Expert’s Rating
Pros
- Performance matches its value
- Beautiful, shiny show
- Decent battery life for a gaming laptop computer
Cons
- Power connector doesn’t absolutely insert into the laptop computer (not less than on preliminary fashions)
Our Verdict
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X is a stable gaming laptop computer that gives aggressive efficiency for its value vary, though the ability adapter is missing some polish. If you could find it at a value that beats the competitors, it’s a superb selection.
Price When Reviewed
$1,949
Best Prices Today: Gigabyte Aorus 16X
$1849.99
$1854.99
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X is a strong, modern 16-inch gaming laptop computer. Our souped-up evaluate mannequin got here outfitted with nice {hardware}, a excessive refresh charge show, and whatnot. So, why didn’t I give it a better rating? Well, this sort of package deal is what we anticipate to see on a laptop computer that prices round $2,000. It’s a superb worth, however there’s nothing about it that stands out as an uncommon worth.
Gigabyte has gone out of its means to supply a “premium” laptop computer expertise and has total accomplished a good job, however there’s one thorn in my aspect and that’s the ability connector. It doesn’t fairly match into the laptop computer, which doesn’t match the type of polish I’ve come to anticipate from a high-end machine. Although Gigabyte says it’s fixing this downside in manufacturing, it soured my expertise a bit.
I additionally reviewed the cheaper Gigabyte G6X laptop computer concurrently this one, so that you’ll see me evaluate the 2 machines all through this evaluate.
Looking for extra choices? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best gaming laptops accessible proper now.
Gigabyte Aorus 16X: Specs
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X packs lots of highly effective {hardware} right into a 16-inch gaming laptop computer chassis. The Gigabyte Aorus we reviewed got here with an Intel Core i7-14650HX CPU. This is an Intel Core HX chip, a refresh of final yr’s Raptor Lake {hardware}. These appear to carry out just a little higher than Intel’s present Core Ultra chips, that are based mostly on the Meteor Lake architecture. However, these Raptor Lake chips lack the neural processing unit (NPU) that may supposedly speed up future Windows AI options, in response to rumors.
The Aorus 16X we reviewed was an Aorus 16X ASG mannequin, which has Nvidia RTX 4070 graphics together with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB solid-state drive. Gigabyte additionally has different variants that include Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics. Additionally, Gigabyte says it should provide variations of this laptop computer with a sooner Intel Core i9 CPU. And, as typical, RAM and storage may differ.
We must also handle the AI elephant within the room: Gigabyte is asking this an “AI gaming laptop.” For essentially the most half, that is simply as a lot an AI laptop as another laptop computer with a strong Nvidia RTX GPU. Gigabyte is correct about its AI efficiency — as we’ve identified, a fast GPU will give you the best AI performance. However, since this method doesn’t have an NPU, it’s unclear if it should assist the AI options Microsoft provides to Windows sooner or later. Microsoft hasn’t mentioned but.
Gigabyte reveals off the system’s AI efficiency by bundling a handy little device that may obtain and set up Stable Diffusion on your PC, supplying you with a graphical interface for AI technology of photographs by yourself PC. That’s actually tremendous cool and probably the most helpful “AI laptop” options I’ve seen but. The different choices in Gigabyte’s “AI Nexus” really feel just a little gimmicky: Using “AI” to regulate system energy consumption and fan pace, for instance. I don’t think about these will make an enormous distinction in system efficiency in comparison with different manufacturers with out these options.
- CPU: Intel Core i7-14650HX
- Memory: 32GB DDR5-5600 RAM
- Graphics/GPU: Nvidia RTX 4070
- Display: 2560×1600 16:10 IPS show with 165 Hz refresh charge and HDR
- Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Webcam: 1080p webcam
- Connectivity: 1x Thunderbolt 4 / USB Type-C (USB4, DisplayPort 1.4, and Power Delivery 3.0), 1x USB Type C (USB3.2 Gen2 and DisplayPort 1.4), 2x USB Type-A (USB 3.2 Gen2), 1x MicroSD card reader, 1x combo audio jack, 1x HDMi 2.1, 1x RJ-45, 1x DC energy in
- Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, gigabit Ethernet
- Biometrics: IR digital camera for Windows Hello
- Battery capability: 99 Watt-hours
- Dimensions: 14.01 x 10 x 1.06 inches
- Weight: 5.07 kilos
- MSRP: $1,949 as examined
Gigabyte Aorus 16X: Design and construct high quality
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X has a “sports car-inspired design,” in response to Gigabyte. Compared to cheaper gaming laptops just like the Gigabyte G6X, there are extra modern curves and visible touches, with a extra polished design total. The lid on high of the laptop computer is made from aluminum, whereas the remainder of the chassis is made from plastic.
