Notebookcheck Logo

Asus ASUSPRO P541 (i3 6006U, HD 520) Laptop Review

Linux office. Asus' 15.6-inch laptop will cost approximately 400 Euros (~$482). In return, the buyer will get a Core i3 processor as well as 8 GB of working memory and a solid-state drive. A Windows operating system is not included - Asus relies on Linux.

For the original German review, see here.

With the PU541UA-GQ1532, Asus delivers a basic office laptop that is powered by a Core i3 processor from the Skylake generation. It does not have a Windows operating system. Asus relies on the Linux system Endless OS 3. Laptops, such as the HP 15-ba077ng, the HP 250 G5, the Lenovo IdeaPad 110-15ACL, the Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V, the Acer Chromebook C910-354Y, and the Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV are some of its rivals.

Note: We tested this laptop with Endless OS 3. We installed Windows 10 afterward and performed various benchmarks. The outcomes can be found in the various comparison diagrams in this review. The rates measured using Windows were not incorporated in the final results.

Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532 (ASUSPRO Series)
Processor
Intel Core i3-6006U 2 x 2 GHz, Skylake
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 520, Core: 900 MHz, single-channel
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4-2133, single-channel, no memory banks, soldered memory
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel 100 PPI, BOE NT156WHM-N42, TN LED, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Skylake-U Premium PCH
Storage
SK Hynix HFS128G32TND, 128 GB 
Soundcard
Realtek ALC256 @ Intel Sunrise Point-LP PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 0 USB 3.1 Gen2, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: combo audio, Card Reader: SD, TPM 2.0
Networking
RealTek Semiconductor RTL8101/2/3 Family Fast Ethernet NIC (10/100MBit/s), Realtek RTL8723BE Wireless LAN 802.11n PCI-E NIC (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Optical drive
HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GUE1N
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 28 x 381 x 252 ( = 1.1 x 15 x 9.92 in)
Battery
34.5 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Endless OS 3 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: SD
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
2 kg ( = 70.55 oz / 4.41 pounds), Power Supply: 171 g ( = 6.03 oz / 0.38 pounds)
Price
399 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case and Connectivity

Asus is using a plastic casing for its P541UA. The base unit's upper side features a light copper-like silver tone while the display back and base tray are black. Asus also applies a grooved texture to the wrist rest and display back that is to simulate brushed metal. The build does not give much cause for complaint. The laptop could be more rigid; the base unit warps easily.

The laptop does not have a maintenance hatch. The casing has to be opened for accessing the innards. First, all screws on the underside have to be removed and the laptop is then placed right way up for removing the upper tray. We recommend using a thin putty knife or spatula. Note: The upper tray is secured with two plastic hooks that can break easily. Furthermore, two flat ribbon cables connect the upper tray to the motherboard. The cables do not have to be removed for replacing the SSD.

Asus' laptop is one of those increasingly hard to find laptops with a VGA out. An HDMI port is also present. In addition to two Type-A USB ports (1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.1 Gen.1), a USB Type-C port (USB 3.1 Gen1) is also found. Unfortunately, the laptop has only a Fast Ethernet port. Gigabit Ethernet has been standard for quite some time. The position of the interfaces is not ideal. They are on the left front side. Thus, the left area beside the wrist rest will not remain free of cables.

The installed memory card reader is one of the faster models. Transferring 250 JPG image files (approx. 5 MB each) is performed at a speed of 83.8 MB/s. We test the memory card reader with our Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II reference card.

Size Comparison

381 mm / 15 inch 252 mm / 9.92 inch 28 mm / 1.102 inch 2 kg4.41 lbs384.3 mm / 15.1 inch 254.6 mm / 10 inch 24.3 mm / 0.957 inch 2 kg4.32 lbs384.3 mm / 15.1 inch 254.5 mm / 10 inch 24.3 mm / 0.957 inch 2 kg4.32 lbs378 mm / 14.9 inch 265 mm / 10.4 inch 30 mm / 1.181 inch 2.2 kg4.85 lbs382 mm / 15 inch 256 mm / 10.1 inch 24.2 mm / 0.953 inch 2.2 kg4.85 lbs379 mm / 14.9 inch 258 mm / 10.2 inch 23.95 mm / 0.943 inch 2.1 kg4.63 lbs330.9 mm / 13 inch 227 mm / 8.94 inch 22.4 mm / 0.882 inch 1.4 kg3.09 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

