As a tech enthusiast and avid gamer, I must admit that I was immediately drawn to the Gigabyte Aorus 16X. Its sleek design and vibrant RGB lighting caught my eye, but it was the performance under the hood that truly impressed me. The combination of an RTX 4070 GPU and a 14th gen Intel Core i7 processor ensures smooth gameplay, making this laptop a formidable contender in its class.
Rather than opting for hefty laptops, some gamers prefer portable options like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. Although these devices are compact and convenient, they can’t match the capabilities of a gaming laptop. Consequently, companies such as Gigabyte are still focusing on developing desktop PC alternatives. For instance, their Aorus 16X model features a 14th-generation Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics card, catering to the competitive mid-range market.
Beyond offering strong overall performance, the Aorus 16X aims to stand out with cutting-edge RGB illumination. Crucially, it needs to be potent enough to maximize a 2560 x 1600 display at 165 Hz. What’s more, its extensive use of AI technology is a significant draw. Game Rant was given a review unit of the Aorus 16X to determine if it can compete with top-tier 16″ gaming laptops.
Unboxing and Setup
The Aorus A16X arrived in a basic thick cardboard container without many items to unbox. The laptop was at the top of the box, protected with a vinyl-type wrapping.
Towards the bottom of the packaging, you’ll find the power adapter, a quick start guide, and some promotional materials.
A sheet of static-free paper covered the Aorus A16X keyboard, and once removed, the setup could begin.
In this specific model of Aorus A16X, a pre-installed Windows 11 Home license came along with it. To help users through the initial setup and installation of Windows updates, there was a custom Gigabyte-designed status bar. After completing the standard Windows 11 setup process, the system transitioned to Microsoft’s familiar interface. The Gigabyte Control Center then displayed notifications about updated BIOS and various driver updates. However, not all of these updates were crucial or would have a substantial effect on the laptop’s operation. The entire update process took roughly 90 minutes.
Design
The Aorus 16X appears quite professional with its closed lid, resembling a business laptop. However, a subtle hint of its gaming capabilities is given by the Aorus logo at the center and additional branding on one side. From various perspectives, these logos exhibit a slight rainbow sheen, but open it up and you’ll find its interior is far more vibrant for gamers.
Approximately 5.1 pounds in weight, the Aorus 16X has a slightly bulky build, yet manages space effectively. The lid is primarily made of aluminum, with hard plastic underneath, but overall construction is top-notch. Hinges, which can sometimes be problematic on laptops, are robustly reinforced in the Aorus 16X and rotate smoothly without producing any sounds of strain or cracking.
As I sit down to game on my laptop, I find myself surrounded by an illuminated gaming paradise, thanks to my RGB keyboard that claims about half of the laptop’s inner space. Beneath it lies a generously sized touchpad. The lighting effects are a treat for the eyes, and there’s even a subtle touch with diagonal lines extending from the right edge, running beneath the touchpad, and encircling the keys.
The keys on this laptop are slender yet offer a travel distance of 1.7mm, which helps prevent frequent typing errors. However, their slightly spongy feel may not satisfy gamers accustomed to mechanical keyboards. Moreover, the backlighting is evenly distributed across three customizable zones, with the transparent Q-W-E-R-A-S-D keys standing out distinctively as the focal point.
The large trackpad on this device is highly responsive, offering exceptional precision. Even those new to laptops won’t find it difficult to adapt to the integrated left and right mouse keys located at the bottom.
One characteristic indicating the Aorus 16X’s gaming orientation is the lightstrip along its rear border. Although it might be challenging for gamers to spot the Aorus emblem reflected onto surfaces while typing, they can still observe the illuminated LED light from the other side.
Gigabyte aimed to give a touch of design to the laptop’s bottom as well, with extensive vents following the pattern of diagonal lines, emphasizing the theme further.
