I recently had the opportunity to experience the ASUS K501UW-AB78, and I must say it exceeded my expectations as a top-notch midrange gaming laptop. From its remarkable performance to its sleek design, this laptop effortlessly outshines its competitors in every aspect.
What truly sets it apart is the incorporation of forward-looking technology, including a dedicated graphics card that takes gaming to a whole new level.
Not only does the ASUS K501UW-AB78 excel in performance, but it also boasts a design that exudes sophistication and elegance. Its sleek and slim profile caught my attention right away, making it a visually appealing choice.
The laptop’s build quality is commendable, with sturdy construction that gives a reassuring sense of durability. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the smooth finish to the well-placed ports and buttons.
Overview of the ASUS K501UW-AB78 Gaming Laptop
Having had the chance to explore the ASUS K501, I can confidently say that it is a sleek and portable laptop that not only catches the eye with its metallic design but also delivers impressive performance.
Powered by the latest Intel Core i7 processor and equipped with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M graphics, this laptop effortlessly handles a wide range of tasks.
Whether you’re streaming HD videos, running resource-intensive MS Office programs, or even indulging in some casual gaming, the ASUS K501 keeps up without any hiccups.
The design of the ASUS K501 is undoubtedly a standout feature. Its clean and metallic aesthetics give it a modern and professional look that is sure to turn heads.
Furthermore, its portable nature adds to its appeal, making it convenient to carry around and use on the go. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or a student who needs a laptop for both work and play, the ASUS K501 is a stylish and practical choice.
Underneath its visually pleasing exterior, the ASUS K501 packs a powerful punch. The Intel Core i7 processor ensures swift and efficient performance, allowing you to tackle demanding tasks with ease.
The inclusion of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M graphics takes things a step further, enabling smooth HD video streaming and providing ample power for casual gaming. You can enjoy your multimedia experiences without worrying about lag or slowdowns.
In summary, the ASUS K501 is a laptop that combines a clean and portable metallic design with impressive performance.
With its Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M graphics, it effortlessly handles various tasks, from streaming HD videos to running MS Office programs and even casual gaming.
If you’re in search of a laptop that offers both style and substance, the ASUS K501 should definitely be on your radar.
Design
The ASUS K501UW-AB78 impresses with its compact size, rivaling even my 15″ MacBook Pro, while maintaining the same premium build quality that exudes sleekness and sturdiness.
Measuring just 0.8 by 15.6 by 10 inches (HWD) and weighing 4.4 pounds, it surpasses the Dell Inspiron i7559-763BLK, which measures 0.98 by 15 by 10.4 inches (HWD) and weighs 5.88 pounds.
Upon unboxing the ASUS K501UW-AB78, I was pleasantly surprised by its understated appearance.
Unlike many gaming laptops that boast flashy logos and vibrant lights, this model takes a more reserved approach with its gray metallic construction, similar to its gaming counterpart, the ASUS K501UX. It deviates from ASUS’ signature aluminum aesthetics found in the ZenBook Series.
While the design may not cater to everyone’s taste, if you’re seeking a laptop that makes a bold statement, alternatives such as the Dell Inspiron i7559-763BLK and ASUS ROG GL752VW-DH71 offer both eye-catching looks and impressive performance.
However, if you’re in search of a laptop that seamlessly transitions between office or college use and gaming sessions in the evening, the ASUS K501UW is a reliable choice.
For convenient portability, I recommend pairing it with the Bonvince 18.4″ Laptop Backpack, which features well-designed compartments to accommodate the power adapter, mouse, and other peripherals.
Display Quality
Featuring a 15.6-inch display with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, the ASUS K501UW-AB78 delivers a full-size back-lit keyboard for enhanced typing convenience.
With a 1080p resolution, this laptop meets the minimum standard for gaming systems and matches the display quality of the ASUS K501UX and Dell Inspiron i7559-763BLK gaming laptops.
While higher-resolution screens are now available on more expensive gaming laptops, the 1080p resolution remains acceptable and works well for an entry-level gaming laptop.
The touchpad of the ASUS K501UW-AB78 offers a smooth and sturdy feel, ensuring comfortable navigation.
The speakers provide decent sound quality, which is a noteworthy aspect of ASUS systems, even at maximum volume.
To keep the internal components cool, the laptop is equipped with a dual-fan system that effectively directs hot air away from the CPU and GPU modules through the rear vents.
Internally, the storage on the ASUS K501UW-AB78 is both fast and spacious, thanks to the inclusion of a 512GB solid-state drive (SSD). This offers a significant improvement over slower hard drives commonly found in other laptops.
There appears to be some room for upgradability in terms of memory and storage, although the laptop may not utilize the modern m2 slot.
The 512GB SSD surpasses the 256GB SSD found in both the Dell Inspiron i7559-763BLK and ASUS K501UX.
If you find the storage space to be limited, utilizing various online cloud services provides an easy solution for expanding your storage needs.
The 15.6-inch screen of the ASUS K501UW-AB78 comes equipped with desirable features such as an IPS display, which offers superior color reproduction and wider viewing angles compared to cheaper TN panels.
The 1920×1080 resolution ensures a satisfying visual experience, and although touch functionality is not supported, this display performs admirably for gaming purposes, at least for the present time.
General Performance
The ASUS K501UW-AB78 is equipped with a powerful sixth-generation Intel Core i7-6500U 2.5GHz (Turbo up to 3.1GHz) processor, along with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M gaming graphics card.
