ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023) Review: Thin, convertible, powerful but expensive!
Introducing the ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023) – a “convertible ultra gaming laptop” that redefines the gaming experience with exceptional portability and versatility. At the heart of this innovation is the 13.4-inch ROG Nebula Display, a touch-sensitive and foldable screen that maximizes flexibility for users. This unique feature sets the laptop apart, offering an immersive and adaptable gaming experience.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS 8 Core - 16 Thread Processor, 4.0 GHz (Max Turbo Frequency 5.2 GHz), 16 MB Smart Cache with...
- HIDevolution upgrades the 13.4" WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 165Hz IPS-Level, Touch Screen Laptop with stocked Thermal...
- HIDevolution installed PCIe based storage--2 TB M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD--ensures that you experience the...
- 32 GB LPDDR5 (2 x 16 GB On-Board) system memory (Speeds subject to system capability)--run memory hungry...
- Operating system: Windows 11 Home. HIDevolution Promise: Authorized ASUS Build to Order Dealer, thorough quality...
Driving the gaming prowess of the ROG Flow X13 is the formidable combination of the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. This powerhouse duo is specifically chosen to harness the potential of the QHD+ resolution and 165 Hz refresh rate of the display, delivering a visually stunning and fluid gaming experience.
ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023): Video Review
| Specs | ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023) |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS (8 cores/16 threads, up to 5.2GHz, 16MB L3 cache) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6 |
| OS | Windows 11 Home |
| RAM | 16GB LP-DDR5 6400MHz |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe SSD |
| Battery | 4-cell battery - 75 Whr |
| Audio | Stereo speakers with Smart Amplifier Technology |
| Camera | 1080 FHD |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| WiFi | Realtek Wi-Fi 6E MT7922 |
| Display | 13.4" IPS 2560 x 1600 165Hz Touchscreen (100% DCI P3, G-SYNC, MUX) |
| Dimensions | 299 x 212 x 16.7 - 18.7mm |
| Weight | 1.3kg |
| Connectors | USB4 (DisplayPort, PD), USB-C 3.2 Gen2 (DisplayPort, PD), 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen2, |
| HDMI 2.1 video output FRL, ROG XG Mobile Interface, microSD card reader |
ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023): Design
The ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023) showcases a distinctive design, capturing attention with a scratched lid that accentuates the ROG logo in a corner.
Measuring at a thickness of 16.7 – 18.7 mm and weighing a mere 1.3 kg, the ROG Flow X13 is impressively portable, making it a highly convenient device for users on the go.
The standout feature of the ROG Flow X13 gaming laptop lies in its versatile screen. The touch-sensitive display can be rotated up to 180º, transforming the laptop into a tablet. This flexibility is a rarity among devices with comparable power, making the ROG Flow X13 a standout choice for those seeking adaptability in a 13.4-inch form factor.
The laptop’s exterior features a sober design on the front edge, while the rear incorporates small grilles for an effective cooling system.
On the left side, we find the unique ROG XG Mobile Interface, a connector designed for the ASUS ROG XG Mobile external graphics card. This accessory, equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090.
The interface also includes a USB-C connector supporting USB4, a DisplayPort video output, and PD charging. Accompanying this interface are a microSD card reader, an HDMI 2.1 video output, and a 3.5 mm TRRS jack for combined headphone and microphone use.
On the right side, you will find the power button and a pair of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports in both A and C formats, ensuring connectivity options for various peripherals.
Internally, the ROG Flow X13 boasts a Realtek Wi-Fi 6E MT7922 triple-band network card with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring robust and efficient connectivity.
The laptop’s input features include an island-style keyboard with white LED lighting and four additional macro keys, providing customization options for users. The large, centrally located touchpad complements the overall design, offering a seamless navigation experience.
The inclusion of a 1080 FHD webcam with infrared sensor enables facial recognition and compatibility with Windows Hello, enhancing the device’s security features.
Finally, the ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023) boasts a notable sound system featuring two stereo speakers with Smart Amplifier technology and Dolby Atmos compatibility.
Display
The ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023) boasts a cutting-edge display, featuring a 13.4-inch ROG Nebula Display in a 16:10 format. This display, based on an IPS panel, delivers an impressive QHD+ or WQXGA resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, providing an ideal balance for maintaining exceptional image definition with a pixel density of 226 PPI.
The display offers a high refresh rate of 165Hz and a fast response time of 3ms. This, combined with G-Sync technology, makes the ROG Flow X13’s display particularly well-suited for gaming enthusiasts, ensuring smooth and responsive visuals during fast-paced gaming sessions.
In terms of color accuracy and vibrancy, the display covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color palette, showing a wide range of colors for a more immersive visual experience. Additionally, the display holds the Dolby Vision HDR certificate, further enhancing its capability to deliver stunning and vibrant visuals with high dynamic range content.
Adding to its versatility, the display features a touch panel capable of recognizing up to 4,096 pressure levels, providing users with a responsive and precise touch experience. The Corning Gorilla Glass DXC protection enhances durability, ensuring the display can withstand daily use and potential wear and tear.
Performance
The ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023) is powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, representing the AMD Phoenix family with Zen 4 architecture. This high-performance processor offers 8 cores and 16 processing threads, reaching a maximum frequency of 5.2 GHz. What makes it unique is its specified maximum TDP of 54W, showing a balance between power and efficiency. Complemented by 16 MB of L3 Cache memory, the processor contributes to the laptop’s overall robust performance.
