Notebookcheck Logo

Asus RoG Zephyrus S GX531GM (i7-8750H, GTX 1060, SSD, FHD) Laptop Review

Unusual. Asus wraps the technology of the Zephyrus S in a thin and compact case. The hardware is able to render every current game smoothly on the matte 144-Hz IPS display. The possibilities to upgrade the device are very limited.

The Zephyrus S GX531GM from ASUS was not on our radar. Several weeks ago, we tested the sister model Zephyrus S GX531GS. While both laptops feature the same Core i7-8750H six-core CPU, the GX531GS is equipped with the more powerful GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q GPU. Today’s review unit has a GeForce GTX 1060. Competitors are the MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE, the Schenker XMG Neo 15, the Razer Blade 15 Base Model, and the HP Omen 15-dc0015ng.

Since both Zephyrus devices are identical apart from the GPU, we will not discuss the case, the accessories, the input devices, the display, and the speakers in this review. Please refer to the review of the Zephyrus S GX531GS for information about them.

Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM (ROG Zephyrus S GX531 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-8750H 6 x 2.2 - 4.1 GHz, Coffee Lake-H
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile - 6 GB VRAM, Core: 1671 MHz, Memory: 2002 MHz, GDDR5, 192-Bit, Nvidia 399.24, Optimus
Memory
16 GB 
, DDR4-2666MHz, Dual-Channel, one slot (occupied), 8 GB soldered to the mainboard, max. 24 GB
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 141 PPI, AU Optronics B156HAN08.2, IPS, 144-Hz Panel, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel HM370
Storage
Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8, 512 GB 
, 438 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC294 @ Intel Cannon Point PCH - cAVS (Audio, Voice, Speech)
Connections
2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 2 USB 3.1 Gen2, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: Audiokombo, Card Reader: SDXC, TPM 2.0
Networking
Intel Wireless-AC 9560 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 15.75 x 360 x 268 ( = 0.62 x 14.17 x 10.55 in)
Battery
53 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, McAfee LiveSafe (test version), XSplit Gamecaster, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.1 kg ( = 74.08 oz / 4.63 pounds), Power Supply: 553 g ( = 19.51 oz / 1.22 pounds)
Price
2100 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Size comparison

360 mm / 14.2 inch 263 mm / 10.4 inch 25 mm / 0.984 inch 2.5 kg5.56 lbs359 mm / 14.1 inch 243 mm / 9.57 inch 22 mm / 0.866 inch 2 kg4.32 lbs358 mm / 14.1 inch 248 mm / 9.76 inch 18 mm / 0.709 inch 1.8 kg4.05 lbs360 mm / 14.2 inch 268 mm / 10.6 inch 15.8 mm / 0.622 inch 2.1 kg4.62 lbs360 mm / 14.2 inch 268 mm / 10.6 inch 15.75 mm / 0.62 inch 2.1 kg4.63 lbs355 mm / 14 inch 235 mm / 9.25 inch 19.9 mm / 0.783 inch 2 kg4.48 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
693 MBit/s +7%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
Killer Wireless-AC 1550 Wireless Network Adapter
665 MBit/s +2%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
Intel Wireless-AC 9260
653 MBit/s 0%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
650 (456min - 801max) MBit/s
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
650 (605min - 668max) MBit/s 0%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
633 MBit/s -3%
iperf3 receive AX12
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
Killer Wireless-AC 1550 Wireless Network Adapter
694 MBit/s +7%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
683 MBit/s +6%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
666 MBit/s +3%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
Intel Wireless-AC 9260
666 MBit/s +3%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
650 (569min - 693max) MBit/s +1%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
646 (611min - 665max) MBit/s
04590135180225270315360405450495540585630675720765Tooltip
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø646 (611-665)
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø649 (569-693)
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø650 (456-801)
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø650 (605-668)

Display - 144-Hz IPS

Subpixel array
Subpixel array

The matte 15.6-inch display of the Zephyrus S with a resolution of 1,920x1,080 pixels delivers a good brightness (309.2 cd/m2) and contrast ratio (1,114:1). Besides, the 144-Hz panel shows off with fast response times. Although the laptop uses the same panel as its sister model, the measured values slightly differ. Two identical displays never have exactly the same values.

