Sorry. Your gaming laptop sucks now. - Asus Flow X13 Review
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Description
Receive a $25 credit for Ting today when you sign up at linus.ting.com By harnessing the power of AMD Asus has created a new class of laptop with the Flow X13 - the "Ultrabook that is more powerful than laptops much larger than it" (not the official title).
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Check out the ASUS Flow Series: lmg.gg Buy a Asus Flow X13 at geni.us Buy a MSI GE66 Raider: geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► AFFILIATES, SPONSORS & REFERRALS: lmg.gg ► PODCAST GEAR: lmg.gg ► SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: @LinusTech Instagram: @linustech TikTok: @linustech Twitch: twitch.tv MUSIC CREDIT --------------------------------------------------- Intro: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High Video Link: youtube.com Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi Artist Link: youtube.com Intro animation by MBarek Abdelwassaa @mbarek_abdel Monitor And Keyboard by vadimmihalkevich / CC BY 4.0 geni.us Mechanical RGB Keyboard by BigBrotherECE / CC BY 4.0 geni.us Mouse Gamer free Model By Oscar Creativo / CC BY 4.0 geni.us
The Asus Flow X13 review centers on a bold claim: a compact ultrabook can deliver performance that rivals larger laptops. The host begins by contrasting the Flow X13’s thin chassis with traditional powerhouses, noting the surprising strength of its Ryzen 9 5980HS CPU and an RTX 1650 GPU, which allow for solid frame rates if you enable some graphics concessions. A key pivot in the evaluation is the ability to switch the CPU from a 35 watt TDP to 45 watts in Asus RG software, which temporarily boosts performance but stresses the cooling system, revealing the tension between portability and thermal headroom. The review then looks at real-world performance, showing the Flow X13 shredding a larger MSI GPU-heavy machine when cooled properly, while also highlighting the areas where the laptop strains, especially in GPU benchmarks and sustained gaming. Beyond raw chassis and performance, the discussion broadens to user experience aspects such as build quality, keyboard, trackpad, webcam, speakers, and overall daily usability, weighing how the Flow X13 fits into the premium ultrabook category. The creator compares it to the Dell XPS 15 and the Zephyrus G14, arguing that while the Flow X13 punches above its weight in CPU power, the complete experience and value proposition depend on portability, display choice, and the willingness to trade some convenience for sustained performance. The display options are reviewed at length, with the 4K touchscreen dismissed for most users due to pixel density on a small panel, while the 1080p high refresh rate option receives praise for fluidity and battery life. Finally the video concludes with a nuanced verdict: the Flow X13 is a standout performer in its class, especially for those who prize lightness and portability, but it remains not quite the ultimate all-rounder when weighed against a more traditional premium laptop depending on the buyer’s priorities such as battery life, IO needs, and the importance of a premium keyboard and trackpad.
Topics · technology · computers-laptops · hardware-review · consumer-electronics
Questions answered
- What is the Flow X13's CPU power mode and how does it affect performance?
- The Flow X13 can switch the CPU from a 35 watt TDP to 45 watts using Asus RG software, which increases performance but stresses the cooling system, improving CPU-heavy tasks but potentially reducing thermal headroom.
- Does the Flow X13 include Thunderbolt or a top-tier external GPU option?
- The Flow X13 does not include Thunderbolt and uses the XG Mobile external GPU interface for PCIe x8 connectivity, with options like an RTX 3080 mobile when connected to the eGPU.
- Which display option is recommended for most buyers and why?
- The full HD plus display at 120 Hz is recommended for most buyers because it balances fluid visuals with better battery life, while the 4K option is discouraged for everyday use due to excessive pixel density on a 13.4 inch screen.