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Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA Laptop Review: Cheap 17-incher

Wide and flat.

The Asus VivoBook 17 is big, cheap and it offers a Ryzen CPU from AMD. Read our review to find out what kind of impact the low price of only 600 Euros (~$660) has had on the rest of the hardware.
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T

Asus’s VivoBook product line mainly consists of moderately priced convertibles such as the VivoBook Flip 14 and well-designed notebooks such as the Asus VivoBook S13. It is also used to designate somewhat cheaper devices, whereby models with an “X” such as the VivoBook 14 X403FA feature a metal case and models with an “M” such as our review device (VivoBook 17 M712DA) have a plastic case.

Several devices from our database have been included in this review for comparison purposes.

Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T (VivoBook 15 Series)
Processor
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U 4 x 2.1 - 3.7 GHz, Picasso-U (Zen+)
Memory
8 GB 
, Dual-channel
Display
17.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 127 PPI, BOE084E, IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
AMD Promontory/Bixby FCH
Storage
Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8, 512 GB 
, 448 GB free
Soundcard
AMD Raven - Audio Processor - HD Audio Controller
Connections
2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: 3.5-mm combination audio jack, Card Reader: microSD
Networking
Intel 8265 Tri-Band WiFi (Oak Peak) Network Adapter (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 21 x 406 x 253 ( = 0.83 x 15.98 x 9.96 in)
Battery
37 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 0.9 MP, 16:9 (1280x720)
Additional features
Speakers: 2 speakers, stereo, Keyboard: chiclet-style, Keyboard Light: no, McAfee, My Asus, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.3 kg ( = 81.13 oz / 5.07 pounds), Power Supply: 156 g ( = 5.5 oz / 0.34 pounds)
Price
630 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Price
75.6 %
v7 (old)
01 / 2020
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
R5 3500U, Vega 8
2.3 kg21 mm17.30"1920x1080
78.5 %
v7 (old)
11 / 2019
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
i7-10510U, GeForce MX250
2.8 kg23 mm17.30"1920x1080
80.8 %
v6 (old)
08 / 2019
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
R5 3500U, Vega 8
2.8 kg24.3 mm17.30"1600x900
79.3 %
v7 (old)
Medion Akoya P17605
i7-10510U, GeForce MX250
2.3 kg18.45 mm17.30"1920x1080
82.1 %
v7 (old)
12 / 2019
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620
1.6 kg19.9 mm15.60"1920x1080

Case & Connectivity - Asus notebook with a USB Type-C port

Maintenance options
Maintenance options

The case of the Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA is made of plastic and appears quite robust. Despite the small screen bezels, the display lid is rigid, and therefore it does not bend or twist when opening the notebook. There are no surprises with this design. Except for a rough-textured surface around the keyboard, the rest of the chassis is smooth. The bottom cover can be easily removed once all the screws on the underside are undone. Once the bottom cover is removed, an empty SATA slot, a single RAM slot and the SSD can be accessed. The Wi-Fi module can also be replaced.

In addition to the standard assortment of ports, there is also a USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C port. The microSD card reader achieves below-average results with our reference-grade microSD card Toshiba Exceria Pro M501. The inserted SD cards protrude from the SD card reader by 3 millimetres. In our Wi-Fi test, the Asus laptop achieves average results for a device with Wi-Fi 5.

Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T

Size Comparison

413 mm / 16.3 in 284.6 mm / 11.2 in 24.3 mm / 0.957 in 2.8 kg6.17 lbs405 mm / 15.9 in 266 mm / 10.5 in 23 mm / 0.906 in 2.8 kg6.13 lbs406 mm / 16 in 253 mm / 9.96 in 21 mm / 0.827 in 2.3 kg5.07 lbs399 mm / 15.7 in 266 mm / 10.5 in 18.45 mm / 0.726 in 2.3 kg5.07 lbs360.4 mm / 14.2 in 244.5 mm / 9.63 in 19.9 mm / 0.783 in 1.6 kg3.51 lbs297 mm / 11.7 in 210 mm / 8.27 in 1 mm / 0.03937 in 5.7 g0.01257 lbs
SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Average of class Multimedia
  (18.4 - 201, n=60, last 2 years)
102.2 MB/s +185%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
72 MB/s +101%
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
70.5 MB/s +97%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
35.8 MB/s
Medion Akoya P17605
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
23.7 MB/s -34%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Average of class Multimedia
  (25.8 - 266, n=59, last 2 years)
142.9 MB/s +285%
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
82.7 MB/s +123%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
80.4 MB/s +117%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
37.1 MB/s
Medion Akoya P17605
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
29 MB/s -22%
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Medion Akoya P17605
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1333 (807min - 1413max) MBit/s +119%
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1098 (1022min - 1319max) MBit/s +80%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
640 (628min - 650max) MBit/s +5%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
Intel 8265 Tri-Band WiFi (Oak Peak) Network Adapter
610 (555min - 640max) MBit/s
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
301 (277min - 342max) MBit/s -51%
iperf3 receive AX12
Medion Akoya P17605
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1361 (1235min - 1428max) MBit/s +151%
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1334 (1201min - 1379max) MBit/s +146%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
704 (563min - 724max) MBit/s +30%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
Intel 8265 Tri-Band WiFi (Oak Peak) Network Adapter
542 (500min - 555max) MBit/s
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
329 (316min - 337max) MBit/s -39%
03570105140175210245280315350385420455490525560595630Tooltip
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø542 (500-555)
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø610 (555-640)

Input Devices - Modest keyboard with a number pad in the VivoBook 17

The keyboard of the VivoBook 17 M712DA feels mushy when typing. The keys are very well-sized, and there is also a numeric pad. Whether you like the fact that there are two function keys for “delete”, “home”, “end”, etc. or not you will have to decide on your own. There are also separate keys for the camera and the snipping tool. 

As a replacement for a mouse, the VivoBook 17 uses a ClickPad. It is large enough for comfortable use. It has no problems with navigating the mouse pointer or registering clicks. In the upper right corner, our review model has a fingerprint sensor.

Input devices
Input devices

Display - 17-inch notebook with poor colour reproduction

Pixel arrangement
Pixel arrangement

The Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA has a 17-inch IPS screen with a native resolution of 1920x1080. The brightness of 234 cd/m² is quite average, and the same can be said about the brightness distribution of 84%. Asus does not utilise pulse width modulation for brightness control, which is why susceptible individuals should not experience any problems with eye-strain whilst using the device.

230
cd/m²
235
cd/m²
219
cd/m²
230
cd/m²
262
cd/m²
244
cd/m²
233
cd/m²
235
cd/m²
222
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
BOE084E tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 262 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 234.4 cd/m² Minimum: 11.8 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 84 %
Center on Battery: 262 cd/m²
Contrast: 989:1 (Black: 0.265 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.13 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.91, calibrated: 3.96
ΔE Greyscale 1.22 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
59% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
38% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
42.11% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
59.7% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
40.76% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.42
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
BOE084E, IPS, 1920x1080, 17.3"
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
BOE0825, IPS, 1920x1080, 17.3"
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AU Optronics B173RTN02.1, TN LED, 1600x900, 17.3"
Medion Akoya P17605
AU Optronics AUO429D, IPS, 1920x1080, 17.3"
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
BOE CQ NV156FHM-N61, , 1920x1080, 15.6"
Display
54%
25%
51%
54%
Display P3 Coverage
40.76
63.3
55%
51.1
25%
62.3
53%
66.8
64%
sRGB Coverage
59.7
91.5
53%
73.9
24%
88.6
48%
87.1
46%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
42.11
64.6
53%
52.7
25%
63.7
51%
63.7
51%
Response Times
-13%
-18%
-80%
-80%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
24 ?(12, 12)
30 ?(15, 15)
-25%
42 ?(22, 20)
-75%
45 ?(22, 23)
-88%
45 ?(23, 22)
-88%
Response Time Black / White *
18 ?(9, 9)
18 ?(10, 8)
-0%
11 ?(7, 4)
39%
31 ?(17, 14)
-72%
31 ?(17, 14)
-72%
PWM Frequency
250 ?(80)
Screen
-19%
-120%
22%
-18%
Brightness middle
262
293
12%
230
-12%
298
14%
315
20%
Brightness
234
280
20%
201
-14%
294
26%
294
26%
Brightness Distribution
84
83
-1%
78
-7%
88
5%
83
-1%
Black Level *
0.265
0.335
-26%
0.46
-74%
0.255
4%
0.29
-9%
Contrast
989
875
-12%
500
-49%
1169
18%
1086
10%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
5.13
4.79
7%
10.36
-102%
3.01
41%
6
-17%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
19.16
11.42
40%
18.63
3%
4.59
76%
10.2
47%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
3.96
1.76
56%
2.1
47%
3.1
22%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
1.22
6.32
-418%
13.32
-992%
2.29
-88%
6
-392%
Gamma
2.42 91%
2.49 88%
2.54 87%
2.62 84%
2.16 102%
CCT
6584 99%
8002 81%
14124 46%
6655 98%
8038 81%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
38
59
55%
48
26%
58
53%
57
50%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
59
91
54%
74
25%
89
51%
87
47%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
7% / -5%
-38% / -77%
-2% / 15%
-15% / -12%

