ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701GV review: slim 17-inch gaming power

Editor note: This article is an original English adaptation based on a Notebook-Center.ru review of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701GV.

Overview

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701GV is a premium 17.3-inch gaming notebook built for users who want strong gaming hardware in a thinner and more travel-friendly chassis than most large gaming laptops. The source configuration combines an Intel Core i7-8750H processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics, 16 GB of memory, and a 1 TB SSD. It is positioned as a high-end model, so the main question is not basic speed, but whether its design choices and battery life fit the buyer.

Technical Specifications

Design and Build

For a 17-inch gaming machine, this notebook aims to feel unusually slim and portable. The aluminum-alloy chassis, narrow display bezels, and 19 mm profile make it look more refined than a typical bulky gaming laptop. At 2.6 kg it is still not light in absolute terms, but the source presents it as practical enough for transport in a bag or backpack. The keyboard is pushed toward the front edge, which gives the interior a distinctive layout and leaves room for the cooling design.

Display and Audio

The 17.3-inch matte IPS panel uses Full HD resolution and, according to the source, offers strong contrast, rich colors, and full sRGB coverage. Wide viewing angles and a 144 Hz refresh rate make it suitable both for everyday use and fast-paced games. Audio is handled by two 2.5 W stereo speakers with Sonic Studio support. The source describes the sound as clear and reasonably full, with enough volume for games, videos, and voice chats without immediately needing headphones.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard layout is one of the biggest design compromises. It is described as comfortable in use, with clear feedback, moderate key travel, visible legends, and per-key RGB lighting, but its forward position and compact feel may not suit every user. A notable extra is the vertical volume wheel above the keyboard. The touchpad sits to the right and includes a touch-based numeric keypad, which is useful when entering numbers and helps compensate for the unusual keyboard placement.

Performance and Gaming

This configuration is built for more than casual use. The six-core Core i7-8750H and 16 GB of DDR4 memory give it enough headroom for demanding applications and multitasking, while the 1 TB SSD keeps storage fast and responsive. Gaming is the main reason to buy this model: the GeForce RTX 2060 is presented as capable of running modern titles at the laptop's native Full HD resolution with high or maximum settings. The source specifically reports smooth results in games such as Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Need for Speed Heat, and Ghost Recon Breakpoint.

Ports and Battery

Connectivity focuses on current essentials, including three USB 3.1 ports, two USB Type-C connections, HDMI, wireless networking, Bluetooth 5.0, and a combo audio jack. The source materials are not fully consistent about wired LAN: the specifications list RJ-45, while the ports section says it is absent. Battery life is a clearer weak point. With a 5000 mAh battery, the notebook is said to last only about one hour in games, while lighter use such as web browsing, voice communication, or video can reach roughly 4.5 to 5 hours with reduced screen brightness.

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701GV is aimed at buyers who want a powerful gaming notebook without moving to a thick desktop replacement. Its main strengths are the slim 17-inch design, fast 144 Hz display, strong RTX 2060 graphics performance, fast SSD storage, and solid speaker quality. The main compromises are the unusual keyboard layout, high-end price positioning, and limited battery life under gaming load. For users who care most about gaming performance in a more compact large-screen chassis, it makes a strong case.