ASUS ROG GL551JW-DS74 Laptop Review

If you want a relatively inexpensive gaming laptop, the ASUS ROG GL551JW-DS74 gaming laptop has several features that make it a worthy choice.

As much as possible, you should try to conduct a cost assessment prior to making your buying decision. If you scout around the internet or your local store to compare the price points of laptops of similar configuration, you will quickly discover that the price of the ASUS ROG GL551JW-DS74 gaming laptop is one of the most reasonable.

This PC gives a powerful performance whenever resource-intensive games or applications are being run. This is possible largely due to its quad-core Intel Core i7-4720HQ processor which has a running speed of 2.6Ghz, not to mention the dedicated NVIDIA Maxwell architecture GTX 960M graphics processor.

Right from the very first click of the mouse, the NVIDIA GeForce software kicks in and enhances the computer games in order to deliver the best possible performance when the applications are being run. It also ensures very good image and graphics quality.

This resultant effect is that the computer runs with practically zero time lag. With this gaming PC, you can readily enjoy all of your multimedia files, movies and computer games with little concern for the battery life of your PC as the computer’s Optimus Technology spontaneously changes from discrete to integrated graphics so as to ensure a top-notch performance while significantly prolonging the playing time of the PC, thus enabling you to play your favorite games for a longer period of time.

Specifications for ASUS ROG GL551JW

• Processor – Intel Core i7 4720HQ
• Operating System – Microsoft Windows 8.1
• Random access memory – 16 GB DDR3L 1600 MHz SDRAM
• Display – 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080)
• Graphics processor – NVIDIA GeForce GTX960M 2G GDDR5
• Optical Drive – Super-Multi DVD
• Storage – 1TB HDD 7200 RPM, 128GB SSD
• Connectivity – 3 x USB 3.0 ports, 1 x HDMI, 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack, 1 x mini Display Port
• Audio – 2 built-in speakers and microphone
• Product’s dimensions – 255 x 383 x 28 mm
• Product’s weight – 2.7 kg

Features

The ASUS ROG GL551JW-DS74 gaming laptop comes with an advanced cooling system which ensures the unit stays cool even when performing resource-intensive tasks. It comes with a cool 15.6-Inch anti-glare monitor screen with IPS technology. The IPS technology gives users a good view no matter the angle they are watching the screen from.

Another noteworthy feature is the aforementioned NVIDIA GTX960M 2G GDDR5 graphics processor. The keyboard of this PC is back-lit with adjustable brightness controls which can be fine-tuned as required. The back-lit keyboard makes it perfect for those occasions when you are playing your games late at night or in dimly-lit surroundings.

This gaming PC has a very solid cooling system that ensures the unit stays cool under heavy use. The materials utilized in manufacturing this computer were carefully selected and are partly accountable for the unit’s cool exterior when in use.

The audio system is worthy of mention here as it comes pre-installed with SonicMaster technology as well as ROG AudioWizard. These work in tandem to give a good audio output from the embedded speakers.

PROS

• It has a back-lit keyboard that makes it suitable for use under any type of lighting condition
• There is a superior cooling system which helps the PC maintain an even temperature during usage. This is testament to its heat-to-power ratio which is exceptionally good.
• The audio volume of the embedded speaker is very good.
• The operating system in the ASUS ROG GL551JW-DS74 gaming laptop is installed on the SSD and consequently, the booting up time of the computer is very short.
• It has a good battery life. When the unit’s battery has been fully charged, it has been known to last for upwards of 5 hours depending on usage.
• It runs very quietly and smoothly during web surfing.

CONS

• Both the body and keyboard get smudged easily. Expect to get lots of smudges and fingerprints
• Though the keyboard is back-lit, the back-lights don’t always come up unless the user is logged in

 

Final Verdict

If you are seriously in love with playing video games or you are graphics or video editor, this computer would be ideal for you in so many ways. If on the other hand, what you need is a computer for entertainment purposes or watching multimedia files or even running any high-demand application, the ASUS ROG GL551JW-DS74 gaming laptop is equal to the task.