The latest generation of ROG Strix G15 laptops, particularly the G513RW, aren’t aiming to be the absolute best gaming laptops available, but rather to strike a balance between price, features, and performance. This device has an efficient processor and a high-resolution display, as well as current-generation standards for everything from RAM to storage to communications. As long as you don’t want ray traced effects turned up to the highest quality, gaming performance at 2560×1440 is quite good. There’s enough power here to keep you happy for a few years if you have the budget for it. While not exactly light, the ROG Strix G15 is compact and portable enough to serve as your daily laptop and can perform multiple functions.
The keyboard and trackpad are both comfortable, and the speakers are an unexpected bonus. AMD does not manufacture gaming laptops, but this is the closest you’ll get. Asus has done everything possible in the design to make the G15 Advantage Edition scream AMD. The aluminum lid features the standard Strix two-toned pattern, with a diagonal line cutting an all-black cover with a dot pattern. When the computer is turned on, the Asus ROG logo illuminates, but there is another logo on the lid: AMD’s. It’s in the lower-left corner, but it’s not lit up and isn’t as visible.
The hinge is black, and the AMD is red. That bright cherry part is engraved with ” / R.” Could it be Ryzen, Radeon, or ROG? That’s a replaceable cap, and if you prefer something a little less flashy, two other caps are included, one in gray and one in a clear smokey color, both with the word “ROG” on them. They’re easily removable and magnetically attached. Asus promises to make and 3D print the hinge cap pattern available on Shapeways. Asus did something similar with the ROG Strix Scar 17 G733.
AMD’s influence extends all the way to the bottom of the laptop. One of the bright red rubber feet says “back on top.” The entire thing is a treasure trove of Team Red and ROG brand references and Easter eggs. When the lid is lifted, a light show is revealed. The keyboard is fully RGB, and there’s also a light bar on the bottom of the machine that illuminates when you open it. The WASD keys are visible, displaying maximum lighting and the uninteresting design of membrane switches. The deck has a soft-touch paint finish that feels good against your wrists while typing or gaming.
There are two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the left side, but no ports at all on the right. The rest of the ports are on the back: a third USB Type-A port, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, HDMI output, an Ethernet jack, and the power connector. Many gaming laptops have ports on the back, but the majority also have ports on both sides of the machine.