Accompanying the powerful processor is 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM running at 6,400 MHz in a dual-channel configuration, soldered to the motherboard for a compact and efficient design. While 16 GB is suitable for most tasks, the inability to expand the RAM might pose a limitation in certain professional environments requiring more extensive memory.
For graphics processing, the ROG Flow X13 (2023) features the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. With a TDP that can be configured up to 60W, it allows for higher frequencies, albeit potentially leading to increased noise from the cooling system. The graphics card is equipped with 8 GB of GDDR6 memory at 2,000 MHz, offering 16 Gbps and achieving a bandwidth of 256 GB/s through a 128-bit bus.
Notably, the laptop incorporates a MUX Switch, enabling users to deactivate the integrated graphics and solely utilize the dedicated Nvidia GPU, avoiding potential conflicts or latency issues. However, it doesn’t leverage NVIDIA Advanced Optimus technology, requiring users to manually choose between configurations based on their needs.
The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor also comes with integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics, providing commendable performance with its 12 execution cores at a frequency of 2.8 GHz. While not reaching the level of the dedicated RTX 4060, it offers a noteworthy alternative for less demanding tasks.
In terms of performance, the ROG Flow X13 (2023) excels in everyday tasks, scoring 7714 points in PCMark 10 in performance mode. Even when disconnected from the power supply, the laptop maintains a respectable performance level, scoring just over 5000 points in the same benchmark.
In gaming, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 delivers impressive performance, easily achieving 120 FPS in Full HD with High/Ultra quality settings in most titles. The inclusion of DLSS technology enhances performance in compatible titles, making it a compelling choice for gamers. However, the laptop’s 165 Hz screen might not be fully utilized unless playing competitive titles or older games, given the graphics demands of modern AAA titles.
Cooling
The ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023) is equipped with the ROG Intelligent Cooling system, a simplified version designed to maximize efficiency within the limited space available. This cooling solution comprises 2 fans and 2 heatpipes, leveraging the benefits of a liquid metal compound to enhance thermal performance. The implementation of this advanced cooling technology promises a temperature reduction of up to 15ºC compared to conventional systems.
In practical terms, the cooling system effectively manages to regulate the CPU temperature during gaming sessions, maintaining it at around 85ºC.
However, under more strenuous conditions such as stress tests, the CPU temperature reaches 95ºC, triggering thermal throttling. This safety mechanism reduces the frequency of the processor cores to mitigate temperatures.
Nevertheless, the efficiency of the cooling system comes at a trade-off in terms of noise levels. The system generates a sound level of 53.5 dB at peak performance, which can be somewhat intrusive and may require additional sound sources to mask the noise.
Battery life
The ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023) is equipped with a 4825 mAh battery, which translates to a 75 Whr capacity.
In multimedia and office tasks, the laptop demonstrates a commendable autonomy, offering around 4 hours of usage.
However, when it comes to gaming, the battery life significantly diminishes, providing no more than an hour of autonomy. This is expected given the power-hungry nature of gaming applications and the demands placed on the hardware during such activities.
To enhance user control over system performance, ASUS incorporates its Armory Crate control software, a staple in the brand’s gaming laptops. This software empowers users to choose different performance modes that not only affect system performance but also influence sound and battery life. Additionally, Armory Crate allows manual GPU overclocking, enabling users to extract the maximum performance from the 60W GPU.
ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023): Conclusion
The ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023) presents itself as a unique and compelling gaming convertible that strikes a balance between striking aesthetics and understated elegance. The distinctive lid, featuring the prominent ROG logo, adds a touch of uniqueness without being overly ostentatious. The compact chassis, weighing just 1.3 kg, houses a 13.4-inch folding and touch screen, contributing to its status as a truly ultra-portable device, especially considering the power it packs within.
The ROG Nebula Display panel with IPS technology stands out, offering a QHD+ resolution in a 16:10 format and a refresh rate of 165 Hz. This combination makes it well-suited for both gaming and productivity, catering to users who demand a versatile display for various tasks.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS 8 Core - 16 Thread Processor, 4.0 GHz (Max Turbo Frequency 5.2 GHz), 16 MB Smart Cache with...
- HIDevolution upgrades the 13.4" WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 165Hz IPS-Level, Touch Screen Laptop with stocked Thermal...
- HIDevolution installed PCIe based storage--2 TB M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD--ensures that you experience the...
- 32 GB LPDDR5 (2 x 16 GB On-Board) system memory (Speeds subject to system capability)--run memory hungry...
- Operating system: Windows 11 Home. HIDevolution Promise: Authorized ASUS Build to Order Dealer, thorough quality...
Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory at 6,400 MHz, and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card form a formidable hardware combination. While the graphics card comes with a configured TDP of 35W, users can push it to 60W through Armory Crate, providing flexibility for gaming preferences. Alternatively, the ASUS ROG XG Mobile accessory offers the option to install an external graphics card, further enhancing gaming performance.
The cooling system effectively manages temperatures, though it comes at the cost of relatively high noise levels. The battery life, reaching a maximum of 4 hours, aligns with expectations for gaming laptops.
Finally, the ASUS ROG Flow X13 (2023) comes with a price tag of $1,829. While this may seem high when solely considering hardware features, the device’s portability and convertible nature add significant value.
