The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 is the most powerful GeForce GPU ever made, bringing game-changing capabilities to gamers and creators. Tackle the most advanced models and most challenging creative workloads with unprecedented AI horsepower. Game with full ray tracing and the lowest latency. The GeForce RTX 5090 is powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and equipped with 32GB of super-fast GDDR7 memory, so you can do it all.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I've been using a 4090 Founders Edition since it launched in 2022. It powered through every game at high/max settings at 4K. I did not need or intend to upgrade to a 5090, but I tried my luck on launch day just to see how crazy the demand was. After a minute of so of "waiting in line," I was amazingly able to add the 5090 FE to my cart and check out with no problems. Kudos to Best Buy for a smooth launch and very fast shipping, but NVIDIA should have waited to launch these cards until they had produced enough to satisfy initial demand.
The 5090 FE is a thing of beauty. When I opened the box, I was shocked at its compact 2-slot size. It fits perfectly in my NZXT H510 Flow case. Thankfully, NVIDIA has angled the 12VHPWR connector so the cable no longer rubs against the side of my case. The gun metal finish looks excellent in my case and it should look good in almost any build.
Even in my small case, the 5090 FE stays very cool. When gaming at 4K, I rarely see temperatures rise above 73° (they usually hover just under 70°). Unlike the 4090 FE, the 5090 FE does not exhaust air from the back of the card and out of your case. Instead, the 5090 FE uses a "double flow through" design that exhausts air directly into your case. If your CPU uses an air cooler, this could be a cause for concern. But it hasn't had a significant impact on my CPU temperatures using an AIO.
Performance is, of course, excellent. Gaming at 4K, I'm seeing anywhere from a 15 to 30 percent increase in FPS on a wide range of games (without using DLSS 4). Enabling the new DLSS 4 frame generation features in certain games improves FPS even more, but I'm not completely sold on this technology. Certain games with DLSS 4 like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle initially experienced massive amounts of stuttering and input lag with DLSS 4 enabled, although game updates have fixed most of these issues. However, if you have a 4080 Super or a 4090, I can't say there's a compelling reason to upgrade to the 5090 (especially if you have to pay more than MSRP for a 5090).
Still, if you game in 4K or higher and have the chance to purchase a 5090 Founders Edition, I would jump on it. You really can't go wrong.
Whether you need to charge your devices, transfer data, or connect to a display, the Insignia 3.28' 8K Male USB-C to Male USB-C Thunderbolt Charge-and-Sync Cable with Braided Nylon keeps you connected. It lets you power devices and transfer files with your USB-C computers, smartphones, tablets, docking stations, and more. Data transfer speeds reach up to 40 Gbps using Thunderbolt technology. The cable also carries both audio and video signals, reaching up to 8K Ultra HD resolution for an incredible viewing experience.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I purchased a new MacBook Pro and needed a quick way to transfer several terabytes of data from my old MacBook Pro to the new one. A Thunderbolt cable was the fastest way to do this, but I didn't want to break the bank on an overpriced cable. This Insignia cable worked perfectly and is a longer length and the same speed as other, more expensive cables. I saw data speeds reach more than 2,000 MB/s during the transfer. I'll definitely be keeping this cable handy for any future Thunderbolt data or display needs.
iPad Pro. Built for Apple Intelligence. It~s impossibly thin, featuring outrageous performance with the Apple M4 chip, a breakthrough Ultra Retina XDR display, and superfast Wi-Fi 6E and 5G. Along with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, it brings endless versatility, creativity, and productivity to your fingertips.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I've owned several iPad over the years, including the original model released in 2010. This new M4 iPad Pro is the iPad I've always wanted: insanely thin, a beautiful OLED screen, and blazing fast performance. It has almost entirely replaced my laptop in day-to-day use. The new Magic Keyboard also makes this iPad a joy to use with the new function key row and the haptic trackpad. My only gripe is that only models with 1 TB or 2 TB of storage get the slightly faster M4 chip and 16 GB RAM (rather than 8 GB). Regardless, this is by far the best iPad -- and probably the best tablet -- ever.
