Gaming

ASUS ROG Flow X16 review: Great on its own

No additional accessories needed for good performance

Published

March 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

ASUS ROG exits 2022 and enters 2023 with a renewed lineup of gaming laptops that will bring the power into the new year. As they continually bring the firepower every year, their ROG Flow series adds another powerful device to the lineup for everyone to experience. With this one, however, it feels like it can stand on its own for what it brings to the table.

The newest addition to the Flow series is the ASUS ROG Flow X16, a 2-in-1 machine rocking powerful hardware and a myriad of possibilities. Essentially, what you have here is an all-rounder of a device fit for the creative professionals and the competitive gamers. It even comes with some nifty accessories, although not the one you usually expect with this series.

So, is the ROG Flow X16 for 2022 something worth bringing into the new year?

Well-built and well-processed

From the inside and out, the ASUS ROG Flow X16 is just built different as a gaming machine. Inside, the device comes with an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU and an RTX 3060 — a decent combination of hardware that produces great performance across the board. Whether it’s for a ton of data analytics or gaming VOD recording and reviews, this machine can handle it all.

What also helps its case is that 16:10 WQHD anti-glare display that helps you house multiple windows on a single screen. In essence, multitasking would be a total breeze, especially when you have reports to finish or gaming streams to watch while you work. Plus, it has a refresh rate of 165Hz which is great for a lot of things, but let’s get into that later on.

Overall, the ROG Flow X16 boasts fantastic hardware fit for both the casual and competitive gamer. Also, if you’re more of a work in the day type of person, this device definitely gives you more than everything you need to get through, on paper.

For the uber competitive ones

It wouldn’t be an ASUS ROG machine if this laptop was not tailor-fit for gaming at a high level. For starters, the RTX 3060 inside the ROG Flow X16 provides great frame rates for most competitive titles out there, especially when under the proper settings. If you want to turn up the detail just a little bit, the GPU can also handle that with ease — no eGPU needed,

As per usual, RTX-powered mobile machines still can’t produce a balance of stellar graphics at stellar frame rates for games that support ray-tracing. Such is the case for the ROG Flow X16, although at least games like Fortnite and Cyberpunk 2077 managed to hit a stable 40 FPS reading. Details were great, and performance was a bit more stable than other GPUs, but again, it’s more for an overall aesthetic look.

Also, going back to the 165Hz refresh rate display, the ROG Flow X16 makes a case for the more ideal on-the-go competitive gaming machine. The 16:10 display gives more screen space to look around in-game, and the 1ms response rate allows you to quickly react to elements in a blink of an eye.

To make beautiful art with

One detail we haven’t mentioned too much yet about the ROG Flow X16 is that, well, it’s also a 2-in-1 device with a touch display. As a staple with all other Flow models, this machine works a ton of wonders for those who like handwritten notes during meetings or doodle as their productive time. Along with a touch display, the ROG Flow X16 comes with a dedicated ASUS Pen for you to do all of these.

The display doesn’t show any signs of being hypersensitive to unnecessary touches from the wrist, which is good when used with the pen. This way, all your sketches and notes will look relatively organized without any unnecessary strokes in the way. Also, this is even helpful when you’re dabbling with photo and video editing.

With the 165Hz refresh rate for this display, you’ll be able to observe and act on any frames you may have missed out in your editing process. Whether it’s the mouse or ASUS Pen, your choice of input will allow you to be as pixel-perfect as possible when creating your masterpiece.

Just a few hygiene checks in there

Like most gaming laptops, the ROG Flow X16 comes with a decent battery in terms of lifespan and charge time. On average, the device lasts for about 8-9 hours on a single charge with regular use, which is pretty standard. Charging time back to 100 percent with the 280W charging brick takes about two hours at least.

Port selection on this device is great, with the inclusion of the dedicated port for the eGPU but they’re mostly placed on the left hand side. Although it seems like a good substitute over having the ports at the rear, it might not be for everyone. Also, some of the USB Type-A ports are on the right, so you’ll need to adjust your wired peripherals if you play a certain way.

