The AORUS 16X (2024) promises high-end gaming performance in a sleek package. This comprehensive AORUS 16X Review examines whether the laptop delivers on its ambitious specifications.
Gaming laptops face constant challenges balancing performance, thermals, and user experience. Furthermore, the AORUS 16X demonstrates both the potential and pitfalls of compact high-performance design.
Design and Build Quality Excellence
The AORUS 16X Review reveals impressive aesthetic choices that set it apart from competitors. The deep blueish-grey finish creates a distinctive visual identity that appeals to gaming enthusiasts.
Build quality combines metal and plastic construction effectively. This mixture provides durability while maintaining reasonable weight for a gaming laptop.
However, the three-sided air exhaust system creates practical challenges. The side exhausts push ports toward the laptop’s front, making device connections awkward during initial setup.
Additionally, the port placement affects daily usability for users who frequently connect peripherals. This design compromise prioritizes cooling over convenience.
Comprehensive Port Selection
The AORUS 16X Review finds excellent connectivity options despite placement issues. The left side features power input, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, USB-A 3.2 (10 Gbps), and Thunderbolt 4 with 100W power delivery.
Right-side ports include USB-A 3.2 (10 Gbps), USB-C 3.2 with DisplayPort, microSD card reader, and combo audio jack. This selection covers most professional and gaming needs effectively.
Moreover, the MUX switch significantly improves performance when set to dGPU mode. This feature proves especially valuable for gaming and GPU-intensive editing applications.
Therefore, connectivity options compensate for the awkward port positioning through comprehensive functionality and performance benefits.
Display Performance Analysis
The AORUS 16X Review highlights a impressive 2560×1600 resolution display with 165Hz refresh rate. G-Sync and Advanced Optimus support enhance gaming smoothness significantly.
Display quality includes 100% sRGB coverage, Pantone validation, and TÜV Rheinland certification. Dolby Vision support adds professional-grade color accuracy for content creation work.
However, the RTX 4070 GPU capability suggests potential for higher refresh rates. The current 165Hz specification feels conservative given the hardware’s gaming performance potential.
Nevertheless, the display excels for both gaming and editing applications. Professional color accuracy makes it suitable for content creators requiring precise visual representation.
Input Device Experience
Keyboard performance in this AORUS 16X Review shows mixed results with serviceable feel but disappointing execution. Key travel proves sufficient, but the bottom-out sensation feels mushy and imprecise.
Backlighting uses zone-based illumination rather than per-key RGB. This approach reduces customization options compared to premium gaming laptop standards.
Additionally, the non-clicky key feel disappoints given the laptop’s positioning and pricing. The AORUS logo backlight projection appears tacky rather than premium.
The trackpad offers smooth operation with accurate pointer control. Off-center positioning requires excellent palm rejection, which generally performs well during typing sessions.
Audio Quality Assessment
Speaker performance emerges as a highlight in this AORUS 16X Review. The audio system delivers loud, bass-heavy sound with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Access enhancement.
Sound quality suits gaming and media consumption effectively. The powerful bass response creates immersive experiences during action sequences and competitive gaming.
However, bass occasionally overpowers vocal clarity. Audiophiles might find the sound signature too aggressive for music listening or professional audio work.
Therefore, the speakers excel for gaming but may require equalization adjustments for balanced audio reproduction across different content types.
Software Experience Challenges
The AORUS 16X Review identifies significant software optimization issues that impact user experience. Gigabyte Control Center serves as the primary software hub but feels cluttered and unintuitive.
Features like stable diffusion image generation seem unnecessary for most gaming laptop users. Essential functions like display refresh rate switching and power profile management require software interaction.
Competitors like ASUS ROG offer simple keyboard shortcuts for common adjustments. The AORUS 16X forces users to navigate software menus for basic functionality changes.
Furthermore, system tray access improvements would enhance daily usability significantly. Current software design creates unnecessary friction for routine adjustments.
Gaming Performance Excellence
Gaming performance represents a strength in this AORUS 16X Review despite software limitations. Marvel Rivals testing at 2560×1600 ultra settings revealed solid frame rates without ray tracing.
The maximum “gaming” power profile achieved 41 minimum and 74 average FPS. Wifi 7 connectivity eliminated network lag during online competitive sessions.
However, fan noise becomes problematic during intensive gaming. Both fans spinning at 3700 and 3500 RPM create high-pitched sounds that seem louder than comparable laptops.
The “power saving silence” mode shows minimal performance impact but defeats the purpose of premium hardware. Users face difficult choices between performance and acoustic comfort.
Content Creation Capabilities
Video editing performance proves excellent in this AORUS 16X Review when properly configured. Premiere Pro and After Effects handle full-resolution preview and rendering effectively.
A complete one-hour podcast rendering session maintained smooth performance throughout. The RTX 4070 GPU provides sufficient power for professional video editing workflows.
However, After Effects performance suffers with complex compositions. Working with 3-4 layers causes noticeable heat buildup and aggressive fan ramping.
Additionally, timeline responsiveness occasionally suffers during intensive effects processing. Thermal throttling may impact sustained professional workloads requiring consistent performance.
Thermal Management Concerns
The AORUS 16X Review reveals significant thermal challenges that impact overall user experience. Fan RPMs reach up to 5300 with distinctly high-pitched tones.
Acoustic performance suffers compared to similarly specced competitors. While compact high-performance systems require strong cooling, better fan noise management remains possible.
Power saving mode keeps the laptop generally quiet during everyday tasks. However, fans occasionally spin up even during basic operations.
Therefore, thermal management represents the laptop’s most significant weakness. Improved fan curves and acoustic tuning could dramatically enhance user satisfaction.
Battery Life and Portability
Battery performance in this AORUS 16X Review shows typical gaming laptop limitations. Web surfing, office work, and video streaming provide 4-5 hours at 30% brightness.
The display refresh rate drops to 60Hz during battery operation to extend runtime. Sometimes performance lags when unplugged, affecting basic software operation.
The left USB-C port supports 100W charging for light usage scenarios. This feature reduces the need to carry the heavy 240W adapter for basic tasks.
However, unplugged performance limitations affect productivity workflows. Users should expect compromised experience when working away from power outlets.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
This AORUS 16X Review concludes that excellent hardware and display quality cannot overcome significant usability issues. Gaming and editing performance satisfy demanding users when properly tuned.
Fan noise under load and unintuitive software experience detract from the laptop’s full potential. These issues prevent it from competing effectively with more refined alternatives.
Future software updates addressing Control Center usability could improve the overall experience. Thermal acoustic improvements would significantly enhance daily usability.
Currently, the AORUS 16X requires discounted pricing to justify its compromises. Other market options deliver more polished user experiences at similar price points.
Therefore, potential buyers should carefully consider their tolerance for fan noise and software complexity before purchasing this otherwise capable gaming laptop.