Don~t let your phone battery die as you go throughout your day. The Insignia NS-MW345C1B22B 45W USB-C Compact Wall Charger Kit for Samsung and iPhone Smartphones & Tablets has a high, 45-watt output to quickly charge your Samsung smartphone, tablet, smartwatch and more. This kit also comes with an included 6 ft. 100W certified USB-C to USB-C cable, giving you a super-fast charge you can depend on. Its compact and durable body with a foldable plug easily fits into a purse or pocket, ready for when you need it. A simple black design pairs well with your other accessories. Keep your Samsung smartphone working as hard as you do with this easy-to-carry charger.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This is an excellent charger for all of your USB-C devices. The plug is compact and foldable so it's easy to travel with. It also supports fast charging of iPhones and Android devices, and it charges all USB-C iPads at the fastest rate possible. The included USB-C cable is a perfect length and very durable -- the cable is braided and uses sturdy connectors at both ends. Highly recommended!
The Insignia 20W USB-C Compact Wall Charger for iPhone has a high, 20-watt output to quickly charge your iPhone, tablet, smartwatch and more. Its compact size and foldable plug, easily fits into a purse or pocket, ready for when you need it.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This charger works perfectly with my MagSafe iPhone charger and is much smaller and cheaper than Apple's own charger. I also like that the prongs fold up for easy storage. I wish there was a black color, but no complaints otherwise.
Charge your devices simultaneously and efficiently with this Best Buy essentials 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand with MagSafe for Apple Devices. It is compatible with magnetic charging and can charge up to two devices at once. Simply snap your iPhone on the stand and your AirPods on the below charging pad and let your devices charge up simultaneously. The built-in kickstand is adjustable so you can view your device at a comfortable angle and the LED light assures you your devices are charging.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I bought this alongside my iPhone 15 Pro Max as a nightstand charger. Compared to other MagSafe chargers, this is an excellent value, and the angle of the magnet can be adjusted to allow for a large viewing angle. It has a VERY strong magnet and it works perfectly with the new iOS Stand By feature. The base could be a bit heaver as it tends to slide around when I go to take my phone off the stand. Otherwise, it's a great stand.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 is the ultimate GeForce GPU. It brings an enormous leap in performance, efficiency, and AI-powered graphics. Experience ultra-high performance gaming, incredibly detailed virtual worlds with ray tracing, unprecedented productivity, and new ways to create. It~s powered by the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture and comes with 24 GB of G6X memory to deliver the ultimate experience for gamers and creators.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I upgraded from an RTX 3080 Ti which often struggled to run AAA games at high or max settings at 4K above 100 fps. The 4090 has no such limitations -- every game now takes full advantage of my 4K 144Hz monitor. Best of all, this Founders Edition design is beautiful and runs very cool. Yes, it's an absolute monster and weighs more than a brick, but it fits perfectly in my NZXT H510 Flow case and temperatures rarely go above 70° (they usually hover around 65°). It runs cooler than my previous EVGA 3080 Ti FTW3 in the same case.
The adapter cable is awkward and can make cable management a challenge, but it fits fine in my H510 with no bend. Just make sure the adapter is completely inserted into the GPU -- it takes a bit of force until you hear an audible "click" to know that it is fully inserted.
If you game with a 4K monitor or television, the 4090 is just an insane upgrade from the last generation of GPUs. Don't hesitate if you get a chance to purchase one.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I purchased this AT&T prepaid card to try out AT&T service in our new neighborhood. The code was delivered in minutes and activated without issue on AT&T's website. Service is good so far, although 5G service is quite spotty and not as fast as I was expecting. Overall, this is an excellent option if you are an AT&T prepaid user or want to try out AT&T service without committing to a contract.