Although several versions of the Aorus 16X exist, the laptop’s design and available ports are consistent throughout. On the left side, gamers will find the power connector, Ethernet jack, HDMI 2.1 port, and USB Type-A and Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports. On both sides, vents are positioned closer to the screen, where gamers are less likely to feel blasts of warm air.
An unusual feature about the Aorus 16X is its power connector, which doesn’t fully recess into the laptop’s side. Furthermore, due to the lack of a right-angled connector, its central position could potentially create problems for left-handed mouse users. In most cases, it would be more practical if other ports were shifted towards the rear.
Shifting over to the right, you’ll find that the laptop sports identical USB ports, a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones and microphone, as well as a microSD card slot. In terms of connectivity options, it offers ample high-speed solutions for gamers. However, those primarily focused on productivity might find the offering slightly limited.
Besides the somewhat awkward power port, the arrangement of the Aorus 16X laptop is generally well-received. It blends in during travel, yet it conceals a fair amount of flash within its interior.
Screen
The Aorus 16X features a 16-inch screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 and an aspect ratio of 16:10. Its refresh rate can reach up to 165 Hz, though the 2023 model boasts a panel that offers a faster 240 Hz refresh rate. Although it doesn’t have the contrast levels found in OLED laptops, its IPS screen provides excellent viewing angles. The webcam, with a resolution of 1080p, is subtly tucked away near the center of the top edge, and the beveling around the display is kept to a minimum.
On the Aorus 16X screen, while its brightness exceeding 500 nits can’t match that of top-tier 4K TVs, it does make colors appear more vibrant when High Dynamic Range (HDR) or Dolby Vision is activated. For those who enjoy watching high-budget streaming movies on the go, having Dolby Vision as an option can be quite enjoyable.
In numerous situations, the NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics card works well with a 165 Hz refresh rate and WQXGA resolution. Games such as “Counter-Strike 2” can be smoothly played at 165 Hz, and high-detail settings are shown without any interruptions in the frame rate. As competitive gamers track their targets, motion appears smooth, free of any stutter or lag.
Software
Users often find frustrating pre-installed software on laptops that slow down their experience. Luckily, the Aorus 16X has minimal extra software, prioritizing the Gigabyte Control Center instead. This app allows gamers to manage most laptop features, such as its performance settings, power consumption levels, and monitoring CPU temperatures, all from one place.
Upon initial launch of the software, it feels slightly unusual to encounter two separate tabs, one dedicated to the SSD Tool, and the other grouping the remaining settings together.
SSD settings are also accessible with shortcuts at the top of every screen, along with quick access to AI features and RGB Fusion. Users will spend most of their time on the General tab, crowded with small icons and sliders. Also, Gigabyte doesn’t do a great job explaining some settings, especially how AI Nexus affects the system. The idea is that the laptop can automatically adjust to how it’s being used, potentially saving power or boosting performance when needed. In practice, it didn’t seem to make much difference from the standard Windows power settings. Stable Diffusion generates images based on text prompts and other parameters, but seems somewhat out of place in a laptop control panel.
For the RGB Fusion menus, they’ve been simplified so that players can easily choose between different static or dynamic light options.
