ASUS Zenbook 14 – specifications
ASUS Zenbook 14 in the 2024 version is available in the top version with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor with 32 GB (soldered) LPDDR5X RAM and a 1 TB disk. In addition, we have a 75 Wh battery, a 14-inch high-resolution OLED screen and a casing made of aluminum alloy covered with a new type of finish. Thanks to this, it was possible to achieve high resistance to fingerprints and scratches, as well as weighing just over one kilogram, which is a good value considering the size of 14 inches. The casing itself is available in two colors, and its structure makes it very pleasant to the touch and at the same time ensures appropriate stiffness. The set of ports also looks good, we have one traditional USB port, 2x USB-C in the Thunderbolt 4 standard with Power Delivery and Display Port support, and HDMI 2.1. The backlit keyboard is also a plus, but unfortunately there is no fingerprint reader, which is replaced by an IR camera compatible with Windows Hello technology. We get all this for less than PLN 7,000.
| ASUS Zenbook 14 | |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, 5.1 GHz, 16 cores, 22 threads |
| RAM | 32GB LPDDR5 5200MHz |
| GPU | Intel Arc, 8 cores |
| SSD | 1TB SSD |
| Other | 1080p camera with IR Backlit keyboard |
| Screen | 14 inches, 2880 x 1800 pixels, OLED, 120 Hz |
| WLAN | Intel WiFi AX211 (WiFi 6E), BT 5.3 |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home 64bit |
| Battery | 75 Wh |
| Ports | 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1x HDMI 2.1 2x USB-C 4.0 (Thunderbolt 4, PD, Display Port) |
| Dimensions | 312 x 220 x 15 mm |
| Libra | 1.20 kg |
| Price | ~PLN 6,999 (September 2024) |
ASUS Zenbook 14 – photos
The ASUS Zenbook 14 family of computers are models that have already gained a good reputation due to the quality of workmanship and their capabilities. It’s no different this time, and the new Zenbook not only looks great but also makes a very good first impression.
It looks a bit worse, because I would simply say so, it looks like it from the bottom. The number of ventilation slots is quite large, but only one fan is responsible for maintaining the appropriate temperature. Ambitious, especially with the Core Ultra 9 processor, which has a TDP of 45 W. There are speaker holes on the side edges, which are very good, by the way. The sound that comes from this little thing brings no shame. Yes, there is a lack of bass, but apart from that you can’t complain too much considering the size of this notebook.
Despite its very low weight and thinness, the keyboard installed in this computer is not only backlit but also has a very pleasant keystroke. In addition, its layout with a long left Shift key and a long Enter key is very well thought out and it is great to type on. In the upper right corner we have the power button, replaced with the Delete key. This is probably intentional so as not to accidentally turn off the computer while writing. I also have a positive opinion about the touchpad, it is sensitive and has a pleasant click. Additionally, you can activate the numeric keypad, which is sometimes useful. Its large surface facilitates navigation and fully covers the screen surface.
As I already mentioned, the number of ports is rather standard. On the left side we only have a USB-A port in the 3.2 Gen1 standard and cooling system outlets. On the right, there are two USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) ports with Power Delivery and Display Port, a headphone jack and HDMI in the 2.1 standard. Not bad for such a little guy.
The video call camera is mounted on a narrow frame above the screen and has a physical switch. Its quality is very good, and thanks to IR technology it also allows you to log into the system thanks to facial recognition. It works similarly to Face ID in Apple products.
The charger included in the set has a power of 65 W and is quite convenient. The computer has fast charging with a power of 65 W, which affects its operating temperatures. Moreover, due to the powerful processor and the OLED screen, which can also consume a lot of energy at high brightness, it may even be too weak at times. However, this does not last long, because unfortunately throttling comes into play, which reduces the processor’s performance, but we will talk more about this in a moment.
ASUS Zenbook 14 – screen
As I already mentioned, Zenbook 14 has an OLED screen. According to the specifications, it can display an image with a brightness of up to 600 nits in HDR mode, which is unlikely to impress anyone. In normal use, brightness is limited to 400 nits, evenly across the entire surface. For most applications this value is sufficient, problems may arise in really strong sunlight. The contrast is, of course, perfect, as in OLED.
The color space coverage of 100% DCI-P3 and 95% for AdobeRGB is an excellent result, so after calibration there is basically no fault with this screen in terms of color reproduction. Additionally, the 120 Hz refresh rate makes everything look smoother on this display and makes it much more pleasant to use.
