AMD had a wildly eventful keynote at CES 2022, jam-packed with bulletins. In the course of the festivities, CEO Dr. Lisa Su, Frank Azor, Jason Banta, and Laura Smith collectively revealed a big selection of merchandise, together with the Radeon RX 6500 XT, Ryzen 6000 sequence cellular processors, and refreshed Radeon RX 6000S sequence cellular GPUs, together with AMD Benefit program updates, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and next-gen Ryzen 7000 desktop processors. There was a mountain of knowledge to unpack after the occasion, however as time passes issues are coming into focus. We not too long ago had the possibility to take a look at the Radeon RX 6500 XT, for instance, and at present we get to tinker with a highly-anticipated A+A pocket book, packing a Ryzen 6000 sequence cellular processor and Radeon RX 6800S GPU, the newly-updated ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 for 2022.
We took a take a look at the primary ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 constructed across the Ryzen 4000 sequence and NVIDIA RTX graphics a few years again and got here away impressed. Regardless of packing some critical CPU and GPU sources, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 had a comparatively svelte type issue and it supplied wonderful all-around efficiency with good battery life. This newest ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 for 2022 borrows a lot of the design philosophy of the unique, however leverages AMD’s newest cellular CPU and platform applied sciences, paired to an incredible show, packed in a 14” machine, that’s solely 19.5mm large and weighs lower than 4lbs.
Efficiency Replace – June 3, 2022:
We felt it was worthwhile to take one other take a look at the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14’s long-term efficiency, put up quite a few AMD software program and firmware updates. How did it maintain up? In a phrase, nice however discover out for your self right here. We have added the efficiency replace to the ultimate web page of this text and we have added some current video protection, as you possibly can see, as effectively.
Here is a take a look at the precise ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 configuration we received to play with, together with a video tour, if you would like get a greater bodily view of the system. As you will see, it’s a potent, however engaging little beast…
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022) Gaming Laptop computer Specs
Earlier than we dig into the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, we have to talk about what makes the brand new AMD Ryzen 6000 sequence cellular processors and platform tick. At a high-level, they function a refinement of the prevailing Zen 3 structure, dubbed Zen3+, that’s been closely optimized for energy effectivity. The built-in graphics processor has additionally been up to date. Whereas Ryzen 4000 and 5000 sequence processors with built-in graphics leveraged older GPU architectures, the Ryzen 6000 sequence will get a no-compromise RDNA 2-based iGPU, with the identical function set as different Navi-based graphics playing cards – simply scaled again for cellular functions. The platform has additionally been up to date with assist for DDR5 reminiscence, PCIe Gen 4, and USB 4.
AMD Ryzen 6000 Sequence Cellular Platform
Ryzen 6000 Sequence processors are manufactured on a 6nm course of node and have 13.1 billion transistors, versus 10.7 billion within the previous-gen Ryzen 5000 sequence. With 30%+ extra transistors, the Ryzen 6000 sequence additionally finally ends up having a bigger die (210mm2 vs. 180mm2), however contemplating the enhancements and enhancements made to nearly each a part of the platform, the extra transistors and silicon appear well-utilized.
AMD has optimized Zen 3+ in a lot of methods, with a laser give attention to decreasing energy consumption and optimizing effectivity. We’re going to cite AMD immediately on a number of the highlights…
- Leakage optimization: Reduces energy of all design components throughout the core complicated, a continuing effort for any silicon vendor as they proceed to put money into the latest course of applied sciences. Migrating to the TSMC N6 course of additional permits AMD to drive down leakage energy, along with continued refinement of chip format and circuit design.
- PC6 restore: Package deal C6 (PC6) is a sophisticated sleep mode for your complete CPU package deal. All cores have been energy gated, inclusive of cache and TLB flush; that is the deepest potential energy saving state for a core and is in impact throughout all cores. In PC6, the package deal I/O is wound down and points of the system transition to self-refresh the place potential. AMD has carried out a hardware-backed PC6 restore accelerator that permits the package deal to depart this mode 4X quicker than the earlier technology, enabling us to benefit from finer items of time with superior power-saving modes.
- CPPC Granularity: By now that AMD adopted CPPC capabilities within the Ryzen 3000 Sequence to place the firmware in charge of energy administration, which is should quicker than OS-level clock/voltage manipulation. New within the Ryzen 6000 Sequence, the processor can now implement CPPC adjustments on a per-thread degree quite than a per-core degree to evaluate utilization.
- CCX Mild C-State: Allows the information cloth to sleep and carry out DRAM self-refresh
- Delayed L3 Init: Can skip over L3 cache throughout core wake to speed up initialization time
- Cache Dirtiness Counter: Disallow core energy down if cache misses are excessive, so the processor doesn’t must squander energy and cycles to recuperate from misses throughout energy state actions.
