ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (2023)

ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (2023)

Manufacturer	ASUS
Product family	TUF Gaming
Release date	January 2023 (2023-01)
Introductory price	USD 1000 to 1800
Discontinued	No
Operating system	Windows 11 Home (Can be configured with Windows 11 Pro or no OS)
CPU	AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS AMD Ryzen 7 7435H
Memory	8 GB or 16 GB DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM (supports up to 32 GB)
Memory slots	2 user accessible
Storage	512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
Storage slots	2 user accessible
Display	Screen size: 15.6 inch Panel type: IPS-level Coating: Anti-glare Resolution: 1920 x 1080 or 2560 x 1440 Aspect ratio: 16:9 Refresh rate: 144 Hz or 165 Hz Brightness: 300 Nits sRGB: 100 % Adobe RGB: 75.35 % DCI-P3: 100 % VRR: G-Sync Screen-to-body ratio:
Graphics	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop 6 GB GDDR6 140 W w/ Advanced optimus 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
Sound	2 x stereo speakers w/ Dolby Atmos AI noise-canceling technology Hi-Res certification (for headphone)
Camera	Front: 720p HD
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.3 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C, DP 1.4, power delivery, G-SYNC) 1 x RJ45 LAN port 1 x Type-C USB 4 (DP)
Mass	4.7 pounds (2.1 kg)
Power brick	240W AC adapter
Battery	4 cell Li-ion 90 WHr
Keyboard	1-zone RGB backlit
Chassis	Color: Grey metal lid with black plastic interior Materials: Metal lid, plastic interior and bottom panel Cooling: Two fans with shared heatpipes
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 TUF Gaming A15 (2023) is a mid-range gaming laptop equipped with AMD Ryzen 7000 series mobile processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4000 series mobile GPUs. Available configurations vary by store and location. The TUF Gaming A15 is designed to offer a balance between performance and affordability, making it suitable for gamers and content creators alike.

Primary Hardware

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Processor

The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (2023) can come with the following processors:

• AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS with 8 cores and 16 threads, 16 MB L3 cache, and a max boost frequency of 5.2 GHz.
• AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS with 8 cores and 16 threads, 16 MB L3 cache, and a max boost frequency of 4.7 GHz.
• AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS with 6 cores and 12 threads, 19 MB cache, and a max boost frequency of 4.55 GHz.
• AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS with 8 cores and 16 threads, 20 MB cache, and a max boost frequency of 4.5 GHz.
• AMD Ryzen 7 7435H with 8 cores and 16 threads, 20 MB cache, and a max boost frequency of 4.5 GHz.

The TUF Gaming A15's processors are designed to handle demanding tasks, including gaming and content creation. The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS, in particular, offers strong multi-core performance, with a multi-core score 26% higher compared to the previous generation A15 and a single-core score 17% higher. The CPU can reach around 80 watts in manual and turbo modes, showing significant improvements over previous generations.

Benchmarks:

• Cinebench R23:
  • Ryzen 9 7940HS: ~1950 pts (single-core), ~24000 pts (multi-core)

Graphics

In addition to the integrated graphics, the TUF Gaming A15 (2023) ships with the following discrete GPUs:

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory, 2225 MHz boost clock, and 140 W Total Graphics Power (TGP).
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory, 2420 MHz boost clock, and 140 W TGP.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU with 6 GB GDDR6 memory, 2420 MHz boost clock, and 140 W TGP.

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

The RTX 4070 performs well in gaming, matching other laptops with the same GPU. It shows the best results in games like Control and Red Dead Redemption 2 at 1080p and 1440p, with the highest 4070 result in Control at 1080p and 1440p. However, the 1% low performance in Cyberpunk 2077 was the worst among tested laptops, indicating some dips in performance.

Benchmarks:

• 3DMark TimeSpy 2560 x 1440:
  • RTX 4070: ~13500 pts
• 3DMark Fire Strike 1920 x 1080:
  • RTX 4070: ~31000 pts
• Control 1920 x 1080 Ultra:
  • RTX 4070: ~110 fps
• Red Dead Redemption 2 2560 x 1440 Ultra:
  • RTX 4070: ~70 fps

Memory

The TUF Gaming A15 supports up to 32 GB of DDR5-4800 memory in dual-channel configuration. Pre-configured SKUs come with either 8 GB or 16 GB DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM memory.

