Asus ProArt PX13 - the fastest, small creator notebook with AMD Zen 5 and an RTX 4070
Science & Technology
Introduction
Introduction
The Asus ProArt PX13 marks a significant departure from what we've seen in the company's creator-focused lineup until now. This 13-inch powerhouse is one of the few two-in-one convertibles equipped with a dedicated GPU and one of the fastest small notebooks thanks to NVIDIA's RTX 4070 and AMD's new Ryzen AI 300 CPUs. While it has some competition from models like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, the PX13 manages to stand out with its impressive performance and refined design.
Hardware and Performance
Processor and GPU
Our review sample of the PX13 is powered by the Ryzen 9 HX 370 CPU and offers a choice among the RTX 4050, 4060, or the 4070 in our unit. Unlike the Zenbook S16, which uses the same CPU but limits it to 33 watts, the PX13 lets it run at a peak 80 watts and sustain around 65 watts. This results in spectacular benchmark performances, making this notebook a top contender in its form factor. The GPU, configurable up to the RTX 4070 with a 75-watt TGP, provides additional horsepower.
Memory and Storage
The PX13 comes equipped with 32GB of fast but soldered RAM and a 1TB SSD. These specs make it highly capable for various demanding tasks, although the soldered RAM might be a downside for some users.
Display and Creatives’ Perspective
The display is a stunning 2.8K OLED with a slight drawback: it is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. This might be a bummer for gamers, but for content creators involved in photography, graphic design, CGI, video editing, or coding, the refresh rate won't matter much. Nonetheless, a minimum 90Hz refresh rate would have been a nice addition.
Design and Build Quality
The PX13 sports a new matte black finish designed to be easy to clean. The chassis is sturdy and well-built, making it ideal for on-the-go use. The convertible design also enables different modes, which can be highly practical for creative workflows.
Connectivity and IO
The PX13 upgrades and downgrades its connectivity options compared to similar models like the G14. It includes a single USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port and two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt functionality. Additionally, it features an HDMI 2.1 port, a Micro SD card reader, and Asus's new power connector. However, a full-sized SD card reader or an extra USB-A port would have been more practical for creative use.
Input and Display Quality
The keyboard of the PX13 is exceptional, offering lots of travel and satisfying feedback. It competes closely with the G14’s keyboard but feels more stable. The touchpad features a slider for easy adjustments of system settings and is pen-enabled, perfect for tasks in creative apps like Photoshop or Premiere.
The OLED display offers vibrant colors and high resolution, making it ideal for content creation. Although there are minor points like graininess from the touch layer, these do not detract much from the overall excellent quality.
Benchmarks and Performance Tests
Various benchmarks reveal that the PX13 delivers outstanding CPU and GPU performance. In synthetic tests such as Blender and Photoshop, it outperforms many of its competitors, including the ROG Zephyrus G14. The Ryzen 9 3700HX processor shows particularly impressive gains when allowed to run at higher wattages.
Cooling and Noise
While the small chassis of the PX13 results in higher noise levels during heavy workloads, its cooling system manages to keep temperatures within acceptable ranges. The notebook excels in maintaining performance without significant thermal throttling.
Battery Life
Battery life is decent but not exceptional. The PX13 doesn’t reach the endurance levels of the G14, despite having the same battery size.
Conclusion
The Asus ProArt PX13 is a remarkable 13-inch workstation, designed for creators who need performance and flexibility in a compact form factor. While it has a niche target audience, it stands out with its robust performance and high-quality display. If you are willing to pay a premium for top-tier performance in a notebook, the PX13 is worth considering.
It competes well with other small yet powerful notebooks like the G14 and Razer Blade 14, each offering its own set of strengths and compromises. Whether the PX13 is worth it depends on your specific needs and willingness to handle its premium pricing.
Keywords
- Asus ProArt PX13
- Ryzen 9 HX 370
- RTX 4070
- Content Creator Notebook
- OLED Display
- Convertible Laptop
FAQ
What makes the Asus ProArt PX13 stand out from other creator-focused notebooks?
The Asus ProArt PX13 is a compact yet powerful convertible laptop, equipped with a Ryzen 9 HX 370 CPU and an NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU. It offers outstanding performance in a small form factor and features a high-quality 2.8K OLED display.
How does the PX13 compare to the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14?
While both notebooks offer high performance, the PX13 has a more refined design and convertible form factor. The G14 is slightly larger, offers a higher 120Hz refresh rate, and may be more suitable for gaming.
What are the key features of the PX13's display?
The 2.8K OLED display is vibrant and offers excellent color accuracy, making it ideal for creative work. However, it is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which may disappoint gamers.
Does the PX13 have good connectivity options?
The PX13 includes a single USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt functionality, an HDMI 2.1 port, a Micro SD card reader, and Asus's new power connector. However, a full-sized SD card reader or an additional USB-A port would have been more practical for creative users.
How does the cooling system perform?
The cooling system effectively manages temperatures, but the PX13 may get loud during heavy workloads. It maintains performance without significant thermal throttling, making it suitable for demanding tasks.