* ... smaller is better

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
18 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 9 ms rise
↘ 9 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. » 36 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (20.9 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
24 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 12 ms rise
↘ 12 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 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 31 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (32.8 ms).

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 8705 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured.

Colour-space coverage (sRGB) - 59%
Colour-space coverage (sRGB) - 59%
Colour-space coverage (AdobeRGB) - 38%
Colour-space coverage (AdobeRGB) - 38%

According to our measurements, the VivoBook 17 M712DA has an average contrast ratio and a good black value. However, the colour-space coverage is very poor. This is why the colours seem washed-out and are not very easy to tell apart. Having said that, the dark tones are well-reproduced.

The CalMAN analysis reveals that the colours do not deviate too much from the optimal values and that the blue part of the colour spectrum slightly overshoots its target. The colour accuracy can be slightly improved through calibration. You can download our ICC profile at the bottom of the box that contains all display measurements (this box is located to the left of the graphic showing the brightness distribution).

CalMAN - colour accuracy
CalMAN - colour accuracy
CalMAN - saturation
CalMAN - saturation
CalMAN - grayscale
CalMAN - grayscale
CalMAN - colour accuracy (after calibration)
CalMAN - colour accuracy (after calibration)
CalMAN - saturation (after calibration)
CalMAN - saturation (after calibration)
CalMAN - grayscale (after calibration)
CalMAN - grayscale (after calibration)
Outdoor use
Outdoor use
Outdoor use
Outdoor use
Viewing angles
Viewing angles

Performance - Low-priced Ryzen 5 notebook

LatencyMon
LatencyMon

Our review model of the VivoBook 17 M712DA comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U CPU, integrated AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics, 512 GB of solid-state NAND storage and 8 GB of dual-channel-enabled RAM. This is why the notebook is suited for various office applications and can also run simple or older games on low settings. Asus also offers other configurations of the VivoBook 17, with the price being reflective of the hardware users get.

Processor

AMD’s Ryzen 5 3500U is a four-core, eight-thread CPU with a base frequency of 2.1 GHz and a boost frequency of 3.7 GHz. The performance depends in large measure on the cooling solution and the way the CPU is configured by the manufacturer.

In our Cinebench R15 stress test, the VivoBook 17 achieves a comparatively low result, which is on the level of the Intel Core i5-10210U. The comparison with the Lenovo IdeaPad L340-17API shows that the Ryzen 5 3500U can be at least 20% faster with a greater degree of tuning.

04080120160200240280320360400440480520560600640680720Tooltip
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U: Ø503 (436.46-546.44)
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel Core i7-10510U: Ø496 (486.1-549.01)
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U: Ø626 (614.9-661.93)
Medion Akoya P17605 Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel Core i7-10510U: Ø525 (519-560.59)
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19 Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel Core i5-10210U: Ø510 (492.9-744.13)

The Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA achieves slightly below-average results in the Cinebench R15 benchmarks and therefore takes a spot in the middle of our comparison chart.

Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Multimedia
  (99.6 - 323, n=89, last 2 years)
258 Points +97%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
Intel Core i7-10510U
188 Points +44%
Medion Akoya P17605
Intel Core i7-10510U
175 Points +34%
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
Intel Core i5-10210U
172 Points +31%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
143 Points +9%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (131 - 147, n=18)
142.4 Points +9%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
131 Points
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Multimedia
  (1252 - 4774, n=94, last 2 years)
2445 Points +293%
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
Intel Core i5-10210U
744 Points +20%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
662 Points +6%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (482 - 682, n=19)
642 Points +3%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
622 Points
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
Intel Core i7-10510U
580 Points -7%
Medion Akoya P17605
Intel Core i7-10510U
560 (519min - 560max) Points -10%
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
131 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
622 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
46.81 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
98 %
Help

System Performance

In the PCMark benchmarks, the VivoBook 17 takes last place in our comparison chart. Nevertheless, in day-to-day use, the system feels very responsive. The boot-up times are short and accessing data and opening folders does not present any problems. Despite the low scores in the PCMark benchmarks, the Asus notebook has no trouble running office applications and simple image-editing programmes.

You can find out how the VivoBook 17 stacks up against other laptops on our CPU Benchmarks page.

PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Multimedia
  (4542 - 8670, n=72, last 2 years)
6789 Points +83%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
GeForce MX250, i7-10510U, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
4442 Points +19%
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 500GB
4188 Points +13%
Medion Akoya P17605
GeForce MX250, i7-10510U, Phison E12-256G-Phison-SSD-B16-BB1
4048 Points +9%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (3485 - 3972, n=16)
3766 Points +1%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ
3754 Points +1%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
3719 Points
Essentials
Average of class Multimedia
  (8480 - 12420, n=72, last 2 years)
10515 Points +42%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
GeForce MX250, i7-10510U, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
9316 Points +26%
Medion Akoya P17605
GeForce MX250, i7-10510U, Phison E12-256G-Phison-SSD-B16-BB1
8862 Points +20%
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 500GB
8830 Points +19%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (6690 - 8300, n=16)
7533 Points +2%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ
7507 Points +1%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
7397 Points
Productivity
Average of class Multimedia
  (6089 - 10742, n=72, last 2 years)
8919 Points +53%
Medion Akoya P17605
GeForce MX250, i7-10510U, Phison E12-256G-Phison-SSD-B16-BB1
7344 Points +26%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
GeForce MX250, i7-10510U, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
7247 Points +24%
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 500GB
7169 Points +23%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ
5921 Points +1%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
5840 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (5456 - 6074, n=16)
5774 Points -1%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Multimedia
  (3651 - 13548, n=72, last 2 years)
9194 Points +185%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
GeForce MX250, i7-10510U, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
3524 Points +9%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (2989 - 3526, n=16)
3337 Points +3%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ
3232 Points 0%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
3231 Points
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 500GB
3150 Points -3%
Medion Akoya P17605
GeForce MX250, i7-10510U, Phison E12-256G-Phison-SSD-B16-BB1
2766 Points -14%
PCMark 10 Score
3719 points
Help

Storage Devices

The SSD in our review device achieves average results, which is why it takes a spot in the middle of our comparison chart. However, it is still fast enough to create a very responsive system.

You can find out how well the SSD in the Asus notebook stacks up against other storage devices on our HDD/SSD Benchmarks page.

Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
Samsung SSD PM871b MZ7LN256HAJQ
Medion Akoya P17605
Phison E12-256G-Phison-SSD-B16-BB1
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 500GB
Average Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
 
