Asus TUF Gaming A14 review

Trade in Asus TUF Gaming A14

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When it comes to robust performance and affordability in gaming laptops, Asus’ TUF lineup stands out, with the A14 model boasting sleek, refined aesthetics, enhanced durability, ergonomic design considerations, and powerful hardware.

Inspired by the ROG Zephyrus G14, the A14 offers similar capabilities without the premium price tag. It opts for a QHD+ IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate instead of OLED, and combines metal and plastic for a premium yet practical build.

Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, the A14 delivers impressive AI performance surpassing its pricier counterparts. It features RTX 4060 graphics with DLSS 3.5 support, all packed into a thin and lightweight chassis, making it a standout mid-range option.

Regarding pricing, while specifics remain undisclosed, estimates place it around $1,499 to $1,599, aligning closely with the Zephyrus G14’s starting price. This offers exceptional value for money, especially considering the laptop’s blend of performance and portability.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. With a maximum of 16GB DDR5 RAM and a limited port selection, users with high multitasking and peripheral needs may find it slightly restrictive. Nevertheless, it emerged as a highlight of Computex 2024, setting a new standard in its category.

ASUS TUF GAMING A14: SPECS

ASUS TUF GAMING A14: WHAT I LIKE

From the moment I first held the TUF Gaming A14, I was immediately impressed. The laptop feels remarkably light, especially for a gaming model, signaling Asus’ shift towards a more premium direction for the entire TUF lineup.

ROG + TUF = <3

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While the TUF Gaming A14 may not boast an all-aluminum construction like some models, its build quality remains noteworthy. The metallic top and bottom provide durability, while the interior’s plastic casing maintains a premium aesthetic and feels pleasant to the touch.

Asus has also prioritized ergonomics with a keyboard offering ample key depth and a tactile yet soft keystroke, doubling as additional ventilation to aid in cooling. Moreover, the touchpad marks a significant improvement in the TUF lineup, with snappy clicks and a smooth surface adding to the overall user experience.

(Image credit: Future)

And we shouldn’t overlook its 3.2-pound weight. For a gaming laptop, this is remarkably light, and the military standard testing gives me complete confidence in tossing it into my backpack for travel on the go.

A mid-range gaming tour de force

I’ll be honest, I initially expected Asus to use last-gen specs for this laptop and call it a day. After all, this is the TUF lineup — they wouldn’t want to make the ROG Zephyrus entirely redundant… right?

However, someone at their Taipei office (which we visited — more on that soon) must have had a stroke of genius, as it actually boasts more CPU power than the current ROG Zephyrus G14, thanks to the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chipset.

(Image credit: Future)

Setting aside how unconventional the name sounds, this is the latest CPU unveiled at Computex, promising substantial improvements in CPU and GPU performance, along with a significant enhancement in NPU capabilities to meet the Copilot+ PC standard. Paired with the RTX 4060, this makes for a powerful mid-range machine. I’ll reserve more detailed opinions until we can actually test it, but on paper, this system looks promising.

However, the appeal of a gaming laptop extends beyond gaming; having a system that excels in both work and play is invaluable. This combination promises swift productivity as well. Additionally, the 14-inch 2.5K panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio and claimed 100% DCI-P3 color gamut serves admirably for both gaming and professional tasks.

Moreover, the system is well-equipped to handle AI-intensive workloads, boasting 233 Trillion Operations Per Second (TOPs) of performance across the CPU, NPU, and GPU.

ASUS TUF GAMING A14: WHAT I DON’T LIKE

While most of the strategic cutbacks don’t compromise the experience, there are two potential issues that may cause frustration.

Just 16GB RAM

For general productivity, gaming, and even some prosumer tasks, 16GB of DDR5 RAM should suffice. However, during intense multitasking or when running larger AAA titles, performance may slow down.

The inability to upgrade to 32GB could be frustrating for users who demand more from their laptops.

Can we stop using MicroSD card readers on laptops?

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Firstly, it’s commendable to have USB-4 included here, alongside a couple of USB-A sockets for peripherals and display connections. However, for serious gamers, the absence of an Ethernet port might be disappointing.

Secondly, in 2024, it’s perplexing why we still lack a full-size SD card slot. MicroSD cards are becoming less common outside of gaming handhelds. Cameras predominantly use full-size cards, so including one would significantly enhance utility.

ASUS TUF GAMING A14: OUTLOOK

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Setting aside any complaints, I have to admit — this could very well be my next new laptop. It’s still early days, and of course, I recommend waiting for our comprehensive review with lab testing to validate my initial impressions. However, the Asus TUF Gaming 14 impresses with its combination of power and value for money.

Moreover, all this is packaged in a thin and light yet premium shell, featuring ample vents and a cooling system borrowed from its pricier predecessor. This is why I liken it to the spirit of the ROG Zephyrus G14, but it could potentially surpass it as the top gaming laptop (assuming testing lives up to my expectations).

Source: Tom’s Guide