Gigabyte G6X review: A value-packed gaming laptop

Price When Reviewed

$1,349

Best Prices Today: Gigabyte G6X

The Gigabyte G6X is all in regards to the specs for the worth. Gigabyte packed an Intel Core i7 HX CPU together with an Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU right into a 16-inch gaming laptop computer. The firm additionally went above and past at this value level by together with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of solid-state storage. That’s lots for a $1,349 laptop computer.

After that, Gigabyte began making compromises to maintain the worth down. But the compromises are all sensible: There’s nothing right here that’s dangerous. Everything else in regards to the laptop computer is serviceable, even when it doesn’t go above and past. If this laptop computer suits your price range and highly effective specs are extra essential than a flashy exterior, this could possibly be the suitable gaming laptop computer for you.

I obtained my arms on the $1,949 Gigabyte Aorus 16X similtaneously the Gigabyte G6X and used them facet by facet. The expertise was instructive: This laptop computer is $600 lower than the Aorus 16X. In comparability to that dearer laptop computer, I seen a blockier design, a less-beautiful show, and a scarcity of nice-to-have options like an IR digital camera for Windows Hello facial recognition. But whereas the G6X right here doesn’t really feel as premium as laptops costing a whole bunch of {dollars} extra, it does its job properly and presents a wonderfully high quality expertise.

Looking for extra budget-friendly choices? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best gaming laptops under $1,000 proper now.

Gigabyte G6X: Specs

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Gigabyte G6X is all about specs on your greenback. We reviewed a Gigabyte G6X 9KG mannequin that got here with an Intel Core i7-13650HX CPU. This is considered one of Intel’s Core HX chips, a refresh of final yr’s Raptor Lake CPUs. These appear to carry out a bit higher than Intel’s present Meteor Lake Core Ultra chips, though they lack the neural processing unit (NPU) that can supposedly speed up future Windows AI options, in accordance with rumors.

Our assessment unit got here with Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics in addition to 32GB of RAM and 1TB solid-state drive. That’s a wide selection of {hardware} for the laptop computer’s $1349 value. Gigabyte additionally has a mannequin of this laptop computer with an Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU, and Gigabyte says the laptop computer’s storage capability could fluctuate by area.

Let’s deal with the AI elephant within the room: Gigabyte is asking this an “AI gaming laptop.” It’s simply as a lot an AI laptop as some other fashionable laptop computer with a robust Nvidia RTX GPU inside it. And Gigabyte is true — as we’ve mentioned, powerful GPUs deliver the fastest AI performance on PCs right now. But there’s nothing further right here past an ordinary Nvidia RTX GPU regardless of all of the AI speak — the Aorus 16X a minimum of has a number of little software program AI options designed to indicate issues off, however I didn’t see any of these right here.

However, the dearth of a neural processing unit means it might not get future Windows AI options which will solely work on techniques with an NPU — we don’t know but! We’re ready for Microsoft to disclose its plans.

• CPU: Intel Core i7-13650HX
• Memory: 32GB DDR5-5600 RAM
• Graphics/GPU: Nvidia RTX 4060
• Display: 1920×1200 16:10 IPS show with 165 Hz refresh fee
• Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Webcam: 720p webcam
• Connectivity: 2x USB Type-C (Both USB3.2 Gen2, one with USB Power Delivery 3.0, one with DisplayPort 1.4), 2x USB Type-A (USB3.2 Gen 2), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x combo headphone jack, 1x RJ-45 (Ethernet), 1x Kensington lock slot, 1x DC energy in
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, gigabit Ethernet
• Biometrics: None
• Battery capability: 73 Watt-hours
• Dimensions: 14.21 x 10.19 x 1.06 inches
• Weight: 5.64 kilos
• MSRP: $1,349 as examined

Gigabyte G6X: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Gigabyte G6X’s design isn’t going to show any heads. Compared to the Gigabyte Aorus 16X, it’s a a lot “blockier” design with out sleek-looking curves. There’s nothing incorrect with that: This is a basic utilitarian gaming laptop computer by way of and thru.

This 16-inch laptop computer has Gigabyte branding, full with a silver Gigabyte emblem on the lid, the identify “Gigabyte” beneath the display, and a few understated “X” graphics on the lid and to the suitable of the touchpad.

Aside from that, it’s a blocky design, all grey chunky plastics. (Gigabyte calls it “Gunmetal Gray”). It’s high quality, however it doesn’t really feel or look premium — that’s no shock, as that’s what Gigabyte’s dearer Aorus line of laptops goes for.

Still, the Gigabyte G6X feels prefer it has strong construct high quality. This could also be a five-and-a-half pound brick of plastic, however it seems like a strong one. The chassis doesn’t have any bizarre creaky bits or questionable flexing to it, and the hinge feels high quality when opening and shutting the laptop computer. While gaming, the followers work properly and direct air out the again of the laptop computer, not onto your mouse hand.

There’s additionally not plenty of bloatware. It’s good to see Gigabyte didn’t make compromises there.