307
cd/m²
300
cd/m²
299
cd/m²
317
cd/m²
323
cd/m²
309
cd/m²
306
cd/m²
316
cd/m²
306
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics B156HAN08.2 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 323 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 309.2 cd/m² Minimum: 17 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 93 %
Center on Battery: 325 cd/m²
Contrast: 1114:1 (Black: 0.29 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.33 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 4.12 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
90% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
59% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
65.8% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
90.1% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
64.9% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.43
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Display
1%
1%
-2%
2%
2%
Display P3 Coverage
64.9
64.2
-1%
64.3
-1%
66.3
2%
65.8
1%
66.7
3%
sRGB Coverage
90.1
93.4
4%
94.1
4%
86.6
-4%
92.1
2%
91.2
1%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
65.8
65.1
-1%
65.3
-1%
63.3
-4%
67
2%
66.7
1%
Response Times
-72%
-58%
-340%
-98%
2%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
7 ?(4, 3)
17 ?(9, 8)
-143%
16 ?(8.4, 7.6)
-129%
39.2 ?(19.6, 19.6)
-460%
20 ?(10, 10)
-186%
7.4 ?(3.8, 3.6)
-6%
Response Time Black / White *
11 ?(6, 5)
11 ?(7, 4)
-0%
9.6 ?(5.2, 4.4)
13%
35.2 ?(20.4, 14.8)
-220%
12 ?(6.8, 5.2)
-9%
10 ?(4.4, 5.6)
9%
PWM Frequency
21190 ?(99)
Screen
-8%
9%
3%
-2%
12%
Brightness middle
323
317
-2%
325
1%
273.6
-15%
250.9
-22%
294
-9%
Brightness
309
283
-8%
303
-2%
262
-15%
257
-17%
275
-11%
Brightness Distribution
93
76
-18%
90
-3%
86
-8%
83
-11%
84
-10%
Black Level *
0.29
0.62
-114%
0.33
-14%
0.3
-3%
0.32
-10%
0.24
17%
Contrast
1114
511
-54%
985
-12%
912
-18%
784
-30%
1225
10%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.33
2.83
35%
2.69
38%
3.22
26%
2.77
36%
2.57
41%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
7.64
5.78
24%
4.91
36%
7.61
-0%
5.89
23%
4.88
36%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
4.12
2
51%
2.34
43%
1.4
66%
4
3%
2.41
42%
Gamma
2.43 91%
2.28 96%
2.38 92%
2.24 98%
2.27 97%
2.5 88%
CCT
7427 88%
6493 100%
6872 95%
6636 98%
6901 94%
6370 102%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
59
60
2%
60
2%
56.4
-4%
60
2%
59
0%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
90
93
3%
94
4%
86.2
-4%
92
2%
91
1%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
1.27
4.1
2.5
2.14
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-26% / -15%
-16% / -1%
-113% / -44%
-33% / -14%
5% / 8%

* ... 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 not detected

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.

CalMAN - Color Checker
CalMAN - Color Checker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Saturation
CalMAN - Saturation

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↗ 6 ms rise
↘ 5 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
7 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 4 ms rise
↘ 3 ms fall
The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 14 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Performance - The GX531GM does not lack computing performance

With the Zephyrus S, Asus provides a very slim 15.6-inch gaming laptop, which can smoothly render every current game. Our review unit comes at a 2,000 to 2,100 Euro (~ USD 2,300) price point. There are no other trim levels available at the date of our review.

Test conditions

The Zephyrus S has a preinstalled control center software named Armory Crate. The software enables you to set the power management scheme for the laptop. There are five options available: “Silent”, “Balanced”, “Turbo”, “Manual”, and “Windows”. If you choose the last one, the power management of the Windows operating system takes control. We chose this option for our test procedure and performed every benchmark with the Windows power plan “High performance”. Furthermore, we conducted several benchmarks using the “Turbo” option provided by the Armory Crate control center. Please refer to the comparison tables for results.

CPU

The GX531GM features an Intel Core i7-8750H (Coffee Lake) six-core CPU. The mobile processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 45 W. The base clock speed is 2.2 GHz. The Turbo Boost frequency ranges between 3.9 GHz (six cores) and 4.1 GHz (one/two cores).

During power supply operation, Cinebench multi-thread tests were running with 3.8 to 3.9 GHz for a few seconds (3.6 to 3.9 GHz, if the “Turbo” mode was activated in the control center). After that, the clock speed decreased to 3.1 to 3.2 GHz (3.4 to 3.5 GHz with control center “Turbo”). Single-thread tests were running with 3.9 to 4.1 GHz. During battery operation, a CPU clock speed of 1.9 GHz was held permanently.

