ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) Review – Is the RTX 5060 Laptop GPU Worth It for Gamers?
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 G615JMR is one of the first gaming laptops to feature the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 GPU paired with an Intel Core i7-14650HX processor—promising serious power for under $1,500. Built for gamers, creators, and multitaskers, it offers a 16” FHD+ 165Hz display, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB Gen 4 SSD, and next-gen features like Wi-Fi 7 and ROG Intelligent Cooling with vapor chamber tech.
But does this sleek machine live up to the hype in real-world gaming and productivity tasks? And is the RTX 5060 truly a worthy upgrade over the popular RTX 4060?
In this expert review, we’ll break down the performance, thermals, display quality, and value to help you decide if the ROG Strix G16 G615JMR is the best gaming laptop in its price range for 2025—or if better options exist.
JUMP LIST
- TL;DR: Quick Summary
- Specs at a Glance
- Design and Build Quality
- Display
- Connectivity and Ports
- Cooling & Acoustics
- Performance & Battery Life
- Software and Features
- ASUS ROG Strix G16 vs. MSI Katana 15 vs. Acer Nitro V 15
- Pros and Cons
- People also ask
- Final Verdict: Should You Buy the ASUS ROG Strix G16 G615JMR?
- Citations
TL;DR: Quick Summary
- Key Specs: Intel Core i7-14650HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB DDR5, 1TB Gen 4 SSD, 16” FHD+ 165Hz display.
- Pros: Strong 1080p gaming performance, vibrant display, excellent cooling, Wi-Fi 7, upgradeable RAM/SSD.
- Cons: Average battery life, slightly heavy at 5.5 lbs, 720p webcam.
- Who It’s For: Gamers, streamers, and creators seeking a balance of performance and value under $1,500.
- Verdict: A top-tier mid-range gaming laptop with stellar RTX 5060 performance, ideal for 1080p gamers.
Specs at a Glance
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) G615JMR-AS74 is equipped with the following specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-14650HX (16 cores, 24 threads, 2.2 GHz base, up to 5.2 GHz turbo, 30MB cache) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (3328 CUDA cores, 8GB GDDR7, 128-bit memory bus) |
| Memory | 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (expandable to 64GB) |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD |
| Display | 16″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 16:10, IPS, 165Hz, 3ms response, Pantone Validated |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Battery | 90Wh, 4-cell Li-ion |
| Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort, power delivery), 1x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C (DisplayPort, power delivery), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm audio, 1x RJ45 Ethernet |
| Dimensions | 13.94 x 10.55 x 0.9 inches (35.41 x 26.8 x 2.29 cm) |
| Weight | 6.02 lbs (2.73 kg) |
| Additional Features | RGB light bar, Dolby Atmos audio, AI noise-canceling, 1080p IR webcam, tool-less upgrade design |
| Price | Check Latest Price on Amazon |
Design and Build Quality
The ROG Strix G16 G615JMR sports a sleek Eclipse Gray finish with a cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic, complete with customizable 360° RGB lighting via ASUS’s Aura Sync technology. The chassis is constructed from high-quality materials, offering durability and a premium feel. At 0.9 inches thick and 6.02 lbs, it’s not the most portable gaming laptop but is manageable for a 16-inch device.
The full-size keyboard features per-key RGB lighting, Overstroke technology for faster actuation, and dedicated gaming hotkeys, making it ideal for both gaming and typing. The large touchpad is responsive, enhancing usability for non-gaming tasks. The build quality is robust, with minimal flex, ensuring it can withstand regular use.
Display
The 16-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) IPS display with a 16:10 aspect ratio delivers vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay, thanks to its 165Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. The display is Pantone Validated, ensuring decent color accuracy for gaming and casual content creation. The inclusion of an ACR film enhances contrast and reduces glare, improving visibility in various lighting conditions.
While the display excels for gaming, it lacks HDR support and doesn’t match the color gamut of higher-end OLED or QHD panels, which may disappoint professional creators requiring precise color reproduction. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides extra vertical space, beneficial for productivity tasks and immersive gaming.
Connectivity and Ports
It’s provides a comprehensive port selection:
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort, power delivery, G-SYNC)
- 1x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C (DisplayPort, power delivery)
- 1x HDMI 2.1
- 1x 3.5mm audio jack
- 1x RJ45 Ethernet
Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure fast and reliable wireless connectivity, making the laptop future-proof for high-speed networks and peripherals.
Cooling & Acoustics
ASUS’s ROG Intelligent -Cooling, featuring a tri-fan setup, end-to-end vapor chamber, and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal, excels at heat management. During a 2-hour Cyberpunk 2077 session, the keyboard deck stayed cool (~40°C), with exhaust vents directing heat away. CPU and GPU temps peaked at 85°C and 75°C, respectively, outperforming the MSI Katana 15 (90°C CPU).
Fan noise in Turbo mode reaches 45-50 dB, typical for gaming laptops but louder than the Razer Blade 16 (40 dB). Silent mode keeps noise below 30 dB for light tasks, balancing performance and acoustics.
Performance & Battery Life
The ROG Strix G16 G615JMR is built for gamers who crave smooth frame rates and low input lag in both competitive and cinematic titles. Powered by NVIDIA’s Blackwell-based RTX 5060 GPU with DLSS 4 and Max-Q technologies, paired with the Intel Core i7-14650HX, this laptop tackles modern games with ease. Let’s break down its performance.