Add this Bosch Series 100 built-in dishwasher to your contemporary kitchen. Operating at only 48dB, it quietly yet effectively cleans your dishes and utensils. The three-level adjustable-height shelves accommodate different sizes of pots and glassware, and the third rack provides 30 percent more stacking space in this Bosch Series 100 built-in dishwasher.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
My family recently moved into a new house that had an old, clunky GE dishwasher. I saw this Bosch model available for purchase online and was happy to see that it was able to be installed within 10 days. The installer was very professional and efficient and best of all was included with my Totaltech membership.
The dishwasher itself is excellent. The design is sleek and matches my Bosch refrigerator perfectly. It runs very quiet -- I don't see any need to spend the extra money on the higher models that are supposedly quieter. It also cleans dishes perfectly. We've ran dozens of cycles over the last few weeks and our dishes are sparkling clean every time. My only complaint is that the included silverware tray is very small. Luckily you can order a second silverware tray directly from Bosch to double the capacity. Other than that, no complaints!
The flagship ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi motherboard is designed with boosted power delivery and optimized cooling to cope with the demands of powerful 12th Generation Intel~ Core~ Rocket Lake processors.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This ROG STRIX motherboard is one of the best values among Z690 motherboards currently available. It is nearly the perfect motherboard for most gamers and power users.
=== PROS === - Excellent design and looks. - Tons of rear I/O ports. - Three M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 5.0. Heatsinks included. - Two more M.2 slots can be added with the included Hyper M.2 expansion card. - Supports DDR5 and Wi-Fi 6e. - Seamless driver recognition/installation after booting Windows for the first time. - Tons of options and advanced settings available in BIOS. - So far, completely stable after 3+ months of use on this setup: i7-12700K, RTX 3080 Ti, 32GB DDR5 @ 5600MHz
=== CONS === - With four sticks of DDR5, you can't overclock the RAM or use XMP. You'll likely have to stick with two sticks of DDR5 for the highest speeds and greatest compatibility. This is true of most (all?) Z690 boards but will hopefully improve with BIOS updates. - The ASUS Armoury Crate software is confusing to use, with advanced settings buried deep in several different menus.
=== OVERALL === No need to spend more on a super-premium Z690 board unless you are a serious overclocker. This ROG STRIX Z690-E checks all the boxes.
The Dyson Outsize+ is Dyson's largest intelligent cordless vacuum with laser illumination. It is engineered with the suction power, additional run time, larger format, and tools designed to deep clean your whole home. A laser on the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head reveals invisible dust on hard floors. In auto mode, the machine optimizes power and run time based on floor type. Dyson's de-tangling Digital Motorbar XL cleaner head deep cleans carpets and hard floors. The 25% wider cleaner head, 150% larger bin, and twice the run time compared to the Dyson V15 Detect covers more floor with each pass and allows for more cleaning between bin emptying and charges. Its versatile cordless format transforms into a handled vacuum with one click so you can clean up high, down low, and everywhere in-between. Comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime Dyson support.
Overall5 out of 5
Big Time Clean - No More Upright Needed
Byryanmcv
I own a couple of different Dyson cordless vacuums, including the V7 Fluffy and V15 Detect. One vacuum usually doesn't have enough battery life or dust bin capacity to cover my entire house, so I've placed each one at different areas around the house. This new Outsize+ model finally has the bin capacity, battery life, and features I need to make it my one and only vacuum for the entire 3,000 square foot house. It takes some of the best features of the V15 Detect model and adds extra bin capacity and battery life for those who need to clean large areas.