ASUS Zenbook 14 – performance
The Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor can, in theory, work at a clock speed of 5.1 GHz, but I managed to accelerate it only to 4.7 GHz and even then for a short time. This, of course, applies to the Performance core, the clock speed of the E cores does not exceed 3.3 GHz. When we load all cores, the clock speed drops significantly and in the case of P cores it fluctuates around 2 GHz. In total, we have as many as 16 cores (6x P, 8x E and 2x LP) and support for 22 threads, which is a great result for a notebook. The package also includes an Intel Arc graphics chip with LPDDR5x memory operating in four-channel mode.
Performance results look decent, but there’s no major improvement over the previous generation. Even Huawei Matebook X Pro with the same processor performs slightly better. This is mainly due to better cooling – one fan in the Zenbook 14 is probably enough for the Core Ultra 7 155H, but for the 185H version it is not enough. The configuration of Meteor Lake processors with 3 types of cores is not very effective (in Lunar Lake, Intel withdrew from this), and on the other hand, due to throttling, the clock speed drops quickly. Unfortunately, longer CPU loads have a significant impact on performance.
Gaming performance
The Intel Arc chip with 8 cores and fast LPDDR5x memory provides significantly better performance than the Intel Xe chip installed in the previous generation of processors. Unfortunately, this model has slightly slower memory than the Huawei computer, which clearly affects the test results. Adding to this the problems with cooling, the picture painted before us, i.e. efficiency up to 30% lower, does not look very encouraging.
ASUS Zenbook 14 – SSD drive
The 1 TB SSD used is compatible with PCIe 4.0, although it still falls short of the limits of this interface. However, you can’t complain about the performance, about 5 GB/s when reading and 2.6 GB/s when writing is an acceptable result and is not a reason to complain.
ASUS Zenbook 14 – battery
The 75 Wh battery is quite a large cell and one of the great advantages of this computer. Intel Core Ultra 9 185H can also be economical when necessary thanks to its E cores and this can be seen in the measurement results. In web browsing mode with a brightness of about 160 nits, it will easily last over 8 hours. If you start a movie, the working time will increase to over 11 hours. We have just over 2 hours of gaming under load. Unfortunately, this shows how much cooling limits the processor’s performance. Unfortunately, the charging speed is poor – from 0 to 100% it takes over 2 hours, and after an hour we will have about 70% of the battery capacity.
Reader test (screen brightness 160 nits, WiFi on) – 8 hours 34 minutes
Film test (screen brightness at 160 nits, WiFi on) – 11h 23 minutes
Gaming test (screen brightness 160 nits, The Witcher 3) – 2 hours 21 minutes
ASUS Zenbook 14 – energy consumption, temperatures, noise
Energy consumption in Zenbook 14 can be quite low, even despite the Core Ultra 9 processor, but a lot depends on the brightness setting of the OLED screen. With the brightness set to 160 nits at idle, the computer needs about 10 W, when we set the maximum brightness the consumption increases to 15 W. The maximum load on the processor means an increase in energy consumption to a maximum of 53 W, but this does not last long because the cooling system quickly says pass and the energy consumption drops. up to about 45 W. Unless, of course, we charge the battery, because then you can easily reach the 65 W that the power supply can provide.
The temperatures of the processor and the entire computer are acceptable. The case does not heat up excessively, mainly in the place where the processor and heat sink are located (in the upper part, close to the screen). Processor temperatures can temporarily reach over 80 degrees Celsius. The cooling system runs at very high speeds under load, is very audible and, unfortunately, a bit bothersome. For those who are more sensitive, stick to the “Whisper” mode, which reduces the maximum power consumption of the processor and allows for better work efficiency. During normal office work, the ASUS Zenbook 14 is audible, and my copy also had a small problem with noisy coils/electronics.
ASUS Zenbook 14 – summary
ASUS Zenbook 14 in the top configuration, a very solid computer. The Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor is impressive, and its partner Intel Arc system also performs quite well in games. Unfortunately, a major limitation is the cooling system with one fan, which is only mediocre at dissipating heat. This also affects the volume, so if I were to buy it, I would choose a model with a weaker processor, because the difference in performance will not be big. However, the casing makes a good impression – it is solid and stiff, as well as well-balanced. A backlit keyboard and a very good quality camera for video calls are nice additions.
However, I don’t like the fact that the set includes a rather weak charger, which will also take up one of the USB-C ports. I also consider the lack of the possibility of independent expansion as a disadvantage, ASUS followed Apple’s path, but it is more a matter of Intel, which designed its processor this way. In addition, ASUS Zenbook 14 is a decent ultrabook that will allow you to work all day, fits into a small backpack, and also offers good performance when needed. The price of around PLN 7,000 seems high, but, as I have already mentioned, it is better to choose a weaker processor and thus save money, otherwise it will sacrifice performance.
ASUS Zenbook 14
Approximate price: ~PLN 6,999