Left: Power-in, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type C), Ethernet port, VGA, HDMI, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type A), USB 2.0 (Type A), combo audio
Left: Power-in, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type C), Ethernet port, VGA, HDMI, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type A), USB 2.0 (Type A), combo audio
Right: DVD burner, cable lock slot
Right: DVD burner, cable lock slot
SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
83.8 MB/s
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
37.5 MB/s -55%
HP 15-ba077ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
27.2 MB/s -68%
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
26.6 MB/s -68%
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
22.7 MB/s -73%
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
22.7 MB/s -73%
Acer Chromebook C910-354Y
 
17 MB/s -80%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
39.4 MB/s
HP 15-ba077ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
38.3 MB/s
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
26.6 MB/s
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
26.6 MB/s

Operating System

The operating system is Linux Endless OS 3. Endless Computers advertise that it is an easy to use operating system "Simple as a smartphone". Thus, the desktop design also looks a lot like that of a smartphone operating system. There are links to programs and folders and even a search bar is present. Overall, working with the operating system is easy and should not be a problem for Linux newcomers.

Users who would like to try Endless OS can download an ISO image from the Endless website. It is also possible to create an installation USB flash drive via the Endless Installer (only available for Windows). Installing the operating system does not take much time. Reinstalling Endless OS on the P541UA took approximately 10 minutes.

It is also possible to use Windows instead of Linux when preferred. Installing Windows 7 and Windows 10 is possible. However, we recommend installing Windows 10. Installing Windows 7 involves some obstacles. We tried it.

The drivers for the hardware have to be searched for manually. Some Windows 7 drivers can also be found on the included Windows 10 drivers DVD. The biggest problem is the future updates for Windows 7. The update function of Windows 7 cannot be used. Microsoft supports only Windows 7 (as well as Windows 8) for a few Skylake-based PCs and laptops from the business sector. Our review sample is not one of them. A list of supported PCs/laptops can be found on Microsoft's website. Future updates for Windows 7 would have to be downloaded and installed manually. Alternatively, the update packs that some IT websites provide could be used.

Installing Windows 10 is much easier. All missing drivers can be easily installed via the Windows update function after installing the OS. The included driver DVD is not needed for Windows 10. Unfortunately, an error message pops up when it is used anyway. The Asus assistant on the DVD reports that the drivers are not suitable for the P541UA. However, this is not true. The drivers have to be installed manually then.

Input Devices

Asus' laptop comes with an unlit chiclet keyboard. The flat, roughened keys have a normal drop and clear pressure point. The keys' resistance could be crisper in our opinion. The keyboard dents visibly in its center when typing on it. This has a negative impact on the typing experience. Overall, Asus delivers a keyboard that fulfills the needs of home use. Prolific writers will not be satisfied with the keyboard.

The multitouch ClickPad has an area of approximately 10.5 x 7.3 cm (~4.1 x 2.9 in). Thus, there is plenty of room for gesture control. The pad's sleek surface makes it easy for the fingers to glide over it. The pad also responds to inputs in its corners. It has a short drop and clear pressure point.

Input devices
Input devices

Display

Pixel grid
Pixel grid

The matte, 15.6-inch screen in the P541UA has a native resolution of 1376x768 pixels. The brightness of 250 cd/m² is too low, but - considering the laptop's price level - it is acceptable. Unfortunately, the screen exhibits PWM at a frequency of 200 Hz in brightness levels of 90% and lower. This can lead to headaches and/or eye problems in sensitive users.

