Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 (i9-8950HK, RTX 2080 Max-Q) Laptop Review

Well endowed. The well-equipped Aero 15-Y9 allows (almost) all games to be played smoothly on its matte 4K screen. However, Gigabyte has chosen to equip the laptop with only the Max-Q variant of the GeForce 2080. As a result, it isn't able to offer much more gaming performance above the Aero-15 models with RTX 2070 Max-Q GPUs.

Sascha Mölck, 👁 Florian Glaser (translated by Gregory Williams), Published 03/22/2019 🇩🇪 🇫🇷 ...

The Aero-15 range from Gigabyte is comprised of powerful, but very compact, 15.6-inch laptops. We recently reviewed another example from the range, the Aero 15-X9, which has a Core i7-8750H and a GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q on board. The Aero 15-Y9 model sitting before us today represents the highest configuration model in the Aero-15 line-up from Gigabyte. It is therefore accordingly well-equipped: Core i9-8950HK CPU, GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q GPU, 64 GB of RAM, 2 TB of NVMe SSD storage and a 4K screen. For this package, you'll have to fork out around 5,000 Euros (~$5,657). Competition at this end of the market includes the Acer Predator Triton 500, MSI GS65 8RF Stealth Thin, Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS and Razer Blade 15.

Due to the fact that apart from internal configuration, the Aero 15-Y9 and Aero 15-X9 are identical to their predecessors, we won't go into details about the case, features, input devices and speakers etc., which we covered at length in our Aero 15X V8 review.

Test device courtesy of Gigabyte DE

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Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 (Aero 15 Series)

Processor

Intel Core i9-8950HK 6 x 2.9 - 4.8 GHz, Coffee Lake-H

Graphics adapter

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q - 8 GB VRAM, Core: 735 MHz, Memory: 1500 MHz, GDDR6, 256-bit, ForceWare 419.35, Optimus

Memory

64 GB

, SO-DIMM DDR4-2666, dual-channel, two banks (both in use)

Display

15.60 inch 16:9, 3840 x 2160 pixel 282 PPI, AU Optronics B156ZAN03.1 (AUO31EB), IPS, 60 Hz, 4K/UHD, glossy: no

Mainboard

Intel HM370

Storage

Intel SSD 760p SSDPEKKW020T8, 2048 GB

, 2x M.2-2280 (one slot in use)

Soundcard

Realtek ALC255 @ Intel Cannon Point-LP PCH - cAVS (Audio, Video, Speech)

Connections

2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 2 USB 3.1 Gen2, 1 Thunderbolt, 1 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: audio combo, Card Reader: SD/SDHC/SDXC

Networking

Killer E2500 Gigabit Ethernet Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Killer Wireless-AC 1550i Wireless Network Adapter (9560NGW) (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5.0

Size

height x width x depth (in mm): 20 x 356 x 250 ( = 0.79 x 14.02 x 9.84 in)

Battery

94.24 Wh, 6200 mAh Lithium-Polymer, 15.2 V

Operating System

Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit

Camera

Webcam: HD
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix

Additional features

Speakers: Stereo (2x 2W), Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 230 watt power adapter, XSplit Gamecaster, XSplit Broadcaster, 24 Months Warranty

Weight

2.118 kg ( = 74.71 oz / 4.67 pounds), Power Supply: 718 g ( = 25.33 oz / 1.58 pounds)

Price

4999 Euro

Links

Gigabyte homepage

Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

see all specifications

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Size Comparison

Acer Predator Triton 500 Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q DIN A4 ❌

SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)	200 MB/s ∼100% +2%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)	197 MB/s ∼99%
Gigabyte Aero 15X v8 (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)	191 MB/s ∼96% -3%
Average of class Gaming (19 - 209, n=96, last 2 years)	102.9 MB/s ∼51% -48%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Gigabyte Aero 15X v8 (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)	242 MB/s ∼100% 0%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)	242 MB/s ∼100% 0%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)	242 MB/s ∼100%
Average of class Gaming (26 - 269, n=87, last 2 years)	128.6 MB/s ∼53% -47%

