Impressions and thoughts on the Asus Zephyrus GU501 (BestBuy)

Wanted to Post some thoughts since I didn't see too much info on this laptop.

So I was shopping for a new laptop to play overwatch on the go. Was cross shopping between Aero 15x/Razer Blade 15/MSI GS65. However after learning that the 1060 performs better than the 1070 max-q in esports games like overwatch I asked if there were any 1060 laptops w/ perhaps the last gen core processors that was in a thin body.

It hit all the notes with a slim body, 1060, and a higher than 60hz panel. Essentially the computer is the GM501GM-WS74 with a smaller SSD (Changed it out anyway with a 960 512GB), 120hz panel instead of 144hz, and no bottom opening mechanism. At MSRP it's $400 savings versus which you can use to buy a 1TB 970 Evo. Bestbuy had it on sale for $100 off so $500 savings for the tradeoffs.

Overall the laptop is a bit heavier and a bit larger than the GS65 and Razer Blade 15" But hell it's nearly $1000 less than the razer blade. The build quality is solid with 0 flex. The only non premium parts are the plastic bottom and the bezels. Overall thermals look pretty good with the CPU never hitting above 88 Deg and the GPU hitting above 73 Deg. while gaming. I'd say the biggest con for me are the size/weight but given my intended use it's fine. From the review I read they were not happy with the brightness of the monitor but I did not have any issues with it at all.

 

No built-in G-Sync is a bit of a bummer, but I suppose you can't expect it at this price point. I read in another thread that the Thunderbolt 3 port is wired to the 1060 GPU, which means G-Sync should work on a compatible external monitor. I don't suppose you have any way to test this, do you?

 

I had this one for a couple days but the coil whine or failing fan on the left side forced me to return it. It’s a hell of a machine for the price.

 

Sounds like a great deal for the price point. I will say to keep your eye on those thermals though. May need a good repasting to help keep those temps low.

 

So I ran Aida 64 and the CPU never crossed 86-87 Degs
Also on Overwatch which usually stresses decently The GPU temps never exceeded 70. Pretty solid

As for Gsync I can test since I have a predator x34 at home. however I dont have a thunderbolt to display port adapter