
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Gaming Laptop. Enjoy everyday gaming with this ASUS notebook PC. The AMD Ryzen 9 processor and 16GB of RAM let you run graphics-heavy games smoothly, while the potent NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics produce high-quality visuals on the fast 15.6-inch 165hz QHD display. This ASUS notebook PC has 1TD SSD that shortens load times and offers ample storage.
Q: Is the GPU a 3070 Max P or a 3070 Max Q?
A: This will be a max-Q according to the asus website, with 80w on tap and 20w available via dynamic boost.
Q: What is the difference between this and the Strix G15/17? what is the difference in clientele?
A: The Strix brings per-key RGB, robust cooling, aggressive aesthetics like clear plastic and sci-fi trims, added lights, 300hz FHD configurations that sacrifice color accuracy, and more control over internal components like RAM and Storage expansion. That means the Strix is pure performance, with plenty of flash. The G15 brings Apple like polish and refinement while packing in enthusiast level performance. The speakers, screen, keyboard, trackpad, chassis and internals are top notch, but understated. It's all tied together with long battery life in a small package. I'd prefer to go under the radar when bringing a laptop out in public or to a business meeting, but I don't want a typical 'business' laptop.
Q: Is one of the RAM soldered on like previous Asus laptops or are both upgradable?
A: It has 8GB soldered and 8GB from SODIMM. You can check it here with the same model. You can have at most 40GB but will loose some dual channel performance. https://www.excaliberpc.com/configurator/configure.html?id=749308#gallery-2
A: Yes, this model has 2 M.2 SS slots. It ships with one M.2 NvME SSD installed. The second slot is available for a second 2280 NvME SSD. According to the service manual available for this model (GA503QR) on Asus' website, both M.2 slots are only compatible with M.2 2280 NvME drives (not M.2 2280 SATA drives). Attached are screenshots showing this in more detail--from the service manual available for this model, on Asus' website.
Q: Does the laptop have a webcam? Not sure if it's just me but the images dont seem to be showing one.
A: Unfortunately no.
A: Very hard to tell at this point. The 3070 Mobile can be configured for 80-125w in laptops, the 80w version is slower than last gen mobile 2070 MaxP and 2080Super, the 125w varient is faster. It will come down to clocks on the 3070 Mobile, i'm expecting this Model from asus GA503QR (3070 Max Q) to have boost clock of 1410 (up from 1290 on the 80w varient of this card). I hope the real world boost is close to 1500mhz. Will have to wait to see. If this is the 80w 1290mhz varient, then it's going to be a 3070 in name only and frankly most of us are going to be disappointed.
Q: How many USB ports does this have?
A: Total: 4 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 2x Type C USB 3.2 Gen 2 with Power Delivery and Display Port
A: Personally I think it’s all a matter of opinion and what you’re using the laptop for. MSI is using the same Intel chips with their RTX 3000 series graphics in this years round of laptops as last year which are okay when it comes to gaming performance due to the higher single core scores but you also have to remember that the Asus with the new AMD processor has a solid single core that a bit below MSI but a better multi core score and handles doing multiple tasks at once a little bit better and is the fastest chip on the market now at least on paper. The Asus also has an updated QHD 165hz screen with 100% DCI- P3 meaning the colors pop a lot more which is good for tasks such as photo and video editing, where as MSI has stayed with the high refresh rate 1080p screens which are great for gaming/ esports. As far as long term the Asus has one stick of soldered ram meaning you can only upgrade to 32 gigs of Ram if need be while MSI I believe is more than that so that would also be something to consider. Also bear in mind that Asus zephyrus laptops do not come with a webcam nor full RGB backlit keyboard (however if the RGB backlit keyboard is something you still prefer, the Strix series does come with that and the 15in version is the same price as the G15 and is slightly better suited for gaming due to the higher power output). Personally since you’re coming from an MSI laptop if you’re looking to upgrade, are used to the brand, need a webcam, and don’t need QHD, then by all means go for the newest GS66, alternatively if you’re a little less focused on gaming but are handling multiple tasks at once, or do a lot of video and or photo editing and prefer a more muted gaming laptop without the flashy keyboard and don’t mind the somewhat limited upgradability with the solid ram, then go for the Asus, hope this answer helps you out a bit!