The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
 Next page →

    IFA 2017 Asus's new gaming laptop

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by DRevan, Aug 28, 2017.

  1. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    Codename: Chimera

    Hey all!
    The new Asus laptop will be revealed next week.

    So far these are known:
    [​IMG] [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    My guesses are:
    1) it will have a 17.3" screen with HDR support (or they might be just using the same 120hz IPS AUO panel they have been using for a year now, but what is the point of that?)
    2) according to the power adapter connector it will use a 330W power brick
    3) it has 2 fans and 4 heatvents, probably to cool a 7820HK CPU and a GTX1080
    4) it has an rgb keyboard and unlike with the Zehpyrus this time it is placed at the usual position
    5) unless they want to move backward, it will have a modern UEFI bios like desktop motherboards (G701VIK has a bios like this)
    6) it will have a built in dongle for XBox controller
    7) it is NOT a MaxQ laptop however it will be full bga

    What are your thoughts?

    Edit:
    New info!

    Rog Chimera G703
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]



    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]
    -
    17.3" 1080p screen with 7 ms gray 2 gray response time (current 1080p 120hz TN and IPS panels have 11-20ms g2g response time) and 144 hz refresh rate with G-Sync support
    - 7th gen 7820HK CPU+gtx 1080
    - built-in support for Xbox Wireless to connect an Xbox One controller

    Official specs: https://www.asus.com/ROG-Republic-Of-Gamers/ROG-Chimera-G703/specifications/
     
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2017
  2. DukeCLR

    DukeCLR Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    218
    Messages:
    1,060
    Likes Received:
    1,167
    Trophy Points:
    181
    The rear view make it look like my GT73, it will be interesting to see more details.
     
    hmscott likes this.
  3. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    4,879
    Messages:
    8,926
    Likes Received:
    4,705
    Trophy Points:
    431
    Unless it's a dongle that supports both the 360 and Xbox One controllers, I don't see this happening since all current versions of the latter, save for the Elite, use Bluetooth.
     
    DukeCLR likes this.
  4. jrwingate6

    jrwingate6 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    482
    Messages:
    1,108
    Likes Received:
    264
    Trophy Points:
    101
    What about the GL503 and GL703 that was supposed to release by now. There is no information in regards to release date to be found.

    Either way, Asus better step up its thermal design game. All of their laptops for the past 2 years run hot as hell.

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
     
    Mr. Fox, DukeCLR and hmscott like this.
  5. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    Their G701VI thermal design was indeed pathetic.
    The reimagined thermal design of the G701VIK was not that bad. CPU run a bit hot but there was no throttle in games even when the CPU was overclocked.

    This new laptop has more airvents so hopefully the thermals will be even better than the G701VIK.
     
    DukeCLR, hmscott and jrwingate6 like this.
  6. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,110
    Messages:
    20,384
    Likes Received:
    25,139
    Trophy Points:
    931
    Looks pretty beefy, nothing slim about that puppy :)

    Maybe a 1080ti slightly detuned for laptop use? Greater than 1080, but not quite 1080ti?

    Or, a Ryzen 7/5 + RX Vega? :D
     
    DukeCLR likes this.
  7. SoTOP

    SoTOP Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    6
    I wonder if we will ever get gaming notebook that has 18.4" screen in 17.3" form factor.
     
  8. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    Asus just confirmed that it will be a 17.3" laptop.
    1 tip taken off the list :)
     
    DukeCLR likes this.
  9. Templesa

    Templesa Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    172
    Messages:
    808
    Likes Received:
    247
    Trophy Points:
    56
    This unit is thick and has a decent PSU. Maybe a page out of Clevo's book with a desktop processor? Excited to see what happens (But I know that it'll probably just be an HK / BGA lol)
     
    DukeCLR likes this.
  10. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    I have just realized that the ROG Show will be on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 2:00 p.m., so if all goes well this beast might be revealed tomorrow :O
     
    hmscott likes this.
  11. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    Seems this new laptop will be big...at least the price of the Zephyrus dropped by 450 eur (about 540 USD) on the German Amazon website .
     
    hmscott likes this.
  12. 4004

    4004 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    17
    Messages:
    106
    Likes Received:
    34
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Well, maybe people are getting that MaxQ is a compromise and demand is slacking off.
    If they could do a 15' Chimera that would be interesting. Another bulky laptop with BGA, come on
     
    hmscott likes this.
  13. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    Added some New info!
     
    hmscott likes this.
  14. 4004

    4004 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    17
    Messages:
    106
    Likes Received:
    34
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Holy hell, 144hz?! Asus is really killing it with panels lately.
    A shame the chassis is well, this.
     
    hmscott likes this.
  15. praetorianx

    praetorianx Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    104
    Messages:
    403
    Likes Received:
    71
    Trophy Points:
    41
    And pricing will most likely start at $3.500+ for the first SKU's
    Paying this for a year old tech doesn't make sense to me.
    Next year maybe
     
    jrwingate6 likes this.
  16. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,110
    Messages:
    20,384
    Likes Received:
    25,139
    Trophy Points:
    931
    Demo Tour @ the ROG Showcase - IFA 2017 | ROG
    Chimera Starts @ 3:00


    Dropping another $500 off the price of the Asus Zephyrus GX501 would put it more in line with value for dollar against other laptops.

