ASUS’ next line of gaming laptops promise NVIDIA GTX 40-series graphics and better cooling

ASUS refreshes its gaming laptops with HDR Mini LED displays, better cooling, and updated processors and graphics. However, since the company hasn’t yet announced pricing, it’s harder to discern the value of the latest models.

The Nebula display can be found in more models than ever this year. That company branding stands for screens with high frame rates (120 Hz for 4K and QHD displays and 240 Hz or higher for 1080p), bright backlighting, and vibrant colors. Meanwhile, the new Nebula HDR variant is like an ultra-premium version that emphasizes Mini LED panels. For example, the Nebula HDR display in the Strix SCAR 16 is a mini-LED with 1,024 dimming zones (double that of last year’s model) and a 240Hz refresh rate. While we don’t know the prices yet, it’s a safe bet that those models will fetch top dollar.

The new laptops, launching in Q2, will also have updated 13th Gen Intel or AMD Ryzen Zen 4 processors, depending on your configuration. NVIDIA’s new GeForce RTX 40 series laptop GPUs power the graphics in maximum variants of the new machines.

ASUS has added “intelligent cooling” to several new models, including the Zephyrus M16 and Strix models in 16-inch and 18-inch variants. The company achieved this using a full-width heatsink that spans the back of the device. ASUS also added a third cooling fan to more models. (It was first seen in the 2022 Flow X16.) That extra fan improves airflow to the GPU and other internal hardware.

The Strix SCAR line, which ASUS calls the “performance flagships”, have larger 16- and 18-inch screens than their 15- and 17-inch predecessors (including Nebula HDR in the most expensive tiers). Additionally, ASUS says this year’s cooling improvements will allow these models to achieve higher frame rates. Meanwhile, the Strix G16 and G18 are slightly less high-end (probably cheaper) equivalents of the Strix 16 and 18 with the same CPU and GPU options.

ASUS is also working on an update to its light and thin Zephyrus line. The ROG Zephyrus M16 has a Nebula HDR display. Like several other models, top shelf models include a MUX switch and NVIDIA Advanced Optimus. They bypass the machine’s integrated graphics and use discrete graphics almost immediately. Its full-width heatsink and tri-fan technology also allow it to run 25 watts higher than the 2022 version.

Meanwhile, the Zephyrus G16 has the same processor and graphics options with a QHD Nebula display that supports 240Hz. Its smaller sibling, the Zephyrus G14, gets a Nebula HDR panel with 504 dimming zones and 600 nits of peak brightness.

ASUS Duo 16 is the latest iteration of its quirky dual-screen laptop line. Like the 2022 model, the updated version has a 16-inch Mini LED panel as the main display with a smaller 4K display below for multitasking. It also joins other models by offering the new NVIDIA graphics and MUX switch in the most advanced models.

The company also updated the ROG Flow, its 2-in-1 tablet PCs for gamers. The Flow X13, which has a 360-degree rotating hinge, has a 13-inch Nebula display that supports a 165 Hz refresh rate. In addition, ASUS redesigned the chassis, making it 10 mm smaller and increasing the battery capacity (from 62 to 75 Wh) while keeping the same keyboard layout. The company has also made its touchpad bigger and redesigned the 2-in-1 hinge with better ventilation and a better grip.

The X13’s larger companion, the Flow X16, has an HDR Mini LED touchscreen display with a 240Hz refresh rate and 1100 nits peak brightness. In addition, all 2023 Flow devices from ASUS use Corning’s Gorilla Glass DXC, which can increase hardness by 40 percent and reduce glare. Meanwhile, the Flow Z13, a detachable device that resembles a Microsoft Surface for gamers, has been updated with the new Intel and NVIDIA components and a QHD Nebula display with a 165 Hz refresh rate.