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Some gamers elect to carry around aSteam Deck or Nintendo Switchinstead of a much bulkier laptop. While the portability of these devices is appealing, they lack the functionality of agaming laptop. As a result, manufacturers like Gigabyte continue to invest in desktop PC alternatives. With a 14th-generation Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics card, this version of the Aorus 16X targets the competitive mid-range market.
In addition to solid all-around performance, the Aorus 16X seeks to differentiate itself with innovative RGB lighting. More importantly, it must be powerful enough to take advantage of a 2560 x 1600 display at 165 Hz. The laptop also draws interest because of its heavy reliance on AI technology. Game Rant received a sample of the Aorus 16X to see if it deserves a place among thebest 16" gaming laptops.
GIGABYTE Aorus 16X (2024)
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X is an irresistible value among mid-range laptops, with the weapons to dominate 2560 x 1600 gaming at 165 Hz. Despite being reasonably compact, this version of the Aorus 16X packs a 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14650HX processor and NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics card. Content creators will also find the laptop up to the task with 32 GB of DDR5 memory and 1 TB of Gen4 M.2 SSD storage. The Aorus 16X takes full advantage of AI technology to manage user activity and intelligently adjust power levels.
Unboxing and Setup
The Aorus A16X arrived in a basic thick cardboard container without many items to unbox. The laptop was at the top of the box, protected with a vinyl-type wrapping.
Further below in the packaging were the power adapter, quick start guide, and promotional materials.
A sheet of static-free paper covered the Aorus A16X keyboard, and once removed, the setup could begin.
This version of the Aorus A16X came with a licensed Windows 11 Home pre-installed. A Gigabyte-themed status bar guides users through installing Windows updates and configuring the laptop. The system booted into Microsoft’s typical interface after performing the usual Windows 11 initial setup. However, the Gigabyte Control Center gave notifications of updated Bios and other driver updates. The entire process took about 90 minutes, but not all updates were mandatory or would significantly impact the laptop’s use.
Design
The Aorus 16X could almost pass as abusiness laptopwith its lid closed. Only the Aorus logo at the center and further branding on its right edge indicate its gaming prowess. When viewed from different angles, these logo elements have a slight rainbow effect, but gamers will find the laptop’s interior has much more flair.
At just over five pounds, the Aorus 16X is somewhat chunky, but efficiently uses its space. The lid is aluminum with mostly hard plastic underneath, but overall build quality is excellent. Hinges are often a concern on laptops, but they are well-reinforced on the Aorus 16X and rotate smoothly without cracks or creaks.
The well-lit RGB keyboard occupies about half of the laptop’s interior surface, and a large touchpad is below. Besides the lighting effects, some diagonal lines extend from the right edge to underneath the touchpad and also surround the keys. If you detest fumbling around for a power button, the Aorus 16X sticks this control in the middle of the speaker grilles below the 16-inch screen.
The laptop’s keys are thin, but with 1.7 mm travel, typers should avoid regular mistakes. Slightly mushy, gamers won’t feel like they are typing on amechanical keyboard. Lighting is spread across three customizable zones, with the translucent Q-W-E-R-A-S-D keycaps being the obvious center of attention.
Without any software adjustments, the expansive trackpad is quite sensitive, but extremely accurate. Anyone familiar with laptops will have no issues adjusting to the embedded left and right mouse buttons at the bottom.
Another aspect of the Aorus 16X that reveals its gaming intentions is the lightbar behind the back edge. Even though it’s difficult for gamers to see the Aorus logo projected on surfaces when typing, they will notice the glowingLED lightfrom the opposite side.
Gigabyte also tried to add some style to the laptop’s underside, where extensive vents continue the theme of slanted lines.
Although several versions of the Aorus 16X exist, the laptop’s design and available ports are consistent throughout. On the left side, gamers will find the power connector, Ethernet jack, HDMI 2.1 port, and USB Type-A and Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports. On both sides, vents are positioned closer to the screen, where gamers are less likely to feel blasts of warm air.
One oddity with the Aorus 16X is the power connector, which doesn’t entirely disappear into the side of the laptop. Also, without a right-angled connector, its central position may cause issues forleft-handed mouseusers. In general, other ports would be more convenient if they were moved further back.
Moving to the right side, the laptop reveals the same USB ports, a 3.5mm headphone and mic jack, and a microSD slot. Overall, there is sufficient high-speed connectivity for gamers, even if productivity-focused buyers might feel a bit shortchanged.