    If the Asus Zephyrus GX501 is not selling well that'll help guide future development.
     
    Spartan@HIDevolution and DRevan like this.
  17. Spartan@HIDevolution

    Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative

    Reputations:
    39,604
    Messages:
    23,562
    Likes Received:
    36,865
    Trophy Points:
    931
    So will it have a Kaby Lake or a Coffee Lake? [​IMG]
     
  18. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,110
    Messages:
    20,384
    Likes Received:
    25,139
    Trophy Points:
    931
    If Asus are trying for thin builds like the Zephyrus, a ULV quad core Coffee Lake could be used. That might give more power budget and thermal cooling for the included GPU.

    Putting an even higher thermal output 6 core laptop CPU in an already thermally challenged design wouldn't make sense in the Zephyrus.

    The Chimera is set up just right for the higher thermal output of a 6 core CPU - unlocked it will have the cooling volume to stretch it's legs.
     
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2017
  19. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    Several press sources said that the display model was built with 7820HK. I wonder if they stay with this or was this just a place holder for IFA because the Mobil CPU which will be used in the final product is still under NDA ?

    And that screen just looks awesome, it has better response time and refresh rate than the current 120hz AUO and Chi Mei panels have.
     
    hmscott likes this.
  20. Vistar Shook

    Vistar Shook Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    2,761
    Messages:
    1,256
    Likes Received:
    1,362
    Trophy Points:
    181
  21. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,110
    Messages:
    20,384
    Likes Received:
    25,139
    Trophy Points:
    931
    A smidgen more info :)

    "...hardware in the system comes via Intel’s Core i7-7820HK, the quad core mobile part that allows overclocking (ASUS states up to 4.3 GHz), and a GTX 1080 8GB mobile graphics module with a maximum boost of 1974 MHz.

    ...At this point ASUS is being cagy at the rest of the specifications..., so we’ll update this post when we get something more or some hands on time. Pricing and launch were not discussed.
     
  22. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    Added some photos of the screen to!prove that the screen is 144 hz @ G-Sync capable.
    Pretty impressive from Asus, they not just got a panel working at 144 hz, but they also got the G-Sync certification from Nvidia before the premiere. MSI really should learn a thing or two from them.
     
    Vistar Shook and hmscott like this.
  23. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    I would expect that clock to be available with Turbo gear Extreme settings (factory VGA overclock from the ROG Center software)
     
    Vistar Shook and hmscott like this.
  24. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,110
    Messages:
    20,384
    Likes Received:
    25,139
    Trophy Points:
    931
  25. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    Asus website is live now for this laptop, I added the link to the op.
     
    Vistar Shook and hmscott like this.
  26. 4004

    4004 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    17
    Messages:
    106
    Likes Received:
    34
    Trophy Points:
    41
    7820HK, huh? Didn't want to risk it with a desktop part, or just didn't bother
     
  27. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    I think only Clevo cares about desktop cpu. (And MSI for some selected enthusiasts)
     
    Vistar Shook and 4004 like this.
  28. 4004

    4004 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    17
    Messages:
    106
    Likes Received:
    34
    Trophy Points:
    41
    I guess the primary ASUS market doesn't care about desktop parts either. I mean, I wouldn't, but this thing is bigger than the Tornado
     
  29. PredatoR_TR

    PredatoR_TR Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    359
    Likes Received:
    87
    Trophy Points:
    41
    OMG, that is one heavy machine! 4.8 kg!
     
  30. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    Asus says:
    "17.3" (16:9) LED backlit FHD (1920x1080) 144Hz Anti-Glare Panel with 72% NTSC with 178˚ wide-viewing angle display"

    this Will be an IPS panel with fast response time (35 ms -> 7 ms).
    144 hz IPS panel with no ghosting...I like that !
     
    Vistar Shook and hmscott like this.
  31. PredatoR_TR

    PredatoR_TR Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    359
    Likes Received:
    87
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Let's see if Asus have a decent panel without backbleeding! It seems the panel cover is quite solid.
     
    hmscott likes this.
  32. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,110
    Messages:
    20,384
    Likes Received:
    25,139
    Trophy Points:
    931
    It's been many years since they've done a removable CPU, my last one from Asus was the W90vp 18" large frame 2x AMD GPU laptop.

    For the most part the 45w laptop part delivers performance enough to drive the GPU, and doesn't require as much power or cooling, which fits in the laptop models.

