ROG Zephyrus G14

Image: Best Buy

Computers have become a necessary part of life in recent years. Without a computer, it becomes more difficult to complete even some of the simplest tasks. In the high-end price range, there exist two distinct groups of computers: the powerful yet power-hungry desktops, and the more power-efficient laptops, which sacrifice brute strength for portability. The 2021 ROG Zephyrus G14 fuses these two form factors into a sleek, yet powerful laptop design. Despite only weighing under 4 pounds, the Zephyrus G14 still packs a punch thanks to its top of the line Ryzen 5000 Series processor, along with a mobile RTX 3060 graphics card, supporting even real-time ray tracing lighting. For a multitude of reasons, reviewers everywhere are calling the ROG Zephyrus G14 one of if not the best gaming laptops. After using the G14 for about a month now, I can say with confidence that these reviews are the truth.

Laptops are made of a few different parts that directly impact performance: the Processor (CPU), the Graphics Card (GPU), Memory (RAM), and the Storage (SSD/HDD). Each of these components affects a different aspect of a computer. The CPU is the brain of the computer, used to power most operations. The GPU is used to render and display any sort of information or graphics, and is often considered the most important component if you want to play new and demanding games. Newer GPUs support real-time ray tracing, which is the process of calculating how light will bounce and reflect off of surfaces to create realistic lighting, all in real time. Storage is used to save data to the computer, and its speed determines how fast your PC is able to load things. RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which is used as temporary storage for any data the computer might need to keep for a short period of time. Most modern computers have 8 gigabytes minimum, with higher end computers having anywhere from 16 to 32, and maybe even higher. Think of the difference between Storage and RAM like your Long-term and Short-term memory. Each of these components make up the brains of a computer, and they determine how well it will run. 

The 2021 ROG Zephyrus G14 hits it out of the park in this department. The processor in this specific model, the Ryzen 5800HS, performs exceptionally well with any task. When faced with the “Cinebench” CPU benchmark, designed to push a processor to its limits, it tears through it with ease. The G14 was able to achieve a multi-core score of 11,748 and a single-core score of 1,408. To put it simply, it performed amazingly well, and you’ll have no trouble with performance issues or slowdowns.

While processors do play a large role in gaming, arguably the more important component for gaming is the graphics card. The 2021 model of the ROG Zephyrus G14 features an RTX 3060, and there’s been no issues with it. After attempting to run a large variety of games, from graphically intensive games like DOOM Eternal, to simpler titles such as Hollow Knight, it’s certain that the power behind this computer is no joke. They’ve all performed exceptionally well, never dipping below 80 or so frames per second on some more demanding titles, many with real-time ray tracing enabled. Even VR games such as Half Life: Alyx and BONEWORKS run perfectly. Once again, you’ll have no problems running whatever you throw at it. 

In terms of storage, this particular model features a 500 gigabyte solid-state drive. While the specifics are unknown, it’s plenty fast, resulting in a snappy operating system with quick load times. The amount itself is a bit low, as many modern games can take up anywhere from 50 to 100 gigabytes of space, with some needing even more than that, so depending on how you’ll be using this laptop, you might want to aim for a model with a bit more storage. For short-term RAM storage, the G14 has 3 options, consisting of 8 gigabytes, 16 gigabytes, 32 gigabytes. As time goes on, more and more applications and games are requiring more and more RAM, so the latter two options are recommended.

Just like how a car needs more to it than just an engine, laptops have various other external components that cannot be overlooked. The few that most people tend to focus on are the display, the keyboard, the trackpad, the ports, the battery, and the build quality, each of which this laptop tends to excel in once again.

The display is a good quality 16:9 panel, but the specifics depend on your model. This model is equipped with a 144hz display, meaning it feels incredibly smooth compared to most other laptop screens. It’s only 1080p, but for a display this small it’s hardly an issue. Not only is it perfect for gaming, but it’s also a great size for watching movies and shows. It’s incredibly light for a gaming laptop, so it’s comfortable to have on your lap for long periods of time. The keyboard is excellent, and typing quickly and accurately is a breeze. It’s also got a backlight, meaning you can see it even in the dark. 

In terms of external ports, it’s decent. Featuring 2 USB-C ports, 2 USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an audio jack, and the charging port, there should be plenty of places to plug your accessories in. Battery life is also amazing under light loads, with an estimated 8-10 hours while not gaming. The trackpad is great too, with sturdy construction and accurate tracking. Speaking of sturdy construction, the entire laptop is built extremely well. It refuses to bend or flex at all, with the exception of the screen, but that’s normal for even the highest quality laptops.

The ROG Zephyrus G14 is one of the best laptops on the market, both for gaming, productivity, and entertainment. It excels in every department, making it one of the best options if you’re unsure of exactly what you’ll need it for. If you’re in the market for either a desktop or laptop, this would be a good choice for anyone.