Gigabyte G6X: Keyboard and trackpad

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Gigabye G6X’s basic chiclet keyboard is okay to kind on. The keys really feel slightly bit mushy, and the keyboard on the Aorus 16X feels slightly snappier to kind on. Digging into the specs, I see the G6X’s keyboard has as much as 1.5mm key journey whereas the Aorus 16X has as much as 1.7mm key journey. The distinction is slightly noticeable, however this keyboard nonetheless feels high quality.

The keyboard has LED backlighting, however solely a single zone — only one coloration at a time.

One factor that stands out in regards to the keyboard is the full-size quantity pad on the proper facet. Many gaming laptops don’t embody a quantity pad anymore. Even the Aorus 16X, which is similar measurement, doesn’t embody this function. I’m personally an enormous fan of the additional keys right here.

The trackpad feels high quality — not as good as a premium glass trackpad, however not dangerous. The clicking-down motion feels much less snappy than on the Aorus 16X, although — it’s a reasonably middle-of-the-road trackpad expertise.

Gigabyte G6X: Display and audio system

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

To ship these specs on a price range value, it’s important to make some compromises. This 16-inch laptop computer’s show is a type of compromises. Like the keyboard and trackpad, the show is okay. It’s not dangerous, however it’s not excellent.

The 1920×1200 IPS show doesn’t have the very best decision you’ll discover on a show, however it’s not unreasonably low both. It has a 165 Hz refresh fee, which is sweet to see. It’s not significantly vibrant, although — delivering solely 300 nits of brightness, which implies we needed to flip the brightness up excessive for our customary battery benchmark. In addition, you gained’t discover HDR help on this show.

The show works high quality for gaming and day-to-day pc use, however it’s nothing to write down dwelling about. (Meanwhile, the dearer Aorus 16X delivers a extra premium show with the next 2560×1600 decision, far more brightness, and HDR help.)

The audio system sound high quality, as properly — they’re greater than loud sufficient and the sound is evident. There’s not plenty of bass, although. You’re going to need some headphones or exterior audio system to correctly recognize video games, streaming movies, and music.

Gigabyte G6X: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

The 720p webcam is a really customary 720p webcam. If you need one thing with the next decision, you’ll be able to plug in an external webcam. It’s good to see the webcam is there, although! I’ve seen price range gaming laptops with out webcams in any respect.

The microphone is serviceable — it did appear to choose up some background static, even in a quiet room. But it does work high quality. I might plug in an exterior microphone for gaming periods and on-line conferences, though it’s going to work in a pinch.

Biometrics are one other place the Gigabyte G6X cuts corners: There are none. Without an IR digital camera or fingerprint reader, you’ll be able to’t use your face or fingerprint to sign in with Windows Hello. You’ll be utilizing a PIN or password to signal into this PC. It’s a disgrace as a result of facial recognition is so handy for signing in on a contemporary Windows PC. But, as soon as once more, it’s not a dealbreaker. It’s an comprehensible omission to assist preserve the worth of this laptop computer down. (Unsurprisingly, the dearer Aorus 16X does have facial recognition.)

Gigabyte G6X: Connectivity

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Gigabyte G6X doesn’t compromise on the variety of ports it gives, which is sweet to see.

On the left facet, you’ve obtained a USB Type-A port (USB 3.2 Gen 1), a combo audio jack, and a Kensington cable lock slot.

On the suitable facet, you’ve obtained a USB Type-A port (USB 3.2 Gen 1), and a USB Type-C port (USB 3.2 Gen 2 with USB Power Delivery 3.0.)

On the again of the laptop computer, you’ve obtained a gigabit Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1 out, DC energy in for the charger, and a USB Type-C port (USB 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort 1.4 out).

This laptop computer does omit Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 — the USB ports right here use a previous-generation customary, not like on the Aorus 16X, which does present Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 for those who’re keen to pay for a dearer laptop computer. Again, that’s not a deal breaker, and for those who’re taking a look at this laptop computer, there’s a very good likelihood you aren’t searching for out the most recent and quickest USB connection requirements for high-end gear.

The Gigabyte G6X helps Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and gigabit Ethernet for networking. The Aorus helps Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. That’s good and future proof, however the Gigabyte G6X possible helps the Wi-Fi router you’ve gotten at this time — you virtually actually don’t have a Wi-Fi 7-compatible router but.

Gigabyte G6X: Performance

The Gigabyte G6X delivered snappy efficiency in day-to-day use, which is to be anticipated given all of the highly effective {hardware} on this laptop computer chassis. As all the time, although, we ran this laptop computer by way of our standard benchmarks to see the way it performs.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

First, we run PCMark 10 to get an concept of total system efficiency. This benchmark is designed to present us an concept of total system efficiency, however it’s quite CPU centered. The Gigabyte G6X delivered a PCMark 10 rating of 7609, proper round the place we’d anticipate it to be with different Intel Core i7 HX-powered laptops.

The upgraded Raptor Lake CPU right here delivers stronger efficiency than a laptop computer with Intel’s Meteor Lake Intel Core Ultra 7 {hardware}. This isn’t stunning, as these Meteor Lake-powered PCs have extra a concentrate on energy effectivity and AI efficiency with their built-in neural processing models (NPUs.) Despite all Gigabyte’s advertising round this being an AI laptop computer, it’s once more value noting that it doesn’t embody an NPU for accelerating AI duties — the Nvidia GPU has to offer the AI-related horsepower.