The again of the laptop computer has a light-weight bar which inserts the entire sports activities automobile theme. The mild bar cycles by totally different colours, and you’ll see its mild by the hinge space between the laptop computer’s show and its keyboard. The mild bar has the “Aorus Beacon” — a small projector that initiatives the phrase “Aorus” onto the floor proper behind the laptop computer.
Complete with a “Team Up Fight On” graphic under the keyboard that continues onto the touchpad, it’s a extra historically “gamer” design than different fashionable gaming laptops, just like the Alienware m16 R2, which regularly attempt to de-emphasize the gamer styling. There’s nothing incorrect with that, and plenty of avid gamers will desire a design like this.
The design feels stable. There’s no creaky plastic, the hinge feels good in motion, and the lid doesn’t have an excessive amount of flex. At simply over 5 kilos, it’s a fairly good weight for a gaming laptop computer this dimension and with this sort of {hardware}.
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
One factor right here feels unusual: The energy connector. First, the ability connector is on the left aspect of the laptop computer — not the again, the place it’s situated on many gaming laptops. Second, the bundled energy adapter has a cable that sticks straight out — there’s no L-shaped connector that directs the cable to the again of your laptop computer. Because of this, I anticipate this laptop computer won’t really feel nice to make use of for individuals who use their mice left-handed. Even if you happen to aren’t left-handed, that is an inconvenient configuration for the ability connection that may use chunk of house on the desk to the left of your laptop computer.
Additionally, the laptop computer’s energy connector doesn’t absolutely insert into the jack. There’s nothing incorrect with that, essentially — the laptop computer works superb, and nothing looks as if it’s going to interrupt — however this laptop computer is across the “upper midrange” value bracket. At this almost-$2,000 value level, this type of fit-and-finish concern cheapens the general really feel.
This concern was not unique to my evaluate mannequin — I discovered evaluations on Amazon and YouTube that identified the identical concern. While I don’t suppose it’s an enormous downside deserving of a one-star evaluate, like that exact Amazon reviewer, it’s straightforward to see how somebody spending practically $2,000 on a laptop computer might be disenchanted by this type of factor.
Gigabyte supplied us with a press release saying the ability adapter protruding from the charging port is a identified concern and that there doesn’t seem like any downside with it — one thing I fully consider, because the laptop computer labored completely nicely in my testing. Still, Gigabyte says this isn’t the meant expertise and the difficulty will probably be fastened in July 2024, after which Gigabyte says it should forestall an analogous concern from taking place once more.
Gigabyte Aorus 16X: Keyboard and trackpad
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X has a traditional “chiclet” keyboard that feels nice to kind on. Its keys really feel snappier and fewer “mushy” than the keyboard on the extra bargain-priced Gigabyte G6X. That’s no shock — within the specs, Gigabyte says that the Aorus 16X’s keyboard has 1.7mm of key journey in comparison with the G6X’s 1.5mm of key journey. The keyboard feels good to kind on. It’s positively a extra premium keyboard on a extra premium laptop computer.
The Aorus 16X’s keyboard has three zones of LED lighting. It’s good and colourful, and the WASD keys — together with Q, E, and R — are clear to actually stand out and spotlight the LED lighting.
This is a conventional laptop computer keyboard structure with out a massive quantity pad on the proper aspect, like on the cheaper G6X. However, there are full dimension arrow keys, that are good to see.
The trackpad is giant and responsive, with a satisfying click on — a click on that feels snappier than the trackpad included on the less-expensive Gigabyte G6X. That’s a sample I noticed repeated all through the expertise, with most issues in regards to the Gigabyte Aorus 16X simply being considerably nicer.
Gigabyte Aorus 16X: Display and audio system
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X has a lovely matte show. The nicer show is a giant purpose why it’s value spending a bit additional for a premium gaming laptop computer like this one, if you happen to’re keen to spend the cash on it.
The Aorus 16X has a 16-inch 2560×1600 IPS show with a 165 Hz refresh charge. It helps HDR, together with Dolby Vision, and it’s lots shiny. Gigabyte says it has as much as 400 nits of brightness, and Windows says it has extra like 500 nits of peak brightness with HDR enabled. The colours, distinction, and responsiveness are nice, and it was a pleasure to play video games on.
It’s a giant improve from the Gigabyte G6X’s show, which is decrease decision at 1920×1200, dimmer at 300 nits of brightness, and doesn’t assist HDR. It’s not nearly that different Gigabyte laptop computer, although: Less-expensive gaming laptops incessantly reduce corners on the show to get the value down and embody quick CPUs and GPUs on the spec sheet.