HWInfo
HWInfo
Intel XTU
Intel XTU

With 30 minutes of continuous multi-thread testing using the Cinebench R15 benchmark, we observed that Turbo Boost was used permanently during power supply operation. However, the results dropped by more than 120 points between the first and the second run but then remained on a constant level.

We also ran the Cinebench R15 loop with activated “Turbo” mode. The results were slightly higher throughout the test because the Turbo Boost of the CPU was operating on a higher frequency.

065130195260325390455520585650715780845910975104011051170Tooltip
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H: Ø985 (977.23-1096.32)
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H: Ø983 (970.71-1067.24)
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H: Ø1104 (1087.93-1138.69)
Razer Blade 15 Base Model Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H: Ø864 (856.88-926.63)
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H: Ø991 (974.33-1083.86)
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H: Ø1004 (937.73-1119.73)
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H; Turbo-Modus: Ø1109 (1100.35-1209.34)
CPU-Taktraten CPU clock frequency during the CB15 loop der CB15-Schleife
CPU clock frequency during the CB15 loop
CPU clock frequency during the CB15 loop (Turbo mode)
CPU clock frequency during the CB15 loop (Turbo mode)
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
6416
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
32791
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
6810
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
168 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
1096 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
88.2 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Gaming
  (79.2 - 318, n=245, last 2 years)
265 Points +58%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
Intel Core i7-8750H
175 Points +4%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
Intel Core i7-8750H
175 Points +4%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
Intel Core i7-8750H
172 Points +2%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (163 - 177, n=86)
172 Points +2%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
169 Points +1%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H
168 Points
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H (Turbo-Modus)
168 Points 0%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
Intel Core i7-8750H
166 Points -1%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Gaming
  (400 - 5663, n=246, last 2 years)
2988 Points +173%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H (Turbo-Modus)
1209 Points +10%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
Intel Core i7-8750H
1154 Points +5%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
Intel Core i7-8750H
1120 Points +2%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (863 - 1251, n=93)
1113 Points +2%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H
1096 Points
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
Intel Core i7-8750H
1083 Points -1%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
1067 Points -3%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
Intel Core i7-8750H
923 Points -16%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Single 32Bit
Average of class Gaming
  (5847 - 15819, n=24, last 2 years)
9035 Points +41%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (6236 - 6645, n=25)
6479 Points +1%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
6473 Points +1%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H
6416 Points
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Average of class Gaming
  (35806 - 112749, n=24, last 2 years)
59061 Points +80%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (29664 - 35307, n=25)
33163 Points +1%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H
32791 Points
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
31360 Points -4%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H
22650 Points
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
22587 Points 0%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (20725 - 22665, n=13)
21871 Points -3%
32 Bit Single-Core Score
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
4144 Points +4%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H
3998 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (3734 - 4163, n=13)
3995 Points 0%
Geekbench 4.0
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Gaming
  (31808 - 41034, n=3, last 2 years)
36990 Points +76%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
21175 Points +1%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H
20975 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (17048 - 22006, n=8)
19665 Points -6%
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Gaming
  (6453 - 7348, n=3, last 2 years)
6951 Points +42%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
4997 Points +2%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H
4883 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (4548 - 4997, n=8)
4839 Points -1%
Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Gaming
  (27071 - 71700, n=28, last 2 years)
47975 Points +115%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
22614 Points +2%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H
22276 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (17709 - 23313, n=17)
21069 Points -5%
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Gaming
  (5812 - 8936, n=28, last 2 years)
7514 Points +50%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
5126 Points +3%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H
4995 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (4669 - 5146, n=17)
4982 Points 0%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Gaming
  (356 - 639, n=27, last 2 years)
478 Points +92%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
Intel Core i7-8750H (Microsoft Edge 42.17134.1.0)
255.7 Points +3%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 44)
249.3 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (205 - 299, n=49)
247 Points -1%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 44)
241.9 Points -3%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 42.17134.1.0)
205.2 Points -18%

System Performance

The combination of the Core i7-8750H CPU, dual-channel memory, and an NVMe SSD ensures smooth system performance. We did not run into problems. The six-core CPU offers enough performance reserves for the future. The dedicated GPU allows you to play games on the GX531GM. Very good PCMark results complement this package.

