ASUS ROG Strix GL502 Gaming Laptop: Mini Review
Archive note. This story reflects what was known when it was first covered. Prices, availability and carrier offers are historical. For the current picture, start with the topic guides.
This is a laptop review rather than an Android topic. Prices are historical.
Specifications of the unit tested
| Display | 15.6 inch 1920 x 1080 IPS, matte |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-6700HQ, 2.6 GHz, turbo to about 3.5 GHz |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 970M |
| Memory and storage | 16 GB DDR4, 1 TB hard drive |
| Connectivity | 802.11ac Wi-Fi, gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Ports | 3 USB 3.0, 1 USB-C, HDMI, mini DisplayPort, SD reader, headphone and mic jack |
| Weight | About 2.2 kg (5 lb) |
Performance
Around 200 Chrome tabs open caused almost no slowdown. Games from Steam ran at maximum settings, and the cooling kept the GPU below its thermal limit even when it got hot. The hard drive was fine for a hard drive, though the reviewer wanted an SSD.
What disappointed
- The trackpad was unpolished for scrolling and zooming, the buttons felt cheap and it was useless for gaming.
- Preinstalled software slowed Microsoft Office until a clean Windows 10 install removed it.
- No QHD option was offered for a laptop of this class.
Verdict
Pros: processor, memory, graphics, cooling, weight and design, and a pleasant backlit scissor-switch keyboard. Cons: bloatware, trackpad, below-average battery life, few USB ports and no default SSD.
Frequently asked questions
Does it need a clean install?
The reviewer got the best results after one and removing the ASUS apps.
Is it good for gaming?
Yes, with an external mouse rather than the trackpad.