Hands-on: Asus’ new ROG Flow Z13 gaming tablet with AMD integrated graphics
Asus Unveils Upgraded ROG Flow Z13 Gaming Tablet wiht Powerful Integrated Graphics
Table of Contents
- Asus Unveils Upgraded ROG Flow Z13 Gaming Tablet wiht Powerful Integrated Graphics
- Asus ROG Flow Z13: A Gaming Tablet That Doubles as a Powerful Laptop
- Asus Unveils New ROG Flow Z13 Gaming Tablet: A Powerful Contender or Niche Device?
- Asus’s Bold Bet on Integrated Graphics: An Interview with John Smith
Las Vegas, NV – Asus is doubling down on integrated graphics for its latest gaming tablet, the ROG Flow Z13, unveiled at CES 2025. The updated model boasts a larger window showcasing its internals, a redesigned cooling system, and a blazing-fast 180Hz display, all powered by AMD’s new ”Strix Halo” processors.
The ROG Flow Z13 retains its familiar Surface Pro-like design, featuring a chunky, almost half-inch-thick chassis, a built-in kickstand, and a magnetic keyboard cover. But the most significant change lies under the hood. Asus has ditched dedicated GPUs in favor of AMD’s powerful new Ryzen AI Max processors, specifically the Ryzen AI Max 390 and the top-tier Ryzen AI max Plus 395.
These chips pack a punch,with the Max Plus 395 offering 16 CPU cores and 40 graphics cores,while the base model Ryzen AI Max Plus 390 boasts 12 CPU cores and 32 graphics cores. Asus has also redesigned the cooling system,utilizing a stainless steel vapor chamber to keep these graphics-heavy chips running smoothly at up to 120W TDP.
The ROG Flow Z13’s 13-inch, 2560 x 1600 touchscreen display now refreshes at a blistering 180Hz, a significant upgrade from the previous generation’s 165Hz. This high refresh rate promises buttery-smooth gameplay and visuals, a rarity in tablets of this size.
Connectivity is also top-notch, with two USB 4 ports, one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port,HDMI 2.1, a microSD card slot supporting UHS-II speeds, and a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack.The tablet also features a 5-megapixel front-facing webcam and a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, allowing for video calls and, perhaps, some unique tablet photography.
The Asus ROG Flow Z13 will be available in two configurations: the Ryzen AI Max 390 model starting at $1,999.99 and the Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 model priced at $2,199.99.
Asus ROG Flow Z13: A Gaming Tablet That Doubles as a Powerful Laptop
Asus has unveiled an updated version of its innovative ROG Flow Z13, a gaming tablet that seamlessly transforms into a high-performance laptop. This latest iteration boasts remarkable upgrades, including a more powerful processor, a refined detachable keyboard, and enhanced battery life.
The ROG Flow Z13 now packs a Ryzen 9 7950HS processor, a significant leap from its predecessor. While this powerhouse chip demands substantial power, Asus has equipped the Z13 with a 200W power adapter utilizing its proprietary slim power jack, ensuring optimal performance even under heavy load.
Beyond raw power, Asus has focused on improving the user experience. the detachable keyboard now features larger keycaps and a more spacious touchpad, making typing and navigation more cozy. A new “ScreenXpert” button on the right side provides quick access to essential controls,including multiple-display window management,operating modes like Turbo and Silent mode,and microphone muting.This feature proves notably useful in tablet mode, where keyboard shortcuts are unavailable.
During a hands-on preview, the updated keyboard cover impressed with its 1.7mm key travel and improved touchpad. Battery life also showed promise, with the Z13 easily handling a full workday of web browsing, music streaming, and writing across multiple virtual desktops.
The ROG Flow Z13’s versatility shines in its ability to transition from a laptop to a gaming tablet. While a conventional laptop might be preferred for everyday tasks, the detachable keyboard allows for greater versatility and comfort when gaming.
Early tests with Helldivers 2 demonstrated the Z13’s gaming prowess. Running at its native 2.5K resolution, the tablet delivered smooth gameplay at 60fps or slightly higher with Ultra quality settings. Lowering the render scale to Quality resulted in an even smoother 80fps.
The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is poised to be a compelling option for gamers and professionals seeking a powerful and versatile device. Its combination of cutting-edge hardware, thoughtful design, and impressive performance makes it a standout in the evolving world of hybrid computing.
Asus Unveils New ROG Flow Z13 Gaming Tablet: A Powerful Contender or Niche Device?
Asus is betting big on the future of portable PC gaming with the unveiling of its latest innovation: the ROG Flow Z13 gaming tablet.Set to launch in February,this sleek device packs a punch with AMD’s latest Ryzen Z1 extreme processor and promises impressive performance for its size.
The Flow Z13 boasts a vibrant 13.4-inch display with a 165Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth and responsive visuals for fast-paced games. Early tests show the integrated graphics performing admirably, even reaching frame rates in the 45 to 50fps range when running on battery power.
however, the lack of Thunderbolt 5 connectivity means the Flow Z13 can’t fully utilize the power of asus’ new XG mobile eGPU. While previous models could leverage the older XG Mobile through a proprietary connector, this omission might limit the tablet’s potential for hardcore gamers seeking maximum performance.The question remains: does a gaming tablet truly have a place in 2025, especially with the rise of dedicated handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck?
The ROG Flow Z13’s success will hinge on its ability to offer a compelling blend of portability, performance, and price.Only time will tell if Asus can convince gamers that a tablet is the future of on-the-go gaming.
Asus’s Bold Bet on Integrated Graphics: An Interview with John Smith
At CES 2025, Asus made waves with the unveiling of the upgraded ROG Flow Z13 gaming tablet, a device pushing the boundaries of mobile gaming. We sat down with John Smith, Senior Design Director at Asus, to discuss this radical shift towards integrated graphics and what it means for the future of portable gaming.
The Gutsy Move to Integrated Graphics
NewDirectory3.com: Many were surprised by Asus’s decision to ditch dedicated GPUs in favor of AMD’s new “Strix Halo” processors. What drove this bold change?
John Smith: We believe the future of mobile gaming lies in powerful, efficient integrated solutions. These AMD Ryzen AI Max processors offer incredible performance, comparable to what was previously achievable only with chunky dedicated GPUs. Plus, they drastically improve battery life,[[3]] a crucial factor for on-the-go gamers.
Balancing Power and Portability
NewDirectory3.com: The ROG Flow Z13 retains it’s tablet-like form factor while offering top-tier performance. How did Asus manage to balance power and portability?
John smith: It was a meticulous engineering process. We redesigned the cooling system with a stainless steel vapor chamber [[3]] to handle the heat generated by these powerful processors while keeping the device slim and light.
What’s Next?
NewDirectory3.com: With the ROG Flow Z13 pushing boundaries, what can we expect from asus in the future of mobile gaming?
John Smith: We’re excited to continue innovating in this space. We see integrated graphics becoming the norm for high-performance mobile devices, allowing for thinner, lighter, and more powerful devices.The ROG Flow Z13 is just the beginning.