PC Mark 10
PC Mark 10
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
4560 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
5294 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
5579 points
PCMark 10 Score
5102 points
Help
PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Gaming
  (4477 - 9852, n=206, last 2 years)
7542 Points +48%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
5728 Points +12%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD 970 Pro 1TB
5191 Points +2%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
5170 Points +1%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
  (4646 - 5525, n=14)
5132 Points +1%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
5102 Points
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
4896 Points -4%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
4646 Points -9%
Essentials
Average of class Gaming
  (7334 - 12334, n=205, last 2 years)
10674 Points +25%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
9270 Points +8%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
8770 Points +3%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD 970 Pro 1TB
8712 Points +2%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
8577 Points 0%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
8553 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
  (7200 - 9101, n=14)
8386 Points -2%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
7200 Points -16%
Productivity
Average of class Gaming
  (6282 - 11833, n=205, last 2 years)
9693 Points +36%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
7532 Points +6%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
7162 Points +1%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
  (6917 - 7592, n=14)
7154 Points 0%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
7125 Points
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD 970 Pro 1TB
7030 Points -1%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
6938 Points -3%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
6855 Points -4%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Gaming
  (5288 - 18475, n=205, last 2 years)
11339 Points +92%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
7303 Points +23%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD 970 Pro 1TB
6200 Points +5%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
  (5452 - 6828, n=14)
6127 Points +4%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
5970 Points +1%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
5917 Points
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
5452 Points -8%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
5417 Points -8%
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Gaming
  (3570 - 6657, n=37, last 2 years)
5218 Points +14%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
5130 Points +13%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
4676 Points +3%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
4620 Points +1%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD 970 Pro 1TB
4585 Points +1%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
4560 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
  (4119 - 5371, n=15)
4511 Points -1%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
4425 Points -3%

Storage devices

An NVMe M.2-2280 SSD from Intel as a primary storage device provides 512 GB of storage space, of which 438 GB are free. The difference is occupied by the recovery partition and the Windows installation. The SSD achieves good transfer rates but is not as fast as other NVMe models. NVMe SSDs are connected over PCI Express 3.0 x4, which provides significantly higher transfer rates than SATA III.

Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
Sequential Read: 1251 MB/s
Sequential Write: 972 MB/s
512K Read: 805 MB/s
512K Write: 834 MB/s
4K Read: 54 MB/s
4K Write: 121.8 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 340.7 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 451.6 MB/s
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
Samsung SSD 970 Pro 1TB
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
Average Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
 
