Asus ZenBook Professional 16X assessment (2022 UX7602ZM

That is my detailed assessment of the 2022 Asus ZenBook Professional 16X premium efficiency pocket book.

You most likely bear in mind the ZenBook Execs of the previous, premium-tier compact designs in a position to compete in opposition to the heavyweights in its area of interest. These previous years, Asus largely centered on creating the dual-screen ZenBook Professional DUO lineup, leaving the usual clamshell design in shadow cone, and that’s considerably altering now with the ZenBook Professional 16X sequence.

They certain put loads of effort into engineering this sequence, which improves on the design of the Zephyrus S17 with its AAS cooling system and shifting keyboard deck, in addition to provides a vapor-chamber thermal module on the within. The result’s a high-tier product with some reasonably highly effective specs however glorious thermals/noise ranges below load, a giant battery, a phenomenal OLED show, and uncompromised IO and inputs.

General, Asus goals this as a jack-of-all-trades within the creator area, however on the identical time, that is an costly product in a not that moveable chassis and with solely mid-level GPU capabilities, and these elements would possibly hinder its recognition among the many multitude of different choices in its class. The XPS 17 and maybe the MacBook Professional 16 stand out because the closest opponents.

We’ll get in-depth on the whole lot that it’s best to take into account about this ZenBook Professional within the assessment down under.

Specs – Asus ZenBook Professional 16X OLED UX7602

This sequence appears to solely be accessible on this high configuration reviewed right here with the i9 processor, 32 GB of RAM, and a couple of TB SSD. I’d have anticipated extra reasonably priced variants to be accessible as effectively.

Design and development

The ZenBook Professional 16X carries on the design concept beforehand applied within the ROG Zephyrus S17, which I’ve thought-about one of the best ROG ultraportable chassis as of mid-2021 once I reviewed it. Meaning this ZenBook implements the identical form of mechanical hinges that elevate the keyboard deck if you open up the laptop computer, permitting for an ergonomic typing place and extra importantly, facilitating cooling with demanding hundreds.

Nevertheless, not like the Zephyrus S17, this ZenBook is simply specced as much as an RTX 3060 dGPU that runs at as much as 95W, so nowhere close to as competent in sustained GPU and combined hundreds. Certain, this isn’t a laptop computer meant for gaming by any means, however a number of workloads would profit from a extra highly effective dGPU, and there’s no such choice right here. On high of that, there’s a single SSD slot and soldered RAM on this ZenBook, however we’ll get into that within the {Hardware} part additional down.

The very first thing I observed once I received this out of the field is that it wasn’t as compact or light-weight as I used to be anticipating from a ZenBook Professional.

It weighs 2.4 kg, whereas most of the common alternate options in its class can be found for between 1.8 to 2.2 kilos. Certain, a few of these won’t be as highly effective, such because the Dell XPS fashions, however some are extra highly effective, such because the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Excessive or the HP ZBook Studio 16, each alternate options that prosumers often favor over a ZenBook for skilled work, attributable to a number of causes.

As for the general measurement of this pocket book, the footprint particulars are fairly self-explanatory. At 355 x 251 mm, that is about the identical measurement as an MBP 16, however attributable to how the hinges are designed, the show raises on high of the chassis, and this ZenBook Professional finally ends up feeling taller than different 16-inch notebooks. There are additionally some noticeable bezels on the high and below the show, which additional add to its general perceived peak.

That apart, on their site Asus declare this Zenbook is a thin-and-light design and throws a 16.9 mm quantity at potential consumers. Factor is, that’s deceptive, as solely the thinnest half on the entrance of the laptop computer measures 16.9 mm, with out accounting for the peak of the rubber ft. Thus, when wanting on the official specs, you would possibly count on this ZenBook to be thinner than one thing like an XPS 15, XPX 17, or a MacBook Professional 16, but it surely isn’t. In actuality, this laptop computer stands between 21 mm (on the entrance) to 27 mm (on the again) in peak.

I don’t have an MBP 16 or an XPS 17 round for comparability, however right here’s this ZenBook Professional 16x subsequent to the XPS 15 or the ROG Circulation X16, simply two different potential competing merchandise. Each are smaller and lighter.

With these out of the best way, let’s talk about the opposite elements value mentioning about this design.

The construct high quality is spectacular, with robust items of machined aluminum used for the whole unibody chassis and outer case. There’s no flex within the lid or keyboard deck, and no squeaky humorous noises when utilizing or selecting this up.

That is additionally a phenomenal design, less complicated and cleaner than earlier ZenBooks. We’ve seen this new design language on the brand new ZenBook Professional Duo 14 and ZenBook 14s as effectively.

The entire thing is that this beautiful dark-gray coloration, which appears good, however nonetheless exhibits some smudges and finger oils over time. Branding is stored clear, with the brand new monogram Asus emblem on the lid and nonetheless a shiny Asus ZenBook engraving below the display. Asus additionally put loads of stickers on the armrest, which I discover unacceptable on a laptop computer of this caliber and value, and I’d be sure that to peel them off the second I’d get this out of the field. Different OEMs at the least put these stickers on the again of the laptop computer, on the D Panel.