=== UNBOXING AND OVERVIEW === - Like every Dyson cordless model, the Outsize+ is extremely easy to unbox and set up, though be prepared to sift through a lot of cardboard and protective packaging to find everything in the box. - The Outsize+ features a matte red stainless steel-looking color on the wand. It doesn't show any fingerprints, but the red color certainly stands out amongst my neutral-colored home décor. - The Outsize+ comes with two cleaner heads (the Laser Slim Fluffy and the Digital Motorbar XL) and five attachments (hair screw tool; soft dusting brush; crevice tool; combination tool; and stubborn dirt brush). - Two click-in batteries are included, and the battery is very easy to swap out when one runs out of charge. Two wall chargers are also included, so you can charge both batteries at once and make sure you always have a back-up. With both batteries fully charged, Dyson claims you can get up to 2 hours of run time (1 hour per battery). - This model is missing some of the intelligent features of the V15 Detect, such as the measurements of dust particles and sizes shown on the screen after each use. But I suspect this won't be a deal-breaker for most people. - Compared to the 0.2 gallon bin on the V15 Detect, the 0.5 gallon bin on the Outsize+ is 150% larger. This is great for vacuuming the entire house, but the Outsize+ is noticeably heavier than any other Dyson cordless vacuum I've used. Definitely something to keep in mind.
=== LASER SLIM FLUFFY HEAD PERFORMANCE === - The laser Fluffy head is Dyson's best innovation in years. I've used it for over a year on the V15 Detect, and I'm so glad it's included with the Outsize+. My house is almost 90% hard floors, and they have never felt so clean. Gone are the days of wondering if you've actually picked up all of the dust and crumbs on your hard floor. As you can see in the attached photo, there is a green laser on the right side of the Fluffy head that projects at a 90-degree angle. - The laser works great, though it is a bit dim on the left side of the head. Regardless, I have found dust and crumbs in places on my floor that I never thought were there. The laser reveals even the smallest amount of dust and hair so you can be sure you don't miss anything. - The laser does not work very well in a bright room. For the best performance, I have to turn off most of my lights and close my blinds. Not a huge deal to me as that is a small price to pay for a clean floor. - The laser can be turned off via a small switch on the head itself, though it's unclear what impact this has on battery life (probably little or none).
=== DIGITAL MOTORBAR XL HEAD === - This XL cleaner head is 25% larger than the one included with the V15 Detect and is mainly for use on rugs and carpet, though it can also be used on hard floors. The cleaner head has "hair removal vanes" that prevent hair from wrapping around the bar as you vacuum. - Once again, it works as advertised. I have vacuumed the carpets in my bedrooms extensively with this cleaner head and have not noticed any hair wrapped around the bristles -- it all makes its way into the bin. - Like the Fluffy head, the Digital Motorbar XL cleaner head will adjust the vacuum's suction based on floor type and carpet thickness to maximize battery life and cleaning performance. On both cleaner heads, you can choose Eco, Auto, or Boost modes via a button below the LCD screen. Boost mode obviously provides the best performance but there is a big hit to battery life. - You can also adjust the suction of this cleaner head using the red adjustment slider on the front. Sliding it towards the plus (+) side increases suction for heavily soiled carpets, while the minus (-) side is best for deep pile carpets or if you need to capture larger debris.
=== OTHER FEATURES AND THOUGHTS === - Like other Dyson cordless models, the Outsize+ is very easy to clean and maintain. The point-and-shoot design of the canister makes it very easy to empty debris directly into a trash can, though the added weight of the larger bin can make this a bit of a challenge when it's full. The filter keeps dust out of the air and is easy to clean by just running it under a faucet. - I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Outsize+ fits perfectly in my Floor Dok that was originally designed for the V11 (see photo). To get it to charge in the Dok, I had to add a bit of padding in the charging cradle underneath the plug/barrel to raise it up higher. The charging port on the Outsize+ is a bit more recessed than that of the V11, so you have to make the barrel protrude a bit further up from the Dok. I believe the newest variant of the Floor Dok is fully compatible with the Outsize+ with no adjustments needed. - I appreciate the variety of smaller tools/attachments that are included, but it is certainly a bit hard/awkward to use those tools given the increased weight of the Outsize+.