Average of class Multimedia
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
8%
-39%
53%
77%
10%
135%
Write 4K
132
134.8
2%
94.4
-28%
213.2
62%
188.7
43%
Read 4K
52
54.7
5%
32.45
-38%
59.2
14%
51.9
0%
Write Seq
973
872
-10%
482.8
-50%
1124
16%
1566
61%
Read Seq
1606
1447
-10%
524
-67%
1156
-28%
1452
-10%
Write 4K Q32T1
210.4
392.2
86%
232
10%
588
179%
444
111%
Read 4K Q32T1
312.2
331.6
6%
253.6
-19%
612
96%
566
81%
Write Seq Q32T1
982
920
-6%
496.5
-49%
1112
13%
3279
234%
Read Seq Q32T1
1847
1723
-7%
540
-71%
3121
69%
3558
93%
AS SSD
-4%
-47%
79%
-11%
132%
Seq Read
1592
1620
2%
489.9
-69%
2482
56%
1423 ?(701 - 2432, n=36)
-11%
Seq Write
900
373.7
-58%
472.2
-48%
1079
20%
4K Read
45.24
53.8
19%
29.14
-36%
59.3
31%
4K Write
104.3
170.3
63%
59.8
-43%
194.6
87%
128.9 ?(87 - 242, n=36)
24%
4K-64 Read
324
321.5
-1%
262.2
-19%
1180
264%
4K-64 Write
835
715
-14%
236.2
-72%
1058
27%
Access Time Read *
0.058
0.081
-40%
0.085
-47%
0.047
19%
0.09003 ?(0.048 - 0.24, n=36)
-55%
Access Time Write *
0.047
0.046
2%
0.061
-30%
0.019
60%
0.07378 ?(0.033 - 0.144, n=36)
-57%
Score Read
528
537
2%
342
-35%
1488
182%
Score Write
1030
923
-10%
343
-67%
1361
32%
Score Total
1810
1693
-6%
869
-52%
3552
96%
Copy ISO MB/s
282.8
Copy Program MB/s
128.1
Copy Game MB/s
184.9
Total Average (Program / Settings)
2% / 1%
-43% / -44%
66% / 68%
77% / 77%
-1% / -2%
134% / 133%

* ... smaller is better

Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 1847 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 982 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 312.2 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 210.4 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 1606 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 973 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 52 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 132 MB/s

Graphics Card

The integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics unit is only suitable for non-demanding applications. Moreover, its performance depends, amongst other things, on the RAM configuration. The graphics performance of our review device is increased because it comes with 8 GB of dual-channel RAM.

Thanks to the dual-channel RAM, the VivoBook 17 achieves a very good score in the 3DMark Fire Strike benchmark, which is well above average when compared to other devices with this particular GPU. You can learn what kind of performance you can expect from AMD’s Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics on our GPU benchmarks page.

3DMark - 1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Multimedia
  (1835 - 46022, n=80, last 2 years)
14545 Points +491%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, Intel Core i7-10510U
3885 Points +58%
Medion Akoya P17605
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, Intel Core i7-10510U
2939 Points +19%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
2462 Points
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (1095 - 2901, n=41)
2224 Points -10%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
1981 Points -20%
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
1280 Points -48%
3DMark Fire Strike Score
2237 points
Help

Gaming Performance

AMD’s Radeon RX Vega 8 is suited for simple and older games. For instance, the five-year-old Dota 2 can achieve high frame rates even at 1080p. Most current titles are either unplayable or can only run on the lowest settings.

To learn what kind of gaming experience you can expect from AMD’s Radeon RX Vega 8, go to our GPU Benchmarks page.

Dota 2 Reborn
1920x1080 high (2/3)
Average of class Multimedia
  (28 - 196.9, n=82, last 2 years)
103.7 fps +185%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
Intel Core i7-10510U, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
77.4 (66min) fps +113%
Medion Akoya P17605
Intel Core i7-10510U, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
59 (48.1min) fps +62%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
36.4 (33.5min) fps
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (20.4 - 47.8, n=29)
35.8 fps -2%
1366x768 med (1/3)
Average of class Multimedia
  (36.7 - 208, n=80, last 2 years)
120.6 fps +107%
Medion Akoya P17605
Intel Core i7-10510U, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
105.4 (92.7min) fps +81%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
Intel Core i7-10510U, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
102.9 (90.8min) fps +77%
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (39.9 - 76.3, n=29)
58.9 fps +1%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
58.2 (51.2min) fps
1280x720 min (0/3) fastest
Average of class Multimedia
  (37.2 - 233, n=80, last 2 years)
138.7 fps +105%
Medion Akoya P17605
Intel Core i7-10510U, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
114.4 (99.6min) fps +69%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
Intel Core i7-10510U, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
112.3 (98.5min) fps +66%
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (56.2 - 97.2, n=29)
70.4 fps +4%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
67.5 (58.4min) fps
lowmed.highultra
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 67.5 58.2 36.4 33.2