    Cooling a 95w part can be done, the 15.6" MSI 16L13 LGA CPU is a niche model for MSI, with rumors of a 18L13(?) 17.3" LGA CPU model, neither mainstream models. Check those out if you require a 95w CPU.

    Maybe the 17.3" MSI 18L13(?) when it finally arrives will have the 144hz display as an available option :)
     
    Papusan likes this.
  33. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    Unless Asus monopolize this 144 hz panel.
    Full hd Chi Mei 120 hz panel is MSI only and 120 hz full hd AUO IPS panel is Asus only. At least with G-Sync, since only Asus got G-Sync certification so if you find a Clevo reseller who offers this AUO panel, it will not have G-Sync.
    tl;dr there is a high chance that this 144 hz panel with G-Sync support will be Asus only.
     
  34. 4004

    4004 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    17
    Messages:
    106
    Likes Received:
    34
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Well, I don't really need one, but figured if they were going for an enthusiast, top line machine, could've tried a desktop part.

    It's a shame if they get an exclusive on the panel, but that's how business is nowadays, an the yields on it are probably low. But probably enough to cover Chimera demand (yeah, I don't expect it to be a massive success)
     
  35. jrwingate6

    jrwingate6 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    482
    Messages:
    1,108
    Likes Received:
    264
    Trophy Points:
    101
    LOL at Gstink on a 144hz 7ms display. Why would you need it? Hell, most people I know turn off GSYNC if their panel has a high refresh rate and response time. GSYNC on laptops is a scam. It's software based rather than hardware based like it is on external monitors. GSYNC is just another feature they can add to the specifications to increase the price.

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
     
    Papusan, praetorianx and hmscott like this.
  36. jrwingate6

    jrwingate6 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    482
    Messages:
    1,108
    Likes Received:
    264
    Trophy Points:
    101
    How do you figure? Their are some Chi Mei panels in laptops with a 3ms response time.

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
     
    hmscott likes this.
  37. jrwingate6

    jrwingate6 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    482
    Messages:
    1,108
    Likes Received:
    264
    Trophy Points:
    101
    And maybe Asus can ask MSI how to build and design a decent thermal system.

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
     
    ThePerfectStorm likes this.
  38. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,110
    Messages:
    20,384
    Likes Received:
    25,139
    Trophy Points:
    931
    It the technology is there to be implemented, someone else will do it eventually if the demand and production sizes warrant it.

    Asus is good at coming out with their own unique laptop displays. They did a really nice 18.4" 4k display for the GX800, while everyone else is stuck with the decade old 1080p panels.

    Even though there's a lot of talk here about LGA being superior to BGA, they are really talking about the performance difference between 45w and 95w power limited CPU's.

    There isn't the demand for 95w CPU's in laptops, it makes them large, loud, and hot, and most people don't want that even in a top enthusiast gaming laptop. And that's what a 144hz laptop is aimed at, gaming enthusiasts.

    Maybe the MSI 17.3" 18L13(?) will put all the elements together for those unique individuals that want benchmarking ponies as well as gaming prowess. :)

    BTW, I am guessing at the name, from 16L13 - 15.6" => 16, 17.3" => 18, and not sure about the L13 part increasing, it might start at L1 for the new size.
     
  39. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,110
    Messages:
    20,384
    Likes Received:
    25,139
    Trophy Points:
    931
    That's hyperbolic BS :)

    MSI and Asus both build great cooling, I've had both. It's a matter of QA and getting a few bad ones, but most are fine out of the box.

    All need undervolting, which makes up for too high voltage setting out of the box in the BIOS, it's been the same for many years.

    The paste on MSI and Asus lasts for years, but if redone by the owner it becomes a constant rework every 6 - 18 months depending on the OCD of the owner.

    I've not had to re-paste any of my Asus or MSI laptops, and I OC both the CPU (and undervolt) and GPU. About a dozen laptops overall.

    And, I've saved many hundreds from pulling apart their laptops by showing them how to undervolt, tune their CPU (when they are unlocked), tune the fan's, and tune the OS for best performance without overtemp and loud fan's.

    After undervolting most are fine, and don't need re-pasting. Even so some are so entranced with reducing the temperature down to the last C that they spend months redoing their paste many times, only to need to do it again after it pumps out or dries out.

    The rest of the owners are happily using their laptops for gaming, work, and school instead of wasting their time obsessing over those last few benchmark points and last C of temperature reduction.

    Everyone has their favorite game, for some it's pulling apart their laptops on a daily basis :)
     
    DRevan and 4004 like this.
  40. jrwingate6

    jrwingate6 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    482
    Messages:
    1,108
    Likes Received:
    264
    Trophy Points:
    101
    I'm just very obsessive. Right now I'm pissed off at Asus because I wanted to buy the GL702 but I feel like it's thermal design crippled it. I thought they may try to fix it with the GL703 but it looks like they went and made it thinner using the same design.

