ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 GU605/GA605 (2024)

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024)

Manufacturer	Asus
Product family	ROG Zephyrus
Release date	January 2024 (2024-01)
Introductory price	USD 3299
Discontinued	No
Operating system	Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Pro
CPU	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
Memory	16 GB or 32 GB LPDDR5X-7467 (soldered)
Memory slots	None (soldered)
Storage	1 TB, 2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
Storage slots	2 user accessible
Removable storage	1 x SD card reader (UHS-II, 312MB/s)
Display	Screen size: 16 inch Panel type: OLED Coating: Glossy (anti-reflection coating) Resolution: 2560 x 1600 PPI: 189 Aspect ratio: 16:10 Refresh rate: 240 Hz Brightness: 400 to 500 Nits Contrast Ratio
Graphics	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop 8 GB GDDR6 105 W w/ Dynamic Boost Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop 12 GB GDDR6 115 W w/ Dynamic Boost Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop 16 GB GDDR6 115 W w/ Dynamic Boost
Sound	4-speaker (dual force woofer) system with Smart Amplifier Technology, 2 Tweeters Dolby Atmos AI noise-canceling technology Hi-Res certification (for headphone)
Camera	Front: 1080p FHD IR Camera for Windows Hello
Touchpad	Glass, 5.9 inches (15 cm) x 3.9 inches (9.9 cm)
Connectivity	Intel AX211 WiFi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A) 1 x Thunderbolt 4 (DP 1.4, PD) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C, DP 1.4, PD) 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack 1 x SD card reader (UHS-II, 312MB/s)
Power brick	240W slim AC adapter
Battery	4 cell Li-Polymer 90 Wh
Keyboard	1-zone RGB backlit
Chassis	Color: Eclipse Gray, Platinum White Materials: CNC milled aluminum chassis Cooling: Vapor chamber cooling system (RTX 4080/4090), third fan (RTX 4060/4070)
Number pad	No
Fingerprint reader	No
Facial recognition	Yes (Windows Hello)
Predecessor	Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2023)
Website	Asus

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) is a high-performance gaming laptop designed for gamers and creative professionals. It features Intel's latest Core Ultra processors and Nvidia's RTX 4000 series GPUs, housed in a premium CNC milled aluminum chassis. The laptop is available in Eclipse Gray and Platinum White colors and offers a variety of configurations to suit different performance needs.

Primary Hardware

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

Processor

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) can be configured with the following processors:

• Intel Core Ultra 7 155H with 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 24 threads, 24 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.8 GHz.
• Intel Core Ultra 9 185H with 16 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores + 2 AI NPU cores) and 22 threads, 24 MB cache, and a max frequency of 5.1 GHz.

The Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor includes two high-efficiency AI NPU cores, which provide future-proofing for AI-enhanced applications. The CPU performance is slightly reduced compared to last year's model, scoring around 19,200 in Cinebench R23. However, the AI cores offer additional capabilities for AI tasks. The Core Ultra 7 155H performs well with power limits of 70/50 watts, but there is no significant difference compared to the older Raptor-Lake chips like the i7-13705H.

Benchmarks:

• Cinebench R23:
  • Core Ultra 9 185H: ~19,200 pts (multi-core)
  • Core Ultra 7 155H: ~17,267 pts (multi-core)

Graphics

The Zephyrus G16 (2024) offers the following discrete GPUs:

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory, 1655 MHz boost clock, and 105 W TGP with Dynamic Boost.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU with 12 GB GDDR6 memory, 1970 MHz boost clock, and 115 W TGP with Dynamic Boost.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU with 16 GB GDDR6 memory, 1700 MHz boost clock, and 115 W TGP with Dynamic Boost.

The RTX 4090 performs exceptionally well, especially in gaming, with average power consumption between 95 to 105 Watts. It offers excellent performance in QHD gaming, scoring around 18,000 in Time Spy Graphics tests. The RTX 4080 also performs well, offering 15-20 FPS more compared to an RTX 4070 in most games at 2560x1600 resolution. The RTX 4070 provides sufficient performance for current games, with benchmark results showing it can handle most titles smoothly.

