The ASUS Zephyrus S GX701 is a large-format performance laptop whose specification puts graphical hardware at the centre of its identity. An NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 with 8GB of GDDR6 is the headline component, supported by an Intel Core i7-8750H, 16GB of RAM and Windows 10 Pro. On paper, that combination gives the machine a serious technical foundation for demanding visual workloads without straying from a conventional Windows laptop format.
A display built around speed
The 17.3-inch IPS-level panel runs at 144Hz, giving fast-moving content substantial refresh-rate headroom. That figure is an important part of the GX701’s purpose: the screen is designed around responsiveness rather than simply providing a large canvas. Its 1920x1080 resolution is straightforward and functional, although the pixel count is spread across a sizeable 17.3-inch display. Buyers prioritising screen area and a high refresh rate will find the specification coherent; those seeking a denser desktop may regard Full HD as a limitation.
The storage arrangement is similarly well judged for a performance machine. A 1TB NVMe SSD provides considerable internal capacity while using a fast storage technology, giving the laptop a practical foundation for a substantial application and file library. The 16GB memory complement also gives the configuration a clear productivity-oriented baseline alongside its graphics hardware.
Connectivity and physical compromise
Connectivity is a notable strength. The GX701 includes five USB ports across Type-A and Type-C formats, plus HDMI 2.0b and a 3.5mm headphone and microphone combo connection. One USB-C port adds DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery, which broadens its role beyond ordinary peripheral connectivity. Wireless provision covers 802.11ac 2x2 WLAN and Bluetooth 5.0, while the port selection should accommodate a varied desk setup without relying solely on adapters.
The unavoidable physical trade-off is weight. At 2.7kg, this is a substantial laptop to carry regularly, even before adding its power equipment or other accessories. That figure does not undermine its desktop-replacement character, but it does make the GX701 better suited to planned movement than genuinely light travel.
Verdict
The ASUS Zephyrus S GX701 is aimed squarely at buyers who want a large display, dedicated high-end graphics and generous connectivity in one Windows 10 Pro system. Its RTX 2080, 144Hz panel, NVMe storage and broad port selection form a focused specification rather than a collection of isolated upgrades. The Full HD screen resolution and 2.7kg weight are clear trade-offs, but the overall design remains compelling on paper for users who value graphical hardware and screen size over minimum mass.