ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2023)

ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2023)

Manufacturer	ASUS
Product family	ROG Strix
Release date	January 2023 (2023-01)
Introductory price	USD 2199
Discontinued	No
Operating system	Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Pro
CPU	Intel Core i7-13650HX Intel Core i9-13980HX
Memory	16 GB, 32 GB DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM (supports up to 64 GB)
Memory slots	2 user accessible
Storage	1 TB, 2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
Storage slots	2 user accessible
Display	Screen size: 18 inch Panel type: IPS Coating: Matte (anti-glare) Resolution: 2560 x 1600 PPI: 188 Aspect ratio: 16:10 Refresh rate: 240 Hz Brightness: 500 Nits Contrast Ratio
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop 8 GB GDDR6 140 W w/ Advanced optimus Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop 8 GB GDDR6 140 W w/ Advanced optimus Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop 12 GB GDDR6 175 W w/ Advanced optimus Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop 16 GB GDDR6 175 W w/ Advanced optimus
Sound	2 x 2 W stereo w/ Smart Amplifier Technology, Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling technology, Hi-Res certification (for headphone)
Camera	Front: 720p HD
Touchpad	5.1 inches (13 cm) x 3.4 inches (8.6 cm)
Connectivity	Intel AX211 WiFi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C, DP 1.4, PD) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C, Thunderbolt 4, DP 1.4, PD) 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x Ethernet (2.5 Gbps) 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack
Dimensions	W: 15.71 inches (39.9 cm) D: 11.57 inches (29.4 cm) H: 0.91 inches (2.3 cm)
Mass	6.61 pounds (3.00 kg)
Power brick	280W or 330W slim 3-pin proprietary AC adapter (US)
Battery	4 cell Li-Polymer 90 Wh
Keyboard	Per-key RGB backlit, black (US) Standard full size layout
Chassis	Color: Onyx grey Materials: Aluminum lid; Polycarbonate palm rest, sides and bottom cover Cooling: 3 x fans
Number pad	Full size
Fingerprint reader	No
Facial recognition	No
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 Strix G18 (2023) is a high-performance gaming laptop equipped with Intel 13th gen HX series mobile processors and Nvidia Geforce RTX 4000 series mobile GPUs. Available configurations vary by store and location. The Strix G18 is positioned as a powerful option in the mid-tier segment, offering a large 18-inch display and robust cooling solutions.

Primary Hardware

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Processor

The ROG Strix G18 (2023) can come with the following processors:

• Intel Core i7-13650HX with 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads, 24 MB cache and a max frequency of 4.9 Ghz for P-cores and 3.6 Ghz for E-cores.
• Intel Core i9-13980HX with 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 32 threads, 36 MB cache and max frequency of 5.6 Ghz for P-cores and 4.0 Ghz for E-cores.

ASUS supplies the processors with sufficient power and cooling for CPU-intensive tasks resulting in high performance compared to other laptops with the same processors. In CPU-only tasks, the i9-13980HX performs exceptionally well, scoring higher than competitors like the Alienware m18 and Razer Blade 18. The i7-13650HX also offers solid performance, though it is around 10% less powerful than the i7-12900HX and about 20% lower than the i9-13950HX.

The Core i9 processor runs at 150+W of sustained power on the Turbo setting, with temperatures of around 95°C and scores of ~4800 points in Cinebench R15. The CPU stabilizes at ~100W, with temperatures in the mid-80s, and the fans spinning much quieter at ~37-38 dB at head-level.

Benchmarks:

• Cinebench R23:
  • i9-13980HX: ~31179 pts (multi-core), ~2152 pts (single-core)
• Geekbench 5:
  • i9-13980HX: ~18568 pts (multi-core)
• Blender v2.79 BMW27 CPU:
  • i7-13650HX: 158 seconds

Graphics

In addition to the integrated Intel UHD Graphics, the ROG Strix G18 (2023) ships with the following discrete GPUs:

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory, 2420 Mhz boost clock, and 140 W Total Graphics Power (TGP).
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory, 2225 Mhz boost clock, and 140 W TGP.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU with 12 GB GDDR6 memory, 2330 Mhz boost clock, and 175 W TGP.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU with 16 GB GDDR6 memory, 2090 Mhz boost clock, and 175 W TGP.

All configurations support Advanced Optimus, DLSS 3.5, Dynamic Boost 2.0, VR ready, and DirectX® 12 Ultimate technologies.

The RTX 4070 is about 15% faster than the RTX 4060 configuration in regular GPU loads, and 20% faster in RT tests and games. The GPU runs at up to 140W with Dynamic Boost, and the design includes a MUX switch, which enhances the gaming experience by allowing for direct GPU output. The RTX 4070 performs well in gaming, positioned between the RTX 3080 and RTX 3080 Ti, but has limitations due to its VRAM and memory interface (128-bit).

