ASUS ROG Flow Z13 & XG Mobile RTX 3080 Review

1. ASUS ROG Flow Z13 & XG Mobile RTX 30802. Testing Configurations & Methodology3. Performance Results - Technical4. Performance Results - Cinebench & Blender5. Performance Results - Handbrake, 7-Zip, Memory6. Performance Results - 3DMark & PCMark 107. Performance Results - Gaming 1080p8. Performance Results - Gaming 1440p9. Closing Thoughts10. View All Pages

We have to give ASUS credit for designing and deploying such a unique device to the market in the ROG Flow Z13. The most logical comparison is via the Microsoft Surface Pro line of devices. But realistically, ASUS has no real competitor with the amount of horsepower that is squeezed into this slim and light chassis. Plus, the external docking solution gives ample opportunity to extend graphics performance and connectivity.

The Core i9-12900H is a fast chip that does well even in the 35W power-restricted form. Yes, there is clearly more performance available that cannot really be accessed with this chassis and cooling setup. But, it is good to see Intel finally offering chips that can competently scale down their power whilst maintaining good performance.

The ROG XG Mobile eGPU solution works well and achieves its goal of expanding graphics performance. Our previous testing with the ROG Flow X13 has shown that ASUS’ 8-lane approach for external connectivity is good, particularly when looping back to the laptop display. And I guess the inclusion of TB4 port also provides users with options, so that’s good.

But I can’t help but feel that Thunderbolt is still a more all-encompassing solution for external devices. Particularly as Thunderbolt eGPU enclosures will take a proper, full-fat desktop GPU.

Thermals, noise, build quality – ASUS does well on all these fronts. And I have no complaints about the peripherals either, particularly the high-refresh rate, 16:10 touch display which is good.

There are clear downsides though. 16GB of RAM is hardly inspiring for a device of this calibre. That will actually be a deal-breaker to many potential customers. ASUS insists on using a mediocre SSD even for a high-end, pricey device like this. The battery life is not very good and realistically will struggle with a working day of general usage.

And, most annoyingly, the single USB Type-A port on the ROG Flow Z13 is USB 2.0 spec. That’s utterly ludicrous. I am actually struggling for the words to explain how ridiculous that is for a 2022 device.

We will give ASUS credit for innovating with the ROG Flow Z13. But that innovation comes at a serious cost and really does present pricing as an issue, because the ROG Flow X13 AMD with its Ryzen 9 5900HS is £700 cheaper for the eGPU or non-eGPU solution.

At £700 extra for the Intel-equipped ROG Flow Z13 edition, you have to put some serious weight on the truly tablet form factor here.

You can buy the ROG Flow Z13, as reviewed, for £2999.99 (including RTX 3080 dock) from OverclockersUK HERE. The same laptop without the RTX 3080 dock is £1899.95 HERE.

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Pros:

• Superb, innovative design with excellent build quality
• Impressive CPU and GPU horsepower squeezed in
• Good cooling performance and power delivery
• ROG XG Mobile Connector is a benefit
• 1920×1200 120Hz touch display is good

Cons:

• No USB 3.0 Type-A (USB 2.0 is ridiculous)
• Mediocre battery life
• Only 16GB RAM
• Modest SSD Performance
• Very expensive even versus the ROG Flow X13

KitGuru says: ASUS deserves plenty of credit for an innovative, well-engineered solution. But the ROG Flow Z13 is an incredibly niche product with some notable downsides and limitations.

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