The Asus ROG Circulation Z13 isn’t a gaming laptop computer, but it surely’s not likely a gaming pill both. For those who’re searching for one or the opposite you’ll be both disenchanted with efficiency or aghast on the price ticket. For those who want each in equal measure there’s nothing higher in the marketplace proper now, nor has there ever been.
I first reviewed an Asus ROG Circulation Z13 again in 2022, however I used to be unfair then. I used to be seeing the RTX 3050 pill by way of the eyes of somebody attempting to find the greatest gaming laptop computer in the marketplace. Actually I ought to have been placing it in its personal class. Whereas that machine has continued to dominate because the greatest gaming pill on the cabinets, it’s a hybrid that matches a particular use-case so superbly I’ve considered little else as I’ve examined various slabs within the years since. And but, the overwhelming majority of gamers merely received’t be serious about proudly owning one.
2025’s mannequin is a paradox – each extra of the identical and utterly totally different. With an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chiplet processor changing that chunky Nvidia RTX graphics card, Asus desires to maintain issues easy this time round. It’s nonetheless appropriate with the model’s vary of eGPUs for an influence increase however, for the primary time these built-in graphics can stand impressively tall on their very own. It’s nonetheless a chunky (for a pill) slab, full with high-end show, magnetically removable keyboard, and element viewing window – it nonetheless begins life at a whopping $1,999.99. However it appears, feels, and performs like a next-generation pill. I referred to as the 2022 Asus ROG Circulation Z13 “the way forward for gaming laptops properly earlier than its time”, and I used to be utterly fallacious. The ROG Circulation’s time has come and its battle is in a way more thrilling enviornment.
The Asus ROG Circulation Z13 is now obtainable to pre-order at Newegg
|
Worth |
$1,999.99 |
|
Show |
13.4-inch QHD+ at 180Hz |
|
CPU |
AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 (w. Radeon 8050S) |
|
RAM |
32GB RAM |
|
Storage |
1TB SSD |
|
Ports |
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Kind-A | 2x USB Kind-C 4 (DisplayPort, energy supply) | 1x HDMI 2.1 | 1x MicroSD card reader | 3.5mm audio |
Design
At first look this could possibly be an Asus ROG Circulation Z13 from any era. I’m wanting on the similar cool CNC aluminum slab, in comparable proportions, with a familiarly reassuring heft in its general building. Look nearer and there are refined adjustments that elevate the machine properly above its ancestors. The rear panel nonetheless holds the identical diagonal traces and ‘06’ iconography, however they’re cleaner this time round – as an alternative of embossed graphics they’re etched into the cool, arduous metallic plate. Small options like this assist the ROG Circulation Z13 look much less experimental, extra severe. The small triangle within the decrease left nook is not a pink splodge, for instance, now it’s a shiny brand that catches gentle with a slick sheen.
And right here we come to the primary downside with making an attempt to shoehorn the Z13 into any current product class. As a pill, its proportions are horrible. It’s cumbersome, heavy, far too massive to carry with one hand, and too thick to comfortably slip right into a backpack alongside a laptop computer. It’s the identical thickness as a Razer Blade 14 laptop computer, and that’s simply the principle display screen portion. As a laptop computer it’s good and slimline, however its reliance on a fold-out stand means it by no means sits fairly proper on an precise lap.
I’ve discovered one of the best place for the 2025 Asus ROG Circulation Z13 to be propped up on the arm of a sofa with out the keyboard connected. That hinge could also be barely too skinny to totally assist a lap place, but it surely’s extremely sturdy and has simply the proper stage of pressure behind it. I might squeeze your entire machine onto an (admittedly pretty broad) arm relaxation with out as soon as worrying that the entire thing would topple over. It grew to become my second display screen in the course of the night, its massive show providing extra immersion than the greatest gaming handhelds with out taking on the area of a laptop computer. Throw The Workplace on the TV and a PC controller in my hand and I’ve had a few of my most relaxed gaming classes shortly parked on this setup.
The display screen itself remains to be bordered by a set of black bezels, with a bigger trim across the backside that additionally homes a faint ROG Circulation brand. The 13.4-inch show by no means felt cramped by these traces – coming from an iPad Air I felt liberated, although these used to the skinnier body of the iPad Professional 12.9-inch would possibly discover their eye wandering in the direction of the underside of the panel. It’s value noting right here that, as a touchscreen, this panel picks up (and retains) numerous fingerprints. The truth is, the entire machine seems like a mud magnet, with the delicate cowl of the keyboard attachment selecting accumulating any particles you may need in your desk and instantly displaying them off. The machine as a complete takes numerous common cleansing to remain wanting sharp.