Specs and Configurations
| CPU | Intel Core i9-14900HX or i7-14650HX |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6 or RTX 4060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6 |
| Memory | 2x DDR5 Slots (Includes 32 GB DDR5-5600MHz, Up to 64GB) |
| Storage | 2x M.2 SSD slots (Includes 1 TB PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe, Up to 4TB) |
| Screen | 16.0“ 16:10 WQXGA (2560×1600) 165Hz Display |
| Keyboard | 3-zone RGB Backlit Keyboard, Up to 1.7 mm Key-travel |
| Speakers | 2x 2W Speaker, Dolby Atmos compatible |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi: Intel Wi-Fi 7 Wireless (802.11be 2×2), LAN: 1G, Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Battery | Li Polymer 99 Wh |
| Ports | Left Side: 1 x DC in 1 x RJ-45 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x Type-A support USB3.2 Gen2 1 x Type-C with Thunderbolt 4 (support USB4, DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 3.0) Right Side： 1 x Type-A support USB 3.2 Gen2 1 x Type-C support USB 3.2 Gen2, DisplayPort 1.4 1 x MicroSD (UHS-II) 1 x Audio Jack support mic/headphone combo |
| Dimensions | 35.6(W) x 25.4(D) x 2.0~2.7(H) cm / 14.01(W) x 10(D) x 0.78~1.06(H) inch |
| Weight | 2.3 kg /5.07 lb |
The Aorus 16X is sold in variations with RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 graphics cards. Buyers also have the choice of 16-core Intel i7-14650HX or 24 Core i9-14900HX processors. For 2560 x 1600 gaming, the i7-14650HX included in this evaluation unit should be sufficient for many games. However, the i9-14900HX, in combination with the RTX 4070, may boost framerates in some titles, especially at higher than 60 Hz refresh rates.
The Aorus 16X model comes equipped with 32 GB of DDR5 memory, expandable up to 64 GB. It comes with pre-installed Gen4 M.2 SSD storage ranging from 1 GB to 2 GB, with a maximum capacity of 4 TB. In certain regions, you might come across this laptop in an alternative shade of gray. However, the Aorus 16X offers relatively few customization options when it comes to purchasing.
Performance
Tests using software such as Cinebench and 3DMark are typically less nerve-wracking compared to testing custom PC builds since they don’t involve potential complications. However, these tests can ensure that a laptop is functioning correctly and gauge the effects of power-saving modes. In this case, all the tests were conducted under high-performance and low power-savings settings, thereby deactivating the Intel processor’s integrated graphics.
Cinebench is frequently the initial software employed for evaluating processors due to its ability to render 3D visuals for a full ten minutes, causing significant strain on CPUs. While graphics cards play a crucial role in determining frame rates, an underoptimized or throttled CPU can restrict a GPU’s performance. In testing the 16 cores of the Intel i7-14650HX within the Aorus 16X laptop, it achieved a score of 19,711, approaching the 20,000 mark attained by similar devices. As anticipated, single-core results were less impressive but not unexpected. Evidently, the Aorus 16X can manage demanding video editing and modeling tasks, as it reaches a Turbo Boost Clock of up to 5.2 GHz.
3DMark primarily evaluates how graphics cards handle the demands of contemporary 3D gaming, even though a portion of its rating is based on CPU efficiency. In the latest free test from Steel Nomad, the Aorus 16X performed almost average. When compared to similar systems in TimeSpy, it also fell slightly short of the average score. Keep in mind that overclocked computers impact these averages; however, the Aorus was kept at its default settings.
Numerous well-known game titles offer benchmarking tools that allow users to gauge desktop and laptop performance when playing video games. For the initial test, Shadow of the Tomb Raider was chosen. In high-definition settings, the laptop consistently delivered an average of 105 frames per second (fps) at a resolution of 1080p. However, at a higher resolution of 2560 x 1660, the performance dipped to a still impressive 79 fps.
Metro Exodus is a surprisingly demanding 2019 shooter that can bring GPUs to their knees at extreme graphical settings. The Aorus 16X consistently struggled to stay at 60 fps, encountering more issues at the WQXGA resolution. Regardless, the laptop matched the average fps of other RTX 4070 systems.
The racing game Forza Motorsport, which has been causing many players issues with persistent stuttering, was tested. This game offers complex visual settings, including an option for the game to automatically adjust graphics quality or allowing manual adjustment of numerous settings. For this test, the game was kept at its highest dynamic render quality setting, aiming for maximum framerate without sacrificing graphical detail. The Aorus 16X laptop experienced the most significant difference in average frames per second when switching from 1080p to 2560 x 1660 resolution. Whether Deep Learning Super-Sampling (DLSS) was turned on or off had only a minor impact on the results.
