Is the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 with an i7-12700H a Good Laptop for AAA Gaming?
When considering the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 for AAA gaming, you might be wondering if it’s the right choice. While it can support AAA titles, its GPU, an RTX 3050 running at only 40W, is not as powerful as some other options available on the market.
Performance Overview
The GPU in the ROG Flow Z13 is quite limited. Most AAA games can be played but only at relatively low graphics settings. This means that while it’s okay for gaming, it might not provide the optimal experience that you’re looking for. If you prioritize performance, it’s worth considering laptops with a more powerful GPU like an 80W RTX 3060 or RX 6600M. Though the CPU, an i7-12700H, might be slightly weaker than some other processors, the gaming performance gains from a more powerful GPU are often more significant. However, these laptops are less efficient, which can lead to higher temperature and reduced battery life.
Alternatives and Price Considerations
If you’re willing to spend more, you can find laptops with an RTX 4060, which is much more powerful, especially when configured with an i7-12700H or CPUs with similar performance. A desktop PC would be even more powerful, often with RTX 4070, RX 6800, or RX 6800 XT, which are about 3–4 times as fast as the 40W RTX 3050. However, this comes with higher power consumption, heavily reducing portability.
For portability and battery life, you might find better performance in a laptop with an RTX 4050. The RTX 4000-series Lovelace architecture offers better efficiency, delivering similar performance at the same power or more performance with the same power. This makes it a better fit for high-demand gaming scenarios on a laptop.
Comparing Intel and AMD
Intel’s i7-12700H is not as efficient as AMD’s new Ryzen 7040-series processors like the Ryzen 7 7840HS. This processor not only offers similar or better overall performance but can be found in laptops at a comparable price or even less. Additionally, the integrated Radeon 780M graphics in the lower-power Ryzen 7 7840U and Ryzen Z1 Extreme are about the same speed as an RTX 3050 running at 40W, though they are significantly slower when using more than 40W configurations.
Portable Gaming Solutions
For those prioritizing portability and battery life, the ASUS ROG Ally is an interesting option. This handheld PC, similar to the Steam Deck, is available with the Ryzen Z1 Extreme at a much lower price than the Flow Z13 with an RTX 3050. It’s an excellent choice if you’re mostly focused on portable gaming or used to gaming with a gamepad. The ROG Ally has a battery life of about 40Wh, while the Flow Z13 has a 56Wh battery, though the RTX 3050 will automatically be disabled without a charger, matching the battery life of the ROG Ally.
Ultimately, the choice between the ROG Flow Z13 and other options depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize performance and are willing to sacrifice some portability and battery life, a laptop with a more powerful GPU would be a better choice. For a balance of performance and portability, the ROG Ally could be the ideal solution for your gaming needs.