=== OVERALL === The Dyson Outsize+ is the new go-to cordless vacuum for those who want to vacuum their larger homes in one go without having to worry about battery life or dust bin size. Forget the old, clunky upright vacuum – this is your new one-stop shop. It has everything you need for hard floors and carpets, with the laser Fluffy head being essential to my cleaning routine. The versatility and expandability of this vacuum is unmatched by any other brand. Highly recommended!
ryanmcv
Phoenix, AZ
YES, I would recommend this to a friend!
July 27, 2022
I don't know why it says that I would not recommend this -- I clicked YES! Apologies for the confusion!
Meet, stream, master with the Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K Webcam for Collaboration and Streaming. Experience sharp, ultra HD 4k resolution video with AI image enhancement, our in-house designed lens, and our most advanced webcam sensor yet with 70% bigger pixels for 2X better face visibility and 2x finer image details in difficult lighting conditions.. Fine controls on this HD webcam let you precisely adjust lighting and white balance with ISO, Shutter Speed, Temperature, Tint, and Vibrance. Dual omnidirectional microphones reduce background sound so you can be heard clearly with noise-reducing technology. Show Mode lets you share your physical work and notes on video calls by tilting the web camera down.
I've been using Logitech's C920 webcam as my "work from home" webcam for the past few years and had been considering an upgrade to the previous 4K Brio webcam since I sit in on quite a few video calls each week. I was about to order the previous 4K Brio camera when I saw that Logitech had launched this new MX Brio model. The MX Brio is a great webcam and is superior in many ways, but it is missing one major feature that I think many people would have valued.
=== PROS === - Like any webcam, the MX Brio is incredibly easy to set up. The included cable is USB-C and is about 5 feet long, which is longer than the cables for other webcams that I've used. The cable is detachable from the back of the webcam. - As expected, the camera works perfectly with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, and every other Windows application that I've used. There is an LED to the right of the lens that changes colors to alert you when the camera is on: white means audio and video are on; yellow means only audio is on. - I'm a big fan of the included privacy shutter, which is very easy to open or close by gently turning the ring surrounding the lens. It's a much more elegant solution than the plastic flip-down covers that come with cheaper webcams. - The webcam mount is highly adjustable and very sturdy. It includes a suction pad on the back which adheres to the back of your monitor. Once mounted, you can easily adjust the webcam either side-to-side or up and down. - Since I have some gaming accessories connected to my computer, I manage all of my Logitech devices via the G HUB app. I was happy to see the MX Brio instantly recognized in G HUB when I connected it. You can also manage the MX Brio via the Logi Options+ app. Available adjustments include crop, exposure, white balance, brightness, contrast, saturation, focus, and more. - Compared to 1080p webcams, the 4K resolution of the MX Brio provides a noticeable uptick in fine details and sharpness. Logitech claims that the MX Brio also uses "AI-enhanced image quality" which results in "2x better face visibility" in difficult lighting conditions. I can't verify the numbers, but I can verify that the image quality is far and away the best I've seen on any webcam, even when I turn off my overhead office lights. - The microphone is also excellent. Logitech claims that it uses omnidirectional microphones to suppress background noises, and it seems to work very well. - The MX Brio feels very premium with an all-aluminum body and fingerprint-resistant design.
===CONS=== - Here's my biggest gripe: for some inexplicable reason, Logitech decided to remove Windows Hello support from the MX Brio. Even though its previous high-end webcam supported the feature, Logitech does not support it with the MX Brio. This is a major loss and was one of the main reasons I was considering upgrading to the previous 4K Brio camera. When I ordered the MX Brio, I made the mistake of assuming that Windows Hello support would have carried over to this new, updated model. But that is NOT the case. The MX Brio does not include the infrared hardware required for Windows Hello. I'm not sure what Logitech was thinking here, but it certainly makes the webcam much less desirable for Windows users. - The USB-C cable is very stiff - so much so that it puts a bit of downward pressure on the back of the webcam, causing some unintended movements when swiveling the camera side-to-side or up and down.