The single stick of RAM does not significantly hinder performance due to DDR5's architecture, which allows for effective dual-channel operation even with one stick. However, it may affect content creation workloads, as seen in the performance tests.

Benchmarks:

• AIDA64 Memory Copy: ~79000 MB/s

Storage

The TUF Gaming A15 can ship with 512 GB, 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.

The SSD offers decent read speeds but slower write speeds compared to some Gen 3 SSDs, which may limit performance in write-intensive tasks. The installed SSD is satisfactory for gaming and general use but could be improved.

Benchmarks:

• CrystalDiskMark 8:
  • SEQ1M Q8T1 (Sequential 1MB blocks): ~6600 MB/s (read), ~4900 MB/s (write)
  • RND4K Q1T1 (Random 4 KB blocks): ~90 MB/s (read), ~250 MB/s (write)

Co-processors

The TUF Gaming A15 does not include any dedicated co-processors.

Input Devices

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Keyboard

The TUF Gaming A15 comes with a backlit chiclet keyboard with 1-zone RGB lighting and 1.7mm key travel.

The keyboard feels more mushy than clicky but is still comfortable for typing. RGB lighting options are limited and somewhat confusing, with only one zone of backlighting and three brightness levels. The F4 Aura key does not function as intended, leading to frustration with the RGB software.

Touchpad

The TUF Gaming A15 features a fairly large and smooth touchpad.

The touchpad clicks down anywhere and functions well without issues, providing a smooth experience for navigation and gestures.

Webcam

The TUF Gaming A15 comes with a 720p HD webcam without IR for Windows Hello.

The webcam quality is standard for laptops, but it lacks the infrared capability for facial recognition, which may be a drawback for users seeking enhanced security features.

Microphone

The TUF Gaming A15 includes a built-in array microphone.

The microphone quality is adequate for basic use, but specific performance details were not provided in the review.

Output Devices

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Display

The TUF Gaming A15 offers two display options:

• 15.6-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9, IPS-level, Anti-glare display, 100% sRGB, 75.35% Adobe RGB, 144Hz refresh rate, G-Sync, MUX Switch + NVIDIA® Advanced Optimus
• 15.6-inch, WQHD (2560 x 1440) 16:9, IPS-level, Anti-glare display, 100% DCI-P3, 165Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, G-Sync, MUX Switch + NVIDIA® Advanced Optimus

The 1080p 144Hz screen has decent colors but lacks brightness, only reaching around 300 nits at full brightness, which is on the lower end for gaming laptops. The response time is poor at 18ms, leading to blurriness in fast-paced games.

Benchmarks:

• Total system latency is improved with the newer GPU, but the response time is not competitive, especially for fast-paced gaming.

Audio

The TUF Gaming A15 comes with a 2-speaker system with Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling technology, and Hi-Res certification for headphones.

Sound quality is decent at lower volumes but becomes tinny at higher volumes, which may detract from the gaming experience. The speakers are positioned well for a laptop, but they do not provide a rich audio experience at higher volumes.

Connectivity

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WiFi

The TUF Gaming A15 is equipped with a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) card.

Wi-Fi speeds are slightly behind competitors, but better than last year's model, indicating some improvement in wireless performance.

Benchmarks:

• iperf3 transmit AXE11000: ~630 Mb/s
• iperf3 receive AXE11000: ~1040 Mb/s
• iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6 Ghz: ~820 Mb/s
• iperf3 receive AXE11000 6 Ghz: ~1200 Mb/s

Bluetooth

The TUF Gaming A15 comes with a Bluetooth 5.3 module.

SD Card Reader

The TUF Gaming A15 does not include an SD card reader.

USB

The TUF Gaming A15 is equipped with the following USB ports:

• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort™ / power delivery / G-SYNC
• 1 x Type-C USB 4 support DisplayPort™
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
• 1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
• 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL
• 1 x RJ45 LAN port

The Type-C ports support charging and DisplayPort, but most ports are located on the left side, which may be inconvenient for left-handed users. The Type-C port closest to the front can charge the laptop with up to 100 watts, while the one closer to the back connects to integrated Radeon graphics.

Display Outputs

The TUF Gaming A15 comes with HDMI and Type-C ports for display output.