Average of class Gaming
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
-6%
44%
32%
25%
7%
13%
188%
Write 4K
100.8
87.5
-13%
100.5
0%
112.5
12%
91.5
-9%
98.2
-3%
136 ?(64 - 217, n=35)
35%
215 ?(10.1 - 373, n=163, last 2 years)
113%
Read 4K
48.75
16.08
-67%
48.64
0%
43.09
-12%
40.41
-17%
39.43
-19%
55.2 ?(39.7 - 77.1, n=35)
13%
70.7 ?(8.93 - 97.1, n=163, last 2 years)
45%
Write Seq
975
614
-37%
1456
49%
1450
49%
1528
57%
1386
42%
926 ?(93.1 - 986, n=34)
-5%
3652 ?(93.1 - 9867, n=129, last 2 years)
275%
Read Seq
1344
1341
0%
1278
-5%
1392
4%
1235
-8%
1100
-18%
1523 ?(730 - 2570, n=34)
13%
3647 ?(467 - 7955, n=129, last 2 years)
171%
Write 4K Q32T1
283.7
307.9
9%
298.1
5%
356.1
26%
259
-9%
270.3
-5%
381 ?(184.6 - 574, n=35)
34%
552 ?(182.2 - 1656, n=162, last 2 years)
95%
Read 4K Q32T1
330.3
358.4
9%
348.7
6%
406.9
23%
364.9
10%
340.3
3%
334 ?(212 - 462, n=35)
1%
735 ?(291 - 6332, n=162, last 2 years)
123%
Write Seq Q32T1
986
525
-47%
2742
178%
1451
47%
1529
55%
1454
47%
987 ?(778 - 1659, n=35)
0%
4702 ?(537 - 14960, n=163, last 2 years)
377%
Read Seq Q32T1
1579
3077
95%
3389
115%
3272
107%
3472
120%
1681
6%
1744 ?(806 - 2936, n=35)
10%
6343 ?(958 - 18690, n=163, last 2 years)
302%
AS SSD
12%
144%
51%
25%
60%
4%
203%
Seq Read
1315
2432
85%
1915
46%
1803
37%
1612
23%
903
-31%
1423 ?(701 - 2432, n=36)
8%
4859 ?(1543 - 12763, n=193, last 2 years)
270%
Seq Write
894
843
-6%
2324
160%
1367
53%
1475
65%
1261
41%
828 ?(374 - 1229, n=36)
-7%
3586 ?(495 - 11316, n=193, last 2 years)
301%
4K Read
48.49
21.24
-56%
48.03
-1%
40.75
-16%
43.09
-11%
40.02
-17%
51.3 ?(40.1 - 75.7, n=36)
6%
67.2 ?(30.4 - 112.1, n=193, last 2 years)
39%
4K Write
106.2
99.3
-6%
106
0%
93
-12%
83.8
-21%
103.6
-2%
128.9 ?(87 - 242, n=36)
21%
210 ?(79.3 - 512, n=193, last 2 years)
98%
4K-64 Read
326.2
730
124%
1598
390%
749
130%
611
87%
1030
216%
326 ?(320 - 442, n=36)
0%
1925 ?(312 - 3475, n=193, last 2 years)
490%
4K-64 Write
653
484.4
-26%
2085
219%
1270
94%
570
-13%
1285
97%
721 ?(94.1 - 1219, n=36)
10%
2500 ?(277 - 5909, n=193, last 2 years)
283%
Access Time Read *
0.174
0.126
28%
0.038
78%
0.113
35%
0.071
59%
0.129
26%
0.09003 ?(0.048 - 0.24, n=36)
48%
0.05355 ?(0.02 - 0.379, n=191, last 2 years)
69%
Access Time Write *
0.045
0.063
-40%
0.034
24%
0.04
11%
0.045
-0%
0.036
20%
0.07378 ?(0.033 - 0.144, n=36)
-64%
0.04899 ?(0.011 - 1.028, n=193, last 2 years)
-9%
Score Read
506
994
96%
1837
263%
970
92%
815
61%
1161
129%
519 ?(449 - 760, n=36)
3%
2483 ?(528 - 4721, n=193, last 2 years)
391%
Score Write
848
668
-21%
2423
186%
1499
77%
802
-5%
1515
79%
932 ?(285 - 1584, n=36)
10%
3066 ?(515 - 7208, n=193, last 2 years)
262%
Score Total
1611
2091
30%
5224
224%
2952
83%
2039
27%
3294
104%
1708 ?(1077 - 2702, n=36)
6%
6754 ?(1923 - 13854, n=193, last 2 years)
319%
Copy ISO MB/s
1222
1632
34%
1892
55%
1109 ?(566 - 2017, n=30)
-9%
2545 ?(201 - 5781, n=154, last 2 years)
108%
Copy Program MB/s
354.1
30.89
-91%
495.5
40%
468 ?(163.4 - 852, n=30)
32%
726 ?(196.5 - 1428, n=154, last 2 years)
105%
Copy Game MB/s
796
980
23%
1070
34%
760 ?(104.3 - 971, n=30)
-5%
1670 ?(92.7 - 3532, n=154, last 2 years)
110%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
3% / 6%
94% / 102%
42% / 44%
25% / 25%
34% / 38%
9% / 7%
196% / 197%

* ... smaller is better

Graphics card

GPU-Z
GPU-Z

The GeForce GTX 1060 GPU is Nvidia’s current entry-level model for the top line of GPUs. The GPU supports DirectX 12 and operates with clock speeds of up to 1,671 MHz. The graphics core is accompanied by 6,144 MB of GDDR5 memory. In general, test results were on a typical level for this GPU, but they slightly fell behind the competitors in some cases. This changed when the ”Turbo” mode was activated. However, the performance increase of the GPU turned out noticeably lower than the one of the CPU.

The laptop is able to switch between the CPU-internal and the dedicated GPU. The built-in Intel UHD Graphics 630 was actively used by the system.

