Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2022): Buyers Guide |Pros & Cons

Asus ROG M16 2022: Pros and Cons

Performance -Asus ROG M16

The Asus Zephyrus M16 (2022) is an expensive machine, but its powerful 14-core CPU and RTX 3070 Ti laptop GPU make it an excellent choice for gamers.

If you’re looking for a top-tier “premium gaming PC,” the M16 is worth considering. Our tests showed that it breezes at 72fps even on the game’s ‘Ultra graphics settings running at 1080p resolution, while Total War: Three Kingdoms fared even better at 80fps on ‘Ultra.’ In addition, the PCMark 10 test suite recorded a score of 8020, confirming that this machine is built for gaming.

This laptop can still hit 60fps on games like Metro: Exodus, even when set to the highest graphics settings. While it may slow down a little at 2560×1600 resolution, this is still an excellent option for gamers who need something portable.

On the other hand, the fans performed their job, and we were impressed that even during the most intense gaming tests, the laptop’s base never became more pleasantly warm. Using the Armory app, you can also configure the performance of the GPU and fans to suit different tasks and environments. In addition to the ‘turbo’ mode that we tested, there’s a silent option that limits CPU and GPU performance to run as quietly as possible at night or when traveling. There’s also a more balanced ‘performance’ setting and a manual option for creating your performance profiles.

Price and availability -Asus ROG M16 2022

The Zephyrus M16 is offered in various configurations, including 14-core 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900H CPUs and a variety of designs, which include 14-core 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900H CPUs, 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) panels with 16:10 aspect ratios and 165Hz refresh rates, 16GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of SSD storage. The primary distinction is in the GPU; the Zephyrus M16 can be equipped with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti, RTX 3070 Ti, RTX 3060, or RTX 3050 Ti. We received the RTX 3070 Ti model, which has 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD and costs roughly $2,149.99/£1,650. However, I only found a handful of variations of this model in the United Kingdom, with one model costing £2,599 (about $3,400).

High-end gaming laptops will always be expensive, but the Zephyrus M16 won’t be easy to find for a low guaranteed price, especially in the year of its release. Consider it a good deal if you can locate one for around $2,000 or £2,000. The Zephyrus M16 model from the previous year is still available, so check the specifications before making a significant purchase. Remember that the RTX 3070 Ti or RTX 3080 Ti are only found in the current model.

Temperature -Asus ROG M16 2022

The ROG Zephyrus M16 may get incredibly steamy behind the hood, which sometimes worries me. The vents point up towards the bottom of the display, and I could feel that section of the panel growing quite hot after extended durations of games. It did not influence performance, but I’m concerned about the long-term repercussions.

After 15 minutes of gameplay, the underbelly of the Zephyrus M16 reached 128 degrees Fahrenheit, much beyond our 95-degree comfort threshold. The keyboard and touchpad’s center points were 113 and 74.8 degrees, respectively. The highest temperature recorded was 138 degrees on the far back bottom, three inches from the left edge.

When it’s not gaming, the M16 was still a little toasty after streaming a 15-minute video, with its underside reaching 108 degrees. The keyboard earned 98.1 degrees, and the touchpad measured 75.9 degrees. Again, it was the hottest in the same spot, earning 109 degrees. 

Software and warranty -Asus ROG M16 2022

Armory Crate is the most crucial app on the Zephyrus M16. You can adjust display color, fan speed, performance settings, thermal monitoring of your components, fan customization, and RGB lighting effects all within the app. An “Aura Wallpaper” with lighting effects is available as your laptop’s background. The Asus app also gives you access to details about your warranty, component updates, and different battery configurations. Although it’s a clever trick, I didn’t want to hinder the M16’s performance because using it consumes GPU resources.

Bottom line 

Despite its heating difficulties and somewhat lower RTX 3070 Ti performance than other worthy gaming laptops, the Asus ROG M16 2022 is the standout improvement we’ve been waiting for since the 2021 model. It’s a laptop I look forward to the opening, thanks partly to its stunning 16-inch display screen, comfortable keyboard and touchpad, and stunning design.

If you can get one for approximately $2,000/£2,000, the Zephyrus M16 is a great gaming laptop that you’ll love if you’re anything like me. It has the performance and features anyone looking for in a high-priced gaming laptop would desire while being somewhat portable despite its sizeable 16-inch display. The M16 continues the reputation of Asus’ Zephyrus laptops as some of the best gaming laptops available. Check out our review ASUS vs. Razer: Which brand of laptop is better? If you’re looking for a little bit more gaming power.