Talking of that lid emblem, it’s backlit, and I hoped there was some technique to shut it off when wanted, however there isn’t any. As an alternative, this emblem and the lightbars which can be hidden behind the keyboard tray, on the perimeters, and below the speaker grills, are tied to the keyboard’s lighting settings – thus, the one technique to shut them off is to completely kill the keyboard’s backlighting.

That apart, is essential to show our consideration towards these complicated hinge mechanisms that management the display angle and the keyboard’s inclination on the identical time. They really feel effectively made and top quality and permit adjusting the display with a single hand, whereas additionally making certain there’s no wobbling or motion throughout each day use. Simply ensure you perceive and settle for that this form of design requires just a little additional care in your half, so be sure that no cables tangle in between the keyboard and the primary chassis, and no particles get caught below the keyboard tray or goes into the followers.

Different elements value mentioning listed below are:

• the grippy rubber ft positioned on the underside of this laptop computer,
• the truth that Asus put a punchy audio system with 6x audio system on this ZenBook,
• the truth that no lights or annoying LEDs are blinking within the line of sight when utilizing the laptop computer at evening,
• in addition to the truth that the entrance lip across the armrest is a bit harsh on the wrists, and I’d have most well-liked a blunter design.
• I additionally would have preferred for the show to lean again flat to 180 levels – it solely goes to about 155-160 levels right here, which is ok for desk use, however considerably limiting for sofa/lap use.

As for the IO, you’ll discover all of the wanted ports lined on the left and proper edges, in direction of the again, because the cooling system doesn’t require aspect vents on this product. There’s a USB-A slot, two USB-Cs with Thunderbolt 4 help, an HDMI 2.1 port on the fitting aspect with a dGPU connection, an audio jack, and a quick SD card reader – an SD card solely inserts midway within the slot, and never all through. For on a regular basis use and inventive functions, this IO is simply excellent.

Biometrics are additionally accessible right here, with each an IR digital camera and a finger-sensor included within the energy button.

General, the craftsmanship and the construct high quality of this ZenBook Professional 16x are top-notch, and the practicality is usually high-quality as effectively, with solely small complaints right here and there. This simply isn’t a transportable design by any means, however slightly a full-size 16-inch laptop computer by right this moment’s requirements.

Keyboard and trackpad

For inputs, this ZenBook implements a full-size keyboard centered on the chassis, a large touchpad with haptic suggestions, and a proprietary bodily DialPad on the left aspect of the touchpad.

The keyboard deck lifts over the primary chassis and finally ends up at a 7-degree-angle sloped place, permitting for an ergonomic typing expertise and separating the keys from the elements beneath, thus making certain snug temperatures even when operating demanding hundreds. Moreover, regardless of this deck being a shifting ingredient, it doesn’t flex in any noticeable means with each day use.

So far as the format goes, all of the keys are in the fitting place and the keycaps are correctly sized and spaced. The format even included an additional column of keys on the very proper, mapped by default as Dwelling, PgUp, PgDn, and Finish. Prt Sc, Insert, Del keys are additionally accessible on the top-right, keys that professionals will use of their endeavors.

The typing expertise is alright. The inclined place takes a while to get used to, however general this can be a truthful typer. A bit shallow, although, at just one.4 mm of stroke depth – that’s about what I’d count on from an ultraportable design, not a full-size implementation like this one. The House key can be noticeably louder when pressed than the others.

I’ve some nits with the illumination system as effectively, significantly with how gentle creeps up noticeably from below the highest row of keys, which is hardly acceptable for a premium implementation. Aside from that, the LEDs get shiny and are pretty uniform, and the lighting might be activated with a swipe over the clickpad as soon as it occasions out, because it ought to.

I’ll additionally point out that the illumination system contains White + RGB LEDs, so you possibly can set them in White or choose a coloration of your liking, plus any of the few accessible results. The lighting controls are buried in MyAsus >> Customization >> Exclusives tab on the high. It certain took me some time to search out them.

There’s no technique to management the lateral lightbars or the brand on the lid independently for the keyboard’s illumination settings, which I really feel might be a deal-breaker for some. These gentle components add a pleasant contact when utilizing the laptop computer at evening, however I simply need the power to manually management or disable them when wanted.

For mouse, Asus applied an enormous glass floor, centered on the chassis. It’s a haptic suggestions touchpad, which suggests it may be clicked anyplace on its floor, and it labored high-quality with swipes, gestures, faucets, you title it, in the course of the time I’ve used this ZenBook. This floor can even act as a NumberPad, similar to on many different Asus notebooks. Then again, this rattles with agency faucets, although.

Palm rejection was slightly patchy at first, however putting in the newest TouchPad drivers from the Asus web site fastened it. It additionally largely fastened rejection on the DialPad, which initially typically received activated by my left palm when typing on this laptop computer. Make certain to replace the drivers should you’re operating on something related in your unit.