Sky Diver
Sky Diver
Fire Strike
Fire Strike
Time Spy
Time Spy
Sky Diver (Turbo mode)
Sky Diver (Turbo mode)
Fire Strike (Turbo mode)
Fire Strike (Turbo mode)
Time Spy (Turbo mode)
Time Spy (Turbo mode)
3DMark 11 Performance
11509 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
31179 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
10131 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
3795 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Gaming
  (1029 - 72070, n=244, last 2 years)
39642 Points +214%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
19187 Points +52%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
18296 Points +45%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8750H
14879 Points +18%
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
  (12620 - 15607, n=77)
14692 Points +16%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8750H (Turbo-Modus)
14676 Points +16%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8750H
14367 Points +14%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
14351 Points +14%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8750H
12620 Points
3DMark
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Gaming
  (781 - 53059, n=248, last 2 years)
29013 Points +156%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
14724 Points +30%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8750H
11814 Points +4%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8750H (Turbo-Modus)
11798 Points +4%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8750H
11558 Points +2%
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
  (10708 - 12298, n=77)
11547 Points +2%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
11366 Points 0%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8750H
11332 Points
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average of class Gaming
  (15902 - 193851, n=155, last 2 years)
134902 Points +67%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
101453 Points +26%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8750H
83747 Points +4%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
81720 Points +1%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8750H
81178 Points +1%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8750H
80615 Points
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
  (26770 - 86193, n=68)
71237 Points -12%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Gaming
  (224 - 22547, n=246, last 2 years)
11809 Points +226%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
4708 Points +30%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8750H (Turbo-Modus)
3775 Points +4%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8750H
3626 Points
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
  (3396 - 3790, n=20)
3601 Points -1%

Gaming Performance

The Asus gaming laptop is able to render every current game smoothly with Full HD and high to maximum quality settings. Resolutions beyond Full HD are possible only for older games or games that do not have very high hardware requirements - for example “FIFA 19”.

The graphics drivers supplied are unsatisfactory. Current Nvidia drivers cannot be installed. It seems that only driver versions that have been customized by Asus can be used. At the date of the review, the most current driver (version 399.24) on the Asus website was dated September 2018. The game “Battlefield V” refused to start because of the outdated graphics driver.

The current Nvidia driver cannot be installed
The current Nvidia driver cannot be installed
The existing driver is too old for Battlefield V.
The existing driver is too old for Battlefield V.

We were running the game “The Witcher 3” in Full HD and maximum settings for about 60 minutes to check, if the frame rates remain on a constant level for a prolonged time. The in-game character was not moved for the whole time. We did not observe any frame rate drop. With activated “Turbo” mode, frame rates were on the same level.

0510152025303540Tooltip
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8: Ø36.6 (32-42)
GPU values during the conduction of the "Witcher 3" test.
GPU values during the conduction of the "Witcher 3" test.
low med. high ultra
Counter-Strike: GO (2012) 248.2 246.2 252.5 221.7
BioShock Infinite (2013) 298.2 250.6 228.5 109.4
GTA V (2015) 145.5 133.1 97 51
The Witcher 3 (2015) 197.6 129.5 70.9 40
Team Fortress 2 (2017) 127.2 120.2 109.6 108.1
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) 96 82.1 70.4
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) 111 56 51 43
Assassin´s Creed Odyssey (2018) 90 63 54 32
Call of Duty Black Ops 4 (2018) 142 74.6 72.5 65.9
Hitman 2 (2018) 82 61.8 58.1 55.5
Farming Simulator 19 (2018) 195.6 146.9 121.9 97.2
Just Cause 4 (2018) 115.5 73.9 57.7 56.3
BioShock Infinite - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset, DX11 (DDOF)
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
159 fps +45%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q
139.4 fps +27%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q
112 fps +2%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
109.4 fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
  (82 - 159, n=48)
104.1 fps -5%
Asus GL702VM-GC102D
Intel Core i7-6700HQ, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
98.9 fps -10%
The Witcher 3 - 1920x1080 High Graphics & Postprocessing (Nvidia HairWorks Off)
Average of class Gaming
  (17.5 - 449, n=175, last 2 years)
214 fps +202%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q
97.7 fps +38%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q
90.4 fps +28%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
71.7 fps +1%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q
71.4 fps +1%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
70.9 fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
  (52.6 - 80.6, n=49)
68 fps -4%
GTA V - 1920x1080 Highest Settings possible AA:4xMSAA + FX AF:16x
Average of class Gaming
  (6.38 - 167.7, n=231, last 2 years)
105.5 fps +107%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q
64.6 fps +27%
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
  (48.2 - 58.3, n=3)
52.5 fps +3%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
51 fps
Asus GL702VM-GC102D
Intel Core i7-6700HQ, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
48.2 fps -5%

Emissions & energy - Low endurance

System noise

Compared to the already tested model of the Zephyrus S, our current review unit showed a lower noise emission. We measured a maximum noise level of 34.1 dB(A) under load. This value was slightly exceeded with activated “Turbo” mode. In terms of noise, this laptop stays clearly behind its sister model. The fans generate a constant low-level noise without any disturbing sounds. When idle, the fans usually run at low speed or even remain off sometimes.

