ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2021)
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
|---|---|
| Product family | ROG Zephyrus |
| Release date | January 2021 |
| Introductory price | USD 1349 to 2000 |
| Discontinued | No |
| Operating system | Windows 10 Home (Upgradeable to Windows 11) |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS AMD Ryzen 7 5800HS AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS |
| Memory | 8 GB or 16 GB DDR4-3200 (onboard) + 8 GB or 16 GB DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM (supports up to 32 GB) |
| Memory slots | 1 user accessible |
| Storage | 1 TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD |
| Storage slots | 1 user accessible |
| Display | Screen size: 14 inch Panel type: IPS-level Coating: Anti-glare (matte) Resolution: 2560 x 1440 or 1920 x 1080 Aspect ratio: 16:9 Refresh rate: 120 Hz or 144 Hz Brightness: 325 Nits sRGB: 100 % Adobe RGB: 75.35 % DCI-P3: 100 % VRR: Adaptive-Sync |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop 6 GB GDDR6 80 W w/ Dynamic Boost NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop 4 GB GDDR6 75 W w/ Dynamic Boost NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop 4 GB GDDR6 75 W w/ Dynamic Boost NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4 GB GDDR6 65 W w/ Dynamic Boost |
| Sound | 2 x 0.7 W tweeter, 2 x 2.5 W speaker w/ Smart Amp Technology, Dolby Atmos |
| Camera | No built-in webcam |
| Touchpad | Glass, 4.13 inches (10.5 cm) x 2.36 inches (6.0 cm) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.2 1 x HDMI 2.0b 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C, DP 1.4, PD, G-SYNC) |
| Dimensions | W: 12.76 inches (32.4 cm) D: 8.74 inches (22.2 cm) H: 0.70 inches (1.8 cm) to 0.78 inches (2.0 cm) |
| Mass | 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) |
| Power brick | 180W AC adapter |
| Battery | 4 cell Li-ion 76 WHr |
| Keyboard | White backlit |
| Chassis | Color: White and silver Materials: Magnesium aluminum alloys Cooling: 2 x fans, several heatpipes |
| Number pad | No |
| Fingerprint reader | Yes |
| Facial recognition | No |
| Special features | AniMe Matrix lid |
| Website | ASUS |
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The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2021) is a compact, high-performance gaming laptop featuring AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 series GPUs. It is designed for gamers and content creators who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance.[1]
Primary Hardware
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Processor
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2021) can be configured with the following processors[1]:
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS with 8 cores and 16 threads, 20 MB cache, and a max boost clock of 4.6 GHz.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HS with 8 cores and 16 threads, 20 MB cache, and a max boost clock of 4.4 GHz.
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS with 8 cores and 16 threads, 12 MB cache, and a max boost clock of 4.2 GHz.
The Ryzen 9 5900HS is noted for its impressive performance, often leading in demanding multimedia and processor stress tests. It provides quick editing capabilities and handles everyday tasks with ease. The Ryzen 7 5800HS and 4800HS also offer solid performance, with the Ryzen 9 5900HS scoring about 5% higher than the Ryzen 7 5800HS in benchmarks.[2][3]
Benchmarks:
- Cinebench R23:
Graphics
The Zephyrus G14 (2021) offers several GPU configurations[1]:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU with 6 GB GDDR6 memory, up to 1382 MHz boost clock, and 80 W TGP with Dynamic Boost.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU with 4 GB GDDR6 memory, up to 1585 MHz boost clock, and 75 W TGP with Dynamic Boost.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU with 4 GB GDDR6 memory, up to 1600 MHz boost clock, and 75 W TGP with Dynamic Boost.
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU with 4 GB GDDR6 memory, up to 1515 MHz boost clock, and 65 W TGP with Dynamic Boost.