The DialPad is a particularity of Asus creator laptops and is hardly helpful for on a regular basis actions, however it may be in third-party apps. By default, help for Adobe functions is baked in and lets you shortly entry sure instruments with out having to undergo the menus. Default settings for Photoshop, Premiere, Afte Results, and so forth. can be found within the ProArt panel, and they are often additional custom-made.

From my time with this laptop computer, I can see the purpose of this DialPad when engaged on the go, with out having a mouse plugged in. It’s going to take time to get accustomed to, although, in addition to set as much as your wants. I’m a mouse particular person myself and hardly do something critical with out one, however I do know some individuals edit with out a mouse, and if that’s you, then give this DialPad concept an opportunity. The Asus video down under explains the DialPad.

Lastly, I’ll additionally point out that each a finger-sensor and an IR digital camera are applied on this ZenBook Professional 16X, so that you’re all good so far as biometrics go. Each work as meant, with help for Home windows Hiya.

Display screen

There’s a single-screen choice accessible for the ZenBook Professional 16X, and that’s a contact shiny OLED panel with UHD+ 3840 x 2400 px decision.

Blacks and distinction are flawless, as anticipated for an OLED panel, and colours are past reproach both, with virtually 100% AdobeRGB and DCI-P3 gamut protection.

This doesn’t get very shiny, although, at solely 350 nits sustained most brightness in SDR mode and 400 nits in HDR mode. The specs are as soon as extra just a little deceptive right here, as they point out 550-nits peak brightness, however that’s solely achievable in a tiny window in HDR mode, so isn’t sustained brightness. For sustained use, this panel is and seems like a 350-nits shiny display – in different phrases, it would wrestle in shiny environments and is hardly any good outdoor in daylight.

Right here’s what we received in our checks, with an X-Rite i1 Display Pro sensor:

• Panel HardwareID: Samsung SDC415D (ATNA60YV02-0);
• Protection: 99.9% sRGB, 96.9% AdobeRGB, 98.6% DCI-P3;
• Sort: 10-bit HDR 400;
• Measured gamma: 2.22;
• Max brightness in the course of the display, HDR: 406.40 cd/m2 on energy;
• Max brightness in the course of the display, SDR: 367.65 cd/m2 on energy;
• min brightness in the course of the display: 2.73 cd/m2 on energy;
• Distinction at max brightness: 1:1;
• White level: 6400 Ok;
• Black on max brightness: 0.0 cd/m2;
• PWM: No ?? (to be mentioned).

The panel comes pre-calibrated out of the field, with a Pantone validation, and there’s little or no we had been in a position to enhance with our instruments. As that is an OLED panel, gentle bleeding isn’t one thing to be involved with, and we additionally didn’t discover something uncommon within the coloration and luminosity uniformity fields.

I did discover that slight graininess impact that’s a given with all digitizer-enabled OLED panels of this era. I can see it on shiny backgrounds when shopping or studying texts, but it surely’s barely seen, because the mesh is far denser on this high-res panel than on lower-res choices. An Asus pressure-sensitive pen is included within the default bundle, btw.

Backside level, should you plan to maintain your laptop computer indoors and don’t thoughts a shiny display coating, this show is superior and correctly suited to each day use, media consumption, and inventive work. It’s OK for informal gaming as effectively, with the quick response occasions of OLED, even when it’s solely 60 Hz refresh at this decision. Simply ensure you perceive the particularities of OLED laptop computer screens and the way it’s best to use them to stop any points. And don’t take this outdoor or count on a lot in HDR efficiency.

As for the potential flickering, we don’t have the fitting instruments to check for PWM and it’s best to look into different studies when accessible. I’m not seeing something suspicious with the bare eye, and Asus implements an OLED flicker-free dimming expertise on their OLED laptops, which can be accessible right here. I’ll replace on this matter once I know extra.

{Hardware} and efficiency

Our check mannequin is a top-specced configuration of the ASUS ZenBook Professional 16X, code title UX7602ZM, constructed on an Intel Core i9-12900H processor, 32 GB of DDR5-4800 reminiscence in twin channel, 2 TB of quick SSD storage, and twin graphics: the Nvidia RTX 3060 dGPU with 6 GB of vRAM and the Iris Xe iGPU inside the Intel processor.

Disclaimer: Earlier than we proceed, understand that our assessment unit was despatched over by Asus and runs on the software program accessible as of early-July 2022 (BIOS 206, ProArt 1.2.20.0, GeForce 511.69 drivers). Some elements would possibly change with later updates.

Spec-wise, the 2022 Asus ZenBook Professional 16X is constructed on the newest Intel and Nvidia {hardware} accessible to this point. The Core i9-12900H is an Intel Alder Lake Twelfth-gen processor, with 14 Cores and 20 Threads. It’s a hybrid design with 6 Excessive-Efficiency Hyper-Threaded Cores and eight additional Effectivity cores, working collectively or individually primarily based on demand. The design of this Zenbook permits the processor to run at as much as 95W of sustained energy in demanding CPU hundreds, on the Full Velocity profile, which is spectacular for this form of design.