Comfortable rounded corners nestle neatly into the palms with out digging in when held between the arms, although whereas it’s definitely sturdy I wouldn’t belief their metallic coating to be utterly scuff proof. There’s a small band of barely ridged metallic masking the very high of every aspect, however beneath that may be a easy floor that feels prefer it might simply chip away with a nasty knock.
The included keyboard attaches through a system of sturdy magnets beneath the machine. The whole lot snaps neatly into place and solely disconnects whenever you actually make it recognized that you just want it to. The keyboard doubles as a case when not in use, folding comfortably over the display screen and offering a delicate, ever-so-slightly spongy lid to grip onto when carrying.
I’ll say it now, the keyboard itself isn’t something particular. As we’ll get into within the options part, it’s a skinny set of keys set in opposition to a reasonably flimsy deck. It does, nonetheless, really feel nice beneath the palms, with a cool, delicate base and a beneficiant touchpad.
RGB flits throughout every key in addition to the window behind the machine. It’s positively stronger on this rear window panel, although that’s the place you’re unlikely to ever discover it.
Options
The whole lot is housed in the principle display screen portion of the 2025 Asus ROG Circulation Z13 – like earlier releases that is the place the magic occurs. My check mannequin comes armed with an AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 processor, paired with built-in graphics within the type of the model’s Radeon 8050S. You may improve to a Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 for an additional $200. The additional money bumps you as much as 16 CPU and 40 graphics cores, whereas the cheaper mannequin I’ve been testing is restricted to 12 CPU and 32 graphics cores.
That’s value a nod by itself, however eyebrows elevate when you think about the improved cooling on supply. Asus has reimagined its chrome steel vapor chamber for the 2025 ROG Circulation Z13, and paired it with its second era Arc Circulation Followers. Whereas it’s definitely not as quiet as an iPad or Samsung Galaxy pill, it’s doing a hell of much more work and nonetheless retaining its internals operating easily.
In any case, it is a full Home windows machine consolidated right into a pill. That’s not precisely uncommon, there are Microsoft Floor units on the market doing the very same factor – however mix these cooling smarts with the aforementioned graphics-heavy chipset and also you’ve bought some spectacular energy packed right into a tiny kind issue. My check machine additionally comes stacked with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD for a full PC-like expertise.
Home windows hasn’t historically fared properly on a touchscreen machine, however since watching it develop up on the Asus ROG Ally I’ve come to understand how this typically defiant toddler must be dealt with. Armory Crate nonetheless isn’t Asus’s crowning achievement; it’s typically bizarrely laid out and infrequently inconceivable to search out the proper menu for the proper setting.
There’s about three other ways to get into Aura settings, a market that I can’t consider anybody really makes use of, and a ghost city of a content material platform. However there’s additionally a comparatively good dwelling for all of your put in video games (the place I launch all my Ally titles from, and now all of the ROG Circulation Z13’s as properly), an intuitive assortment of visible profiles to select from, and an in-depth number of system controls that solely take a bit Googling to grasp. This system runs properly on each a touchscreen and with a controller (possible attributable to its central position within the ROG Ally), and stays quiet within the nook till it’s referred to as up.
Home windows is much less handy, however nonetheless a lot improved over the place it was even this time final 12 months. A couple of cautious faucets are required when operating third celebration applications, however the OS’s personal settings and navigation are simply stabbed at, scaled properly for a touchscreen machine, and responsive.
After all, all that has to run by itself show, and Asus has packed a punch with this panel. The QHD+ (2560 x 1600) display screen runs superbly at a 16:10 side ratio, with assist for Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR, as much as a 180Hz refresh fee, and 100% protection of the DCI-P3 shade vary. It’s an IPS-level panel, the place I’d have most popular to see an OLED contemplating a number of the greatest Asus gaming laptops supply these richer-contrast screens at decrease costs, but it surely nonetheless manages to provide incredible element with shiny, daring coloring. I did lament the dearth of pure black throughout night streaming classes, and would have felt barely cheated had I paid $2,000 for the machine.
Nonetheless, that 180Hz refresh fee confidently outpaces the competitors within the pill area – it may possibly even tackle most inexpensive gaming laptops, which are inclined to faucet out at 165Hz. The result’s extremely easy day-to-day searching, whether or not it’s by way of the Steam retailer or throughout the net, and a few further top for larger framerates in much less demanding video games.
Dolby has traded locations with Asus’s personal Nebula HDR system this time, and it does nearly as good a job right here because it does elsewhere. Netflix’s Glass Onion pops with putting distinction whereas Godzilla: Minus One advantages from further detailing in darker scenes and loads of highlights round slaps of orange and inexperienced.