HDMI connects directly to Nvidia graphics, supporting 4K 120Hz with G-Sync, providing flexibility for external display connections.

Case

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The TUF Gaming A15 (2023) features a grey metal lid with a black plastic interior and bottom panel. The design maintains a similar aesthetic to last year's model, with minimal flex and sturdy hinges. The laptop weighs 4.7lb (2.1kg) and increases to 6.3lb (almost 2.9kg) with the charger, making it relatively portable for a gaming laptop.

Maintenance

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The bottom panel is held on by 12 Phillips-head screws of 3 different lengths. The front right screw is designed to lift the bottom panel for easier opening.

Upgradeable components:

• 90 WHr battery.
• Two M.2 2280 PCIe4 x4 SSDs (most configurations only have one slot filled from the factory).
• Two DDR5-4800 SODIMMs (most configurations only have one slot filled from the factory).
• M.2 2230 wireless card.

Cooling System

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The TUF Gaming A15 is equipped with two fans with shared heatpipes. The system intakes air from the bottom and exhausts air through the back and sides.

Heat

The laptop runs warm but not excessively hot during normal use, with the wrist rest feeling cool and the WASD keys only slightly warm during operation.

Benchmarks:

• Maximum upper side: ~43 °C
• Maximum bottom: ~50 °C
• Idle upper side: ~30 °C
• Idle bottom: ~34 °C

Noise

There is no electronic noise or coil whine. The laptop is effectively silent during undemanding loads like light browsing or video playback, hovering below 30 dB(A). During intensive tasks, the fans quickly ramp up even when set to balanced mode. Fan noise while gaming in balanced mode is identical to performance mode despite temperatures being noticeably lower in balanced mode. During intensive tasks, the laptops emit noise above 50 db(A) and are louder than most other gaming laptops.

Benchmarks:

• Load: > 50 db(A)

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The TUF Gaming A15 ships with a 240 W AC adapter.

Power consumption is reasonable, but manual mode increases power usage without significant performance benefits, leading to unnecessary heat generation.

Battery Life

All TUF Gaming A15 SKUs come with a90 WHr Li-Polymer battery that ASUS claims can last over 8.5 hours in video playback tests. The battery life is excellent for a gaming laptop, although it is not as good compared to last year's TUF A15 or this year's A16. The battery care mode limits charge to 80% to improve lifespan.

Benchmarks:

• Video Playback: ~510 minutes (8.5 hours)
• WiFi Browsing (150 nits): ~450 minutes (7.5 hours)
• Load: ~120 minutes (2 hours)

Biometrics

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The TUF Gaming A15 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, but the laptop can be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro, either manually or when buying directly from ASUS. There is also an option to purchase the laptop with no preinstalled OS.

Preinstalled Software

MyASUS

The MyASUS program acts as the primary control center in the TUF Gaming A15. It handles system diagnostics, updates, and various settings adjustments.

Armory Crate

The Armory Crate software is used for system management, including performance profiles, fan control, and RGB lighting settings. However, the customization options in the BIOS are limited compared to competitors.

Other Preinstalled Software

The TUF Gaming A15 also comes with a 1-month trial for new Microsoft 365 customers, Microsoft Office Home and Student, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3 months), and Xbox Game Pass for PC (3 months).

Linux Support

The TUF Gaming A15 has been tested with Ubuntu 23.10, with most components functioning properly except for the RGB keyboard controls, which were not operational in Linux.

Accessories & Warranty

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The TUF Gaming A15 comes with a 240 W 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 ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (2023) is considered a solid mid-range gaming laptop with strong CPU and GPU performance. It is praised for its excellent battery life, good build quality, and upgradeability. However, the display quality, particularly the 1080p 144Hz screen, is a downside due to its poor response time and brightness levels. The laptop is suitable for gaming and general use, especially if purchased on sale.

Problems Summary

• Poor response time and brightness levels on the 1080p 144Hz screen.
• Single stick of RAM may affect content creation workloads.
• Slower write speeds on the installed SSD compared to some Gen 3 SSDs.
• Limited RGB lighting options and confusing software.
• No SD card reader.
• No IR capability for facial recognition.
• Fans are relatively loud in turbo and manual modes.
• Manual mode increases power usage without significant performance benefits.

Links

Ryzen 9 7940HS, RTX 4070, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: JarrodsTech