Unfortunately, there is a constant coil whine coming from the inside of the device.

Noise Level

Idle
30.3 / 33.2 / 33.2 dB(A)
Load
32.3 / 39 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: 30.3 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2036.53935.137.536.52534.93634.434.434.9313329.931.931.2334029.226.226.928.629.25030.127.726.729.330.1633328.828.729.4338027.225.825.527.627.210027.827.424.626.527.812525.825.22524.825.816026.425.324.424.426.420025.624.323.324.325.625023.523.923.922.823.531524.324.723.321.824.340022.62322.721.122.650021.922.521.820.521.963021.221.520.719.421.280020.822.121.518.920.8100020.822.42118.620.8125020.521.921.118.220.5160020.923.421.917.720.9200020.122.221.217.520.1250019.922.721.617.419.9315020.123.322.21720.1400020.123221720.1500017.921.519.917.117.963001819.4191718800018.11817.91718.11000018.917.517.517.118.91250018.117.217.317.118.11600018.117.217.617.318.1SPL32.334.133.230.332.3N1.61.91.71.21.6median 20.8median 22.5median 21.6median 18.2median 20.8Delta2.51.9222.5hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseAsus Zephyrus S GX531GM

Temperature

The GX531GM during the stress test.
The GX531GM during the stress test.

The gaming laptop showed different results during our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark running for at least one hour), depending on whether it was operating on battery or power supply. During power supply operation, the CPU reached a clock speed of 2.1 to 2.5 GHz. The GPU was running at a speed of 1,200 MHz. During battery operation, the CPU was throttled to 800 MHz, while the GPU speed increased to 1,600 to 1,700 MHz.

The temperature increase of the laptop is satisfactory for a device of this size and performance level. We measured temperatures of over 104 °F on several points during our stress test. Thanks to the slower GPU, the GX531GM reached lower temperatures than its sister model.

During day-to-day use, the temperatures stay quite cool. The stress test is an extreme scenario that does not happen during normal use. With this test, we are able to examine, if the system is stable even under full workload.

Max. Load
 40.7 °C
105 F
47.7 °C
118 F
43.8 °C
111 F
 
 38 °C
100 F
43.3 °C
110 F
40.3 °C
105 F
 
 30.4 °C
87 F
30.7 °C
87 F
31.4 °C
89 F
 
Maximum: 47.7 °C = 118 F
Average: 38.5 °C = 101 F
36.3 °C
97 F
46.1 °C
115 F
36.4 °C
98 F
39.4 °C
103 F
43.5 °C
110 F
42 °C
108 F
32.5 °C
91 F
34.4 °C
94 F
35 °C
95 F
Maximum: 46.1 °C = 115 F
Average: 38.4 °C = 101 F
Power Supply (max.)  48.7 °C = 120 F | Room Temperature 22.1 °C = 72 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 38.5 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F for the devices in the class Gaming.
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 47.7 °C / 118 F, compared to the average of 40.4 °C / 105 F, ranging from 21.2 to 68.8 °C for the class Gaming.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 46.1 °C / 115 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 25.4 °C / 78 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31.4 °C / 88.5 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-2.5 °C / -4.5 F).
Temperature of the top of the device (under load)
Temperature of the top of the device (under load)
Temperature of the bottom of the device (under load)
Temperature of the bottom of the device (under load)
Temperature of the top of the device (idle)
Temperature of the top of the device (idle)
Temperature of the bottom of the device (idle)
Temperature of the bottom of the device (idle)

Speakers

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs203837.5382537.834.437.83137.131.237.14034.628.634.65037.129.337.16339.929.439.98039.327.639.31004226.54212543.224.843.216044.924.444.920049.924.349.925049.722.849.731556.921.856.940058.321.158.350058.520.558.563059.719.459.780059.518.959.5100063.618.663.6125061.318.261.3160062.217.762.2200062.517.562.5250062.617.462.63150641764400062.51762.5500063.317.163.3630055.81755.8800052.11752.11000056.417.156.41250056.317.156.31600052.817.352.8SPL73.530.373.5N31.21.231.2median 58.3median 18.2median 58.3Delta6.226.235.338.135.33535.13532.732.332.73331333331.93334.933.634.929.630.229.631.228.231.232.32832.342.327.242.347.226.247.250.12650.151.525.651.547.425.247.45524.45558.224.358.262.223.962.26423.56466.623.366.66523.26567.123.267.16023.16055.62355.664.32364.362.52362.559.422.959.457.62357.660.22360.264.422.964.465.922.965.975.135.575.133.72.533.7median 59.4median 23.3median 59.48.31.18.3hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseAsus Zephyrus S GX531GMMSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (64 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 10.5% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (7.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (3.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (6.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (16.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 36% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 57% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 18%, worst was 132%
Compared to all devices tested
» 21% of all tested devices were better, 5% similar, 74% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (75.1 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 17% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (10.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 5.7% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (9.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.1% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (11.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (23.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 83% of all tested devices in this class were better, 5% similar, 11% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 18%, worst was 132%
Compared to all devices tested
» 67% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 26% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Power consumption