===OVERALL=== Strictly from a camera quality perspective, the MX Brio excels at almost every level. It is highly customizable via the G HUB or Logi Options+ apps and has a premium design with a very functional privacy shutter. But the lack of Windows Hello support is a major drawback in my book, and enough for me to deduct one star.
ryanmcv
Phoenix, AZ
November 17, 2024
No - it does NOT support Windows Hello. Any comment from Logitech indicating otherwise is incorrect. If you want Windows Hello support, you need to purchase the non-MX version of the Brio 4K webcam.
Experience the height of gaming innovation with the ROG Zephyrus G16. Featuring an all-new premium aluminum chassis with customizable lighting, this laptop merges style and durability. Its ultra-slim 0.59~ profile and lightweight 4.30lbs 16~ chassis redefines portability without compromising performance. Powered by Windows 11, an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, the Zephyrus G16 seamlessly aligns with your lifestyle, meeting all your gaming and creative demands. ROG Intelligent Cooling features liquid metal for reduced CPU temperatures and upgraded Arc Flow Fans for improved airflow to sustain peak performance on the Zephyrus G16 no matter the task. Immerse yourself in the OLED ROG Nebula Display and enjoy rapid 0.2ms response times, vivid 2K resolution, and a smooth 240Hz refresh rate.
Overall4 out of 5
Beautiful Gaming/Creator Laptop but Big Tradeoffs
Byryanmcv
I've been looking forward to the new Zephyrus G16 since it was announced at CES earlier this year. At first glance, it appears to be the equivalent of a MacBook Pro in the form of a Windows laptop. I also own a 16" MacBook Pro (M1 Pro model), so for the past week, I've been able to use them both side-by-side and see the good and bad of both machines. Bottom line: the Zephyrus G16 is a beautiful and powerful machine that will satisfy both creators and gamers, but it comes with some very notable tradeoffs including heat, fan noise, performance, and some areas of questionable build quality.
=== DESIGN & BUILD QUALITY (4 Stars) === - This G16 model is the "Eclipse Gray" color which I personally prefer over the other "Platinum White" color. The color is a bit darker than a Space Gray MacBook Pro. It does attract a few fingerprints, but they wipe away very easily. - Unlike every other ROG laptop I've used, this body of this new G16 is almost entirely aluminum, which gives it a very premium feeling. There is hardly any plastic to be found outside of the keyboard. Notably, the edge of the laptop near the trackpad is rounded, so there are no sharp edges that will cut into wrists while typing. - The laptop measures 13.9" wide by 9.7" deep, and just over a half inch thick. This model weighs about 4.3 pounds. If you've ever held or used a modern 16" MacBook Pro, you will know what to expect -- the dimensions of the G16 are almost identical. - There are a decent number of ports available. On the left, there's the new "ASUS Slim" power port, an HDMI 2.1 port, a Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port, a USB-A 3.2 port, and 3.5mm jack. On the right, there's a full size UHS II SD card reader, another USB-A 3.2 port, and a USB-C 3.2 port. There is no Ethernet port on this laptop. - For its 2024 models, ASUS introduced its new, proprietary "ASUS Slim" power port. I like that the plug is reversible similar to USB-C, but I was hoping that ASUS would also be able to reduce the size of the actual power brick. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. The included 240W power brick is still pretty bulky, and you'll need to find room for it in your bag if you want to get the most power out of this laptop while traveling. You can also power and charge the laptop via USB-C, but the laptop can only draw up to 100W of power via USB-C, which will limit performance. - The new “Slash Lighting” array on the cover is neat, but I’m indifferent towards it. You can select tons of different flashing patterns, but when you’re using the laptop, you can’t actually see the lights. But if you’re a fan of minimalist decorative lighting, you’ll like the new Slash light. - There are a couple of things about the G16's build quality that concern me. First, the hinge of the display does not feel very tight. As such, the display is a bit wobbly when it is touched. If you pick up the laptop while it is open, there is a very good chance that the display will fall further backwards due to the looseness of the hinge. Secondly, there are significant "creaking" and "popping" noises that come from the machine's bottom cover whenever there is any amount of pressure applied to the bottom of the laptop. In day-to-day use, the issue is most noticeable when using the laptop on my lap or picking it up to move it. The simple movements of my lap or changes in pressure to the bottom cover when moving the laptop are enough to cause very audible creaking/popping/flexing noises. I've tried tightening the screws on the bottom cover and I've made sure that the bottom cover is properly seated. But the noises persist, and it can definitely be annoying. I attempted to contact ASUS about these build quality issues before I posted this review, but I did not receive a response.