- Selective SCFCTP Save: On entry into PC6, take a look at earlier core utilization to keep away from waking cores that will not have been servicing duties.
- Enhanced CC1 State: Implements a brand new technique for the processor to realize the CC1 energy state, which absolutely gates the clock and successfully shuts the core off. This permits us to be extra opportunistic with obtain CC1 gating
Ryzen 6000 sequence processors supply new Z9 and Z10 deep energy states, optimizations to the information cloth, and optimized reminiscence bandwidth allocation. As has additionally been the case with previous-gen processors, AMD Ryzen 6000 sequence processors dynamically react to no matter workload is being run on the time, by scaling voltages and frequencies as obligatory. Nonetheless, with these latest Ryzen 6000 processors, AMD can also be claiming deeper, finer-grained monitoring and gating, throughout even the briefest moments of inactivity.
Over and above the CPU structure, Ryzen 6000 sequence elements are additionally graced with the far more energy environment friendly RDNA 2 GPU structure. The brand new Navi-based iGPU within the Ryzen 6000 makes use of the very same graphics structure and GPU design philosophies as different Navi-based Radeons. As we’ve seen in a lot of our discrete GPU critiques, Navi is considerably extra energy environment friendly than its predecessors. And as carried out within the Ryzen 6000 sequence, Radeon 600M iGPUs supply a large improve in efficiency. We’ll present you simply how massive within the benchmarks forward.
The newest ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is an A+A AMD Benefit notebooks that leverages AMD applied sciences high to backside. Along with the Ryzen 6000 sequence processor, the system additionally incorporates a Radeon RX 6800S discrete GPU. And that GPU is paired to a MUX swap to permit for direct-connection to the show for optimum efficiency.
Just like the Radeon RX 6000M, the RX 6800S options 32 enhanced compute items, with 32MB Infinity Cache, however the GPU is paired to 8GB of quicker GDDR6 reminiscence and AMD is ready to wring out considerably increased clocks from the half. The Radeon RX 6800S as configured within the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 has a 80W base TDP, with a max enhance clock of 1,975MHz. When using SmartShift Max, nonetheless, which permit the CPU and GPU to “share” any obtainable energy and thermal headroom obtainable within the system, the Radeon RX 6800S can shift as much as a 105W envelope. In observe, this ends in important enhance in efficiency.
All informed, the Ryzen 6000 sequence is a better performing, extra feature-rich, and extra energy environment friendly platform than its predecessor, with extra advance IO applied sciences built-in into the platform. One other attention-grabbing side to the Ryzen 6000 sequence is that 8-core processors will probably be obtainable in each sequence, from the 15-28W U-Sequence on up essentially the most highly effective 45W+ HX-branded elements. 6-core processors are additionally options within the line-up.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 we’re incorporates a Ryzen 9 6900HS, which is an 8-core / 16-thread processor, with 20MB of mixed L2 and L3 cache, with a base frequency of three.3GHz and a max enhance clock of 4.9GHz. The iGPU is a full 12 CU Radeon 680M, with a max enhance clock of two.4GHz. Its base TDP is 35W. All informed, the Ryzen 9 6900HS technically falls about in the course of AMD’s preliminary Ryzen 6000 line-up, however its peak frequencies are solely 100MHz off from the top-bin Ryzen 9 6980HX. Paired to the processor is 32GB of DDR5 reminiscence and an NVMe SSD.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 With Ryzen & Radeon 6000
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is a refinement of its predecessor, which bears some resemblance to previous-gen choices within the Zephyrus M and G households. The chassis on this technique of constructed from a magnesium-aluminum alloy, with an aluminum lid, and composite backside. The system we’ve got right here with the AniMe Matrix LED lid weighs in at 3.85lbs, and it feels sturdy and important in-hand. In case you’re questioning, the AniMe Matrix refers at an array of LEDs constructed into the lid on the ROG Zephyrus G14 that may be personalized to indicate textual content, scroll animations, and so on. Fashions with out the AniMe Matrix are barely thinner (by 1mm) and likewise considerably lighter (3.63lbs).
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 Show High quality And Expertise
As its identify suggests, the ROG Zephyrus G14 packs a 14” show. Our specific configuration incorporates a attractive WQXGA panel (native decision 2560×1600) with a 3ms response time and 120Hz refresh charge. Max brightness is 500nits. In observe, we discovered this show to supply superb viewing angles, and wealthy, correct and balanced shade replica. The display can also be good and brilliant; we measured 412lux at most brightness on the middle of the show.