Emissions & Energy Management - Quiet operation and poor battery life

System Noise

Fan noise
Fan noise

In everyday use, the Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA is very quiet. The fans spin up rarely, and when they do they produce a consistent humming sound. Our review device does not produce any abnormal noises such as coil whine.

Noise Level

Idle
30.3 / 30.3 / 30.3 dB(A)
Load
31.6 / 35.7 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 Highs2033.534.133.734.333.5253735.836.834.1373136.836.335.33636.84031.831.630.933.831.85032.332.532.632.232.36330.530.529.53130.58028.829.72928.228.810030.228.928.129.330.212529.228.628.329.329.216026.125.224.924.326.120023.523.723.422.423.525022.723.422.322.422.731523.422.121.721.223.44002320.720.220.42350021.820.120.119.521.863023.619.718.818.723.680023.819.818.218.323.810002720.717.917.727125027.221.417.717.727.2160024.819.617.817.124.8200025.119.217.517.425.1250023.218.617.617.423.2315021.518.617.717.621.5400022.818.51817.722.8500022.818.418.21822.8630019.618.418.31819.680001918.318.418.3191000018.518.518.318.118.51250018.318.318.218.218.31600018.318.418.318.218.3SPL35.831.730.530.435.8N2.41.61.51.42.4median 23.2median 19.7median 18.3median 18.2median 23.2Delta2.11.62.12.32.1hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseAsus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T

Temperature

Stress test
Stress test

According to our measurements, the surface temperatures of the VivoBook 17 M712DA hover around 28 °C (82.4 °F) when idle and 34.5 °C (94.1 °F) under load. The hottest point is in the upper right corner of the chassis. This is why the wrist rest area never feels hot. The laptop can also be used on the lap.

During our one-hour stress test, the temperatures inside the device shot up and the CPU frequency fell well below the base clock. During the stress test, the system felt very laggy. Because such utilisation levels are very unlikely to occur in real life, users should not experience any problems related to thermal throttling in day-to-day use.

Max. Load
 23.6 °C
74 F
29.5 °C
85 F
34 °C
93 F
 
 24.1 °C
75 F
29.4 °C
85 F
33 °C
91 F
 
 24.1 °C
75 F
24.7 °C
76 F
25.1 °C
77 F
 
Maximum: 34 °C = 93 F
Average: 27.5 °C = 82 F
34.5 °C
94 F
28.5 °C
83 F
23.3 °C
74 F
33.1 °C
92 F
26.9 °C
80 F
23.6 °C
74 F
26 °C
79 F
25.1 °C
77 F
24.3 °C
76 F
Maximum: 34.5 °C = 94 F
Average: 27.3 °C = 81 F
Power Supply (max.)  47.8 °C = 118 F | Room Temperature 22.2 °C = 72 F | Fluke t3000 FC / FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 27.5 °C / 82 F, compared to the average of 31.3 °C / 88 F for the devices in the class Multimedia.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 34 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 34.5 °C / 94 F, compared to the average of 39.2 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24 °C / 75 F, compared to the device average of 31.3 °C / 88 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 25.1 °C / 77.2 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(+) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (+3.7 °C / 6.6 F).
Heat distribution when idle - top
Heat distribution when idle - top
Heat distribution when idle - bottom
Heat distribution when idle - bottom
Heat distribution under load - top
Heat distribution under load - top
Heat distribution under load - bottom
Heat distribution under load - bottom