Aside from the clunky power connector, there aren’t too many complaints about the layout of the Aorus 16X. The laptop looks inconspicuous when traveling, but plenty of flashiness lurks inside.
Screen
The Aorus 16X utilizes a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 screen with a 16:10 ratio. Refresh rates max out at 165 Hz, unlike the 2023 model, which offered a panel with 240 Hz. While contrast levels don’t match those ofOLED laptops, the screen’s IPS nature results in exceptional viewing angles. Bevels are minimal, with a 1080p webcam hidden toward the middle of the display’s top edge.
The Aorus 16X screen’s over 500 nits of brightness won’t rival the best 4K TVs. Still, colors become more dynamic when HDR or Dolby Vision is enabled, with the latter a nice option for watching big-budget streaming movies on the go.
In many scenarios, the NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics card is a suitable match for a 165 Hz refresh rate at the WQXGA resolution. Games likeCounter-Strike 2are very playable at 165 Hz, and high-detail settings are displayed without any framerate drops. As competitive gamers hunt for new targets, motion is fluid, without hints of ghosting.
Software
One of the frustrations buyers often have with laptops is annoying bloatware that instantly slows down a user experience. Fortunately, the Aorus 16X keeps extraneous software to a minimum, instead focusing on the Gigabyte Control Center. From a single app, gamers can control most aspects of the laptop, including its performance, power-saving levels, and monitor CPU temps.
When first loading the software, it’s a bit odd to be greeted by two tabs separating the SSD Tool from the rest of the settings.
SSD settings are also accessible with shortcuts at the top of every screen, along with quick access to AI features and RGB Fusion. Users will spend most of their time on the General tab, crowded with small icons and sliders. Also, Gigabyte doesn’t do a great job explaining some settings, especially how AI Nexus affects the system. The idea is that the laptop can automatically adjust to how it’s being used, potentially saving power or boosting performance when needed. In practice, it didn’t seem to make much difference from the standard Windows power settings. Stable Diffusion generates images based on text prompts and other parameters, but seems somewhat out of place in a laptop control panel.
The menus for RGB Fusion are more straightforward, enabling gamers to select from various static or dynamic lighting effects.
Intel Core i9-14900HX or i7-14650HX
Graphics Card
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6 or RTX 4060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6
2x DDR5 Slots (Includes 32 GB DDR5-5600MHz, Up to 64GB)
Storage
2x M.2 SSD slots (Includes 1 TB PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe, Up to 4TB)
16.0“ 16:10 WQXGA (2560x1600) 165Hz Display
2x 2W Speaker, Dolby Atmos compatible
Wireless Connectivity
Wi-Fi: Intel Wi-Fi 7 Wireless (802.11be 2x2), LAN: 1G, Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4
Li Polymer 99 Wh
Ports
Left Side: 1 x DC in 1 x RJ-45 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x Type-A support USB3.2 Gen2 1 x Type-C with Thunderbolt 4 (support USB4, DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 3.0) Right Side： 1 x Type-A support USB 3.2 Gen2 1 x Type-C support USB 3.2 Gen2, DisplayPort 1.4 1 x MicroSD (UHS-II) 1 x Audio Jack support mic/headphone combo
Dimensions
35.6(W) x 25.4(D) x 2.0~2.7(H) cm / 14.01(W) x 10(D) x 0.78~1.06(H) inch
Weight
2.3 kg /5.07 lb
The Aorus 16X is sold in variations with RTX 4060 andRTX 4070 graphics cards. Buyers also have the choice of 16-core Intel i7-14650HX or 24 Core i9-14900HX processors. For 2560 x 1600 gaming, the i7-14650HX included in this evaluation unit should be sufficient for many games. However, the i9-14900HX, in combination with the RTX 4070, may boost framerates in some titles, especially at higher than 60 Hz refresh rates.
Every version of the Aorus 16X ships with 32 GB of DDR5 memory, which can be expanded to 64 GB. Buyers can find pre-configured laptops with 1 GB or 2 GB of Gen4 M.2 SSD storage, with a maximum storage capacity of 4 TB. Some markets may be able to find the laptop sold in an alternate shade of gray. Otherwise, the Aorus 16X is fairly limited in customizable options when ordering.
Performance
Benchmarks with laptops are usually less suspenseful, lacking the potential issues that can come withcustom PC builds. Even so, running tools like Cinebench and 3DMark can confirm a laptop is working as intended and evaluate the impact of power-saving settings. All the following tests were run on high-performance and low power-saving settings, which disable the Intel processor’s integrated graphics.