=== DISPLAY, KEYBOARD, TRACKPAD, & AUDIO (5 Stars) === - The star of this laptop is unquestionably the beautiful 16:10 2560x1600 OLED display. I thought the 16” MacBook Pro had reached the pinnacle of laptop displays, but I was wrong. The OLED panel in the G16 is a sight to behold with perfect black levels and rich, deep colors. Viewing angles are perfect from every direction. While only rated for 500 nits, the display gets eye-searingly bright. The 240Hz refresh rate and G-SYNC support mean that games look incredibly smooth with no tearing or choppiness. Creators and gamers alike will love this OLED panel, I’m sure. - The keyboard seems similar to past ROG Zephyrus laptops that I’ve used. Keys have 1.7mm of travel and the key caps are very large and nicely spaced. The keyboard is RGB-lit, though the entire keyboard can only display one color at a time (there are not multiple RGB zones to control). - The trackpad is among the best I’ve ever used on a Windows laptop. It is very large and made of smooth glass. It appears to be a 16:10 aspect ratio to match the laptop’s display. Gestures work perfectly. My only complaint is that the trackpad is not haptic like the one on a MacBook Pro. Rather, the G16 trackpad is a traditional “diving board” mechanism that is easily pressed at the bottom but can’t be pressed at the top. It would be nice if the entire surface was clickable like a MacBook. - Likewise, the speakers are probably the best I’ve used in any Windows laptop. They are just a small step below the quality of the 16” MacBook Pro speakers. Bass is rich and deep and there is practically no distortion at higher volumes.
=== PERFORMANCE, COOLING, & UPGRADES (4 Stars) === - The Intel Core Ultra 9 processor is powerful, but it’s a significant step down from the Core i9 processors offered in other ROG laptops. Intel’s Ultra processors are designed for thin and light laptops to minimize heat and maximize battery life. As such, there are some performance compromises. In TimeSpy, the highest CPU score I was able to achieve was 11,939, which is about 15% lower than a Core i9-13900H. - The following benchmarks were conducted with the “Turbo” setting selected in ASUS Armoury Crate: Time Spy benchmark: 16,424 (graphics score 17,874). The Last of Us Part1 (High preset, DLSS set to Quality): 70 fps average. God of War (Ultra preset; DLSS Quality): 87 fps average. Cyberpunk 2077 (Ray Tracing ultra, DLSS Quality & frame gen): 90 fps average. Dead Space (Ultra preset, DLSS Quality): 88 fps average. So yes, you run practically any game at high or ultra settings. - Compared to other laptops with the same specs, these benchmarks are a bit lower. This is mainly due to the lower-powered RTX 4090 in the G16, which can only draw a maximum of 115W. Other, thicker laptops with a 4080 or 4090 can draw more power and deliver better performance. I didn’t get a chance to test a 4080 model of the G16, but I have to imagine the performance difference between the 4080 and 4090 in these G16 models is minimal. - When under full load, this is probably the hottest laptop I’ve ever used. If you touch the bottom of the laptop or the area right above the keyboard while gaming, you might regret it. No joke: it’s like touching a hot stove top. I saw the CPU get as hot as 93 degrees Celsius, while the GPU seems to top out at a more reasonable 80 degrees. But the thin form factor and aluminum design of the G16 make for a VERY hot laptop. - Similarly, if you get annoyed by fan noise, this is NOT the laptop for you. The fans aren’t very noticeable when doing simple tasks such as web browsing or light photo editing. But once you set the laptop to “Turbo” mode and start gaming or doing more intense creative tasks, you’d better grab a pair of headphones: the fans get as loud as 49 to 50 dB, and the fan noise is relatively high-pitched. I am still playing around with the fan curves in the Armoury Crate “manual” mode to find a good balance of performance and fan noise. - Battery life is decent for such a thin and powerful machine, but it’s going to be LARGELY dependent on how you use this laptop. I was able to get about 6 hours of use with standard web browsing and day-to-day tasks (screen at half brightness). I decided to really test the battery’s limits by playing The Last of Us on Performance mode – and the battery was dead within 1 hour. So if you want to game while traveling, don’t forget the power adapter. - The included 2 TB SSD offers tons of space and is very fast, with read speeds upwards of 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of 6,500 MB/s. There is one extra M.2 slot if you want to add more storage. - 32GB of DDR5 RAM are soldered onto the board. As such, you can’t add or upgrade the RAM, so I’m glad ASUS decided to include 32GB rather than 16GB. The RAM clock speed is 7500 MHz.