264
cd/m²
260
cd/m²
250
cd/m²
270
cd/m²
262
cd/m²
246
cd/m²
244
cd/m²
231
cd/m²
223
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
BOE NT156WHM-N42 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 270 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 250 cd/m² Minimum: 13 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 83 %
Center on Battery: 262 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE Greyscale 10.07 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
Gamma: 2.36
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
TN LED, 1366x768, 15.60
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
TN LED, 1366x768, 15.60
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
TN LED, 1366x768, 15.60
HP 15-ba077ng
TN LED, 1920x1080, 15.60
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
TN LED, 1366x768, 15.60
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Acer Chromebook C910-354Y
IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Display
Display P3 Coverage
40.6
37.39
39.98
35.43
sRGB Coverage
61.2
56.2
60.2
53.3
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
41.95
38.63
41.31
36.6
Response Times
-57%
-44%
-55%
-76%
-63%
-91%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
47 ?(27, 20)
68 ?(32, 36)
-45%
58
-23%
42 ?(21, 21)
11%
42.4 ?(14.8, 27.6)
10%
38 ?(19, 19)
19%
51 ?(17, 34)
-9%
Response Time Black / White *
11 ?(7, 4)
26 ?(20, 6)
-136%
23
-109%
22 ?(6, 16)
-100%
28.8 ?(10.8, 18)
-162%
27 ?(16, 11)
-145%
30 ?(8, 22)
-173%
PWM Frequency
200 ?(90)
217 ?(90)
9%
200 ?(90)
0%
50 ?(70)
-75%
Screen
-7%
-3%
-17%
-19%
10%
4%
Brightness middle
262
226
-14%
253
-3%
209
-20%
199.8
-24%
214
-18%
254
-3%
Brightness
250
217
-13%
246
-2%
200
-20%
199
-20%
214
-14%
244
-2%
Brightness Distribution
83
91
10%
86
4%
88
6%
85
2%
90
8%
86
4%
Black Level *
0.58
0.44
0.56
0.712
0.1
0.34
Greyscale dE 2000 *
10.07
11.1
-10%
11.05
-10%
13.48
-34%
13.33
-32%
3.86
62%
8.41
16%
Gamma
2.36 93%
2.35 94%
2.55 86%
2.34 94%
1.69 130%
2.42 91%
2.45 90%
CCT
10532 62%
11979 54%
11451 57%
15364 42%
15879 41%
6276 104%
6361 102%
Contrast
390
575
373
281
2140
747
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
9.84
9.2
12.21
13.24
7.99
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
16.77
17.68
20.66
21.52
14.72
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
39
36
38
33.8
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
61
56
60
53.4
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-32% / -28%
-24% / -20%
-36% / -33%
-48% / -38%
-27% / -15%
-44% / -28%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 200 Hz ≤ 90 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 200 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 90 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 200 Hz is relatively low, so sensitive users will likely notice flickering and experience eyestrain at the stated brightness setting and below.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The screen has a bluish tint in the state of delivery.

CalMAN - Grayscales
CalMAN - Grayscales
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
11 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 7 ms rise
↘ 4 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 24 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
47 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 27 ms rise
↘ 20 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 78 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Asus has equipped the 15.6-inch laptop with a viewing angle dependent TN panel. Thus, the screen is not legible from every position. The laptop can at most be used outdoors when the sun is not shining.

The P541UA outdoors (direct sunlight)
The P541UA outdoors (direct sunlight)
The P541UA outdoors (sun behind the screen)
The P541UA outdoors (sun behind the screen)

Performance

Asus delivers a basic, 15.6-inch office laptop with its P541UA. The laptop has enough computing power for office and internet applications. Our review sample costs around 400 Euros (~$482). Other configurations exist. The prices start at approximately 360 Euros (~$434).

Processor

The P541UA is equipped with an Intel Core i3-6006U (Skylake) dual-core processor. The CPU clocks at a speed of 2 GHz. It does not have Turbo. However, the processor supports Hyperthreading (two threads per core can be processed). The CPU always performed our CPU tests at full speed. We used the Endless OS and the preloaded Chromium 59.0.3071.86 browser for our CPU browser tests.

We check whether the processor can permanently clock at full speed by looping the Cinebench R15 Multithread test for approximately 30 minutes in Windows 10. The outcomes of Asus' laptop are all on the same level. Performance did not decrease.