Cinebench is often the first software used to grade processors, as it renders 3D imagery for 10 minutes, severely taxing CPUs. Even though graphics cards have the largest impact on framerates, a poorly optimized or throttled CPU can bottleneck a GPU’s performance. When putting the 16 cores of the Intel i7-14650HX in this Aorus 16X to the test, it scored 19,711, close to the 20,000 mark posted by similar PCs. As expected, single-core results were far less impressive but nothing out of the ordinary. Obviously, the Aorus 16X can handle intensive video editing and modeling, as it reaches a Turbo Boost Clock of up to 5.2 GHz.
3DMark focuses more on how GPUs contend with challenges posed by modern 3D gaming, although part of its score depends on CPU performance. Once again, the Aorus 16X performed close to average in Steel Nomad, 3DMark’s newest free default test. Comparing the gaming laptop to similar systems in TimeSpy, it also came up just short of the average score. It’s important to remember that overclocked PCs influence these average marks, while the Aorus was left at default settings.
Many popular titles provide benchmarking tools to help users understand how desktops and laptops perform during gaming.Shadow of the Tomb Raiderwas the first test subject. In high-detail settings, the laptop maintained an average of 105 fps at 1080p. Performance dropped to a more than respectable 79 fps at 2560 x 1660.
Metro Exodusis a surprisingly demanding 2019 shooter that can bring GPUs to their knees at extreme graphical settings. The Aorus 16X consistently struggled to stay at 60 fps, encountering more issues at the WQXGA resolution. Regardless, the laptop matched the average fps of other RTX 4070 systems.
Forza Motorsportis a more recent racing game that causes widespread reports of persistent stuttering. Visual options for this title are quite complicated, with the option to let the game dynamically adjust graphical quality or change the many settings individually. For this benchmark, the game was left on Ultra Dynamic Render Quality, pushing as many framerates as possible without compromising graphical fidelity. With Microsoft’s racer, the Aorus 16X experienced the largest gap in average framerate between 1080p and 2560 x 1660. DLSS being on or off also had a minimal effect on results.
InForza Motorsport, the mobile RTX 4070 also displayed some limitations with its 8 GB VRAM. It was difficult to find a combination of settings that didn’t exceed this limit, with the game encouraging players to lower details to stay under this threshold.
Whether you’re looking for alaptop to playBlack Myth: WukongorForza Motorsport, a screen will also affect the smoothness of gameplay. When able to play above 60 Hz, the Aorus 16X screen truly shines with uninterrupted, fast-moving characters and vehicles. The display and GPU also support G-Sync to reduce screen tearing further.
Another NVIDIA feature explicitly aimed at laptops is Advanced Optimus. Essentially, the Aorus 16X will automatically switch between its dedicated and integrated GPU to preserve battery life. The only issue was when toggling graphical adapters, where Windows caused some alarm by momentarily pausing.
Cooling and Fan Noise
Compact gaming laptops often struggle to maintain reasonable CPU and GPU temperatures without much room for airflow or internalAIO liquid coolers. The Aorus 16X relies on Windforce Infinity technology to control temperatures without excess noise. Two high-speed, 84-blade fans generate a jetstream of cool air, while heat pipes direct dissipating heat toward the laptop’s many vents. Cooler air also flows into the laptop through openings on the keyboard and its bottom panel.
During stress tests, the Aorus 16X’s casing remained relatively cool, even as CPU temperatures climbed to 85 degrees Celsius and higher. Sadly, the promise of low-noise cooling isn’t quite fulfilled, as the fans continuously cause a ruckus during gaming. This noise isn’t an issue when browsing the web or completing productivity tasks, but only the least demanding titles won’t kick the fans into high gear. Gigabyte Control Center allows users to create custom fan curves, but achieving quieter cooling without potentially throttling the CPU is difficult.
Sound Quality
Gigabyte’s Windforce Infinity produces effective cooling, but gamers may need to pump up the volume to maintain gaming immersion. The Aorus 16X includes a pair of 2-watt speakers, which doesn’t seem impressive, but is powerful enough to drown out fan noise.
With the Dolby Access app pre-installed, gamers can select from various EQ profiles suitable for games, movies, and music. Listeners shouldn’t expect an authenticsurround soundexperience, but a virtual 5.1.2 speaker configuration does its best to separate audio channels. Thanks to Dolby Vision, which makes the scenery in movies more vivid, the Aorus 16X offers a portable cinematic experience.