The Dolby Atmos-enabled audio system additionally sound superb for laptop computer audio system. They have first rate quantity, and so they sound higher than the audio system on the less-expensive Gigabyte G6X — though they’re nonetheless built-in laptop computer audio system.
Gigabyte Aorus 16X: Webcam, microphone, biometrics
The 1080p webcam here’s a very good webcam! It’s additionally a really customary 1080p webcam — for a 1080p webcam. It’s a giant improve over the 720p webcams generally discovered on cheaper laptops just like the Gigabyte G6X. You received’t really feel compelled to plug in an external webcam if you wish to have video conferences on this laptop computer.
The microphone produces clearer sound than the built-in microphone on the Gigabyte G6X, with no background noise in a quiet room. It was surprisingly quiet — an issue I wasn’t alone in noticing. I turned the microphone’s quantity up from about 50 p.c, its default quantity degree, to 100 p.c, and the amount degree was superb. I might nonetheless wish to plug in a dedicated mic or headset for voice chat whereas gaming, however that’s at all times the case.
This laptop computer has an IR camera for Windows Hello, so you’ll be able to signal into your PC along with your face. The IR digital camera labored nicely in quite a lot of lighting situations. Less-expensive gaming laptops usually omit this function to save cash, but it surely’s good to have — it’s nice to simply open your laptop computer or sit down in entrance of it and have Windows routinely signal you in with no typing vital.
Gigabyte Aorus 16X: Connectivity
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X gives a wide array of ports, like most 16-inch gaming laptops do.
On the left aspect, you’ve obtained DC energy in for the charger, an RJ-45 (Ethernet) jack, an HDMI 2.1 port, a USB Type-A port (USB 3.2 Gen2), and a Thunderbolt 4 / USB Type-C port (with USB4, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB Power Delivery 3.0.)
On the best aspect, you’ve obtained a USB Type-A port (USB 3.2 Gen2), a USB Type-C port (USB 3.2 Gen2 and DisplayPort 1.4), a microSD card reader, and a combo audio jack.
On the again of the laptop computer, there are not any ports! Just fan exhaust vents and a light-weight bar together with that cool little projector that initiatives the phrase “Aorus” onto the floor behind the laptop computer. (It’s extra seen at nighttime, however I might nonetheless see it within the daylight).
The Aorus 16X gives bleeding edge wi-fi {hardware} with assist for each Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. You most likely don’t have a Wi-Fi 7 router but, but it surely’s nice to see this laptop computer is futureproof if you’re spending this sort of cash. Additionally, it gives gigabit Ethernet if you wish to go wired.
Gigabyte Aorus 16X: Performance
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X delivered nice efficiency in day-to-day computing use and gaming, which is not any shock due to all of the highly effective {hardware} packed into this laptop computer. Of course, we ran the Aorus 16X by our standard benchmarks to see the way it performs.
We benchmarked the laptop computer in its default mode out of the field, with the “AI Power Gear” setting set to “Performance” within the Gigabyte Control Center. This makes use of the laptop computer’s Mux change to spice up efficiency by letting the laptop computer bypass Intel GPU, however you’ll should reboot if you wish to use the laptop computer’s built-in GPU to avoid wasting battery energy away from an outlet.
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
First, we run PCMark 10 to get an thought of total system efficiency. This is an total system benchmark, but it surely favors the CPU.
The Raptor Lake-based Intel Core i7-14650HX CPU on this laptop computer delivered nice efficiency with a rating of 7,774, solely beat by the higher-end Core i9 CPU within the MSI Raider GE78.
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
Next, we run Cinebench R20. This is a closely multithreaded benchmark that focuses on total CPU efficiency. It’s a fast benchmark, so cooling beneath prolonged workloads isn’t an element. But, because it’s closely multithreaded, CPUs with extra cores have an enormous benefit.
Once once more, the Core i7 HX CPU delivered nice efficiency with a core of 8,428 within the multi-threaded benchmark. That’s a 15 p.c larger rating than Gigabyte’s less-expensive G6X laptop computer and its Intel Core i7-13650HX, which gives much less top-end CPU efficiency.
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
We additionally run an encode with Handbrake. This is one other closely multithreaded benchmark, but it surely runs over an prolonged time frame. This calls for the laptop computer’s cooling kick in, and plenty of laptops will throttle and decelerate beneath load.
The Aorus 16X delivered an excellent outcome, finishing the encode in 762 seconds — just below 13 minutes. Once once more, that’s solely beat by the Core i9-powered laptop computer we’re evaluating it to. It’s noticeably sooner than the Gigabyte G6X, which has a CPU with much less top-end efficiency. The Aorus 16X’s cooling did an excellent job right here.