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Average of class Gaming (450 - 1580, n=47, last 2 years)	1148 MBit/s ∼100% +73%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS Intel Wireless-AC 9560	693 MBit/s ∼60% +5%
Acer Predator Triton 500 Killer Wireless-AC 1550i Wireless Network Adapter (9560NGW)	683 MBit/s ∼59% +3%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Killer Wireless-AC 1550i Wireless Network Adapter (9560NGW)	680 MBit/s ∼59% +3%
MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin Killer Wireless-AC 1550 Wireless Network Adapter	662 MBit/s ∼58% 0%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Killer Wireless-AC 1550i Wireless Network Adapter (9560NGW)	662 MBit/s ∼58%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q Intel Wireless-AC 9560	655 MBit/s ∼57% -1%
Gigabyte Aero 15X v8 Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265	379 MBit/s ∼33% -43%
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Gaming (423 - 1700, n=47, last 2 years)	1234 MBit/s ∼100% +83%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q Intel Wireless-AC 9560	684 MBit/s ∼55% +2%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS Intel Wireless-AC 9560	683 MBit/s ∼55% +1%
Gigabyte Aero 15X v8 Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265	682 MBit/s ∼55% +1%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Killer Wireless-AC 1550i Wireless Network Adapter (9560NGW)	678 MBit/s ∼55% +1%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Killer Wireless-AC 1550i Wireless Network Adapter (9560NGW)	673 MBit/s ∼55%
Acer Predator Triton 500 Killer Wireless-AC 1550i Wireless Network Adapter (9560NGW)	671 MBit/s ∼54% 0%
MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin Killer Wireless-AC 1550 Wireless Network Adapter	660 MBit/s ∼53% -2%

Display - 4K - IPS

The matte 15.6-inch display of the Aero 15 has a native resolution of 3840x2,160. Brightness (337 cd/m²) and contrast (1,207:1) aim to please. Compared to the competition in our review, the Aero 15-Y9 offered the brightest panel. However, the reaction times are somewhat behind the rest of the field, which have 144 Hz panels on board. Another positive - the display exhibited no PWM flickering.


333 cd/m²	346 cd/m²	343 cd/m²
332 cd/m²	350 cd/m²	324 cd/m²
333 cd/m²	351 cd/m²	322 cd/m²

Distribution of brightness

AU Optronics B156ZAN03.1 (AUO31EB)

X-Rite i1Pro 2

Maximum: 351 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 337.1 cd/m² Minimum: 10 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 92 %
Center on Battery: 350 cd/m²
Contrast: 1207:1 (Black: 0.29 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 0.93 | 0.55-29.43 Ø5.1, calibrated: 0.62
ΔE Greyscale 1.21 | 0.57-6493 Ø6.6
100% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
88% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
99.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
100% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
86.8% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.2

Download ICC File (X-Rite i1Pro 2)

	Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 AU Optronics B156ZAN03.1 (AUO31EB), IPS, 3840x2160	Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 LGD05C0, IPS, 1920x1080	MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin AU Optronics B156HAN08.0 (AUO80ED), IPS, 1920x1080	Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS AU Optronics B156HAN08.2 (AUO82ED), IPS, 1920x1080	Acer Predator Triton 500 AU Optronics B156HAN08.2 (AUO82ED), IPS, 1920x1080	Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q LG Philips LGD05C0, IPS, 1920x1080
Display		-23%	-22%	-22%	-22%	-21%
Display P3 Coverage	86.8	63.5 -27%	66.2 -24%	66.7 -23%	64.2 -26%	65.3 -25%
sRGB Coverage	100	93.1 -7%	92.1 -8%	91.2 -9%	92.6 -7%	94.9 -5%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage	99.7	64.5 -35%	67.2 -33%	66.7 -33%	65.7 -34%	66.3 -34%
Response Times		63%	64%	77%	74%	66%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *	60 ?(29.2, 30.8)	16.4 ?(8.8, 7.6) 73%	17.6 ?(9.2, 8.4) 71%	7.4 ?(3.8, 3.6) 88%	8 ?(4, 4) 87%	16.8 ?(9.2, 7.6) 72%
Response Time Black / White *	28.8 ?(13.2, 15.6)	13.6 ?(8.4, 5.2) 53%	12.8 ?(7.6, 5.2) 56%	10 ?(4.4, 5.6) 65%	11.2 ?(6, 5.2) 61%	11.6 ?(7.2, 4.4) 60%
PWM Frequency
Screen		-27%	-62%	-75%	-143%	-81%
Brightness middle	350	250 -29%	254 -27%	294 -16%	304 -13%	314.7 -10%
Brightness	337	235 -30%	262 -22%	275 -18%	299 -11%	312 -7%
Brightness Distribution	92	85 -8%	89 -3%	84 -9%	89 -3%	90 -2%
Black Level *	0.29	0.29 -0%	0.22 24%	0.24 17%	0.27 7%	0.38 -31%
Contrast	1207	862 -29%	1155 -4%	1225 1%	1126 -7%	828 -31%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *	0.93	1.46 -57%	2.37 -155%	2.57 -176%	4.66 -401%	2.56 -175%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *	1.43	2.47 -73%	4.71 -229%	4.88 -241%	9.65 -575%	4.89 -242%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *	0.62		1.84 -197%	2.14 -245%	1.72 -177%	1.71 -176%
Greyscale dE 2000 *	1.21	1.27 -5%	1.58 -31%	2.41 -99%	5.53 -357%	3.4 -181%
Gamma	2.2 ^100%	2.4 ^92%	2.48 ^89%	2.5 ^88%	2.5 ^88%	2.3 ^96%
CCT	6672 ^97%	6749 ^96%	6785 ^96%	6370 ^102%	8028 ^81%	6435 ^101%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)	88	60 -32%	60 -32%	59 -33%	60 -32%	60.7 -31%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)	100	93 -7%	92 -8%	91 -9%	93 -7%	94.6 -5%
Total Average (Program / Settings)		4% / -14%	-7% / -39%	-7% / -46%	-30% / -93%	-12% / -51%

* ... smaller is better

Straight out of the box, the display had very good colour accuracy with a Delta-E-2000 colour-difference value of 0.93, more than fulfilling requirements (Delta E value less than 3). The display also does not appear too "cool" or blue-tinted. Grey tones were additionally very balanced, and a calibration performed by us on the display resulted in only minimal improvements, which for the average user wouldn't be noticeable. After calibration, the colour-difference value dropped to 0.62 and the grey tones were even more balanced. In terms of colour-space coverage, the display also shines with 88% (AdobeRGB) and 100% (sRGB) scores.

With our pre-prepared ICC profile file you can apply the same settings for colour reproduction that we achieved during our calibration - but please check in advance to ensure that the same display (manufacturer and model number) is installed in your laptop, otherwise it may make things worse instead of better. It's very common practice for models in the same laptop range to be equipped with different panels from multiple manufacturers.

Display Response Times

ℹ

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
28.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined	↗ 13.2 ms rise
28.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined	↘ 15.6 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 71 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.9 ms).
↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
60 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined	↗ 29.2 ms rise
60 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined	↘ 30.8 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.25 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 95 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (34.6 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

ℹ

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: 54 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 19019 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Gigabyte has equipped the Aero with an IPS panel with good viewing angles. As a result, the screen is visible from any position. The laptop was usable outside thanks to its bright display, as long as the sun wasn't too bright at the time.

Direct light (slightly overcast conditions)

Indirect light (slightly overcast conditions)

Performance - Core i9 Power

The Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 is a device in the family of slim, portable 15.6-inch gaming laptops and is able to provide smooth performance in (almost) every current game. In terms of other areas such as productivity, it also does not disappoint. For our review device you'll have to hand over around 5,000 Euros (~$5,657); however, other configurations are available.