Webcam
Laptops with webcams are convenient for video calls instead of holding a smartphone or tablet at the proper angle. The 1080p IR camera on the laptop’s top bezel exceeds expectations among mid-range contenders. It records video at 30 fps, but is surprisingly adept in low-light conditions. The webcam also supports Windows Hello, so users can log into the OS using facial recognition.
Battery Life
The Aorus 16X packs a beefy 99 Wh battery, which gives users around five to six hours of use when browsing the web or watching movies. Gigabyte claims charging the laptop when powered off with the included adapter will reclaim 50 percent of its battery capacity. USB-C charging is also supported, but finding the right cable and adapter to charge the laptop at more than a trickle rate was tricky.
Gaming reduces battery life by several hours, but that’s the case with any similar laptop. Gigabyte’s many AI power-saving features prolong this time, but not dramatically. Game Rant could squeeze out nearly seven hours in mixed usage without gaming. That ranks the Aorus 16X fairly highly among its competition and strengthens its standing as a gaming and productivity weapon.
Networking
Well-prepared for the latest high-speedgaming routers, the Aorus 16X supports Wi-Fi 7 wireless connectivity. This theoretically allows for speeds of 5.8 Gigabits per second or higher.Latency would be almost non-existent during competitive gaming, reducing the need for an ethernet connection.
Although Game Rant didn’t have a Wi-Fi 7 router for testing, the laptop achieved 500 Mbps download rates, making the Aorus 16X the fastest wireless device in the room. There were also no cases of the internal Wi-Fi card disconnecting, even with power-saving measures active. If gamers still prefer the proven reliability of a wired connection, there is a Gigabit Ethernet port on the laptop’s left side.
The Aorus 16X also offers the latest Bluetooth 5.4 standard for wireless mice or long-range, high-quality audio usingwireless earbuds.
Should You Buy the Gigabyte Aorus 16X?
Gaming laptops shouldn’t all look identical, and the Aorus 16X distinguishes itself with RGB lighting and a slick design. A 16-inch WQXGA screen looks sharp and colorful from any angle, with the benefit of Dolby Vision support. More ordinary for this mid-range laptop is its performance, but the combination of an RTX 4070 GPU and 14th gen Intel Core i7 processor keeps framerates steady. The only drawback is the laptop’s powerful fans that distract gamers when at full power.
The Aorus 16X’s build quality is more than satisfactory, and its minimalist bezels and efficient layout reduce its size. Just as durable is the laptop’s 99 Wh battery, which survives as much gameplay as any competitor in its class.
Gigabyte’s laptop isn’t overloaded with connectivity, but offers high-speed USB ports and future-proofing with Wi-Fi 7. However, its exposed power connector could be revamped. Likewise, the Gigabyte Control Center is not the most intuitive, with AI features that have minimal impact.
Buyers could spend more money for a larger screen and RTX 4080 or 4090 graphics card, but costs will quickly skyrocket. With few compromises, the Aorus 16X finds a sweet spot where the advantages overbudget laptopsare enormous.
Core i9 CPU and 240 Hz display
$1830 at Best Buy
Affordable AMD Ryzen 9 16" laptop
$1499 at Amazon
Excellent build quality and OLED display
$2700 at Amazon
16-inch laptops like the Gigabyte Aorus 16X are enticing for their balance of performance and portability. If buyers desire a bit more horsepower and a higher refresh rate display, theLenovo Legion Pro 5iis Game Rant’s top recommendation. This Lenovo laptop also includes a number pad that the Aorus 16X lacks. Next, the well-builtAsus TUF Gaming A16is more budget-friendly with an AMD Ryzen 9 processor. No discussion of laptops this size is complete without mentioning theRazer Blade 16. Although it’s pricey, all versions of this laptop have an OLED display for superior contrast levels.
FAQ
Q: Is a 16-inch laptop too big to carry around?
16-inch laptops can vary considerably in weight, but most are four pounds or heavier. Also, some models make more efficient use of their dimensions than others. Gaming laptops are typically the most cumbersome to travel with. However, gamers often find them much easier to carry around than more massive 17 or 18-inch laptops.
Q: What’s the difference between a gaming laptop and a regular laptop?
Gaming laptops usually include mobile versions of graphics cards used in desktop gaming PCs. Consequently, they are less portable than laptops relying on a CPU’s integrated graphics. Business laptops aren’t as capable of playing the latest games with high framerates, but they can still excel at intensive office tasks.