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
Next, we run a graphical benchmark. This is gaming laptop, so gaming efficiency goes to be the outcome that issues most. We run 3Dmark Time Spy, a graphical benchmark that focuses on GPU efficiency.
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X delivered a rating of 12,723. It’s usually all about GPU fashions right here. And, as anticipated, we see the Aorus 16X and its Nvidia RTX 4070 come out forward of RTX 4050- and 4060-powered laptops and behind an RTX 4090-powered laptop computer. But the Aorus beat out the Alienware m16 R2 and its RTX 4070 right here, too.
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
Now, we have a look at some video games. We run the benchmark in Shadow of the Tomb Raider to check all of the gaming laptops we evaluate. This is an older sport, but it surely’s an effective way to match graphical efficiency throughout totally different PCs.
The Aorus 16X delivered a mean FPS of 137 frames per second, about the identical because the Gigabyte G6X. The laptops with RTX 4070 and RTX 4060 {hardware} we’re evaluating the Aorus to are typically in the identical ballpark right here.
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
Last, we run the benchmark in Metro Exodus, a extra demanding sport. We set the benchmark to 1080p decision on the Extreme element setting. The Gigabyte Aorus 16X delivered 50 frames per second on this benchmark, 20 p.c sooner than the Gigabyte G6X’s results of 40 frames per second.
Once once more, the story right here is all in regards to the totally different GPUs. This laptop computer’s RTX 4070 is quicker than RTX 4060 and RTX 4050 {hardware} — however nowhere close to as quick as a way more costly RTX 4090.
Overall, the Gigabyte Aorus 16X delivered nice efficiency with its Intel Core i7-14650HX CPU and Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU. The laptop computer’s cooling labored nicely, too: Gigabyte says it has “Windforce Infinity Cooling Technology,” which delivered good cooling efficiency. When gaming, the laptop computer’s keyboard stayed good and funky and by no means turned annoyingly scorching.
Gigabyte Aorus 16X: Battery life
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X delivered good battery life for a gaming laptop computer of its dimension. That’s doubtless due to its huge 99 Watt-hour battery — that is the most important battery the U.S. Transportation Security Administration will allow you to tackle an airplane!
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
To benchmark the battery life, we play a 4K copy of Tears of Steel on repeat within the Movies & TV app on Windows 11 with airplane mode enabled till the laptop computer suspends itself. We set the display screen to 250 nits of brightness for our battery benchmarks. This is a best-case state of affairs for any laptop computer since native video playback is so environment friendly, and actual battery life in day-to-day use is at all times going to be lower than this.
(We switched the laptop computer to Balanced mode within the Gigabyte Control Center for this battery life take a look at.)
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X lasted for 410 minutes — practically seven hours — earlier than shutting down. This is a finest case state of affairs, and also you received’t get this lengthy whereas utilizing the laptop computer usually. You’ll wish to plug the laptop computer in to get a full workday’s value of use from it. But that is fairly outcome for a gaming laptop computer. It’s practically two hours longer than the less-expensive Gigabyte G6X laptop computer, with its 73 Watt-hour battery.
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X gives stable {hardware} at an inexpensive value. Gigabyte goes for a extra “premium” laptop computer expertise right here, so it’s not a cut price that gives uncommon worth for at its retail value just like the less-expensive Gigabyte G6X. The Aorus 16X is an RTX 4070-powered gaming laptop computer that’s equally priced to many different laptops in its value vary.
Overall, it is a good laptop computer. It performs nicely, the show is gorgeous, and the whole lot about it feels very good to make use of. But that’s true about lots of gaming laptops across the $2,000 mark. Consider the $1,849 Alienware m16 R2, for instance: It additionally has an RTX 4070 GPU. The show is dimmer, but it surely gives a better 240Hz refresh charge. It has much less RAM and doesn’t have Wi-Fi 7, however its energy connector is in a extra handy place and it’s $100 cheaper.
I preserve coming again to that energy connector as a result of this laptop computer prices practically $2,000. For a premium laptop computer that’s all about match and end, having an influence connector that doesn’t insert absolutely simply feels low cost. There’s nothing incorrect with it and the laptop computer works superb, however that type of factor doesn’t scream “premium.” People spending $1,949 at launch will most likely need extra polish.
But Gigabyte says that concern will go away on future manufacturing runs of this laptop computer. You could also be studying this evaluate many months from now, with the ability adapter state of affairs resolved, and the Aorus 16X accessible at a great sale price. And, if you could find the Aorus 16X at a greater value in comparison with laptops with comparable specs, you’ll have a superbly good expertise.