The ROG Zephyrus G14 measures 12.3” x 8.9” x .76” (31.2 x 22.7 x 1.95cm), which is considerably larger and thicker than a premium, thin-and-light, non-gaming Ultrabook (which is to be anticipated), and a bit bigger than the previous-gen G14, however it’s nonetheless lots moveable and simple to tote round.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 Construct High quality & Design
Although this machine targets players, its design language is considerably understated and nowhere close to as gaudy as most different gaming-oriented notebooks – when the AniMe Matrix LEDs are disabled at the very least. When that function is enabled, and the lights are blaring, there’s no mistaking it as something aside from a gaming pocket book. Our pattern is white, however methods will even be obtainable in Grey.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 incorporates a clear keyboard deck and a stylized lid with a number of perforations and a small ROG badge in a single nook. The keyboard is spaced out properly and gives good tactility and key journey. We did expertise some keyboard flex if we pressed the keys notably laborious, however it’s minimal and nothing to be involved about.
Off to the edges of the keyboard are a few speaker ports, for 2 of the system’s built-in audio system, and on the high are a trio of quantity keys and a ROG key for shortly launching ASUS ROG Armory Crate (extra on that in a bit). A trio of standing LEDs are centered on the very high of the deck and on the upper-right is the ability button. An excellent-sized touch-pad is centered on the backside. We discovered the touch-pad to work fairly effectively. It delivers responsive click-action for left and proper clicks and carried out completely mousing across the desktop, recognizing gestures, and so on. with good palm rejection.
There’s a respectable array of ports and connectivity choices obtainable on the ROG Zephyrus G14. On the left facet of the machine you’ll discover the barrel-type energy port, an HDMI output, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Sort-C port with DisplayPort 1.4 and energy supply, and a 3.5mm audio jack. And on the proper facet of the machine you’ll discover a microSD card slot, one other USB-C port, and a pair of USB 3.2 Gen 1 Sort-A ports. There isn’t any RJ45 LAN port, which is type of a bummer for critical players, however that’s simply remedied with a dongle if the necessity arises.
The underside of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 isn’t notably engaging. A lot of screw holes run across the edges and thru the center, there are two giant rubber anti-skid pads back and front, which span your complete width of the system, and there are a myriad of perforations to help in cooling and for an additional pair of down-firing audio system.
Whenever you open the ROG Zephyrus G14’s lid past 90 levels, its backside edge will make contact with the floor the system is resting on and elevate the underside of the system by as much as 1.5cm. Lifting the underside of the system is supposed to enhance the typing angle, improve airflow into the vents, and improve the effectiveness of the audio system (ASUS calls the function ErgoLift). Whereas we’re with reference to audio system, we also needs to point out that the audio output from the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is excellent, particularly for a pocket book this dimension. Quantity ranges are fairly good, however as is often the case with small pocket book audio system, do not anticipate a ton of bass. If you happen to’re gaming, headset is a should.
Wi-Fi, Ethernet And Bluetooth Connectivity
Networking and wi-fi connectivity is dealt with by a MediaTek Wi-Fi 6E MT7922 160MHz wi-fi LAN controller. The MediaTek MT7922 has a 2×2 MIMO configuration, so getting high efficiency from at present’s newest routers must be no drawback. There’s additionally Bluetooth 5.2 assist on board. What’s absent, nonetheless, is any wired networking. If you wish to join this technique to a wired community, you will have to make use of a USB dongle.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 Software program Expertise
ASUS ships the ROG Zephyrus with a reasonably clear Home windows 11 set up that’s largely devoid of bloatware. Fortunately, there was no annoying anti-virus / anti-malware pop-ups to take care of, although customers will probably be nagged to register the system via the MyASUS program. Apart from that, although, ASUS features a few utilities to assist customers customise and monitor their methods and get essentially the most of out the machines.
The principle functions ASUS contains is ROG Armory Crate. ROG Armory Crate presents customers with detailed system data, together with CPU and GPU clock speeds, utilization, temperature, voltages, and different data. Recreation Profiles, reminiscence/storage utilization, fan pace knowledge, Win Key lock performance, ROG Key, and a toggle for the Contact Pad and a lot of different are additionally built-in.
Together with the {hardware} well being and monitoring features, present settings will be seen by way of the radar chart and switched by way of the buttons immediately beneath. The default profile for the machine is ‘Efficiency’ mode, however customers are additionally supplied Turbo, Silent, Home windows, and Guide Operation modes.
Customers also can join their cellular gadgets to the laptop computer by way of ASUS’ app and modify Armory crate on the fly as effectively if you would like.
And with all that {hardware} mapped out, let’s get on with some benchmarks…