Port choice is one other space the place the 2025 Asus ROG Circulation Z13 trounces its competitors. You received’t discover two USB-C 4 ports carrying each DisplayPort and energy supply, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Kind-A, and HDMI 2.1 connections on any slimline mainstream tablets – and even Home windows slabs can wrestle to maintain up with that connectivity. With the ability to plug in through USB-C is a godsend, I used to be nonetheless capable of ramp as much as full Turbo mode utilizing the cable and charger from my Asus ROG Ally, making moveable play all of the extra viable. The HDMI outputs properly, although requires a bit tinkering to right the side ratio and determination on an ordinary 16:9 gaming monitor. These connections are cut up on all sides of the machine, which might make for a spider-web of wires if you happen to’re utilizing every thing without delay.
I used to be a bit let down by the audio system on the Asus ROG Circulation Z13. Whereas loads loud, they don’t have the wealthy, full-bodied energy that impressed me within the model’s handheld. Trebles are very a lot prioritized right here, with a flat, muted response throughout the remainder of the vary because of this. It’s in no way unenjoyable, larger moments nonetheless sounded massive – however I missed the oomph of the basslines in fairly just a few checks.
The removable keyboard is superb. It’s bought a very good snap to its keys that don’t ever really feel mushy (a standard lure in these thinner decks), and the trackpad stunned me with its inflexible response and bouncy really feel. It’s in no way corresponding to a full laptop computer keyboard, although – there’s vital flex in each the typing expertise and the principle palm relaxation space.
Battery life is as you’ll anticipate. I managed slightly below an hour of Indiana Jones and the Nice Circle within the system’s Efficiency mode, with out the keyboard connected and at full show brightness. There’s definitely extra runway for lighter video games – Oxenfree 2 ran for significantly longer in the identical settings, however this isn’t a magic battery – true portability remains to be restricted. I used to be impressed with that hour of gameplay, although. Whereas most gaming laptops are liable to decrease efficiency when operating off battery alone, Indy’s journey was nonetheless easy and ran extremely properly with just some hiccups when panning that had been barely noticeable.
Efficiency
That is the part I used to be most wanting ahead to testing. The Asus ROG Circulation Z13 had me intrigued when it was introduced with AMD’s Radeon 8050S built-in graphics, throwing devoted playing cards out of the window in favor of a graphics-heavy CPU / GPU chip system. This isn’t your day-after-day chiplet, although, and whereas it’s going to wrestle with newer, extra demanding titles operating at their highest settings in full QHD+ glory, efficiency is definitely spectacular.
Each Black Fable: Wukong and Horizon Zero Daybreak Remastered introduced the ROG Circulation Z13 with a bit extra meat to grapple with, and with body era switched on I used to be capable of comfortably hit 60fps in each (at FHD) with some particular person tweaks to graphical settings. FSR 3.1.0 is pulling numerous weight in Aloy’s journey, although, with numbers dropping to the mid-30s in 1080p and as little as 28fps when maxed out in 1600p. That’s no shade on the system as a complete – extra a nod that the Asus ROG Circulation Z13 was designed to benefit from all the newest upgrades in processing, not simply those that get everybody giddy speaking about NPU cores.
Lighter titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and The Talos Precept 2 soared, solely beginning to wrestle at Extremely QHD+ settings within the latter check. Hitting three-figure framerates in Lara Croft’s world on a pill would have been unthinkable just some years in the past – the RTX 3050 Ti mannequin I examined in 2022 capped out at 64fps in the identical run.
The Asus ROG Circulation Z13 isn’t going to compete in opposition to machines toting the RTX 5070 in relation to sheer energy, but it surely’s definitely offering the smoothest expertise I’ve had in a gaming pill up to now.
Like in earlier generations, although, the issue comes with the value. The RTX 4070 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 I examined final 12 months holds the identical $1,999.99 MSRP, and affords larger framerates throughout each Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Whole Struggle: Three Kingdoms – significantly larger as soon as we’re bumped up the QHD decision. The Asus TUF A14 is $500 cheaper with an RTX 4060 GPU on the helm, and nonetheless almost doubled the ROG Circulation Z13’s QHD efficiency in some checks.
So sure, you’ll get higher framerates from the less expensive RTX 4060 Asus TUF A14. Sure, you’ll get an OLED show and smoother efficiency for a similar worth within the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. However the Asus ROG Circulation Z13 isn’t precisely competing with these units. It’s a hybrid that stands someplace between a laptop computer and a pill, and its customers are going to be dealing with its efficiency considerably in a different way. I used to be delighted to see Oxenfree 2 with beautiful particulars, vibrant colours, and a quick on-screen response throughout my very own night classes.