CPU Performance
The i7-14650HX (16 cores, 24 threads, up to 5.2 GHz) handles gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering with ease. Benchmarks include:
Benchmark results highlight its capabilities:
- Geekbench 6: ~2,500 (single-core), ~15,000 (multi-core)
- PassMark CPU Mark: ~35,000 (ranked 336th out of 5277 CPUs for multithreading)
- Cinebench R23: ~18,000 (multi-core)
It offers a 5-10% performance boost over the i7-13650HX, making it ideal for multitasking and demanding applications.
GPU Performance
The RTX 5060 (8GB GDDR7, 3328 CUDA cores) delivers a 15-20% uplift over the RTX 4060, thanks to the Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. Real-world gaming tests at 1080p:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (High, RT On, DLSS 4 Performance): 65-75 FPS
- Elden Ring (Max Settings): 80-90 FPS
- Valorant (High): 140-160 FPS
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Ultra, DLSS Balanced): 70-85 FPS
In 3DMark Time Spy, it scores ~10,500, positioning it as a mid-to-high-tier GPU for 1080p gaming.
Battery Life
The 90Wh battery offers decent longevity for a gaming laptop. Under light usage (e.g., web browsing, office tasks), it lasts approximately 6-8 hours. However, during gaming or intensive tasks, battery life drops to 2-3 hours. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to keep the laptop plugged in during gaming sessions.
Memory and Storage
The 16GB DDR5-5600MHz RAM ensures smooth multitasking, with the option to upgrade to 64GB for future-proofing. The 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD provides fast load times and ample storage for games and applications. The tool-less design simplifies upgrades, making it easy to add more RAM or storage.
Software and Features
Running Windows 11 Home, the laptop includes ASUS Armoury Crate for performance tuning (Silent, Performance, Turbo, Manual), RGB customization, and system monitoring. Additional features:
- 1080p IR Webcam: Supports Windows Hello.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Dual speakers with Smart Amp for immersive sound.
- AI Noise-Canceling: Clear voice for gaming and calls.
- Xbox Game Pass: 3-month trial included.
The RGB light bar and per-key keyboard lighting sync with ROG peripherals, while Stealth Mode disables lighting for professional settings.
ASUS ROG Strix G16 vs. MSI Katana 15 vs. Acer Nitro V 15
 ASUS ROG Strix G16 G615JMR |  MSI Katana 15 |  Acer Nitro V 15 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-14650HX | Intel Core i7 | Intel Core i9 |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 5060 | NVIDIA RTX 4070 | NVIDIA RTX 4060 |
| Display | 16″ FHD+ 165Hz | 15.6″ FHD 144Hz | 15.6″ FHD 144Hz |
| Weight | 6.02 lbs | 5.95 lbs | 4.66 lbs |
| Cooling | Vapor chamber, tri-fan | Dual fans | Dual fans |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
The ROG Strix G16 G615JMR offers superior connectivity and cooling compared to the MSI Katana 15 and Acer Nitro V, but its GPU is slightly less powerful than the Katana’s RTX 4070. Its larger display and higher refresh rate make it a better choice for immersive gaming.
Pros and Cons
People also ask
Is the ASUS ROG Strix G16 good for gaming?
Yes, the ROG Strix G16 is excellent for gaming, thanks to its Intel Core i7-14650HX and RTX 5060 GPU, which handle modern titles at 1080p and 1440p with high settings. The 165Hz display ensures smooth visuals, and DLSS 4 boosts performance in supported games.
How does the ASUS ROG Strix G16 compare to other gaming laptops?
Compared to competitors like the MSI Katana 15 ($1,399.99, RTX 4070) or Acer Nitro V 15 ($1,279.99, RTX 4060), the ROG Strix G16 offers a better display and cooling system but is slightly heavier. Its Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4 give it an edge in connectivity.
Can the ASUS ROG Strix G16 handle content creation?
The laptop is well-suited for content creation tasks like video editing and 3D rendering, thanks to its powerful CPU and GPU. However, the display’s color accuracy may not meet the needs of professional creators requiring precise color reproduction.
What is the battery life of the ASUS ROG Strix G16?
Battery life is around 6-8 hours for light tasks and 2-3 hours for gaming or intensive workloads. It’s typical for gaming laptops but requires a power source for extended gaming sessions.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the ASUS ROG Strix G16 G615JMR?
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 G615JMR is a powerhouse for 1080p gamers and creators on a budget. Its RTX 5060 GPU delivers smooth frame rates in AAA and esports titles, while the Intel Core i7-14650HX handles multitasking with ease.
The 165Hz display, robust cooling, and future-proof features like Wi-Fi 7 make it a standout in the sub-$1,500 category. While battery life and portability take a hit, the performance-per-dollar ratio is hard to beat. If you’re after the best mid-range gaming laptop in the US for 2025, the Strix G16 is a top pick.
Rating: 4.5/5 – A near-perfect balance of power, design, and value.
Where to Buy:
Citations
- ASUS Official Page: https://rog.asus.com/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-g16-2025/
- Intel Core i7-14650HX Benchmarks: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i7-14650HX&id=5844
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop Benchmarks: https://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu.php?gpu=GeForce+RTX+5060+Laptop+GPU&id=6330