Paired with 8GB of memory, this combination makes the system highly capable of a wide range of work, college tasks, and gaming requirements.
The Skylake processor demonstrates its excellence by averaging 3275 points on PassMark, showcasing the impressive performance of this laptop.
Being a dual-core processor, it handles tasks with ease, and you can rely on it to deliver smooth performance without being a bottleneck.
One notable aspect of the ASUS K501UW-AB78 is its ability to maintain cool and quiet operation, even during extended periods of use.
The system proved its efficiency by completing media projects in record time, allowing for seamless editing of HD videos and simultaneous spreadsheet processing without any noticeable performance hiccups.
This is particularly beneficial for office users or students who occasionally engage in MS Office projects but also enjoy gaming as a leisure activity.
Graphics Performance
When it comes to gaming capabilities, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M with 2GB of VRAM found in the ASUS K501UW-AB78 may not claim the top spot in its class, but it certainly holds its own as an entry-level gaming laptop.
While other models, such as the Dell Inspiron i7559-763BLK, also utilize the same graphics card but with 4GB DDR5, we have witnessed systems with more potent GPUs emerging in recent months.
For example, the MSI GE72 Apache Pro-001 boasts the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M with 3GB of GDDR5 video memory, while the 17-inch ASUS ROG G751JY-WH71(WX) features the equally formidable NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M graphics card.
Although these are considered mid-range gaming rigs, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M remains an acceptable choice for those entering the gaming realm.
During testing, the ASUS K501UW-AB78 exhibited playable frame rates of 50 frames per second (FPS) on popular games like GTA-V at the default 1920-by-1080 resolution.
While other games, such as Cities and Skylines, performed smoothly, heavyweight titles pushed the limits of the system, necessitating a reduction in settings to medium-quality (1,366 by 768 resolution) in order to maintain a satisfactory gaming experience.
While the gaming performance of the ASUS K501UW-AB78 doesn’t surpass competitors equipped with the more powerful Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M GPU, such as the Alienware AW15R2-6161SLV, it still delivers respectable frame rates.
It’s important to consider the disparity between the GTX 960M and the GTX 970M/980M, making the ASUS K501UW-AB78 a less suitable choice for hardcore gamers but certainly adequate for those embarking on their gaming journey.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity options, the ASUS K501UW-AB78 offers a range of ports to accommodate various needs. These include two USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.0 ports, allowing for easy connection of peripherals and devices.
Additionally, there is an HDMI-out port, which enables seamless connection to an external monitor or HDTV for an expanded viewing experience.
For those who require an SD card reader, the laptop conveniently provides this feature.
While the absence of a DVD/CD drive may not come as a surprise, considering the trend of downloadable operating systems, it’s worth noting that some users may still rely on optical media for older games and programs.
In such cases, options like the LG Electronics 8X Ultra-Slim external DVD drive can serve as a suitable solution.
In terms of internet connectivity, the ASUS K501UW-AB78 offers multiple options. You can connect to the internet using the RJ-45 port for a wired connection, or opt for the convenience of 802.11 A/C WiFi for wireless connectivity.
Additionally, Bluetooth 4.0 is available for seamless pairing with compatible devices. While the laptop features a VGA camera for video chatting, it’s important to note that the camera’s quality is relatively low.
Battery
When it comes to battery life, it’s no secret that most gaming laptops tend to fall short in this area, and the ASUS K501UW-AB78 is no exception.
During our testing, this laptop managed to last for 5 hours and 17 minutes, which can be considered acceptable for a gaming laptop.
In comparison, the Acer Aspire V15 Nitro ran for just over 4 hours and 31 minutes, while the Alienware AW15R2-6161SLV took the lead with a battery life of 5 hours and 29 minutes.
It’s important to note that the large 15.6-inch screen of the ASUS K501UW-AB78 consumes a significant amount of power, although the system does provide ample space for battery packs.
To ensure uninterrupted usage, it’s advisable to keep the power adapter handy for longer gaming sessions.
Final Words on ASUS K501UW-AB78
The ASUS K501UW-AB78 offers exceptional value for those seeking a well-rounded gaming and productivity performance at a reasonable price point.
In terms of productivity tasks, it delivers comparable results to more expensive systems, while also performing admirably in gaming scenarios.
Despite its unassuming appearance as a gaming laptop, the ASUS K501UW-AB78 is a reliable choice for those in need of gaming-specific features.
The laptop boasts an elegant and visually appealing chassis, a vibrant full HD display, a variety of useful port options, and a backlit keyboard for enhanced usability.
When comparing it to other gaming laptops in the same category, such as the Dell Inspiron i7559-763BLK and ASUS K501UX, the ASUS K501UW-AB78 stands out as a compelling option that strikes the perfect balance between design and performance. As a result, it has earned our coveted Editors’ Choice award for entry-level gaming laptops.
It’s worth noting that there is a newer version of the Asus K501UW available, which incorporates the latest components and delivers even better performance.
The Asus VivoBook N705FD-ES76, for instance, features an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8565U processor, Nvidia’s latest GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and a storage combination of 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD.
Additionally, it offers convenient features like an ergonomic backlit keyboard and a USB Type-C port, along with other connectivity options. If you’re in the market for a laptop that excels in both work and play, the Asus VivoBook N705FD-ES76 should certainly be at the top of your consideration list.