In the game Forza Motorsport, the mobile version of the RTX 4070 graphics card showed some restrictions due to its 8 GB VRAM capacity. It was challenging to find a balance of settings that didn’t surpass this limit, as the game recommended players to reduce graphics details in order to stay within this boundary.
If you’re planning to enjoy games like ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ or ‘Forza Motorsport’, the screen you choose can significantly impact your gaming experience in terms of smoothness. When equipped with a refresh rate above 60 Hz, the Aorus 16X screen performs exceptionally well, offering seamless, swift movement of characters and vehicles without any interruptions. Additionally, its display and GPU are compatible with G-Sync technology to minimize screen tearing even further.
On the laptop-focused side, NVIDIA’s Advanced Optimus is a notable feature found in the Aorus 16X. This technology intelligently switches between the dedicated and integrated GPU to save battery power. However, there can be a minor hiccup when switching graphical adapters, where Windows may temporarily pause for a moment, which can cause some concern.
Cooling and Fan Noise
Smaller gaming laptops frequently find it hard to keep CPU and GPU temperatures at a reasonable level due to limited space for ventilation or internal liquid coolers. The Aorus 16X utilizes Windforce Infinity technology to manage temperatures while keeping noise levels down. Two high-speed fans with 84 blades create a strong current of cool air, and heat pipes guide the dispersed heat towards numerous vents on the laptop. Additionally, cooler air enters the laptop through openings located on the keyboard and bottom panel.
Under stress tests, the Aorus 16X’s exterior stayed relatively cool compared to other components, even as the CPU temperature reached and surpassed 85 degrees Celsius. However, the claim of silent cooling wasn’t entirely met, as the fans tend to be quite noticeable during gaming sessions. The noise isn’t bothersome when you’re browsing online or working on productivity tasks, but even the least taxing games can trigger the fans to operate at high speeds. Fortunately, Gigabyte Control Center lets users customize fan curves. Unfortunately, finding a quieter cooling solution without risking CPU throttling is challenging.
Sound Quality
Gigabyte’s Windforce Infinity ensures efficient cooling, however, gamers might have to increase the audio volume for an uninterrupted gaming experience due to the background fan noise. The Aorus 16X comes equipped with a pair of 2-watt speakers that might not appear impressive at first glance, but they are potent enough to overpower the sound of the fans.
With the Dolby Access app already installed, gamers can choose from multiple EQ settings tailored for games, films, and music. Keep in mind that while it doesn’t provide authentic surround sound, its virtual 5.1.2 speaker arrangement strives to isolate audio channels for a more immersive experience. Furthermore, thanks to the inclusion of Dolby Vision, movies on the Aorus 16X will appear visually stunning, offering a portable cinema-like adventure.
Webcam
Video calls become more effortless with laptops equipped with built-in webcams, as opposed to adjusting a smartphone or tablet for the ideal viewing angle. The top bezel of this laptop houses a high-quality 1080p IR camera that stands out among mid-range models. It captures video at a smooth 30 frames per second and performs exceptionally well in low-light situations. An added advantage is that it supports Windows Hello, enabling users to log into their operating system through facial recognition.
Battery Life
As an ardent admirer, I’d like to highlight that the Aorus 16X boasts a robust 99 Wh battery. This powerhouse offers users approximately five to six hours of uninterrupted web browsing or movie watching. When out of juice, Gigabyte assures us that a full charge, using the provided adapter while the laptop is off, can recover up to 50% of its battery capacity. However, I found that finding the right USB-C cable and adapter for swift charging was a bit of a challenge.
Gaming reduces battery life by several hours, but that’s the case with any similar laptop. Gigabyte’s many AI power-saving features prolong this time, but not dramatically. Game Rant could squeeze out nearly seven hours in mixed usage without gaming. That ranks the Aorus 16X fairly highly among its competition and strengthens its standing as a gaming and productivity weapon.