Benchmarks:

• 3D Mark Time Spy:
  • RTX 4090: ~18,000 pts (Graphics)
  • RTX 4080: ~16,000 to 17,000 pts (Graphics)
  • RTX 4070: ~12,000 pts (Graphics)

Memory

The Zephyrus G16 (2024) comes with soldered LPDDR5X-7467 memory, available in the following configurations:

• 16 GB (2 x 8 GB)
• 32 GB (2 x 16 GB)

The memory is soldered, meaning it cannot be upgraded post-purchase. The RAM performs well, with AIDA64 benchmarks showing high read and write speeds.

Benchmarks:

• AIDA64 Memory Copy: ~89,414 MB/s

Storage

The Zephyrus G16 (2024) can be configured with the following storage options:

• 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
• 2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

The SSDs offer excellent performance, with transfer rates up to 5 GB/s. The storage remains consistent even under sustained loads.

Benchmarks:

• CrystalDiskMark 5/6:
  • Read Seq Q32T1: ~4970 MB/s
  • Write Seq Q32T1: ~3496 MB/s

Co-processors

The Zephyrus G16 (2024) includes Intel's AI Boost NPU, which provides additional processing power for AI-enhanced applications.

Input Devices

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

Keyboard

The Zephyrus G16 features a backlit chiclet keyboard with 1-zone RGB lighting. The key travel is 1.7 mm, and the keyboard is well-spaced, making it comfortable for typing. However, it lacks FN lock and per-key RGB lighting.

Touchpad

The laptop comes with a large glass touchpad, measuring 5.9 inches (15 cm) x 3.9 inches (9.9 cm). The touchpad is responsive and offers good click feedback, although some users have reported defects with loud clicks.

Webcam

The Zephyrus G16 is equipped with a 1080p FHD IR camera that supports Windows Hello. The webcam provides good color replication and detail, especially after a BIOS update.

Microphone

The laptop includes a built-in 3-microphone array, which offers clear audio quality during calls and recordings.

Output Devices

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

Display

The Zephyrus G16 (2024) features a 16-inch QHD OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate. The display supports Dolby Vision HDR and has a peak brightness of 500 nits. It offers excellent color accuracy, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut.

The OLED panel provides deep blacks and vibrant colors, making it ideal for both gaming and productivity. However, there are concerns about screen burn-in, and the display is not as bright as some mini LED panels.

Benchmarks:

• Maximum brightness: ~425 cd/m²
• Contrast ratio: 118,000:1
• ΔE Color: 1.6
• ΔE Greyscale: 2.7

Audio

The Zephyrus G16 comes with a 4-speaker system, including dual force woofers and two tweeters. The speakers are loud and clear, with good bass and mids. They can drown out fan noise during gaming.

Connectivity

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

WiFi

The laptop is equipped with an Intel AX211 WiFi 6E module, which provides stable and fast wireless connectivity.

Benchmarks:

• iperf3 transmit AXE11000: ~1654 Mb/s
• iperf3 receive AXE11000: ~1600 Mb/s

Bluetooth

The Zephyrus G16 includes Bluetooth 5.3, offering improved connectivity and range.

SD Card Reader

The laptop features a full-size SD card reader (UHS-II), which is appreciated by creative professionals for its fast transfer rates.

Benchmarks:

• average JPG Copy Test: ~78.7 MB/s
• maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test: ~120.8 MB/s

USB

The Zephyrus G16 is equipped with the following USB ports:

• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
• 1 x Thunderbolt 4 (supports DisplayPort 1.4 and power delivery)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (supports DisplayPort 1.4 and power delivery)

Display Outputs

The laptop includes the following display outputs:

• 1 x HDMI 2.1

Case

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

The Zephyrus G16 (2024) features a CNC milled aluminum chassis, available in Eclipse Gray and Platinum White. The design is premium and thin, but the display hinge could be stiffer for a more premium feel.

