Gaming laptop is one favourite choice of computers for students and casual gamers as it offers portability and performance at one go. However, with the more advance the hardware packed in, the more expensive it will be. It is a common scenario that most gaming notebooks are usually unaffordable for most students as there are relatively expensive, as some even goes up to RM7,000 to RM11,000.
With the launch of GTX1050, computer manufacturer now offers a new option to add it into their mid-range gaming laptop. One good thing about mid-range notebook is that it provides decent computing and gaming experience while reasonably priced and suitable for those student who can afford, just like the recently launched ASUS ROG Strix GL553VD.
Asus ROG Strix GL553VD specifications：
- Windows 10 Home
- 15.6 inch Full HD LED，178° wide angle display
- Intel Core-i5 7300HQ/Core-i7 7700HQ
- 4GB/8GB DDR4 RAM
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050，2/4GB GDDR5 VRAM
- 1TB HDD，128GB SSD
- RGB backlit keyboard
- 15.07 x 10.03 x 1.18
Pricing:
Design
When it comes to gaming laptop, one of the most eye catchy part of the notebook is the design itself. The ASUS GL553VD retains some of the ROG iconic design such as the brushed aluminium design on the rear panel, added along with highlighted red grip on the bottom for better traction on table. The ROG logo also lits up when the computer starts, despite not too flashy.
The GL553VD is generally made up from polycarbonate material while the lid comes with an aluminium finish. The RGB keyboard is also one attractive highlight for those who seek to experience premium finish for their mid-range gaming laptop.
Hardware
For a power user or gaming enthusiast, the core hardware performance is the critical part for all brand of computer out there. The GL553VD is just priced at RM3,799 but features the latest Nvidia GTX1050 graphics card. The higher end variant comes with slightly lower Core i7 at RM4,599 while the premium variant has the Intel Core i7 7700HQ processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SATA harddrive and 128GB SSD, all for RM4999.
One worth mentioning aspect of the hardware is its GPU. The Nvidia GTX1050 is built based on state of the art Pascal architecture which is highly optimized for battery saving and gaming performance for modern tittles.
User Experience.
With the premium variant on hand, the GL553V-DDM282T has no issue when it comes to office productivity or intensive gaming. Powered by Windows 10, the whole Windows user experience works excellently with the hardware itself to deliver top notch performance all day long.
Gaming
The GTX1050 on the GL553VD makes running today tittles such as Dota 2, OverWatch a peace of cake. However, graphics hungry game such as GTA 5, Ghost Recon and Fallout 4 might suffer slightly in frame rate if all settings were adjusted to maximum. Nonetheless, mid to high settings work fine for most of these games.
If you are a “multitasker” who enjoy playing game while reading lectures note or preparing office documentation (ehhh?), 8GB DDR4 RAM is more than enough for you.
Display
Unfortunately, most budget gaming laptops suffer from poor display as a measure to cut down production budget despite offering Full HD resolution display. The GL553VD display does appear slightly dim and over-saturated to some extend, but the display is still watchable and satisfactory if you’re not observed from a slanted angle.
ASUS also added their own Spendid Technology that provides various display mode to adjust screen contrast, brightness for the best viewing experience. As for its speaker, its audio performance falls between the satisfactory level without much to comment.
The ASUS GL553VD also has a special ROG key that can instantly launch ROG Gaming Center for keyboard light adjustment, fan speed adjustment and other various performance tweak tool.
A button that brings you to PC Master Race.
Nonetheless, each purchase of ASUS ROG GL553VD comes with their complimentary gaming laptop bag that fits the laptop easily for you to carry around. Simple and stylish indeed.
Conclusion.
In short, the ASUS ROG Strix GL553VD is a mid-range gaming laptop that delivers today performance without a hefty price tag. It is suitable for students or those who just want to upgrade for a higher performance notebook without banging big buck. Given that budget gaming laptops were rare in local market, the ASUS GL553VD did a very good job in the performance against the price it offers.