0102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220Tooltip
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
436 ms *
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
Intel Celeron N3060, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
366.5 ms * +16%
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
Intel Core i5-6200U, Google Chrome OS
298.2 ms * +32%
Acer Chromebook C910-354Y
Intel Core i3-5005U, Google Chrome OS
275 ms * +37%
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
164.9 ms * +62%
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
147.4 ms * +66%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
135.3 ms * +69%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
142.6 Points +46%
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
Intel Core i5-6200U, Google Chrome OS
142.3 Points +46%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
140.4 Points +44%
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
134 Points +37%
Acer Chromebook C910-354Y
Intel Core i3-5005U, Google Chrome OS
115.7 Points +19%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
97.6 Points
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
AMD A8-7410, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
75.5 Points -23%
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
Intel Celeron N3060, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
58.5 Points -40%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
2059 ms * -19%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
1797 ms * -4%
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
1744 ms * -1%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
1734 ms *
Acer Chromebook C910-354Y
Intel Core i3-5005U, Google Chrome OS
1636 ms * +6%
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
Intel Core i5-6200U, Google Chrome OS
1240 ms * +28%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
Intel Core i5-6200U, Google Chrome OS
27414 Points +48%
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
20082 Points +8%
Acer Chromebook C910-354Y
Intel Core i3-5005U, Google Chrome OS
19700 Points +6%
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
19404 Points +4%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
19174 Points +3%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
18570 Points
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
Intel Celeron N3060, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
8303 Points -55%
WebXPRT 2015 - Overall
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
Intel Core i5-6200U, Google Chrome OS
373 Points +36%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
312 Points +14%
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
298 Points +9%
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
281 Points +3%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
274 Points
Acer Chromebook C910-354Y
Intel Core i3-5005U, Google Chrome OS
244 Points -11%
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
84 Points
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
84 Points
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
80 Points
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
AMD A8-7410, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
50 Points
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
Intel Celeron N3060, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
37 Points
CPU Multi 64Bit
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
222 Points
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
218 Points
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
216 Points
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
AMD A8-7410, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
166 Points
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
Intel Celeron N3060, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
68 Points
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
7388 Points
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
7364 Points
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
7188 Points
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
AMD A8-7410, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
6169 Points
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
Intel Celeron N3060, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
2256 Points
Rendering Single 32Bit
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
3236 Points
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
3227 Points
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
2596 Points
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
AMD A8-7410, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
1917 Points
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
Intel Celeron N3060, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
1216 Points
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
5371 Points
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
4415 Points
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
4265 Points
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
AMD A8-7410, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
3918 Points
32 Bit Single-Core Score
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
2062 Points
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
2012 Points
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
1943 Points
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
AMD A8-7410, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
1307 Points
Geekbench 4.0
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
4914 Points
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
4899 Points
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
4723 Points
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
AMD A8-7410, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
3460 Points
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
2593 Points
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
2468 Points
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
2158 Points
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
AMD A8-7410, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
1356 Points
Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
5109 Points
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
2639 Points

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

The system runs smoothly. We did not encounter problems. The laptop offers more than enough power for office and Internet applications. It is not possible to increase the total performance.

PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
HD Graphics 520, 6006U, SK Hynix HFS128G32TND
3269 Points
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
HD Graphics 520, 6006U, TOSHIBA MQ01ABD075
2937 Points
HP 15-ba077ng
Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), A12-9700P, SanDisk Z400s SD8SNAT-256G
2777 Points
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
Radeon R5 (Beema/Carrizo-L), A8-7410, Seagate Mobile HDD 1TB ST1000LM035
1956 Points
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
HD Graphics 400 (Braswell), N3060, Samsung CM871 MZNLF128HCHP
1661 Points

Storage Device

Asus has equipped the P541UA with a solid-state drive by Hynix. It is a 2.5-inch model with a total capacity of 128 GB.

Graphics Card

Intel's HD Graphics 520 graphics unit is responsible for video output. It supports DirectX 12 and clocks at speeds of up to 900 MHz. Asus has wasted some of the graphics performance since the laptop's working memory runs only in single-channel mode. The GPU would be exhausted more efficiently in active dual-channel mode and would consequently deliver more power. The dual-channel mode cannot be activated later in Asus' laptop.