For the GPU, the 2022 ZenBook Professional 16X sequence is simply accessible with mid-tier Nvidia RTX 3060, in a MaxQ implementation operating at as much as 95W of energy, with Dynamic Enhance. This design doesn’t implement a MUX, and the GPU isn’t overclocked by default on any of the accessible modes.

For the RAM and storage choices, the laptop computer comes with soldered reminiscence and a single M.2 2280 SSD slot. It’s PCIe gen4 and our unit shipped with a high-tier 2TB Samsung PM9A1 SSD – I’d count on that’s what you’ll be getting with the retail models as effectively.

Accessing the elements requires popping up the again panel, which is held in place by a few Torx screws. Watch out about placing them again, as they’re of various sizes. Inside, the whole lot apart from the SSD is soldered and non-upgradable.

Specs apart, Asus presents a few energy profiles within the ProArt management app for this laptop computer: Whisper, Customary, Efficiency, and Full-Velocity, with varied energy settings and fan profiles between them:

• Whisper – quiet fan-noise at below 35 dBA, restricted CPU/GPU speeds and energy;
• Customary – balanced profile with as much as 40 dBA max fan noise, GPU runs at as much as 65W;
• Efficiency – increased tier profile with elevated CPU energy allocation and faster-spinning followers at as much as 45 dB, GPU runs at as much as 95W.
• Full-Velocity – like Efficiency, however pushes the followers to full rpms at 50+ dbA noise ranges

In contrast to on ROG laptops, there’s no Handbook mode for additional tweaking on this ZenBook.

I’ve largely stored the laptop computer on Customary with on a regular basis multitasking, however Whisper can be helpful for quiet operation (but the followers are by no means idle on this laptop computer), and Efficiency mode makes a distinction in demanding hundreds. We’ll get to that in a bit.

First, although, right here’s what to anticipate when it comes to capabilities and temperatures with on a regular basis multitasking, shopping, and video.

Efficiency and benchmarks

On to extra demanding hundreds, we begin by testing the CPU’s efficiency by operating the Cinebench R15 check for 15+ occasions in a loop, with a 1-2 seconds delay between every run.

The Core i9-12900H processor stabilizes at ~85W of sustained energy on the Efficiency setting, with temperatures of 95+ C, fan noise of 45 dBA at head-level, and scores of ~2350 factors.

By default, the PL1 and PL2 settings on this profile are 115W, however the thermal design isn’t able to cooling the CPU at that type of energy, thus the sustained energy finally ends up being thermally restricted at round 80-90W between demanding hundreds.

Bumping the again of the laptop computer up from the desk doesn’t make a giant distinction right here, because the cooling module attracts recent air from beneath the keyboard deck, and thus the followers usually are not choked with the laptop computer sitting on the desk, as on most different designs. As an alternative, choosing the Full-Velocity energy profile does enhance the efficiency to a small quantity, as on this case, the followers spin sooner and louder, at 50+ dBA. Regardless, even on Full Velocity, the sustained energy finally ends up at 90-95W, so nonetheless removed from the designed PL 115W limits.

Customary mode units decrease fan speeds, which find yourself at ~35 dBA noise ranges, and PL2 – 115W, PL1-50W settings. Meaning the processor is energy restricted in demanding hundreds, at 50W, wherein case we’re taking a look at sustained temperatures of sub-80 levels and scores of ~1800 factors. That’s about 75% of what this implementation is able to on Efficiency, however you find yourself with quieter followers and glorious sustained inside temperatures.

The Whisper profile additional caps the processor at 45W PL2 and 35W PL1 sustained, with the followers operating at sub 30 dB and temperatures within the sub 70s C. The i9 finally ends up scoring ~1450 factors on this Cinebench check, about 60% of the Efficiency profile.

Lastly, the CPU runs at ~40 W on battery on the Efficiency profile, with scores of 1550+ factors. Particulars under.

To place these in perspective, right here’s how this i9-12900H implementation fares in opposition to different Twelfth-gen i9s and Ryzen 9s 6000 on this check. Apparently, the identical processor returns 10-15% increased scores within the Zephyrus M16, regardless of operating at pretty shut energy settings. On the identical time, this scores near a Ryzen 9 HS processor in one thing like a ROG Circulation X16 or Zephyrus G14/G15.

I’ve additionally added this ZenBook’s efficiency on the Customary profile within the chart, with a view to evaluate it to the XPS 15 or the Blade 15, that are alternate options that creatives will take into account of their buy resolution. The ZenBook returns one of the best scores and is the quieter of the three, however the variations are small and you shouldn’t neglect to account for the dimensions facet as effectively, the place each the XPS and the Blade are considerably smaller units. We’ll additional contact on that down under.

We then went forward and additional verified our findings with the extra taxing Cinebench R23 loop check and Blender – Classroom, which resulted in related findings to what we defined above.

We additionally ran the 3DMark CPU check on the Efficiency and Customary profiles.

Lastly, we ran our mixed CPU+GPU stress checks on this pocket book. 3DMark stress runs the identical check for 20 occasions in a loop and appears for efficiency variation and degradation over time, and this unit simply handed it, which suggests there’s no efficiency throttling with longer-duration sustained hundreds.