This device also comes with an HD camera nestled at the top of the screen and under the display. In terms of photo and video quality, it’s decent for most video conferences and a bit of a grainy selfie for a wallpaper. If for streaming though, you’re better off getting the ROG Eye with this laptop.

Is the ROG Flow X16 your GadgetMatch?

At PhP 149,995, the ASUS ROG Flow X16 is a great 2-in-1 device that holds its own with nothing extra needed. With powerful hardware embedded inside a relatively slim form factor, it has everything you need for work and play. Whether you’re a competitive gamer or a content creator at heart, you won’t go wrong with this as an option.

Granted, you can upgrade the ROG Flow X16 into a gaming powerhouse with all the extra peripherals ASUS has to offer. From the ROG Eye to their own dedicated eGPU, to achieve the best, you will simply want a lot more added to the table. However, even when these aren’t in your budget, the device performs well enough to not need them anyway.

Even with a hefty price tag, this 2-in-1 laptop only provides the best performance possible with minimal sacrifices. It’s portable and powerful enough for you to work hard and play even harder wherever you go!

Computers

Free Steam code awaits MSI RTX 40 series purchases

Review and get free codes too

Published

March 20, 2023

GadgetMatch

MSI recently unveiled its latest set of laptops that are up the date with the latest 13th Gen Intel Core HX processors and RTX 40 series graphics.

These include the following models:

Stealth 16
Katana 15
Cyborg 15
Raider GE78 HX
Titan GT77 HX

Such Intel Core HX processors with 24 cores deliver up to 5.6GHz of processing speed, a big jump which shall be felt by users when it comes to gaming performance, creative applications, and programs requiring the heavy workload.

In the graphics department, the NVIDIA RTX 40 series cards are more efficient and feature Ada Lovelace architecture to take gaming to the next level.

Early bird, review bonuses

To spice things up, MSI is offering US$ 50 Steam wallet codes for customers who will pre-order any of the participating 2023 MSI RTX 40 series models until April 30.

Likewise, customers who post a review of any of the eligible models will also receive a free US$ 50 Steam wallet code as part of the Shout Out for MSI program.

Redemption will be until May 14. To check the full mechanics, click here.

Gaming

The champ is here: WWE 2K23 now official

Featuring John Cena cover, WarGames, more

Published

March 20, 2023

GadgetMatch

After much anticipation, WWE 2K23, which features 16-time World Champion John Cena as its cover, is now available worldwide for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam).

The game comes in four editions:

Standard Edition

US$ 59.99 for previous-gen, US$ 69.99 for current gen consoles (physical or digital)

Cross-Gen

US$ 69.99 on PlayStation and Xbox consoles
Includes Standard Edition across previous and current-gen platforms within same console family or account

Deluxe Edition

US$ 99.99 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One (physical or digital), and PC (digital)
Includes Standard Edition
Bad Bunny Bonus Pack
Season Pass to five post-launch DLC content packs
MyRISE Mega-Boost and SuperCharger
Ruby John Cena MyFACTION card
Gold Asuka MyFACTION card
Three Basic Premium Launch MyFACTION card packs

Icon Edition

US$ 119.99 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
Features original cover art by WWE-inspired artist Rob Schamberger
Includes all bonus content in Deluxe Edition
Ruthless Aggression Pack featuring John Cena “Prototype” character, “Leviathan” Batista, developmental rookie versions of Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton, John Cena Legacy Championship, and WrestleMania 22 Arena
Emerald Paul Heyman MyFACTION manager card
Three Deluxe Premium Launch MyFACTION card packs

WarGames, You Can’t Beat Me finally arrive

The highlight of WWE 2K23 is its much-requested WarGames feature which allows for 3v3 and 4v4 single player or multiplayer mayhem inside two side-by-side rings, surrounded by a double-steel cage.

The game also has a “You Can’t Beat Me” 2K Showcase wherein players will step in the shoes of Cena’s toughest competitors throughout his 20-year professional wrestling entertainment career to try and beat him.

Star-studded lineup

WWE 2K23 has a roster of 201 new and returning superstars, including the most popular names in Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Queen Zelina, Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Rhea Ripley, Drew McIntyre, Bianca Belair, and more.