Networking
Equipped to handle the newest generation of fast gaming routers, the Aorus 16X offers Wi-Fi 7 wireless compatibility, potentially delivering speeds over 5.8 Gigabits per second. In practical terms, this translates to minimal latency during intense gaming sessions, making an ethernet connection less necessary.
As a devoted enthusiast, I was thrilled to discover that my Aorus 16X laptop managed to hit 500 Mbps download speeds, making it the swiftest wireless device in the vicinity – even without Game Rant testing a Wi-Fi 7 router. Incredibly, there wasn’t a single instance where its internal Wi-Fi card dropped connection, not even with power-saving options engaged. For those who remain faithful to the rock-solid performance of a wired link, rest assured that my laptop boasts a Gigabit Ethernet port conveniently located on its left side.
As a gaming enthusiast, I can vouch that the Aorus 16X supports the cutting-edge Bluetooth 5.4 technology. This means seamless connectivity with my wireless mouse and exceptional sound quality with my wireless earbuds, all from a distance without compromising on performance.
Should You Buy the Gigabyte Aorus 16X?
Gaming laptops shouldn’t all look identical, and the Aorus 16X distinguishes itself with RGB lighting and a slick design. A 16-inch WQXGA screen looks sharp and colorful from any angle, with the benefit of Dolby Vision support. More ordinary for this mid-range laptop is its performance, but the combination of an RTX 4070 GPU and 14th gen Intel Core i7 processor keeps framerates steady. The only drawback is the laptop’s powerful fans that distract gamers when at full power.
The construction of the Aorus 16X is robust and exceeds expectations, while its slim bezels and well-organized design make it compact. Similarly sturdy is the laptop’s 99 Wh battery, capable of enduring gaming sessions equal to or longer than other devices in its category.
Gigabyte’s laptop boasts a balanced connectivity setup, featuring swift USB ports and Wi-Fi 7 for long-term compatibility. However, it could benefit from an improvement in its exposed power connector design. Similarly, while the Gigabyte Control Center includes AI functions, these aspects may not be immediately user-friendly or significantly impactful.
Instead of splurging on a bigger display and an expensive RTX 4080 or 4090 graphics card, which can rapidly increase costs, the Aorus 16X offers a great balance. It makes only minimal sacrifices but delivers significant advantages compared to budget laptops.
Related Products
| Alternate Laptop | Best Choice For | Price |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 5i | Core i9 CPU and 240 Hz display | $1830 at Best Buy |
| Asus TUF Gaming A16 | Affordable AMD Ryzen 9 16″ laptop | $1499 at Amazon |
| Razer Blade 16 | Excellent build quality and OLED display | $2700 at Amazon |
16-inch laptops such as the Gigabyte Aorus 16X attract buyers with their blend of power and mobility. For those seeking a little extra speed and a faster screen refresh rate, Game Rant favors the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i. This Legion model boasts a number pad that the Aorus 16X does not offer. Then, the Asus TUF Gaming A16 stands out as a more affordable option with an AMD Ryzen 9 processor. It’s worth noting that any conversation about laptops of this size should include the Razer Blade 16. Despite its higher price point, every version of this laptop features an OLED display for exceptional contrast.
FAQ
Q: Is a 16-inch laptop too big to carry around?
16-inch laptops can differ significantly in weight, usually weighing four pounds or more. Some designs optimize their size better than others. Generally, gaming laptops are the bulkiest for travel, but gamers often find them more portable than larger 17 or 18-inch models.
Q: What’s the difference between a gaming laptop and a regular laptop?
Typically, gaming laptops feature mobile equivalents of graphics cards found in desktop gaming computers. This means they are less compact than laptops that rely on the built-in graphics of their CPU. On the other hand, business laptops may not be able to run the latest games smoothly with high frame rates. However, they are well-equipped for handling intense office tasks.
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2024-09-10 04:07