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.

The Gigabyte G6X delivered a rating of 7278 in Cinebench R20’s multi-threaded benchmark. That’s about what we’d anticipate to see given its specs. The Intel Core i7-13650HX CPU delivers much less top-end efficiency than the Intel Core i7-14650HX CPU present in another laptops, like Gigabyte’s dearer Aorus 16X laptop computer, and the scores present the Aorus 16X attaining a 15 % larger rating on this benchmark.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

We additionally run an encode with Handbrake. This is one other closely multithreaded benchmark, however it runs over an prolonged time period. This calls for the laptop computer’s cooling kick in, and lots of laptops will throttle and decelerate beneath load.

The Gigabyte G6X completed the encode in 979 seconds on common — that’s a bit over 16 minutes. That’s slightly on the excessive facet in comparison with another gaming laptops we’re measuring in opposition to, with Gigabyte’s Aorus 16X clocking in at 22 % sooner on this benchmark.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Now, we get to the graphical benchmarks. As it is a gaming laptop computer, the graphical benchmarks are essentially the most attention-grabbing. First, we run 3DMark Time Spy, a graphical benchmark that focuses on GPU efficiency.

The Gigabyte G6X, with its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, delivered a rating of 10383. The outcomes listed below are all about which GPU every laptop computer has — the Aorus 16X is about 20 % sooner because of its RTX 4070, for instance.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Next, we take a look at some video games. We run the benchmark in Shadow of the Tomb Raider to check all of the gaming laptops we assessment. This is an older recreation, however it’s an effective way to check graphical efficiency throughout totally different PCs.

The Gigabyte 16X delivered 136 frames per second with our benchmark settings, which is inside the margin of error of what the Aorus 16X delivered right here. The shift from an RTX 4060 to a 4070 doesn’t make an enormous distinction on this one recreation. Only upgrading to the $3,800 MSI Raider GE78 with its RTX 4090 GPU makes an enormous distinction.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Finally, we run the benchmark in Metro Exodus, a extra demanding recreation. We set the benchmark to 1080p decision on the Extreme element setting. The Gigabyte G6X delivered 40 frames per second on this benchmark, 20 % slower than the Gigabyte Aorus 16X’s results of 50 frames per second.

Once once more, the story right here is all in regards to the totally different GPUs. This laptop computer’s RTX 4060 is quicker than an RTX 4050 however not as quick as a 4070 — and nowhere close to as quick as a 4090.

Overall, the laptop computer’s efficiency is what we’d anticipate to see given its highly effective {hardware}. The cooling works properly. The followers are reasonably loud whereas gaming, about regular for a laptop computer like this. You’re getting the robust efficiency you’d anticipate from an Intel Core i7-13650HX powered laptop computer with an Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU. That 32GB of RAM is very nice to have, too, in a world the place many gaming laptops nonetheless include 16GB of RAM.

Gigabyte G6X: Battery life

The Gigabyte G6X laptop computer has a 73 Watt-hour battery. Battery life was center of the street for this kind of gaming laptop computer — many laptops have decrease battery life, whereas others supply extra.

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 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 all the time going to be lower than this.

The Gigabyte G6X lasted for 306 minutes (a bit over 5 hours) in our benchmark. You gained’t get this a lot battery life in actual use, so this isn’t an all-day-away-from-an-outlet system. Of course, that’s no shock — it is a massive gaming laptop computer.

The Gigabyte Aorus 16X lasted for 410 minutes as a substitute — that’s practically one other two hours over the Gigabyte G6X right here. That dearer Aorus has a a lot bigger 99 Watt-hour battery, which explains the way it’s in a position to ship that longer battery life.

Gigabyte G6X: Conclusion

The Gigabyte G6X has wonderful internals — an Intel Core i7-13650HX, Nvidia RTX 4060, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD — for the worth. It makes some compromises elsewhere on the laptop computer, so whether or not that is the suitable laptop computer for you actually is determined by your price range and whether or not you need a nicer show, a fancier design, a keyboard with extra key journey, an IR digital camera so you’ll be able to check in along with your face, and varied different niceties.

Laptops with Nvidia RTX 4060 GPUs are typically dearer than this. Laptops which are on this ballpark of value are inclined to produce other compromises: Consider the Asus ROG Strix G16, which prices one other $20 however has simply 16GB of RAM as a substitute of the 32GB on the Gigabyte G6X right here. Or check out the MSI Cyborg 15, which will get all the way down to $999 however does so by happening to an older Core i5 CPU, half the RAM, and half the storage.

Of course, laptop computer costs will shift over time, so it pays to keep watch over laptop deals.

If you’re eying this laptop computer at a very good value, the excellent news is that there aren’t any deal breakers right here. You’re getting plenty of nice {hardware} in a modest field. From the show to the keyboard, touchpad, and webcam, every thing feels high quality. Nothing about this laptop computer feels dangerous, and that’s a triumph in its personal method.