Artificial 3D Mark benchmarks nonetheless put the Asus ROG Circulation Z13 behind each of Asus’s 14-inch RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 entries, however the hole isn’t fairly as looming right here. A rating of 9,759 in Time Spy is significantly spectacular for a machine operating on built-in graphics – it’s chasing as much as the RTX 4060 and isn’t miles away from the G14’s RTX 4070 efficiency both. Metal Nomad’s extra demanding checks present a bit extra mud between the Asus TUF A14 and the ROG Circulation, however that is nonetheless thrilling contemplating the latter’s design constrictions.
PC Mark 10’s devoted CPU testing reveals that the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 is a severe powerhouse. That is an all-AMD testing pool, with the incredible Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 beforehand topping the charts within the Asus TUF A14. The ROG Circulation Z13’s AI Max 390 units a brand new report. Coming in at 8994, it is a turbo charged machine able to tackle advanced computing duties with out taking on your individual desk.
Do you have to purchase the 2025 Asus ROG Circulation Z13?
That is one among my favourite units of the 12 months up to now, and but I wouldn’t precisely advocate it to everybody. The Asus ROG Circulation Z13 has at all times been a tough beast – it’s a must to actually know you’ll profit from its design and distinctive performance to get your cash’s value. For those who’re on the hunt for a transportable gaming PC to play the newest and best titles as quick as doable, I’ll cease you proper there and level you in the direction of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 or Asus TUF A14. They each supply improved efficiency, nonetheless hold that kind issue slim, and the previous can improve your display screen to an OLED for a similar MSRP.
When you’ve got a backlog to make amends for, nonetheless wish to dabble in just a few new releases, and need the liberty to detach your keyboard utterly, I’d advocate investigating the Asus ROG Circulation Z13. That is one for these in love with the pill kind issue in the beginning, however who don’t wish to sacrifice the vastly improved number of video games obtainable for Home windows.
At $1,999.99, it’s an enormous ask – that is one for these with loads of money to splash, particularly contemplating high-end configurations take you a lot nearer to $3,000. For the proper participant, it’s heaven – however these prospects are going to be few and much between. It’s a very good factor that I’m the proper participant for this machine. I bounce on my fair proportion of day one releases on Sport Move, I purchased Baldur’s Gate 3 as quickly because it launched on Steam, and am eagerly awaiting the complete Doom: The Darkish Ages expertise. Exterior of these blockbusters, I spend most of my time catching up with older RPGs, replaying a few of my favorites, and tinkering with smaller indie video games.
That is the candy spot for the Asus ROG Circulation Z13 – it’s blissful to deal with just a few heavy hitters with some sacrifices, however it is going to run your backlog superbly. There’s no hiding the truth that I’m a fan of Asus’s extra moveable merchandise. The ROG Ally has seen me by way of years of video games at this level, and I don’t plan on placing it down any time quickly – apart from to provide my wrists a break and swap to the ROG Circulation’s big-screen expertise.
Scores
The rankings beneath are evaluating the Asus ROG Circulation Z13 to a pill expertise, so scores for pace and storage are in accordance with the remainder of the market.
|
Worth |
4/5 |
|
Show |
4/5 |
|
Pace |
5/5 |
|
Sport compatibility |
5/5 |
|
Storage |
5/5 |
How I examined the Asus ROG Circulation Z13
I had one week to check the Asus ROG Circulation Z13, and positively made essentially the most of my time with the machine. I used the rig for all my every day play and streaming over the course of that point, primarily hitting Indiana Jones and the Nice Circle, Oxenfree 2, and Fallout 4. Nonetheless, I additionally carried out remoted in-game benchmarks throughout Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Whole Struggle: Three Kingdoms, Black Fable: Wukong (through the separate benchmark software), Horizon Zero Daybreak Remastered, and The Talos Precept 2. I additionally accomplished benchmarks in 3D Mark’s Time Spy, Hearth Strike, and Metal Nomad checks, in addition to PC Mark 10. I streamed each HDR and SDR Netflix in addition to YouTube in every video’s highest obtainable decision.
I then used the Asus ROG Circulation Z13 for 2 days’ value of labor, one direct from the machine itself and one other related to a monitor with keyboard and mouse arrange.
For extra info on how we check gaming tablets and how we check gaming laptops, try the complete GamesRadar+ {Hardware} Coverage.
I’m additionally searching down all of the greatest gaming telephones and the greatest gaming earbuds for extra moveable play. Or, for one thing extra everlasting, try the greatest gaming PCs in the marketplace.