Subsequent, we ran the whole suite of checks and benchmarks, on the inventory Efficiency profile and FHD display decision for consistency with our different checks. Working a few of these checks on the display’s 4K+ native decision will lead to barely totally different numbers.

• 3DMark – Fireplace Strike: 18927 (Graphics – 20398, Physics – 28534, Mixed – 9253);
• 3DMark – Port Royal: 4546;
• 3DMark – Time Spy: 8284 (Graphics – 7808, CPU – 12660);
• Uniengine Superposition – 1080p Excessive: 4675;
• Uniengine Superposition – 1080p Medium: 14261;
• Handbrake 1.3.3 (4K to 1080p encode): 64.09 common fps;
• PassMark 10: Score: 5752 (CPU: 31497, 3D Graphics: 14841, Reminiscence: 2976, Disk Mark: 29564);
• PCMark 10: 6823 (Necessities – 9765, Productiveness – 8694, Digital Content material Creation – 10155);
• GeekBench 5.4.3 64-bit: Single-Core: 1725, Multi-core: 12799;
• CineBench R15 (greatest run): CPU 2471 cb, CPU Single Core 249 cb;
• CineBench R20 (greatest run): CPU 6231 cb, CPU Single Core 671 cb;
• CineBench R23: CPU 16249 cb (greatest single run), CPU 16208 cb (10 min run), CPU Single Core 1743 cb;
• x265 HD Benchmark 64-bit: 25.48 s.

And listed below are some workstation benchmarks, on the identical Efficiency profile:

• Blender 3.01 – BMW scene – CPU Compute: 2m 22s (Turbo);
• Blender 3.01 – BMW scene – GPU Compute: 30s (CUDA), 16.4s (Optix);
• Blender 3.01 – Classroom scene – CPU Compute: 5m 32s (Turbo);
• Blender 3.01 – Classroom scene – GPU Compute: 1m 0s (CUDA), 33.7s (Optix);
• Pugetbench – DaVinvi Resolve: 1027;
• Pugetbench – Adobe Afert Results: 854;
• Pugetbench – Adobe Photoshop: 1042;
• Pugetbench – Adobe Premiere: 913;
• SPECviewperf 2020 – 3DSMax: 54.59 (Efficiency );
• SPECviewperf 2020 – Catia: 28.17 (Efficiency );
• SPECviewperf 2020 – Creo: 62.36 (Efficiency );
• SPECviewperf 2020 – Vitality: 31.13 (Efficiency );
• SPECviewperf 2020 – Maya: 134.54 (Efficiency );
• SPECviewperf 2020 – Medical: 8.47 (Efficiency );
• SPECviewperf 2020 – SNX: 12.6 (Efficiency );
• SPECviewperf 2020 – SW: 79.4 (Efficiency ).
• V-Ray Benchmark: CPU – 10189 vsamples, GPU CUDA – 1328 vpaths, GPU RTX – 1018;

These are aggressive scores for a 2022 creator laptop computer.

On the CPU aspect, this ZenBook Professional 16X scores inside 15% of full-size implementations for the Twelfth gen i9 processors, increased than most of the ultra-compact designs, and on par with the Ryzen choices accessible on the market. That is a formidable performer in CPU-heavy chores.

On the GPU aspect, although, that is solely a mid-tier RTX 3060 operating at sub-100W of energy, so not that a lot of a performer, particularly when contemplating this isn’t a compact or light-weight design. In actual fact, it’s bigger and heavier than most clamshell 15 and 16-inch thin-and-light efficiency notebooks, and whereas it outmatches some choices in capabilities, equivalent to let’s say the Dell XPS 15/17 lineups and even the MacBook Execs to some extent, it additionally trails most others.

Amongst these, there are skilled units such because the ThinkPad X1 Excessive or the Elitebook ZBook 16, accessible with increased tier GPUs, however operating at general decrease energy settings and most certainly increased temperatures. These get a bonus in configurability, post-sale providers, and potential GPU efficiency, however on the identical time, they’ll get very costly!

Then, there are the premium efficiency light-weight notebooks such because the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16/G15 lineups, the Razer Blade 15, the MSI GS66 Stealth, or the Legion Legion Slim 7, that are, with some particular exceptions in CPU demanding hundreds, extra highly effective throughout the board. An OLED show is simply accessible with a couple of of those, however good IPS screens can be found on all.

Lastly, should you’re taking a look at full-size laptops weighing 2.4+ kilos, you also needs to take into account designs such because the VivoBook Professional 16X, Acer Predator Triton 500, the Gigabyte Aero 16, and particularly the Lenovo Legion 7, with arguably superior capabilities, higher upgradability + serviceability, and/or decrease costs for matching specs.

Therefore, the intro to this text, the place I’m saying that I’m having a tough time determining who’s going to preffer this laptop computer over the whole lot else. We’ll additional contact on that within the Conclusions part.

For now, although, let’s talk about the opposite energy profiles.