GFXBench
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
23.8 fps +49%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
21 fps +31%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
16 fps
on screen Car Chase Onscreen
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
36.6 fps +27%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
28.9 fps
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
23.7 fps -18%
GFXBench 3.1
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
29.2 fps +24%
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
24.3 fps +3%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
23.6 fps
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
48.8 fps +12%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
43.4 fps
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
24.7 fps -43%
GFXBench 3.0
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
44.9 fps +32%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
33.9 fps
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
25.9 fps -24%
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
66.7 fps +27%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
52.6 fps
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
25.7 fps -51%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
90.1 fps +17%
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
90 fps +17%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
76.8 fps
T-Rex Onscreen
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
119.9 fps +22%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
98.1 fps
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
87.2 fps -11%
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD A12-9700P, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
1856 Points
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
1141 Points
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i3-6006U, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
1090 Points
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
AMD Radeon R5 (Beema/Carrizo-L), AMD A8-7410, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
899 Points
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
Intel HD Graphics 400 (Braswell), Intel Celeron N3060, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
382 Points

Gaming Performance

Some games run smoothly on the P541UA. These include games that do not have high hardware requirements. However, the user has to be satisfied with low resolutions and low quality settings. Performance-driven games like “For Honor” will never achieve high enough frame rates.

Emissions and Energy Management

The fan switches between inactive and active in idle mode. We measured a noise level of up to 32.6 dB(A). Unfortunately, the fan produces a humming noise. The fan speeds up during full load. The noise level climbs up to 40 dB(A) here.

Noise Level

Idle
32.1 / 32.6 / 32.6 dB(A)
DVD
37.8 / dB(A)
Load
35.7 / 40 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2042.346.941.437.442.32537.340.83732.737.33133.834.635.931.733.84034.433.434.831.134.45033.434.332.830.833.46333.738.235.633.933.78029.230.730.529.129.210029.13130.829.329.112525.928.226.924.225.916026.729.327.624.826.720026.228.230.725.526.225024.626.424.621.924.631523.92625.523.323.940023.325.324.62123.350023.227.125.820.823.263022.727.939.82022.780024.428.832.719.224.4100023.827.829.618.323.8125021.423.624.417.721.4160019.824.525.717.119.8200018.621.824.616.518.6250018.120.221.916.618.1315017.719.620.316.217.7400017.718.919.516.317.7500017.518.418.716.317.5630017.618.11816.217.6800017.518.117.916.217.51000017.517.917.816.417.51250017.417.917.816.317.41600018.118.318.216.718.1SPL32.635.840.43032.6N1.82.431.41.8median 21.4median 24.5median 24.6median 17.7median 21.4Delta3.44.85.32.73.4hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseAsus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532

Temperature

It cannot be said that the P541UA heats up. The temperatures barely exceed 30 degrees Celsius (~86 degrees Fahrenheit) only in some places even during full load. Thus, Asus could certainly have implemented a more conservative fan management.

Max. Load
 31.5 °C
89 F
27 °C
81 F
27.7 °C
82 F
 
 32.6 °C
91 F
29 °C
84 F
25.7 °C
78 F
 
 30 °C
86 F
29.5 °C
85 F
27.6 °C
82 F
 
Maximum: 32.6 °C = 91 F
Average: 29 °C = 84 F
27.4 °C
81 F
28.2 °C
83 F
29.7 °C
85 F
27.4 °C
81 F
30.7 °C
87 F
30.7 °C
87 F
25.9 °C
79 F
27.6 °C
82 F
28.7 °C
84 F
Maximum: 30.7 °C = 87 F
Average: 28.5 °C = 83 F
Power Supply (max.)  34.8 °C = 95 F | Room Temperature 223.8 °C = 435 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 29 °C / 84 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 32.6 °C / 91 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 30.7 °C / 87 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.1 °C / 81 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 30 °C / 86 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-2.3 °C / -4.1 F).
Temperature development upper side (load)
Temperature development upper side (load)
Temperature development underside (load)
Temperature development underside (load)
Temperature development upper side (idle)
Temperature development upper side (idle)
Temperature development underside (idle)
Temperature development underside (idle)

Speakers

The stereo speakers are situated above the keyboard underneath a perforated cover. They produce a very decent sound that tends to sound a bit muffled.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2048.137.448.12544.132.744.13142.631.742.64044.131.144.15047.330.847.36348.133.948.18050.229.150.21005229.35212554.424.254.41605624.85620057.425.557.425058.921.958.931567.323.367.340071.12171.150072.120.872.163072.62072.680070.319.270.310007018.370125067.417.767.4160063.117.163.1200062.316.562.3250061.416.661.4315058.616.258.640005816.358500063.716.363.7630066.516.266.5800065.316.265.31000059.816.459.81250059.316.359.31600048.616.748.6SPL78.53078.5N45.91.445.9median 62.3median 17.7median 62.3Delta5.32.75.335.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseAsus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (72.5 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 6.3% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (6.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 6.3% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (4.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.9% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (6.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (14.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 6% of all tested devices in this class were better, 4% similar, 90% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 13% of all tested devices were better, 3% similar, 84% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Frequency diagram comparison (checkboxes above can be turned on/off!)

