Laptop FASTER than your Gaming PC? - ASUS Zephyrus GM501 Review
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Visit squarespace.com and use offer code LTT for 10% off Sign up for Private Internet Access VPN at privateinternetaccess.com The last Zephyrus was interesting, but you might actually want to buy the new one. Buy Asus Zephyrus GM501 On Amazon: geni.us On Newegg: geni.us Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: linustechtips.com Linus Tech Tips merchandise at designbyhumans.com Linus Tech Tips posters at crowdmade.com Our Test Benches on Amazon: amazon.com Our production gear: geni.us Get LTX 2018 tickets at ltxexpo.com Twitter - twitter.com Facebook - @LinusTech Instagram - @linustech Twitch - twitch.tv Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Sound effects provided by freesfx.co.uk
The Asus Zephyrus GM501 is presented as a premium thin-and-light gaming notebook that leans into a striking design and a clever lift mechanism to improve airflow. The reviewer discusses how Nvidia's Max-Q approach influenced notebook engineering and what Asus did to refine the concept in the GM501, aiming for a balance between portability and performance. Inside, the machine features a six-core CPU and a full GTX 1070 GPU, which Linus notes translates into desktop-like capabilities for both gaming and content creation tasks. The design emphasizes premium materials and a keyboard with notable travel, while the trackpad sits below the keyboard in a practical layout for on-the-go use. While the device delivers strong performance and an excellent 1080p high-refresh display, there are compromises in acoustics, thermals under load, and battery life that color the overall value proposition. The reviewer also covers real-world usability aspects, such as what kinds of accessories are useful, the quality of the screen, and whether the machine justifies its premium price for potential buyers. The verdict suggests the Zephyrus GM501 is a compelling option for those who want strong mobile gaming and editing power in a portable chassis, albeit at a steep price and with caveats around thermals and endurance. The video closes with reflections on whether this model represents the best balance of features in its segment and hints at where future revisions could improve the trade-offs.
Topics · Technology · Hardware Reviews · Laptop Computers · Gaming Laptops
Questions answered
- Is the ASUS Zephyrus GM501 a strong performer for both gaming and content creation on the go?
- Yes, with a full GTX 1070 GPU and a six-core CPU, the GM501 delivers desktop-class performance suitable for modern gaming and tasks like video editing and streaming, though thermals and battery life can temper sustained workloads.
- How does battery life hold up in real-world use and what affects it most?
- Battery life is limited by the 55 Wh pack and the six-core CPU, with around 2.5 hours in the tested work battery scenario. Usage like gaming or heavy tasks will drain it faster, while turning off G-Sync and using integrated graphics can extend endurance somewhat.