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ASUS' 2023 ROG Zephyrus M16, equipped with a 13th-gen Intel CPU and an RTX 4090, is a gaming laptop promising top-notch performance. Priced at $3,500 for the fully loaded model, it retains a slim matte black chassis weighing just over five pounds, emphasizing portability alongside high performance. The AniMe Matrix LED lid adds a stylish touch, offering customization and the option to turn off lights for a more discreet look.
The laptop features RGB backlit keys, stereo speakers, and a range of ports, including USB Type-A and Type-C, HDMI, and a microSD card slot. The absence of an Ethernet jack may be a drawback for some users. The Mini LED display upgrade with a resolution of 2560 x 1600, a 240Hz refresh rate, and VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification enhances visual quality, offering a peak brightness of up to 1,100 nits.
In terms of performance, the Intel Core i9-13900H CPU and RTX 4090 GPU provide solid gaming capabilities, outperforming the Razer Blade 15 in benchmark tests. However, ASUS opted for a slightly slower CPU and limited the RTX 4090 to 145 watts, leaving some potential performance untapped. The laptop's thin chassis leads to high temperatures during operation, and the fans can be loud.
Battery life is mediocre, lasting around 5 hours with integrated graphics and less than 3 hours with the discrete GPU. The laptop's price point may raise questions about value, considering the compromises in performance and battery life. More budget-friendly configurations, starting at $1,950 with an RTX 4070 GPU, offer a balance between affordability and features, including the Mini LED display and AniMe Matrix lid.