The build quality is excellent, with the keyboard and chassis exhibiting minimal flex. The device is also lighter than a MacBook Pro 16, making it more portable.

Maintenance

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

The bottom panel is held on by T5 screws, with two additional screws hidden beneath rubber covers. The RAM is soldered, but there are two slots for SSDs, and the WLAN module and battery can be swapped out.

Cooling System

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

The Zephyrus G16 uses a vapor chamber cooling system for models with RTX 4080 and 4090 GPUs, while models with RTX 4060 and 4070 GPUs use a third fan instead of a vapor chamber.

Heat

The laptop maintains good temperatures, with the GPU running in the low to mid-70s and the CPU in the 80s during gaming. The vapor chamber cooling system is effective.

Benchmarks:

• Maximum temperature on the upper side: ~50.3 °C
• Maximum temperature on the bottom: ~48 °C

Noise

The fans are audible but not excessively loud, even under load. The fan noise is lower at max performance compared to the M16, but still noticeable at 53-54 dB.

Benchmarks:

• Quiet mode: ~41.5 dB(A)
• Performance mode: ~46.4 dB(A)
• Turbo mode: ~52.4 dB(A)

Energy Management

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

Power Consumption

The Zephyrus G16 ships with a 240W AC adapter. The laptop's power consumption is efficient, with good performance even at lower wattages.

Benchmarks:

• Idle: ~8.3 / 12.5 / 12.8 Watt
• Load: ~71.3 / 169.1 Watt

Battery Life

The laptop comes with a 90 Wh Li-Polymer battery. The battery life is impressive, lasting about 9 hours and 15minutes of use before needing to charge. This makes it one of the highest-scoring aspects of the laptop, with efficient power usage and good performance on battery.

Benchmarks:

• WiFi Websurfing (150 nits): ~7h 15min
• WiFi Websurfing (max brightness): ~5h 45min
• Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p: ~11h 11min
• Load (maximum brightness): ~1h 11min

Biometrics

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

The Zephyrus G16 supports facial recognition via Windows Hello, facilitated by its 1080p FHD IR camera. The facial recognition works well, especially after a BIOS update, although the laptop does not include a fingerprint reader.

Software

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

The Zephyrus G16 ships with Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro, depending on the configuration.

Preinstalled Software

Armory Crate

The Armory Crate software acts as the primary control center for the Zephyrus G16. It allows users to manage performance profiles, monitor system status, and customize RGB lighting. The software also includes features for overclocking and fan control.

MyAsus

The MyAsus app provides system diagnostics, updates, and customer support. It also includes features for optimizing battery health and managing power settings.

Other Preinstalled Software

The laptop comes with a 1-month trial for new Microsoft 365 customers and a 3-month trial for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Additionally, it includes a 30-day free trial of McAfee antivirus software.

Linux Support

There is no specific mention of Linux support in the reviews or manufacturer specifications.

Accessories & Warranty

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

The Zephyrus G16 comes with a 240W AC adapter and standard paperwork. The laptop is covered by a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.

Reviews Summary

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

Overall Sentiment

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) is highly regarded for its premium build quality, excellent display, and strong performance. It is considered a significant step up from its predecessors and a strong competitor in the gaming laptop market. The laptop is praised for its efficient power usage, good battery life, and impressive audio quality. However, some drawbacks include soldered RAM, noticeable fan noise under load, and a display hinge that could be stiffer.

Problems Summary

• Soldered RAM, limiting upgradeability.
• Noticeable fan noise under load.
• Display hinge could be stiffer.
• Concerns about OLED screen burn-in.
• No fingerprint reader.
• Some units reported defects with loud touchpad clicks.
• High idle power consumption.

Links

Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, RTX 4090, 32 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD: Gizmosliptech

Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, RTX 4080, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: MatthewMoniz

Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, RTX 4070, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: JoshCravesTech

Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, RTX 4070, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: Notebookcheck

Purchase Links

Asus, Best Buy, Best Buy, Best Buy