You would possibly need to think about using the laptop computer on Customary mode should you’re aiming for a quieter on a regular basis expertise, with fan noise below 40 dBA in complicated hundreds. Right here’s what we received in our checks on this profile.

• 3DMark – Fireplace Strike: 14996 (Graphics – 16410, Physics – 24498, Mixed – 6732);
• 3DMark – Time Spy: 6770 (Graphics – 6353, CPU – 10791);
• Uniengine Superposition – 1080p Excessive: 3880;
• GeekBench 5.4.3 64-bit: Single-Core: 1665, Multi-core: 11893;
• CineBench R20 (greatest run): CPU 5484 cb, CPU Single Core 637 cb;

• Blender 3.01 – Classroom scene – CPU Compute: 6m 58s (Turbo);
• Pugetbench – Adobe Photoshop: 1015;
• Pugetbench – Adobe Premiere: 892;

Each the CPU and GPU scores drop by a good quantity within the artificial checks, however real-life capabilities in Blender or the Adobe apps stay aggressive and near what the laptop computer delivers within the Efficiency mode.

So far as the Full-Velocity profile goes, right here’s what we received in our checks.

• 3DMark – Fireplace Strike: 18168 (Graphics – 19469, Physics – 27376, Mixed – 9060);
• 3DMark – Time Spy: 8296 (Graphics – 7815, CPU – 12743);
• Uniengine Superposition – 1080p Excessive: 4770;
• GeekBench 5.4.3 64-bit: Single-Core: 1762, Multi-core: 13116;
• CineBench R20 (greatest run): CPU 6214 cb, CPU Single Core 666 cb.

This mode returns almost the identical efficiency because the common Efficiency mode, with a bump in noise and a slight lower in inside temperatures. I don’t see a lot use for it.

One closing facet to say right here is the efficiency on USB-C energy, in case you don’t need to carry alongside the primary brick. Right here’s what we received in our checks on Efficiency mode, with a 100W ROG USB-C charger plugged in.

• 3DMark – Fireplace Strike: 15902 (Graphics – 18760, Physics – 19033, Mixed – 6656);
• 3DMark – Time Spy: 7774 (Graphics – 7506, CPU – 9755);
• Uniengine Superposition – 1080p Excessive: 4548;
• GeekBench 5.4.3 64-bit: Single-Core: 1539, Multi-core: 9929;
• CineBench R20 (greatest run): CPU 4375 cb, CPU Single Core 575 cb.

In comparison with the laptop computer operating on Efficiency with the primary 200W charger plugged-in, the CPU efficiency takes a noticeable hit on USB-C energy, whereas the GPU efficiency stays aggressive. The followers nonetheless spin as much as 45 dBA on USB-C energy.

Even when the drop in CPU efficiency is suitable to you, it’s essential to grasp that similar to different Asus laptops, this ZenBook isn’t meant for heavy use on USB-C energy, however slightly for fast high-load actions, as a result of the battery discharges in a couple of hours of sustained demanding hundreds. It doesn’t discharge with each day multitasking, although.

Gaming efficiency

This ZenBook isn’t primarily made for gaming and even runs on Studio Version drivers, however contemplating the {hardware} and the quick OLED show, I’d nonetheless count on a lot of you to run video games on it again and again.

Therefore, we ran a few DX11, DX12, and Vulkan titles on the Efficiency and Customary profiles of this Core i9 + 3060 configuration, at FHD+ and QHD+ resolutions and Extremely graphics settings. Gaming on the native 4K+ display decision is a largely no-go with this form of {hardware}, so I didn’t even log it in our checks.

• Battlefield V, Cyberpunk, Doom, Witcher 3 – recorded with Fraps/in-game FPS counter in marketing campaign mode;
• Far Cry 5, 6, Metro, Crimson Useless Redemption 2, Tomb Raider video games – recorded with the included Benchmark utilities;
• Crimson Useless Redemption 2 Optimized profile primarily based on these settings.

These above are rasterization checks, and listed below are some outcomes for RTX titles with and with out DLSS.

Most video games are operating at 60+ fps even at QHD+ decision and Extremely settings, however for among the current AAA titles you’ll must trim the small print or the decision. Ray Tracing efficiency can be slightly restricted on this form of lower-power 3060 implementation.

Let’s go over some efficiency and temperature logs, that are going to raised clarify a few of our findings above.

On Efficiency, the design permits as much as 140W of mixed CPU+GPU crossload energy in video games and demanding hundreds. The CPU makes use of about 35-40W of these, and the remaining goes to the GPU, as much as 95W with Dynamic Enhance. It is a bit uncommon in comparison with let’s say a ROG design, which allocates much less energy to the CPU in video games, and means that Asus might have applied a higher-power GPU right here if they might have needed to.

That’s additional supported by the wonderful inside temperatures measured in video games, within the 70-80 C on the CPU regardless of the excessive allotted wattage, and 70-72 C on the GPU at its most 95W of energy with Dynamic Enhance.

Bumping up the again of the laptop computer off the desk with a view to enhance airflow beneath the chassis makes a minimal impression right here, because the cooling draw recent air from the highest, from below the keyboard tray, and thus the followers usually are not chocked out whereas the laptop computer sits on a desk, not like most different designs.