The RTX 3060 provides solid performance for gaming and 3D tasks, though it is not the fastest in its class. The RTX 3050 Ti and 3050 offer decent performance but are less capable in demanding titles, especially with ray tracing. The GTX 1650 is the entry-level option, suitable for less demanding games.[2][3][4]
Benchmarks:
- 3DMark Fire Strike:
- 3DMark Time Spy:
- The Witcher 3 (1920 x 1080 Ultra):
- RTX 3060: ~68.3 fps[4]
Memory
The Zephyrus G14 (2021) can be configured with the following memory options[1]:
- 8 GB DDR4-3200 (onboard) + 8 GB DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM, max capacity 24 GB.
- 16 GB DDR4-3200 (onboard) + 16 GB DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM, max capacity 32 GB.
The RAM is partially soldered, with 16 GB onboard only available on the RTX 3060 model, and 8 GB onboard on the others. This configuration is ideal for multitasking and demanding applications.[3][4]
Storage
The Zephyrus G14 (2021) comes with a 1 TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD. The storage offers significantly faster read rates approaching 3600 MB/s, with write rates also improved compared to previous models. However, the internal M.2 slot does not fully support PCIe 4 SSDs.[4]
Benchmarks:
- CrystalDiskMark:
- Sequential Read: ~2923 MB/s
- Sequential Write: ~1801 MB/s[4]
Co-processors
The Zephyrus G14 (2021) does not include any dedicated co-processors.[1]
Input Devices
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Keyboard
The Zephyrus G14 features a chiclet keyboard with single-zone white backlighting. The keyboard offers excellent key feedback with deeper travel compared to competitors, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. The layout includes a full-size main deck of keys and an extra line of multimedia keys at the top-left.[3][4]
Touchpad
The touchpad is a glass clickpad measuring 4.13 inches (10.5 cm) x 2.36 inches (6.0 cm). It provides smooth cursor control but has shallow integrated mouse keys that may not provide enough feedback for some users.[3][4]
Webcam
The Zephyrus G14 does not include a built-in webcam, which may be a significant drawback for users who require video conferencing capabilities.[2][3][4]
Microphone
The Zephyrus G14 includes a built-in array microphone with AI noise-canceling technology.[1]
Output Devices
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Display
The Zephyrus G14 (2021) offers two display options[1]:
- 14-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440), 16:9, IPS-level, 120 Hz, 100% DCI-P3, Adaptive-Sync, Pantone Validated.
- 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080), 16:9, IPS-level, 144 Hz, 100% sRGB, 75.35% Adobe RGB, Adaptive-Sync, Pantone Validated.
The WQHD display is noted for its rich colors and high brightness, making it suitable for color-accurate work. The FHD display offers good brightness and color uniformity but has slower response times, which may be a concern for fast-paced gaming.[2][3][4]
Benchmarks:
- Brightness: ~325 nits[2]
- Color Coverage:
Audio
The Zephyrus G14 features a quad-speaker setup with two 0.7 W tweeters and two 2.5 W speakers with Smart Amp Technology and Dolby Atmos. The audio system provides a punchy sound experience, suitable for gaming and media consumption.[1][3][4]
Connectivity
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WiFi
The Zephyrus G14 is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2. The Wi-Fi performance is reliable, though the MediaTek chips are not as fast as some Intel modules.[1][3]
Bluetooth
The Zephyrus G14 includes Bluetooth 5.2.[1]
SD Card Reader
The Zephyrus G14 does not include an SD card reader.[1]
USB
The Zephyrus G14 is equipped with the following USB ports[1]:
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4, power delivery, and G-SYNC.
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (data-only).
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A.
Display Outputs
The Zephyrus G14 includes the following display outputs[1]:
- 1 x HDMI 2.0b.
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4.
