The Ultimate Gaming Ultraportable - Asus ROG Flow X13 Review

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Hardware Specifications
   1. CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS
   2. GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
   3. RAM: 32GB LPDDR4X
   4. Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
3. Design and Aesthetics
4. Display
5. Keyboard and Trackpad
6. Performance
   1. Cinebench R20 Scores
   2. Davinci Resolve Rendering Times
7. Thermals and Cooling
8. Two-in-One Functionality
9. Gaming Performance
10. XG Mobile Docking Station
11. Battery Life
12. Price and Value Proposition
13. Conclusion

Introduction

In today's review, we have something truly special - the RG Flow X.Din laptop. This ultra-portable device is touted as the most powerful laptop ever created. Let's delve into its hardware specifications, design, performance, and more to see if it lives up to the hype.

Hardware Specifications

The RG Flow X.Din is equipped with impressive hardware. It features an AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS CPU, boasting 8 cores and 16 Threads, paired with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. The device also Sports 32GB of LPDDR4X RAM running at a blazing 4266MHz, and a 1TB PCIe SSD for lightning-fast storage.

Design and Aesthetics

Unlike typical gamer-oriented laptops, the RG Flow X.Din embraces a clean and minimalist design. It doesn't scream "gamer" with flashy RGB lighting or aggressive accents. The laptop features textured lines running diagonally across its lid, Palm rest area, and bottom. The branding is subtle, with only a small nameplate on the bottom, the "Rog Flow" text on the bottom bezel of the display, and the unique-looking Rog logo on the palm rest area.

Display

The 13.4-inch IPS display of the RG Flow X.Din is a treat for the eyes. It boasts a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing a little extra vertical space compared to the standard 16:9 ratio. This display is touch-capable, Pantone validated, and covers more than 100% sRGB. It supports adaptive sync, ensuring a smooth and immersive viewing experience for all types of media.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard of the RG Flow X.Din offers a clean and simple white backlighting, ditching flashy RGB lighting. The trackpad and keyboard experience is similar to the acclaimed Zephyrus line of laptops by the same manufacturer. Dedicated buttons for volume, mute, mic, and Armory Crate add convenience to everyday use.

Performance

The performance of the RG Flow X.Din is truly exceptional. In Cinebench R20, the AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS scores impressively, achieving nearly 4500 in multi-threaded tests and above 550 in single-threaded tests. When it comes to rendering in Davinci Resolve, the laptop showcases its power, completing a 1080p project in just under 12 minutes and a 4K project in approximately 30 minutes. The device also maintains good thermal control, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s.

Thermals and Cooling

Despite its slim profile, the RG Flow X.Din manages thermals admirably. The Ryzen 9 CPU may peak at 91 degrees Celsius at times, but it stays in the mid-80s for the majority of usage. The laptop's unique two-in-one design also offers a "Stand Mode," which significantly lowers temperatures during intensive tasks. When testing Cinebench R20 in this mode, the average temperature drops to around 81 degrees Celsius.

Two-in-One Functionality

One of the standout features of the RG Flow X.Din is its two-in-one functionality. The display can be flipped a full 360 degrees, allowing users to utilize the device as a tablet. The inverted V-shaped "Stand Mode" offers not only versatility but also improved cooling performance, resulting in lower temperatures by about 5 degrees Celsius during intensive tasks.

Gaming Performance

When it comes to gaming, the RG Flow X.Din delivers a solid performance. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU ensures playable frame rates in a variety of games. While peak frame rates may be slightly higher in "Stand Mode," the overall gaming experience remains comparable between the laptop and tablet orientations. For those seeking the ultimate gaming experience, the XG Mobile docking station is recommended, as it houses an RTX 3080.

XG Mobile Docking Station

The XG Mobile docking station is a portable solution that significantly enhances the gaming capabilities of the RG Flow X.Din. With the docking station, users can connect a powerful RTX 3080 GPU and enjoy the benefits of a high-refresh-rate display. The XG Mobile is plug-and-play, requiring only one cable to power the entire system.

Battery Life

While the RG Flow X.Din offers impressive performance and versatility, its battery life is a notable drawback. With only around five and a half hours of real-world usage, it falls short compared to some competing ultraportable laptops. However, the laptop supports fast charging, allowing it to reach 50% capacity in just 30 minutes.

Price and Value Proposition

The price of the RG Flow X.Din will vary depending on the country and region. In some regions, the laptop is only available as part of the XG Mobile bundle, which includes the Ryzen 9 option. However, the laptop itself with a Ryzen 7 option is also available. Overall, the price is competitive, especially when considering the laptop's powerful hardware and unique form factor. The versatility it offers is an enticing selling point for those who value portability and high-performance capabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the RG Flow X.Din is an impressive ultra-portable laptop that offers a Blend of high-performance components, versatile form factor, and clean aesthetics. It excels in tasks such as content creation, rendering, and gaming, showcasing the power of its AMD Ryzen 9 CPU and Nvidia GTX 1650 GPU. With the addition of the XG Mobile docking station, users can unlock even higher gaming performance. While battery life could be improved, the RG Flow X.Din remains a highly compelling option for professionals and gamers seeking a portable powerhouse.

Highlights:

• Most powerful ultra-portable laptop with a sleek and minimalist design
• Impressive hardware specifications, including an AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS CPU and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU
• Versatile two-in-one functionality with a flipped and "Stand Mode"
• Exceptional performance in tasks like rendering and gaming
• Good thermal management despite the slim form factor
• Gaming experience can be further enhanced with the XG Mobile docking station
• Competitive pricing considering the laptop's capabilities and versatility

FAQ

1. Can the RG Flow X.Din be used as a tablet? Yes, the laptop features two-in-one functionality, allowing users to flip the display a full 360 degrees and use it as a tablet.

2. How is the performance of the RG Flow X.Din in gaming? The laptop offers a solid gaming experience, thanks to the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. However, for the best performance, the XG Mobile docking station with an RTX 3080 is recommended.

3. How long does the battery of the RG Flow X.Din last? The laptop provides approximately five and a half hours of real-world usage battery life. However, it supports fast charging, reaching 50% capacity in just 30 minutes.

4. Can the RG Flow X.Din handle intensive tasks like rendering? Absolutely. The AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS CPU and ample RAM make the laptop well-suited for demanding tasks like rendering. It performs impressively in programs like Davinci Resolve.

5. Is the RG Flow X.Din's design gamer-oriented? No, the laptop features a clean and minimalist design, devoid of flashy RGB lighting and aggressive accents. It is meant to be a sleek and professional ultraportable option.