Test Setup

The preinstalled Gigabyte Control Center offers, amongst other things, the ability to apply an energy profile. We decided against this and selected the option "Customize" that results in Windows' own power profiles being used.

Processor

The Aero 15 is powered by a Core i9-8950HK (Coffee Lake) hexa-core processor. The CPU is soldered to the board and cannot be swapped out, so anyone who places value on being able to replace their CPU will have to turn to a much more substantial laptop such as the Schenker XMG Ultra 15.

The Core i9 operates with a base frequency of 2.9 GHz, and can turbo up to 4.3 GHz (all six cores), 4.5 GHz (four cores), 4.7 GHz (two cores) or 4.8 GHz (one core). It is a mobile CPU with a TDP value of 45 watts. Hyper-Threading (two threads per core) is supported. The unlocked multiplier allows for simple overclocking of the CPU.

The multithread tests of Cinebench resulted in the CPU operating at around 3.7 - 4.1 GHz. The single-thread tests ran at 4.1 - 4.6 GHz. This was only valid for when on mains power; on battery, the CPU was clocked at a constant 2.3 GHz.

Whether or not the CPU turbo mode can be sustained in mains operation is tested by running the multithread test of Cinebench R15 for approximately 30 minutes in a loop. The results fall somewhat between the first and fifth runs and then stabilise at a relatively constant level between 1,140 and 1,170 points. Turbo mode did engage, but somewhat below its possible maximum.

Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK, Intel Core i9-8950HK: Ø1157 (1138.53-1236.86)

Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H: Ø1095 (1087.31-1156.25)

MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H: Ø981 (927.26-1023.23)

Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H: Ø1004 (937.73-1119.73)

Acer Predator Triton 500 Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H: Ø980 (961.82-1019.05)

Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H: Ø922 (913.2-999)

CPU clock speed during the Cinebench 15 run

Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit

7089

Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit

37099

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit

6820

Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit

193 Points

Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit

1237 Points

Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit

115.9 fps

Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit

99.6 %

Help

... in comparison

Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Gaming (79.2 - 312, n=245, last 2 years)	256 Points ∼100% +33%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK	193 Points ∼75%
Acer Predator Triton 500 Intel Core i7-8750H	176 Points ∼69% -9%
MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin Intel Core i7-8750H	175 Points ∼68% -9%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q Intel Core i7-8750H	174 Points ∼68% -10%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS Intel Core i7-8750H	166 Points ∼65% -14%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel Core i7-8750H	166 Points ∼65% -14%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Gaming (400 - 5663, n=246, last 2 years)	2737 Points ∼100% +121%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK	1237 Points ∼45%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel Core i7-8750H	1156 Points ∼42% -7%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS Intel Core i7-8750H	1120 Points ∼41% -9%
MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin Intel Core i7-8750H	1053 Points ∼38% -15%
Acer Predator Triton 500 Intel Core i7-8750H	1019 Points ∼37% -18%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q Intel Core i7-8750H	999 Points ∼36% -19%

Cinebench R10
Rendering Single 32Bit
Average of class Gaming (5847 - 11940, n=25, last 2 years)	8464 Points ∼100% +19%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK	7089 Points ∼84%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel Core i7-8750H	6351 Points ∼75% -10%
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Average of class Gaming (35806 - 85088, n=25, last 2 years)	55283 Points ∼100% +49%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK	37099 Points ∼67%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel Core i7-8750H	33923 Points ∼61% -9%

Cinebench R20
CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Gaming (169 - 825, n=240, last 2 years)	663 Points ∼100% +71%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK	387 Points ∼58%
CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Gaming (930 - 13769, n=240, last 2 years)	6487 Points ∼100% +173%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK	2379 Points ∼37%

Geekbench 3
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK	23881 Points ∼100%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel Core i7-8750H	21358 Points ∼89% -11%
32 Bit Single-Core Score
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK	4511 Points ∼100%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel Core i7-8750H	3741 Points ∼83% -17%