Case
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The Zephyrus G14 (2021) features a magnesium aluminum alloy chassis available in white and silver. The design is compact and lightweight, measuring 12.76 inches (32.4 cm) x 8.74 inches (22.2 cm) x 0.70 inches (1.8 cm) to 0.78 inches (2.0 cm) and weighing 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg). The AniMe Matrix lid includes a grid of customizable LEDs.[1][2][3][4]
The build quality is solid, with no noticeable flex in the keyboard deck or chassis. The design channels hot air into the screen, which may be a concern for some users.[3][4]
Maintenance
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The bottom panel of the Zephyrus G14 is easily removable with a Philips screwdriver, allowing for straightforward access to internal components. The SSD and RAM slot are accessible for upgrades, but the soldered RAM limits future memory expansion options.[3][4]
Cooling System
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The Zephyrus G14 features a complex thermal module with two fans and several heatpipes. The cooling system is effective but can lead to warm surface temperatures during heavy use, particularly in the center of the laptop.[3][4]
Heat
The laptop can reach high temperatures during gaming, particularly on the surface, which may affect user comfort. The design channels hot air into the screen, leading to higher temperatures around the keyboard and the screen.[3][4]
Benchmarks:
- Maximum temperature: ~62.2 °C[4]
Noise
The fans run averagely loud with demanding loads on the available profiles, but the laptop is quiet with daily multitasking and light use. Fan noise varies significantly based on performance settings, with Turbo mode being notably louder.[3][4]
Benchmarks:
- Idle: ~34.5 dB(A)
- Load: ~52.7 dB(A)[4]
Energy Management
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Power Consumption
The Zephyrus G14 ships with a 180 W AC adapter and supports USB-C charging up to 100 W. Power consumption is efficient for the performance offered, with a maximum draw of 158 W during heavy use.[1][4]
Battery Life
The Zephyrus G14 includes a 76 WHr Li-ion battery. The battery life is impressive, lasting nearly 12 hours during web surfing, which is significantly longer than many competitors. The system automatically switches the screen to 60Hz while on battery and on the iGPU on both models.[2][3][4]
Benchmarks:
Biometrics
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The Zephyrus G14 includes a fingerprint sensor integrated within the power button but lacks an IR camera for facial recognition.[1]
Software
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The Zephyrus G14 (2021) ships with Windows 10 Home, which can be upgraded to Windows 11. ASUS includes several preinstalled software applications to enhance the user experience.
Preinstalled Software
Armoury Crate
The Armoury Crate software acts as the primary control center for the Zephyrus G14. It allows users to switch between different performance profiles (Silent, Performance, Turbo, and Manual), monitor system performance, and customize the AniMe Matrix lid. The software also provides access to system updates and other settings.[4]
Radeon Software
For configurations with AMD Radeon integrated graphics, the Radeon Software provides additional control over graphics settings and performance optimization.[4]
Other Preinstalled Software
The Zephyrus G14 also comes with a 1-month trial for new Microsoft 365 customers and a 1-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.[1]
Linux Support
There is no specific mention of Linux support in the reviews, but users may be able to install Linux distributions with varying degrees of compatibility.
Accessories & Warranty
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The Zephyrus G14 comes with a 180 W AC adapter and necessary paperwork. The laptop includes a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.[4]
Reviews Summary
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Overall Sentiment
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2021) is highly regarded for its compact size, high performance, and impressive battery life. It is considered one of the best-balanced laptops in its class, offering excellent build quality, solid performance, and good features. However, it faces competition from newer models with better GPU options and additional features. The primary drawbacks include the lack of a built-in webcam, high internal temperatures, and fan noise under load.[2][3][4]
Problems Summary[2][3][4]
- No built-in webcam.
- High internal temperatures, especially on the RTX 3060 configuration.
- Fan noise can be loud under load.
- Design channels hot air into the screen.
- Limited upgradeability due to soldered RAM.
- No SD card reader.
- HDMI port connected to the iGPU, limiting external display performance.
Links
Ryzen 9 5900HS, RTX 3060, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: PCMag
Ryzen 7 5800HS, RTX 3050 Ti, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: UltrabookReview
Ryzen 9 5900HS, RTX 3060, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: Notebookcheck
Community Reception
Overall Sentiment
Problems Summary
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 "ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2021) Specifications". ASUS.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 "ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2021) Review". PCMag.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 "ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2021) Review". UltrabookReview.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 4.26 4.27 4.28 4.29 "Asus Zephyrus G14 GA401QM Laptop Review". Notebookcheck.