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
     
    hmscott likes this.
  41. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,110
    Messages:
    20,384
    Likes Received:
    25,139
    Trophy Points:
    931
    The thin and light laptops have the air of expectation of running hot and under performing for the most part, as it's impossible to "fool mother nature" and pack 10lbs of cooling into a 2lb sack :)

    It's not realistic to expect good cooling for sustained heavy loads on a laptop without the volume and mass to contain adequate cooling.

    Asus makes larger frame laptops that do run cooler, and those are the ones I was talking about.

    If you want a thin and light laptop with gaming performance, it's going to be compromised by it's physical limitations, there's no way around that.
     
    Papusan and Vistar Shook like this.
  42. jrwingate6

    jrwingate6 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    482
    Messages:
    1,108
    Likes Received:
    264
    Trophy Points:
    101
    I don't know man. There are a lot of reviews on the G752 that say it runs pretty hot.

    Then you look at something like the MSI Raider which by all accounts is pretty thin yet under stress, it's CPU hits 83 and GPU hits 65 bone stock.

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
     
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2017
  43. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,110
    Messages:
    20,384
    Likes Received:
    25,139
    Trophy Points:
    931
    All the reviews of laptops up till recently haven't undervolted, so the CPU's are always appearing to run hot and the GPU's are more along the lines of what we'd expect / hope for.

    You have to allow 5c-10c temperature reductions at load after undervolting, which puts most review temps under 90c, and 93c is the thermal throttling point.

    You can get bigger reductions by doing re-pasting, but it's unnecessary for most people, as their usage won't hit sustained high temperatures.

    Running G-sync or RTSS frame limiter can cover the rest of the excesses - running games at unlimited frame rates runs the GPU and CPU at highest load levels - unnecessary rendering past refresh.

    You can dump a lot of heat generation by using RTSS to limit framerate, and it works better than V-sync + G-sync.

    Reviewers usually spend more time "unboxing" than actually tuning the laptop for best results when benchmarking. :)
    Link? Did they undervolt or otherwise tune for good temps? It doesn't sound like the load was very high if they only got to 83c CPU.
     
  44. jrwingate6

    jrwingate6 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    482
    Messages:
    1,108
    Likes Received:
    264
    Trophy Points:
    101
    I definitely agree with limiting the frames and I never understood why people don't do it.

    Here is a link for the Raider. Let me know what your thoughts are.





    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
     
    hmscott likes this.
  45. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,110
    Messages:
    20,384
    Likes Received:
    25,139
    Trophy Points:
    931
    CPU results are a bit low, but to be expected given it's the lowest end 45w locked CPU, not a problem but it'll run cooler by default.

    The CPU temp is good, but again it's not running very fast stock and stock is locked, so that's it.

    The GPU temp is great too, but they usually are cool.

    It's a full 1070, so good performance in the tests, but it can do better - running Turbo or manually via MSI Afterburner + XTU for undervolting - running even cooler.

    Maybe MSI has reduced the default CPU voltage, something to check for when you get one ;)

    The noise readings are lower than the Max-Q 1070 / Max-Q 1080 measured in the same way by GentechPC, check out their review videos to compare dBA at rear of the laptops.

    Looks like a winner :)
     
  46. jrwingate6

    jrwingate6 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    482
    Messages:
    1,108
    Likes Received:
    264
    Trophy Points:
    101
    I'm definitely thinking about getting one. I wanted to wait and see how the GL703 Scar performs first before making a decision.



    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
     
    hmscott likes this.
  47. scorpio187

    scorpio187 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    159
    Likes Received:
    41
    Trophy Points:
    41
    You read my mind, mate. That's what's been holding me back. Those bezels are thick as hell, specially the bottom.
     
    hmscott likes this.
  48. Papusan

    Papusan Jokebook's Sucks! Dont waste your $$$ on Filthy

    Reputations:
    42,712
    Messages:
    29,847
    Likes Received:
    59,653
    Trophy Points:
    931
    Nice seeing some OEMs don't go Dellienware's route and make their most powerful models thinner and thinner + lighter (Alienware prefer larger footprint. Aka will make it more portable :rolleyes:). Thick and big doesn't make it any better for Asus. It's still a Turd!!
     
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2017
  49. praetorianx

    praetorianx Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    104
    Messages:
    403
    Likes Received:
    71
    Trophy Points:
    41

    Starting @ $2.999
    Hmmm
     
    hmscott and Vistar Shook like this.
  50. DRevan

    DRevan Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,150
    Messages:
    2,461
    Likes Received:
    1,041
    Trophy Points:
    181
    So...around the price of an MSI GT75VR.
     
    hmscott and Vistar Shook like this.
 Next page →