Geekbench 4.1 - 4.4
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Gaming (27071 - 71700, n=33, last 2 years)	46233 Points ∼100% +86%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK	24847 Points ∼54%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel Core i7-8750H	18716 Points ∼40% -25%
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Gaming (5812 - 8936, n=33, last 2 years)	7384 Points ∼100% +30%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK	5682 Points ∼77%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel Core i7-8750H	4810 Points ∼65% -15%

Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total Score
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 44)	1138 ms * ∼100% -12%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 44.17763.1.0)	1126 ms * ∼99% -11%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK (Edge 44)	1014 ms * ∼89%
Average of class Gaming (421 - 882, n=217, last 2 years)	549 ms * ∼48% +46%

Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Gaming (63457 - 105526, n=52, last 2 years)	86376 Points ∼100% +128%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK (Edge 44)	37865 Points ∼44%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 44)	33659 Points ∼39% -11%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 44.17763.1.0)	30594 Points ∼35% -19%

JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Gaming (325 - 541, n=27, last 2 years)	435 Points ∼100% +58%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK (Edge 44)	274.9 Points ∼63%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 44.17763.1.0)	255.9 Points ∼59% -7%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 44)	245.4 Points ∼56% -11%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

In terms of system performance, the Aero 15 can take on anything thrown at it. Thanks to very high-end hardware it not only impresses in gaming service but also with video and image-editing. In addition, it achieved very good results in the PCMark benchmarks. However, a look at our comparison table shows that despite having a more-powerful CPU and GPU combination, it comes in behind the Aero 15-X9. This is likely due to the higher screen resolution (4K vs. FHD) of the Aero 15-Y9.

PCMark 7 Score		6905 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2		3944 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2		5164 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2		4775 points
PCMark 10 Score		5743 points
Help

... in comparison

PCMark 10 | PCMark 8

PCMark 10 - Score
Average of class Gaming (4477 - 9331, n=197, last 2 years)	7385 Points ∼100% +29%
Acer Predator Triton 500 GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i7-8750H, 2x WDC PC SN720 SDAPNTW-256G-1014 (RAID 0)	5883 Points ∼80% +2%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i9-8950HK, Intel SSD 760p SSDPEKKW020T8	5743 Points ∼78%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ	5416 Points ∼73% -6%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Intel SSD 760p SSDPEKKW010T8	5353 Points ∼72% -7%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G	5170 Points ∼70% -10%
MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ	5095 Points ∼69% -11%

PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Gaming (3570 - 6657, n=41, last 2 years)	5130 Points ∼100% +30%
MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ	4665 Points ∼91% +18%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G	4620 Points ∼90% +17%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Intel SSD 760p SSDPEKKW010T8	4338 Points ∼85% +10%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ	4150 Points ∼81% +5%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i9-8950HK, Intel SSD 760p SSDPEKKW020T8	3944 Points ∼77%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Gaming (4622 - 7085, n=40, last 2 years)	5997 Points ∼100% +26%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G	5706 Points ∼95% +19%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Intel SSD 760p SSDPEKKW010T8	5645 Points ∼94% +18%
MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ	5621 Points ∼94% +18%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ	5607 Points ∼93% +17%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i9-8950HK, Intel SSD 760p SSDPEKKW020T8	4775 Points ∼80%

Storage

Purchasers of the Aero 15-Y9 are not likely to complain about internal storage. Gigabyte installed in our review unit a 2 TB NVMe SSD in M.2 form, which delivered exceptional transfer rates. This is thanks to it being a PCI Express 3.0 x4 device, which results in much higher transfer speeds in comparison to SATA 3 models that are limited to 600 MB/s.

Should it be necessary at some point to expand storage - no problem. The internals of the laptop offer a second M.2 2280 slot, which can take either an NVMe or SATA 3 SSD.