Switching over to the Full Velocity profile does decrease the CPU/GPU temperatures by a couple of levels, on account of the followers spinning sooner and louder, at as much as 50 dBA, vs 45 dBA on Efficiency.

The Customary and Whisper modes are attention-grabbing on this ZenBook as effectively, as they permit for quieter gaming experiences. The GPU can be energy restricted on these modes, at as much as 65 dBA, and consequently, the framerates drop by about 150-25% vs. the Efficiency mode.

Most video games are nonetheless operating effectively on Customary at FHD+ decision, with inside temperatures within the 60s and followers below 40 dBA.

The Whisper mode returns virtually related framerates, however this time round with even quieter followers at sub-30 dBA and temperatures within the 70s, on account of the slower spinning followers.

You may also have an interest within the gaming efficiency on battery, however don’t count on a lot, because the CPU and the GPU are energy capped aggressively on this case.

One closing facet to say right here is the efficiency on USB-C energy, in case you don’t need to carry alongside the primary brick. With a 100W USB-C charger, I’m taking a look at 115W crossload and 85W GPU energy on Efficiency mode, and 100W crossload and 65W GPU energy on Customary mode. Nevertheless, as talked about already, understand that the battery discharges in a couple of hours when operating video games on USB-C energy.

Noise, Warmth, Connectivity, audio system, and others

Asus put loads of effort into the cooling module applied on this ZenBook Professional 16X sequence.

Internally, they applied a 3D vapor chamber with two 12V high-capacity followers and two radiators, in addition to an additional heatpipe over the MOSFET. What’s particular about this so-called 3D Vapor chamber is the truth that it’s bent down over the elements, for higher contact and warmth switch.

Moreover, on the surface, the AAS design attracts recent air from the highest and backside of the laptop computer, however particularly from the highest, from beneath the keyboard tray, and expells it to the again, out of the best way. This manner, the followers are by no means choked out in the identical means as on most different laptops that primarily draw recent air from the underside.

Nevertheless, this design implies that you shouldn’t get this laptop computer should you plan to make use of it with the lid closed, both on the desk or positioned in a vertical stand.

As proven within the earlier part, the cooling module on this ZenBook Professional does a superb job at protecting the internals within the 70s and 60s levels Celsius between the assorted energy profiles.

With sustained hundreds, the followers ramp as much as 45 dBA on Efficiency, 40 dBA on Customary, and spin quietly at sub 30 dBA on Whisper mode. Moreover, the exterior chassis retains below 40 levels Celsius on any of the areas that you simply’ll are available in contact with, on the armrest, keyboard, or again panel, as the warmer half positioned over the elements is hidden beneath the keyboard tray.

*Gaming  – Customary mode – taking part in Witcher for half-hour, followers at as much as 40 dB
*Gaming  – Efficiency mode – taking part in Witcher for half-hour, followers at as much as 45 dB

With each day actions, the followers stay continually lively even on the Whisper profile with the present software program, however they spin quietly at sub 30 dBA, so are solely noticeable in a silent atmosphere. There’s no coil whine or something of this kind, however I’d nonetheless desire if Asus applied an idle fan capacity with very primary actions, like on their ROG laptops.

*Day by day Use – streaming Netflix in EDGE for half-hour, Customary Mode, followers at sub-30 dB

For connectivity, there’s the latest-gen WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 by means of an Intel module on this laptop computer. It labored flawlessly throughout my time with it.

There’s a set of 6x audio system on this ZenBook Professional 16X, just like what Asus provide on among the ROG Zephyrus fashions, with dual-force audio system on the underside and two tweeters firing by means of some small cuts within the grills on the left and proper aspect of the keyboard.

They certain are loud, at 88+ dBA at head-level, however they distort above 80% volumes. At 50-70% ranges, the sound high quality is wealthy for laptop computer audio system, particularly within the mids and highs, however even with some bass. I nonetheless opted for the Enhanced Audio setting ticked in Home windows 11s.

Lastly, our unit will get a FHD digital camera with IR Hiya and AddaptiveLock help, plus an RGB sensor meant to regulate the brightness/gamut primarily based on the sunshine round. The digital camera’s picture high quality is alright, higher than what the common laptop computer digital camera will get you right this moment, however nonetheless nothing wonderful. An array of microphones can be positioned on the high of the display, and do a high-quality job recording your voice in calls.

Battery life

There’s a 96 Wh battery contained in the ZenBook Professional 16X sequence, bigger than the norm for this class. On the identical time, this must energy a hungry 4K show and Intel platform, so don’t count on lengthy runtimes on battery use.

Right here’s what we received in our battery life checks with the display set at round 120 nits (~60% brightness).

• 20 W (~4-5 h of use) – textual content enhancing in Google Drive, Customary Mode, display at 60%, Wi-Fi ON;
• 19 W (~5-6 h of use) – 1080p fullscreen video on Youtube in Edge, Customary Mode, display at 60%, Wi-Fi ON;
• 17 W (~5-6 h of use) – Netflix fullscreen in Edge, Customary Mode, display at 60%, Wi-Fi ON;
• 22 W (~4-5 h of use) – shopping in Edge, Customary Mode, display at 60%, Wi-Fi ON;
• 55 W (~2 h of use) – Gaming – Witcher 3, Efficiency Mode, display at 60%, Wi-Fi ON.

Don’t neglect that is an early unit right here, so additional software program optimization might enhance these runtimes, particularly with gentle use and video streaming. We all know primarily based on our a number of Alder Lake evaluations at this level that the Intel Core H {hardware} can run effectively in some merchandise such because the XPS 15 or the ROG Circulation Z13, but it surely requires cautious software program tweaking that almost all implementations lack.

I’ll additionally add that this laptop computer ships with a 200W barrel-lug charger, mid-sized for what it’s. USB-C charging is supported right here as effectively, as much as 100W.

Worth and availability

The ZenBook Professional 16x is listed in most areas on the time of this text.

Asus asks 2999 USD on the US market and between 2999 and 3299 EUR MSRP right here in Europe for the i9-12900H configuration with 32 GB of RAM, RTX 3060 graphics, 2 TB of SSD storage, and the 4K contact OLED show – code title ZenBook Professional 16X UX7602ZM. That’s costly!

I imply, it’s not essentially that costly for the type of RAM, SSD, and general specs that you simply’re getting right here, however Asus also needs to provide some mid-tier configurations as effectively, with a extra reasonably priced price ticket. At $3000, this can be laborious to justify by most potential consumers, and we’ll talk about why within the subsequent and final part of the article.

Replace: A Core i7-12700H model with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage can be accessible at $2599 within the US and nonetheless round 2999 EUR in some EU international locations. That’s considerably extra reasonably priced, however not essentially aggressive for skilled use at that stage, particularly because the RAM is non-upgradable on this sequence.

Follow this link for updated prices and configurations in your region.

Remaining thoughts- 2022 Asus ZenBook Professional 16X OLED UX7602

Asus targets this laptop computer at content material creators and professionals who worth a premium design and largely uncompromised ergonomics, in a bundle that gives an attention-grabbing mixture of appears, good inputs and IO, a phenomenal OLED show, a giant battery, and truthful efficiency with most functions.

Factor is, this ZenBook Professional 16X is dear, particularly within the high-level configuration at 3000+ USD/EUR (at the least in the intervening time), and that alone takes it off the listing for a lot of potential consumers. There’s additionally the i7 mannequin accessible, however with solely 16 GB of soldered RAM, that’s even much less aggressive for potential creators that the top-tier mannequin.

Anyway, let’s assume that paying that type of cash for a laptop computer is inside your attain. Query is, are you OK paying it for less than mid-tier GPU capabilities and a full-size 16-inch chassis weighing 2.4 kilos? That’s as much as you, however I do need to level out two essential elements that it’s best to take into account in your resolution, which aren’t that apparent about this ZenBook. First off, with the bulkier design, the ErgoSense keyboard deck, and solely the mid-tier GPU implementation, this laptop computer runs cooler in demanding hundreds than every other related machine we’ve examined in current months. And second of all, it additionally permits for a aggressive mid-tier Customary profile, which retains the followers quiet, temperatures at snug ranges, and performs high-quality for on a regular basis actions and creator/programming duties.

Nevertheless, on Customary mode, this ZenBook presents roughly related capabilities to one thing just like the 2022 Dell XPS 17 9720. That is the truth is the closest rival of this ZenBook 16X, even when the XPS 17 is offered in additional reasonably priced variants as effectively should you go for the FHD+ show.

Briefly, compared, with the ZenBook you’re getting an OLED panel, an uncompromised IO, an RGB keyboard, 5-20% increased efficiency in particular sustained hundreds, and superior cooling. The XPS, then again, feels extra compact with each day use attributable to how it’s designed, offers you a 17-inch display with a brighter IPS panel, and presents upgradeable RAM and two SSD slots. So all in all, the ZenBook Professional 16X is aggressive in opposition to the XPS 17, though not essentially the plain alternative between the 2. Nevertheless, the viewers for this form of laptop computer on the $2500-$3000 mark is tiny, so I’m undecided the trouble required by such a fancy sequence will find yourself displaying up in gross sales.

So far as I’m involved, I feel Asus ought to have applied a higher-tier GPU on this laptop computer, equivalent to an RTX 3070Ti and even A-series GPUs, they usually might have additionally specced the GPU at increased energy on the Efficiency mode, contemplating the thermal headroom proven in our checks with this 95W design. These choices would make the sequence extra aggressive as a creator-focused premium laptop computer for people who require a greater GPU for his or her actions.

As it’s right this moment, although, this ZenBook Professional 16X is a combined bag, and doubtless an choice that few potential consumers will find yourself selecting over the whole lot else on the market.

This wraps up my assessment of the mid-2022 Asus ZenBook Professional 16X UX7602 sequence, and I’d love to listen to your ideas, questions, and suggestions down under, so get in contact.