In gaming, the RTX 4070 configuration is capable of running today’s top games at high-quality settings and frame rates at 60 frames per second or higher.

Benchmarks:

• 3DMark Fire Strike:
  • RTX 4070: ~25633 pts
• 3DMark Time Spy:
  • RTX 4070: ~12364 pts
• The Witcher 3 1920 x 1080 Ultra:
  • RTX 4070: ~119 fps
• GTA V 1920 x 1080 Highest Settings:
  • RTX 4070: ~121.4 fps

Memory

The Intel HM770 chipset used in the ROG Strix G18 supports a maximum of 2 SO-DIMM sticks and the 13th Generation Intel HX processors support up to 64 GB DDR5-4800Mhz memory.

Pre-configured SKUs come with either 16 GB or 32 GB DDR5-4800 Memory. These sticks perform identically even when paired with different CPUs.

Benchmarks:

• AIDA64 Memory Copy: ~64308 MB/s
• AIDA64 Memory Read: ~68497 MB/s
• AIDA64 Memory Write: ~60111 MB/s

Storage

The ROG Strix G18 can ship with 1 TB or 2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD depending on the seller. The OEM SSD only uses 1 slot in all configurations leaving the other slot open for upgrades.

Reviews of the i9 13980HX + RTX 4070 and i7 13650HX + RTX 4070 SKUs note that both came with the Micron 2400 1 TB SSD which offers decent performance but is outpaced by competitors.

Benchmarks:

• CrystalDiskMark:
  • SEQ1M Q8T1 (Sequential 1MB blocks): ~3810.59 MB/s (read), ~2319.92 MB/s (write)
• AS SSD Score Total: ~4272 pts

Co-processors

The ROG Strix G18 does not have any dedicated co-processors.

Input Devices

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Keyboard

The ROG Strix G18 comes with a standard keyboard layout with full size number pad and full size arrow keys. The keyboard offers per-key RGB backlighting with customizable effects through the Armoury Crate and Aura Creator apps.

The typing experience is solid with good feedback and proper strokes, although some users may find the feedback somewhat mushy compared to mechanical keyboards. The F1-F12 writing on the top keys is not backlit, making the keys difficult to tell apart in the dark.

Touchpad

The ROG Strix G18 comes with a large touchpad that measures 5.1 inches (13 cm) x 3.4 inches (8.6 cm).

The touchpad is smooth to the touch, and the physical clicks are smooth and quiet. The touchpad is spacious and responsive, providing a good user experience for navigation.

Webcam

The ROG Strix G18 comes with a 720p HD webcam.

The webcam has poor image quality, especially in dimmer rooms, making it suitable for casual video calls but not for high-quality streaming or recording.

Microphone

The ROG Strix G18 comes with a built-in array microphone.

The microphone quality is decent for video calls but may not meet the expectations of users looking for high-quality audio recording.

Output Devices

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Display

ASUS ships the ROG Strix G18 with the following display:

• 18-inch, 16:10, non-touch, matte, Nebula QHD+ 2560 x 1600 px, IPS, 500 nits HDR, 100% DCI-P3, 240Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, Pantone Validated, Dolby Vision HDR support

The display offers good brightness and color accuracy, making it suitable for both gaming and creative work. It features a slim bezel design and a 16:10 aspect ratio, enhancing the viewing experience. The display is bright and vibrant, providing a crisp and immersive gaming experience.

Benchmarks:

• Max brightness in the middle of the screen: ~489.81 cd/m²
• Min brightness in the middle of the screen: ~25.08 cd/m²
• Contrast at max brightness: ~1046:1
• Coverage: ~99.9% sRGB, ~83.8% AdobeRGB, ~98.1% DCI-P3

Audio

The ROG Strix G18 comes with a 4-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology, Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling technology, and Hi-Res certification for headphones.

The sound quality is fairly rich and averagely loud, at ~75-76 dB at head level. The speakers provide a balanced sound profile across different frequencies but lack bass and range, making them just passable for gaming and media consumption.

Connectivity

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WiFi

ASUS equips the ROG Strix G18 with an Intel AX211 WiFi 6E WLAN module.

The WiFi performance is above average, achieving around 1600 Mbit/s in tests, which is competitive with other high-end laptops.

Benchmarks:

• iperf3 transmit: ~1586 Mbit/s
• iperf3 receive: ~1611 Mbit/s

Bluetooth

The ROG Strix G18 comes with a Bluetooth 5.3 module.

SD Card Reader

ASUS does not include an SD card reader with the ROG Strix G18.