Power Consumption

The power consumption climbs up to 9.6 watts in idle mode. This rate is a bit high for a basic office laptop. The power consumption climbs up to 27 watts during full load. This is a normal rate for the hardware platform installed here. The power supply has a nominal capacity of 45 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.5 / 0.3 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 6.9 / 8.9 / 9.6 Watt
Load midlight 19 / 27 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Runtime

Our practical Wi-Fi test simulates the load needed for opening websites. The "Balanced" profile is enabled, the energy saving functions are disabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The P541UA achieves a runtime of 3:51 hours - an abysmal rate. We expect a minimum runtime of 5 to 6 hours from a laptop like the P541UA.

It looks much better in Windows 10. The laptop manages a runtime of 6:39 hours in our Wi-Fi test here.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Chromium 59.0.3071.86 (Linux))
3h 51min
Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
6200U, HD Graphics 520, 45 Wh, Google Chrome OS
540 min +134%
Acer Chromebook C910-354Y
5005U, HD Graphics 5500, 48 Wh, Google Chrome OS
520 min +125%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
6006U, HD Graphics 520, 34.5 Wh, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
399 min +73%
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
N3060, HD Graphics 400 (Braswell), 41 Wh, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
376 min +63%
Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-C-16V
6006U, HD Graphics 520, 44 Wh, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
356 min +54%
HP 15-ba077ng
A12-9700P, Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), 41 Wh, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
296 min +28%
Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532
6006U, HD Graphics 520, 34.5 Wh, Endless OS 3 64 Bit
231 min
Lenovo Ideapad 110-15ACL 80TJ00H0GE
A8-7410, Radeon R5 (Beema/Carrizo-L), 24 Wh, Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
201 min -13%

Pros

+ matte screen
+ solid state drive
+ low temperatures
+ Type-C USB

Cons

- one-year warranty only
- short battery life with Linux
- Fast Ethernet only
- dark screen

Verdict

Asus Pro Light P541UA-GQ1532, courtesy of Notebooksbilliger.de.
Asus Pro Light P541UA-GQ1532, courtesy of Notebooksbilliger.de.

Asus has a basic, 15.6-inch office laptop in its lineup with the P541UA. The installed Core i3 processor has enough computing power for using office and Internet applications. The laptop virtually does not heat up at all. However, the laptop is not one of the quiet devices. The fan occasionally spins in idle and produces a humming noise. There is a need for improvement here.

Asus delivers a basic office laptop for at home with its P541UA-Q1532.

A solid-state drive ensures a fast-running system. It would be possible to replace the SSD, but this would require opening the casing. The installed keyboard fulfills the requirements for home use. Prolific writers should opt for another device. The laptop does not prove to be particularly enduring either. The laptop achieves a runtime of just 3:51 hours with Endless OS in our practical Wi-Fi test. This looks much better with Windows 10 where the laptop lasted almost three hours longer.

The preloaded Endless OS 3 operating system made a decent impression. Nevertheless, the primary reason that Asus has installed it is presumably for not delivering the laptop "raw" to the customer. The system is suitable for users who occasionally open a website every few days. Buyers who want to use Microsoft's office suite, for example, will have to install a Windows operating system. This is easy to do.

Asus ASUSPRO P541UA-GQ1532 - 09/05/2017 v6(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
67 / 98 → 68%
Keyboard
69%
Pointing Device
81%
Connectivity
36 / 80 → 45%
Weight
63 / 20-67 → 91%
Battery
74%
Display
77%
Games Performance
54 / 68 → 80%
Application Performance
69 / 92 → 75%
Temperature
95%
Noise
85%
Audio
53%
Camera
27 / 85 → 32%
Average
65%
74%
Office - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

Read all 1 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Asus ASUSPRO P541 (i3 6006U, HD 520) Laptop Review
Sascha Mölck, 2017-09- 8 (Update: 2020-05-19)