The power consumption when idle is worthy of improvement. The maximum value of 26 W seems to be somewhat high for a laptop that can switch between integrated and dedicated GPU. Under medium and full load, however, the power consumption remains on a typical level for the built-in hardware components. The power rating of the power supply is 180 W. 

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.6 / 0.6 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 13.8 / 20.9 / 26 Watt
Load midlight 89 / 131 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 life

Our practical-oriented Wi-Fi test simulated the stress during webpage requests. The energy profile “Balanced” was activated, energy-saving functions were deactivated, and display brightness was set to 150 cd/m2. In this test, the Zephyrus S reached a battery life of 3:13 hours. This is not a good value even for a gaming laptop. The competitors are more enduring.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 44)
3h 13min
Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, 82 Wh
372 min +93%
Average of class Gaming
  (57 - 745, n=190, last 2 years)
365 min +89%
Razer Blade 15 Base Model
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q, 65 Wh
330 min +71%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, 70.07 Wh
274 min +42%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, 46.7 Wh
262 min +36%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, 53 Wh
193 min
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, 50 Wh
157 min -19%

Pros

+ Matte IPS display
+ Full-HD resolution
+ 144-Hz panel
+ NVMe SSD
+ Compact metal case
+ Moderate weight
+ Capability of switching between dedicated and integrated GPU

Cons

- Max. 24 GB of RAM
- Limited connectivity
- Limited upgradability
- Limited maintainability
- Poor battery life
- Coil whine
- No current graphic drivers

Verdict

The Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX531GM-ES037T, provided by:
The Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX531GM-ES037T, provided by:

The compact gaming laptop from Asus is able to render every current game smoothly on the matte Full-HD display. Furthermore, the six-core CPU provides enough performance for applications beyond gaming. Temperatures and system noise remain on a reasonable level.

The built-in NVMe SSD ensures a snappy system. The matte IPS display offers stable viewing angles, a good contrast ratio, decent brightness, and fast response times. The battery life is not thrilling. The Zephyrus S runs out of power earlier than the competitors.

The upgradability of the laptop is very limited. 

The GC531GM provides only one M.2-2280 slot. There is no space for a 2.5-inch hard drive. Besides that, the laptop has only one memory slot (8 GB of RAM are soldered to the mainboard). The device supports up to 24 GB of memory. Many competitors offer more RAM. To access the internals, you have to open the case. While you can simply remove the bottom case on many other laptops, the procedure on the Zephyrus S is much more cumbersome.

The connectivity is not great as well. Asus does not equip its laptop with a Thunderbolt-3 port but only with two USB Type-C ports (1x USB 3.1 Gen1, 1x USB 3.1 Gen2). A Thunderbolt-3 port should be standard on a device at this price point. This would provide the capability of connecting an external GPU. One of the three Type-A USB ports features the USB 3.1 Gen2 standard. The other two ports are only USB-2.0 capable. Asus should have been consistent and equipped the laptop with three fast Type-A ports. Furthermore, there is a constant coil whine coming from the inside of the device.

Asus Zephyrus S GX531GM - 01/07/2019 v6(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
86 / 98 → 87%
Keyboard
77%
Pointing Device
72%
Connectivity
57 / 81 → 70%
Weight
62 / 10-66 → 94%
Battery
70%
Display
88%
Games Performance
94%
Application Performance
94%
Temperature
89 / 95 → 94%
Noise
89 / 90 → 99%
Audio
76%
Camera
42 / 85 → 49%
Average
77%
85%
Gaming - 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 RoG Zephyrus S GX531GM (i7-8750H, GTX 1060, SSD, FHD) Laptop Review
Sascha Mölck, 2019-01- 4 (Update: 2019-01- 6)