USB

ASUS equips the ROG Strix G18 with the following USB ports:

• 1 x USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10 Gbps) on the right side.
• 1 x USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10 Gbps) on the left side.
• 1 x USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10 Gbps) with DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery on the left side.
• 1 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) with DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery on the left side.

Display Outputs

The ROG Strix G18 comes with 3 display outputs:

Case

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The ROG Strix G18 (2023) is available in a single color: onyx grey. The chassis features a sturdy build quality with a metal lid and a plastic base. The design is visually appealing, with a refined look and customizable RGB lighting that adds a touch of personality without being overly aggressive.

The lid is made from a thick and sturdy piece of aluminum, while the main chassis, the sides, and the underside are all plastic but still solidly made. The design is simple and functional, with fewer RGB elements compared to the Scar series.

The laptop is large and heavy, weighing 6.61 pounds (3.00 kg), but lighter than some competitors. The dimensions are 15.71 inches (39.9 cm) x 11.57 inches (29.4 cm) x 0.91 inches (2.3 cm).

Maintenance

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The bottom panel is held on by several Philips-head screws, with the one in the lower-right corner being a pop-up screw. These screws are of different lengths, so care must be taken to put them back correctly.

Upgradeable components:

• 90 WHr battery.
• Two M.2 2280 PCIe4 x4 SSDs (one slot is usually free from the factory).
• Two DDR5-4800 SODIMMs (both slots are usually occupied from the factory).

Cooling System

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The ROG Strix G18 is equipped with an updated tri-fan cooling module with a full-width back heatsink. The thermal module is identical to the one on the Scar 18, with the same layout of fans, heat pipes, and radiators.

Heat

The cooling system effectively manages temperatures during heavy loads, ensuring stable performance. However, the CPU runs hot at around 90-95°C in tested titles, while the GPU keeps cooler at around 75°C.

The laptop's design allows for effective heat dissipation, but users should consider using a raiser stand for better airflow during gaming sessions.

Benchmarks:

• Maximum temperatures: ~45°C on the top and ~47°C on the base under load.

Noise

The laptop is effectively silent during undemanding loads like light browsing or video playback, thanks to the 0dB technology. During intensive tasks, the fans quickly ramp up, with noise levels varying from 26 dB(A) idle to 51 dB(A) under load.

Benchmarks:

• Manual with max-fans: ~52 dB(A)
• Turbo: ~50 dB(A)
• Performance: ~38 dB(A)
• Silent profile: ~35 dB(A)

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The ROG Strix G18 ships with either a 280W or 330W AC adapter.

The battery fully charges from 10% in about 2 hours, with fast charging for the first half an hour. USB-C charging is supported up to 100W, which is convenient for everyday use.

Battery Life

All ROG Strix G18 SKUs come with a 90 WHr Li-Polymer battery. The system is set to automatically switch the screen’s refresh rate to 60 Hz when using the laptop on battery power.

Battery life is decent, with around 5-6 hours of use for light tasks. However, during gaming, the battery lasts around 1 hour.

Benchmarks:

• Light tasks (text editing, WiFi ON, screen at 50%): ~5-6 hours
• Gaming (Witcher 3, Performance Mode, screen at 50%, WiFi ON, no fps limit): ~1 hour

Biometrics

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The ROG Strix G18 does not support Windows Hello face recognition and does not have a fingerprint reader.

Software

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All SKUs ship with Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro, depending on the configuration.

Preinstalled Software

Armoury Crate

The Armoury Crate program acts as the primary control center in the ROG Strix G18. It handles performance profiles, keyboard lighting, system updates, and other settings.

Other Preinstalled Software

The laptop also comes with a 1-month trial for new Microsoft 365 customers, which requires a credit card.

Linux Support

Linux support is limited, as the laptop is primarily designed for Windows.

Accessories & Warranty

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The ROG Strix G18 comes with a 280W or 330W AC adapter and paperwork.

There is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The ROG Strix G18 is considered one of the better mid-tier gaming laptops available, offering high CPU and GPU performance relative to competitors. It is suitable for gamers looking for a powerful machine with a large display and robust cooling solutions. The primary downsides are the high CPU temperatures under load, large size, and weight, which impact portability.

Problems Summary

• High CPU temperatures under load.
• No SD card reader.
• Poor 720p webcam quality.
• Awkward keyboard layout with cramped arrow keys and a condensed right shift key.
• Heavy and large size impacting portability.
• Plastic base flexes under pressure.
• Mediocre microphone quality.
• Limited Linux support.

Links

i9-13980HX, RTX 4070, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: UltrabookReview

i9-13980HX, RTX 4070, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: Tom's Guide

i7-13650HX, RTX 4070, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: NotebookCheck