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Welcome back to “Reviews inside tv.” Today, we’ve got the GIGABYTE AORUS 17 (2024) gaming laptop, a powerful machine that promises high-end performance for gamers and creators alike. With its cutting-edge specs, this laptop claims to deliver smooth gameplay, immersive visuals, and impressive speed. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.
The GIGABYTE AORUS 17 packs quite a punch, starting with the Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 155H, a chip designed for high performance, boasting enhanced AI capabilities with its integrated NPU. Coupled with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU with 8GB GDDR6, this laptop is primed for demanding applications, including gaming and content creation. You’ve got 16GB of DDR5 RAM, clocked at 5600 MHz, ensuring seamless multitasking and smooth performance even during heavy workloads. For storage, a 1TB Gen4 M.2 SSD is included, offering fast boot times and ample space for all your files and games.
Now, let’s talk about that display. The AORUS 17 features a 17.3-inch IPS panel with a 2560×1440 QHD resolution, paired with a 240Hz refresh rate and a 3ms response time. This is ideal for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts, but it’s also great for media consumption and general productivity. With 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy and TÜV Rheinland certification, the screen provides vibrant, true-to-life colors, making it perfect for creators who need precise color reproduction.
Moving on to performance, the AORUS 17 excels in both gaming and content creation. In our real-world gaming tests, the RTX 4070 proves its worth, running demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Call of Duty: Warzone at high settings with ease. Expect smooth, high frame rates, especially when playing at the laptop’s native 2560×1440 resolution. In Cyberpunk 2077, for example, we saw an average of around 70 FPS at ultra settings, with no major dips in performance. The 240Hz display matches well with the GPU, ensuring fluid gameplay, but if you’re looking for even higher FPS for ultra-fast, competitive gaming, you may want to lower the resolution or settings in certain titles.
When it comes to content creation, the AORUS 17 handles photo and video editing with impressive speed. Export times for 4K videos are quick, and the smoothness of the experience when editing high-res images or timelines is excellent. The 16GB of DDR5 RAM combined with the high-end GPU makes sure that large files don’t bog down the system, keeping the workflow fluid.
Thermals are another important consideration in a gaming laptop. The AORUS 17’s cooling system keeps things relatively cool under load, with the temperature on the keyboard deck staying comfortable, even during long gaming sessions. However, expect the fans to ramp up under heavy use, especially when playing graphically intense games. The fan noise is noticeable but not overbearing, and it’s a trade-off you’ll likely accept given the performance boost. There’s minimal thermal throttling, and overall, the laptop maintains consistent performance even after hours of gaming or editing.
Battery life on a gaming laptop is usually an afterthought, but the AORUS 17 does decently in this area, considering its powerhouse specs. Expect around 5-6 hours of light office use, like web browsing and document editing. If you’re gaming or running intensive applications, though, you’ll need to keep the charger handy. Charging speed is reasonable, with a full charge taking around 2-2.5 hours, and the charger itself is fairly portable despite the laptop’s larger size.
Speaking of portability, the AORUS 17 isn’t exactly a lightweight ultrabook. Weighing in at around 2.7 kg (5.95 lbs), it’s a bit on the heavier side, but it’s a fair trade-off for the power and screen size you’re getting. This laptop is definitely best suited for gamers and creators who prioritize performance over portability. However, if you’re constantly on the move, you might want to consider a lighter alternative.
The keyboard on the AORUS 17 is a joy to use, with responsive key switches that provide solid feedback for long typing or gaming sessions. The layout is spacious, with large keys, including a dedicated number pad, and well-placed function keys. The trackpad is accurate, with good palm rejection and a smooth, clicky feel. The laptop also supports features like fingerprint recognition for easy security, adding a touch of convenience.
Connectivity is where this laptop shines. It’s got a full suite of ports, including USB-A and USB-C, an HDMI port for external displays, and even an SD card reader for creators who need to quickly offload photos or videos. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 ensure fast wireless connections, whether you’re gaming online or connecting to accessories. The RAM is soldered, but the 1TB SSD can be upgraded if needed, giving you some flexibility for future-proofing.
Now, let’s talk about the value for money. At its current price point, the AORUS 17 is a solid investment for gamers and content creators who need high-end performance, but it’s not necessarily the best choice for casual users or those looking for an ultraportable option. Competitors like the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 or Alienware X17 also offer similar specs, but you might find them either slightly more expensive or offering slightly different feature sets. The AORUS 17 offers great value for those who want a powerful gaming machine with a larger screen, but it’s not as portable as some of the slimmer alternatives out there.
In terms of build quality, the AORUS 17 feels sturdy, with a premium build that combines metal and plastic elements. The hinge is solid, and the overall construction feels reliable, though it doesn’t quite have the same refined, premium feel as some other high-end gaming laptops. Still, it’s well-built and should hold up over time, especially for gamers who need durability.
Customer support for GIGABYTE is decent, with a standard warranty offering support for repair and replacement, but it’s not as renowned as some of the other major gaming brands like Alienware or ASUS. Still, with GIGABYTE’s reputation for quality and reliability, you’re unlikely to run into serious issues.
To wrap up, the GIGABYTE AORUS 17 (2024) delivers impressive performance for gaming and content creation, with a stunning display, powerful GPU, and fast processing. It’s a solid choice for those who want high performance in a large, powerful machine. However, it’s not the most portable laptop out there, and its battery life could be better. If you’re after a laptop that offers top-tier gaming performance and a large screen, the AORUS 17 is worth considering. But if portability or extended battery life is a priority for you, you may want to look elsewhere.
Thanks for watching, and if you’re interested in picking up the AORUS 17, check out the link in the comments below. Feel free to ask any questions or share your experience if you already own this laptop. Catch you next time, and remember, when it comes to laptops, performance is just as important as portability!
Available to buy here:
