Skip to main content

New ROG Strix GL702VM gaming laptop from Asus is slim, powerful, and stylish

asus republic of gamers strix gl702vm laptop geforce gtx 1060 rog
Back in August, the Republic of Gamers arm of Asus revealed a number of gaming laptops powered by Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 10 Series of graphics processors. One of these was the Strix GL502VM sporting the GTX 1060 graphics chip, a 15.6-inch screen, and a choice of Intel Core i5-6300HQ and Core i7-6700HQ processors. Apparently there’s a 17.3-inch model too called the Strix GL702VM that will begin shipping on September 23.

The Strix GL702VM is very similar to its 15.6-inch cousin although it sports two memory slots instead of just one, enabling capacities of up to 32GB of DDR4 memory clocked at 2,133MHz. The smaller laptop appears to only support up to 16GB of system memory, with the default configuration consisting of a single 8GB DDR4 memory chip.

On the storage front, the larger notebook provides an additional option over the GL502VM spanning standard hard drives and solid state drives, and M.2-class solid state drives that connect via a small PCIe slot on the motherboard. Here’s a quick comparison chart:

HDD SSD M.2 SSD
GL502VM 1TB 5,400RPM
1TB 7,200RPM
128GB
256GB
512GB
N0
GL702VM 1TB 7,200RPM 128GB
256GB
512GB
256GB

Both units come packed with a combo audio jack for a microphone and headphones, one USB 3.1 Type-C port, three USB 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port for wired networking, HDMI output, and a mini DisplayPort jack. They also offer the same processor options and the same built-in GTX 1060 graphics chip with 6GB of GDDR5 video memory although the GL502VM also serves up a model with only 3GB of video memory.

What’s great about both laptops is that their screens support Nvidia’s G-Sync technology, which will synchronize the display’s refresh rate with the output framerate of the GTX 1060 graphics chip, eliminating screen tearing and stutter. The GL702VM is served up in 3,840-by-2,160 and 1,920-by-1,080 resolutions, just like the smaller GL502VM model.

Keeping the system components cool is a triple-copper thermal module that consists of two heat pipes and three fans. There’s a fan on each side of the laptop that ejects the heat collected by the heat pipes, and a third “boost” fan mounted above the GTX 1060 graphics chip to make sure it runs optimally, even under heavy loads. The two main fans measure just 7mm thin while the boost fan measures only 4mm thin.

On the connectivity front, the new GL702VM includes dual-band Wireless AC networking, but the product specifications don’t mention Bluetooth. However, the GL502VM listing shows Bluetooth 4.0 and options for either Wireless N or Wireless AC connectivity, so the larger unit may offer Bluetooth 4.0 as well.

The new Strix GL702VM is thin and lightweight, measuring just 0.972 inches thick and weighing a mere six pounds. The laptop’s screen sports a 17mm bezel on the top and 13mm bezels on the sides, offering more screen and less framing. Like its smaller cousin, the GL702VM includes a built-in HD webcam, an SD card reader, and a backlit chicklet keyboard built for PC gaming.

A version of the GL702VM can be found on Amazon for $1,400 right here packing the Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor, 16GB of system memory, and a 1TB hard drive. This same model can be purchased on Newegg here as well.

Editors' Recommendations

Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
Trying to buy a GPU in 2023 almost makes me miss the shortage
Two AMD Radeon RX 7000 graphics cards on a pink surface.

The days of the GPU shortage are long over, but somehow, buying a GPU is harder than ever -- and that sentiment has very little to do with stock levels. It's just that there are no obvious candidates when shopping anymore.

In a generation where no single GPU stands out as the single best graphics card, it's hard to jump on board with the latest from AMD and Nvidia. I don't want to see another GPU shortage, but the state of the graphics card market is far from where it should be.
This generation is all over the place

Read more
HP printers are heavily discounted in Best Buy’s flash sale
The HP - OfficeJet Pro 8034e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer on a desk with a smartphone.

There’s good news in store if you’re looking to land a new printer at a discount this weekend. Best Buy is having a 48-hour flash sale on HP printers, with several that can compete with the best printers seeing some good prices. HP is almost always one of the best laptop brands, and it’s one of the same when it comes to printers. So if you’re looking for a new home or office printer, read onward on how to save on an HP printer at Best Buy.
HP DeskJet 2755e — $60, was $85

The HP DeskJet 2755e is a good entry-level printer. It’s got you covered if your printing needs are pretty basic, or if you don’t need to print in mass. This is a color InkJet printer, which makes it good for almost all uses. It can also make copies and scan in color, and it has mobile and wireless printing functionality. You can get set up quickly and easily with the HP Smart app that guides you through the setup process, and you can also use this app to print, scan and copy documents from your phone.

Read more
This tiny ThinkPad can’t quite keep up with the MacBook Air M2
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 rear view showing lid and logo.

While the laptop industry continues to move toward 14-inch laptops and larger, the 13-inch laptop remains an important category. One of the best is the Apple MacBook Air M2, with an extremely thin and well-built chassis, great performance, and incredibly long battery life.

Lenovo has recently introduced the third generation of its ThinkPad X1 Nano, one of the lightest laptops we've tested and a good performer as well. It's stiff competition, but which of these two diminutive laptops stands apart?
Specs and configurations

Read more