CrystalDiskMark 3.0

CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6

AS SSD

Intel SSD 760p SSDPEKKW020T8

Sequential Read: 2369 MB/s

Sequential Write: 1450 MB/s

512K Read: 1386 MB/s

512K Write: 1439 MB/s

4K Read: 62.5 MB/s

4K Write: 136.8 MB/s

4K QD32 Read: 590 MB/s

4K QD32 Write: 464.6 MB/s

	Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel SSD 760p SSDPEKKW020T8	Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel SSD 760p SSDPEKKW010T8	MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ	Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G	Acer Predator Triton 500 2x WDC PC SN720 SDAPNTW-256G-1014 (RAID 0)	Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6		-8%	-6%	-20%	14%	-6%
Write 4K	109.4	97.1 -11%	95.3 -13%	98.2 -10%	93.6 -14%	93.9 -14%
Read 4K	56.6	53.7 -5%	40.13 -29%	39.43 -30%	38.82 -31%	40.56 -28%
Write Seq	1508	1526 1%	1883 25%	1386 -8%	2455 63%	1468 -3%
Read Seq	2427	2020 -17%	1322 -46%	1100 -55%	2107 -13%	1540 -37%
Write 4K Q32T1	307	285.6 -7%	309.9 1%	270.3 -12%	298.7 -3%	293.5 -4%
Read 4K Q32T1	351.3	321.8 -8%	353.7 1%	340.3 -3%	338.7 -4%	346 -2%
Write Seq Q32T1	1523	1533 1%	1919 26%	1454 -5%	2902 91%	1941 27%
Read Seq Q32T1	2825	2351 -17%	2466 -13%	1681 -40%	3536 25%	3266 16%

Graphics Card

The Aero-15 Y9 is equipped with a GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q. This variant of the RTX 2080 focuses on power and heat efficiency and is intended for thin and light laptops. Nvidia offers two variants of the adapter that are classified by TDP and therefore run at differing speeds. The 80-watt model has a core clock of 735 - 1,095 MHz, and the 90-watt model offers 990 - 1,230 MHz. The Aero is equipped with the 80-watt version.

The GPU in our review unit at one point reached a maximum core speed of 1,455 MHz, but this value cannot be achieved for long - during our benchmark testing, the average clock speed measured was 1,050 MHz. In terms of VRAM, it is equipped with 8,192 MB of fast GDDR6 RAM.

The results from 3DMark place the laptop, in comparison with previously tested RTX 2080 Max-Q devices, somewhere around the bottom of the scale. As a result, the GPU is not able to vastly differentiate itself from the Aero 15-X9 with its RTX 2070 Max-Q - in addition, the Aero 15-X9 also had a bit more to give, as the review unit we tested was equipped with RAM in single-channel mode, whereas the Aero 15-Y9 has two RAM modules (i.e. dual-channel mode) on board.

The CPU-integrated graphics adapter, an Intel UHD Graphics 630, is active, and it operates in conjunction with Nvidia's GPU-switching solution Optimus.

3DMark 06 Standard Score		38435 points
3DMark 11 Performance		19220 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score		66387 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score		29945 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score		16020 points
3DMark Time Spy Score		6399 points
Help

... in comparison

3DMark | 3DMark 11

3DMark
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Gaming (781 - 53059, n=241, last 2 years)	27594 Points ∼100% +53%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q	18153 Points ∼66% +1%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q	18048 Points ∼65%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q	17598 Points ∼64% -2%
MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q	14780 Points ∼54% -18%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Gaming (224 - 22547, n=241, last 2 years)	11018 Points ∼100% +70%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q	6728 Points ∼61% +4%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q	6562 Points ∼60% +2%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q	6464 Points ∼59%

3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Gaming (1029 - 72070, n=232, last 2 years)	37452 Points ∼100% +60%
Acer Predator Triton 500 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q	28083 Points ∼75% +20%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q	23386 Points ∼62%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q	22723 Points ∼61% -3%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q	22089 Points ∼59% -6%
MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q	18687 Points ∼50% -20%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q	18296 Points ∼49% -22%

Gaming Performance

The Aero 15 is able to play all current games fluidly. Generally this requires using FHD resolution at maximum detail settings. Many games will also allow the player to take advantage of the 4K screen; however, detail settings may have to be wound down a little.

	low	med.	high	ultra	4K
BioShock Infinite (2013)	280.1	197.5	187.8	137.6
GTA V (2015)	140	135.3	115.4	62.6	74
The Witcher 3 (2015)	255	192.7	117.3	65.7	39.6
X-Plane 11.11 (2018)	91	80.5	67.2		51.8
Far Cry 5 (2018)	114	94	88	84	34
Darksiders III (2018)	137	103.5	94.3	84.8	29.8
Apex Legends (2019)	143.7	137.1	111.8	109.9	36
Far Cry New Dawn (2019)	101	88	82	74	36
Metro Exodus (2019)	116.7	77.7	58.2	47.8	20.9
Anthem (2019)	84.5	73.7	72.1	67.4	26.4
Dirt Rally 2.0 (2019)	157.8	116.1	101.1	66.3	31.2
The Division 2 (2019)	132	97	84	69	26

The Witcher 3 | BioShock Infinite | GTA V | X-Plane 11.11

The Witcher 3 - 1920x1080 Ultra Graphics & Postprocessing (HBAO+)
Average of class Gaming (8.61 - 216, n=235, last 2 years)	106.5 fps ∼100% +62%
Acer Predator Triton 500 GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i7-8750H	76.5 (63^min) fps ∼72% +16%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H	68.9 fps ∼65% +5%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i9-8950HK	65.7 fps ∼62%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H	58.3 (48^min) fps ∼55% -11%
MSI GS65 8RF-019DE Stealth Thin GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H	52.7 fps ∼49% -20%
Asus Zephyrus S GX531GS GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H	49.2 fps ∼46% -25%

BioShock Infinite - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset, DX11 (DDOF)
Average of class Gaming (last 2 years)	162.9 fps ∼100% +18%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H	152.5 fps ∼94% +11%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i9-8950HK	137.6 fps ∼84%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H	127.7 fps ∼78% -7%

GTA V - 1920x1080 Highest Settings possible AA:4xMSAA + FX AF:16x
Average of class Gaming (6.38 - 167.7, n=229, last 2 years)	101.4 fps ∼100% +62%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i9-8950HK	62.6 fps ∼62%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H	54.2 fps ∼53% -13%

X-Plane 11.11 - 1920x1080 high (fps_test=3)
Average of class Gaming (12.4 - 166.2, n=252, last 2 years)	95.4 fps ∼100% +42%
Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i9-8950HK	67.2 fps ∼70%
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H	61.6 fps ∼65% -8%

The higher frame rates achieved in comparison to the Aero 15-X9 are not overly noticeable, plus the gap could be narrowed by equipping the Aero 15-X9 with a second RAM module that would allow for dual-channel mode and an increase in frame-rate performance.

Due to the fact we no longer have the Aero 15-X9, we instead removed a RAM module from the Aero 15-X9 and repeated some of the game benchmarks in single-channel mode. Both Aero models delivered frame-rate results within spitting distance of each other. The only game that bucked this trend was Darksiders 3, which ran noticeably faster.

	Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q	Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q	Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 Intel Core i9-8950HK, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q
BioShock Infinite
1920x1080 Ultra Preset, DX11 (DDOF)	137.6	127.7 -7%	118.9 ?(Single-Channel) -14%
X-Plane 11.11
1920x1080 high (fps_test=3)	67.2	61.6 -8%	55.8 ?(Single-Channel) -17%
Far Cry 5
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:T	84	67 -20%	66 ?(Single-Channel) -21%
Darksiders III
1920x1080 Epic	84.8	64.9 -23%	81.4 ?(Single-Channel) -4%
Total Average (Program / Settings)		-15% / -15%	-14% / -14%

To test whether or not the frame rate can be maintained over a longer time period, we run the game The Witcher 3 for approximately 60 minutes in FHD resolution and maximum detail settings. The game's protagonist is not moved during this test. The frame rates did drop over the test period, but remained at a playable level. No real performance drop could be determined.