Ruthless Aggression versions of John Cena, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar are also included in the Deluxe and Icon editions.

More personalization

MyFACTION and MyGM have also been upgraded, with five new GMs and two new brands (NXT 2.0 and WCW), seven new match types, more titles, more challenges, and better Hall of Fame progression.

With Creation Suite, players can design custom superstars, GMs, arenas, entrances, move sets, and more. Custom arenas are likewise playable online.

Watch out for DLCs

Post-launch, gamers should look out for five DLCs headlined by fan-favorites Bray Wyatt, The O.C., The Steiner Brothers, Zeus, Wade Barrett, and Eve Torres.

These content updates will be released one by one until August, adding 24 more superstars to the WWE 2K23 overall roster.

Gaming

ASUS announces TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition, Zephyrus Duo 16

Published

March 13, 2023

GadgetMatch

ASUS has revealed the revamped TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition laptop along with the release of the new ROG Zephyrus Duo 16.

Both new computers are powered by the latest Ryzen 7000 processors as ASUS continues to upgrade its overall gaming laptop lineup. They are now available at ASUS and ROG concept stores, as well as selected multi-brand retailers nationwide.

Take the advantage

The latest iteration of the ever-reliable TUF Gaming A16 comes with an even more powerful processor, improved memory and storage capacity, and exclusive features like AMD SmartShift and AMD Smart Access Memory technologies which enhance system performance and efficiency.

Coming in a sleek form factor, the TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition is available in Sandstorm colorway. It retails starting at PhP 87,995 with a TUF Gaming backpack and TUF Gaming M3 mouse included in the package.

Specs

Processors – Up to AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor
OS – Windows 11 Home
Memory – Up to 32GB (32*2) DDR5-4800
Storage – Up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD2
Graphics – Up to AMD Radeon RX 7600s GPU
Display – 16-inch, FHD+ (1920 x 1200) display, 165Hz, 7ms, FreeSync Premium, MUX Switch, AMD Smart Access Graphics
Audio – 2-speaker system with built-in array microphone, Dolby Atmos, AI noise-cancelling technology
Camera – 720p HD camera
Battery – 90WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion
Security – Kensington Security Slot
Ports – 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 3.5mm audio jack, 1x RJ45 LAN port
Wireless – Wi-Fi 6 802.11AX 2*2, Bluetooth 5.2

Zephyrus Duo 16: Dual-screen beast

Meanwhile, the premium Zephyrus Duo 16’s latest version boasts of improvements in its main display, which is now capable of 240Hz refresh rate and up to 1100 nits of peak brightness. Durability-wise, it has been reinforced with Corning Gorilla Glass DXC and an anti-fingerprint coating.

To ensure a seamless experience, the Zephyrus Duo 16 also has an upgraded ROG Intelligent Cooling System which features the brand’s exclusive Liquid Metal Conductonaut Extreme that lowers the CPU’s overall temperature by up to 15 degrees and Active Aerodynamic Plus 2.0 for overall better airflow and noise reduction.

The laptop comes in two variants: the 32GB + 1TB which sells for PhP 289,995, and the more spacious 64GB + 2TB which is priced at PhP 379,995. Gaming headsets, mice, backpacks, and more giveaways are included in the price package.

Specs

Processors – Up to AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX processor
OS – Windows 11 Home
Memory – Up to 64GB DDR5-4800
Storage – Up to 4TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD2
Graphics – Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 with Dynamic Boost in Turbo Mode, ROG Boost
Displays – 16-inch, QHD+ (2560 x 1600) LED main display, 240Hz, 3ms, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, FreeSync Premium Pro, Optimus, Dolby Vision HDR, MUX Switch + ScreenPad Plus 4K IPS panel
Audio – 6-speaker system with Smart Amp technology, 3-microphoen array, AI noise-cancelling, Dolby Atmos
Camera – 1080p FHD camera, Windows Hello
Battery – 90WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion
Security – BIOS Administrator Password and User, Trusted Platform Module
Ports – 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 3.5mm audio jack, 1x RJ45 LAN port, 1x 2.5G LAN port
Wireless – Wi-Fi 6E 802.11AX 2*2, Bluetooth 5.2