Speakers

Pink noise
Pink noise

The speakers of the VivoBook 17 do not sound very loud, but they offer a wide sound stage. The lows are well-reproduced, and the speakers are good enough for media consumption in quiet environments. In all other circumstances, we suggest using external speakers or headphones, which can be connected to the notebook via the 3.5-mm audio jack.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2033.134.333.12534.434.134.43134.63634.64031.133.831.15031.632.231.66329.63129.68029.428.229.410031.529.331.512538.929.338.916047.424.347.420049.722.449.725053.522.453.531562.321.262.340068.820.468.850066.719.566.76306818.7688006818.368100066.117.766.1125061.717.761.7160059.317.159.3200065.317.465.3250057.617.457.6315058.617.658.6400061.817.761.8500064.61864.6630058.51858.5800057.918.357.91000060.118.160.11250062.418.262.41600061.618.261.6SPL75.530.475.5N38.21.438.2median 61.6median 18.2median 61.6Delta5.62.35.635.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseAsus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017TApple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (68.8 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 14.6% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.5% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.7% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (16.6% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 40% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 53% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 18%, worst was 45%
Compared to all devices tested
» 26% of all tested devices were better, 5% similar, 69% 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
» 6% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 92% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 4% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 95% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Energy Consumption

According to our measurements, the Asus notebook draws at least 4.2 watts when idle and up to 43.7 watts under load. This is why the VivoBook 17 can be described as an energy-efficient laptop.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.37 / 0.5 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.2 / 7.9 / 8.4 Watt
Load midlight 34 / 43.7 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy

Battery Life

In our practically oriented Wi-Fi test, the VivoBook 17 achieves a battery runtime of slightly more than 3 hours. This kind of battery life is consistent with the low battery capacity of the Asus laptop. However, competing devices feature larger batteries and therefore last longer.

Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
Average of class Multimedia
  (279 - 1204, n=88, last 2 years)
640 min +223%
Lenovo Ideapad L340-17API-81LY0004GE
R5 3500U, Vega 8, 36 Wh
414 min +109%
SCHENKER Slim 15 L19
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620,  Wh
370 min +87%
Medion Akoya P17605
i7-10510U, GeForce MX250, 42.2 Wh
281 min +42%
HP Envy 17-ce1004ng
i7-10510U, GeForce MX250, 52 Wh
241 min +22%
Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T
R5 3500U, Vega 8, 37 Wh
198 min
Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
3h 18min

Pros

+ low price
+ good maintenance options
+ good Vega 8 performance due to dual-channel RAM

Cons

- poor battery life
- poor colour-space coverage
- Ryzen 5 3500U cannot reach its full potential

Verdict - Low-priced notebook from Asus

In review: Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA. Test device provided courtesy of: notebooksbilliger.de
In review: Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA. Test device provided courtesy of: notebooksbilliger.de

The Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA is a simple notebook for users who need a large screen and enough performance to run various office applications. Our review device cannot be used for professional image-editing because of a limited colour volume. However, hobbyists can still occasionally use the device to enhance a photograph or two. In theory, the laptop has enough performance to run very simple games. 

The VivoBook 17 M712DA has a lot of untapped potential.

In addition to a very simple keyboard and the plastic case, another major weakness of the VivoBook 17 is the very poor battery life. The laptop can only last for 3 hours. This is not a long battery runtime by any stretch of the imagination. The fact that such a large device comes with a microSD card reader, and a very slow one at that, is hard to grasp. The CPU could also be faster if it were better configured. At the end of the day, the price and the level of performance are good enough for anyone who does not need a colour-accurate display for image-editing. A lot of potential was left on the table, despite the fact that making use of it would not have necessarily increased the price.

Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA-AU017T - 01/26/2020 v7 (old)
Mike Wobker

Chassis
73 / 98 → 75%
Keyboard
67%
Pointing Device
84%
Connectivity
42 / 80 → 53%
Weight
61 / 20-72 → 79%
Battery
54 / 95 → 57%
Display
81%
Games Performance
58 / 90 → 64%
Application Performance
80 / 90 → 89%
Temperature
96%
Noise
98 / 95 → 100%
Audio
64%
Camera
43 / 85 → 50%
Average
69%
76%
Multimedia - Weighted Average

Price comparison

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Asus VivoBook 17 M712DA Laptop Review: Cheap 17-incher
Mike Wobker, 2020-01-28 (Update: 2020-01-30)