Connectivity
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WiFi
The Flow X13 supports WiFi 6, providing fast and reliable wireless connectivity.[2]
Bluetooth
The laptop comes with Bluetooth 5.1, allowing for easy connection to various Bluetooth-enabled devices.[2]
SD Card Reader
The Flow X13 does not include an SD card reader.[2]
USB
The Flow X13 is equipped with the following USB ports:
- 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports charging)
- 1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
- 1 x HDMI 2.0
- 1 x proprietary XG Mobile external GPU port
- 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack[2]
The placement of the ports can be cumbersome, especially for right-handed users who use an external mouse.[1]
Display Outputs
The Flow X13 includes an HDMI 2.0 port, allowing for external display connections. This enhances the versatility of the device for presentations or gaming on larger screens.[2]
Case
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The Flow X13 features a sturdy, minimalist chassis made from magnesium alloy. Despite its thin and light design, the laptop feels sturdy overall. The dimensions are 11.8 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches, and it weighs 2.9 pounds, making it one of the smallest and lightest gaming laptops available. However, the laptop has a somewhat plasticky feel, and there is a slight amount of give in the keyboard that is not present in the palm rests.[1]
Maintenance
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The design of the Flow X13 does not prioritize easy maintenance or upgrades, which may be a concern for users looking to extend the device's lifespan.[1]
Cooling System
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The Flow X13 is equipped with dual fans for cooling. The fan noise is noticeable but unobtrusive, producing a soft white noise that easily blends into the background during gaming sessions. The laptop remains relatively cool during regular tasks, but it can get quite warm during intensive gaming sessions.[1]
Benchmarks:
- Average temperature during regular work: 93.1 degrees Fahrenheit
- Average temperature during gaming: 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit[1]
Energy Management
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Power Consumption
The Flow X13 does not have specific power consumption benchmarks available.[1]
Battery Life
The Flow X13 is equipped with a 62 WHr battery. The battery life is less than two hours while gaming and around five hours for web browsing and video watching. In a test where the laptop was set to endlessly browse the web over Wi-Fi with its screen set to 150 nits of brightness, the Flow X13 lasted 7 hours and 19 minutes. During a PCMark 10 benchmark test that endlessly loops a 3D-rendered scene, the Flow X13 lasted just 1 hour and 19 minutes before powering off.[1]
Benchmarks:
- WiFi Browsing (150 nits): 7 hours and 19 minutes
- Gaming: 1 hour and 19 minutes[1]
Biometrics
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The Flow X13 does not support Windows Hello face recognition and does not have a fingerprint reader.[1]
Software
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The Flow X13 ships with Windows 10 Home, but it can be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro.
Preinstalled Software
The laptop comes with various preinstalled software, including ASUS utilities and trial versions of third-party applications.[2]
Reviews Summary
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Overall Sentiment
The ASUS ROG Flow X13 is praised for its compact and lightweight design, making it one of the most portable gaming laptops available. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS CPU provides strong performance for both gaming and productivity tasks. However, the gaming performance without the external GPU is underwhelming, and the battery life is below average for gaming sessions. The laptop is suitable for users who prioritize portability and versatility but may not be ideal for those seeking high-end gaming performance without the external GPU.[1]
Problems Summary
- Underwhelming gaming performance without the external GPU
- Below average battery life for gaming
- Reflective screen in bright light
- No built-in microphone
- No SD card reader
- Port placement can be cumbersome for right-handed users[1]