=== SOFTWARE AND OTHER THOUGHTS === - There is a decent 1080p webcam (Windows Hello-capable) on the bezel above the screen. It’s not the best quality but gets the job done. This is a big improvement compared to the unreliable fingerprint readers in older ASUS models. - The included Wi-Fi card is capable of Wi-Fi 6E. I was hoping ASUS would include a Wi-Fi 7 card as that technology is is rolling out very rapidly. - The ASUS Armoury Crate and MyASUS apps are essential for tweaking the performance and cooling of this laptop and performing updates, but they just seem bloated and confusing, with basic options hidden behind layers of menus.
=== OVERALL === The Zephyrus G16 aims to please both creators and gamers with its sleek design, stunning OLED display, and powerful performance. However, it also has some major drawbacks, such as excessive heat, loud fan noise, and lower performance compared to other laptops with similar specs. Additionally, some aspects of the build quality, such as excessive heat, loud fan noise, and lower performance compared to other laptops with similar specs. Additionally, some aspects of the build quality, such as the loose hinge and the creaky bottom cover, may annoy some users and detract from the premium feeling of the laptop. Overall, the Zephyrus G16 is a beautiful and capable machine, but it comes with some tradeoffs that may not be worth it for everyone.
ryanmcv
Phoenix, AZ
November 18, 2024
The fact remains that the default power draw of the GPU is 115W. ASUS even advertises it as such in all of its documentation. Overpowering it will just create more heat, which is the last thing this laptop needs. At these power levels, there is very little difference between the 4080 and 4090, and I’m not sure it’s worth the price difference for most people.
The Nintendo Switch ~ OLED Model - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Edition system features a design inspired by the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game, including the familiar Hylian Crest from the Legend of Zelda series on the front of the dock (game not included).
The Nintendo Switch ~ OLED Model - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Edition system features a design inspired by the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game, including the familiar Hylian Crest from the Legend of Zelda series on the front of the dock (game not included).
Does this include a copy of Tears of the Kingdom game for Nintendo switch? Or is the game sold separately?
The Nintendo Switch ~ OLED Model - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Edition system features a design inspired by the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game, including the familiar Hylian Crest from the Legend of Zelda series on the front of the dock (game not included).
I am going to assume this does not come with the game? as it says its released before game release. will these only be available for preorder?
The Nintendo Switch ~ OLED Model - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Edition system features a design inspired by the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game, including the familiar Hylian Crest from the Legend of Zelda series on the front of the dock (game not included).
The Nintendo Switch ~ OLED Model - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Edition system features a design inspired by the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game, including the familiar Hylian Crest from the Legend of Zelda series on the front of the dock (game not included).
It says it comes with the game but the game will be released on 5/12 but this console already on 4/28. How does that goes together?
Thank you