Final Words & Conclusion
The ASUS Zenbook S 16, powered by Ryzen AI, is a slim, light laptop designed to deliver a premium experience. It performs well across various workloads with its Zen 5-based processor cores, it has an updated RDNA 3.5-based graphics engine and swift DDR5 DRAM. The laptop's build feels high-quality, its OLED display is breathtaking and input features are user-friendly. It also has very nice audio. I know we're focussing on the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, but the laptop boasts a truly impressive OLED display that offers vivid visuals and deep contrast, I have to mention this as to date I am a little impressed by this display. Back to the processor though, AMD's new processor doesn't always lead its class, but it offers a well-rounded mix of CPU, GPU, and NPU capabilities. The Ryzen AI 300 series system-on-chips (SoCs), features a mix of Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores on the same die but within separate core complex dies (CCXs). The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 features a 12-core/24-thread configuration, with four full-size Zen 5 cores and eight compact Zen 5c cores. The base frequency of the processor is 2.0 GHz, with the Zen 5 cores capable of boosting up to 5.1 GHz, we did not reach that value though as the laptop topped out at roughly 4.8 GHz under single-threaded load. The processor operates with a configurable TDP range of 15 to 54 watts, with the Zenbook S 16 utilizing a default TDP of 28 watts. This positions the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in direct competition with Intel’s Meteor Lake SoCs in terms of power efficiency. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 introduces new elements to AMD’s processor lineup, including the Zen 5 CPU core architecture, built on TSMC’s N4P (4 nm) process. Additionally, the XDNA 2 NPU in the chip delivers improved AI performance compared to its predecessors in the Phoenix and Hawk Point series. The integration of RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture offers improvements in gaming and graphics-intensive tasks, setting a new standard for mobile SoCs.
The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chipset shows promise, particularly as more software starts using hardware AI acceleration, co-pilot was supported and worked. While wider AI software support is pending, the Zenbook S16 performs reliably with current applications.
Concluding
AMD's Ryzen AI 300 series features the latest Zen 5 microarchitecture, aiming to enhance its position in the notebook market. Zen 5 brings advancements in architecture, notably in the XDNA 2 NPU, which will drive Microsoft Copilot+ AI-driven applications. This on-chip NPU technology aims to push the limits of AI and neural processing as we move into 2025. While it's fun to play with, do we as gamers and gurus really care? Euhm, yeah a bit doubtful. But as with all new tech, embrace new technology and developments I tend to say. The series also includes upgraded RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics, optimized for premium ultrathin notebooks like the tested ASUS Zenbook S 16. RDNA 3.5 offers very decent performance, but still does not match the capabilities of discrete GPUs in gaming applications. Its design is more aligned with ultrathin devices focused on general productivity and thus AI-driven workloads.The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 tested features four standard Zen 5 cores and eight compact Zen 5c cores. Performance testing has shown robust results. For less demanding tasks, its performance was moderate, aligning with expectations for these scenarios. The Ryzen AI 300 series positions AMD to compete in the emerging Generative AI market, with a focus on performance metrics such as TOPS (tera operations per second).
The laptop itself excels in many areas. It’s suitable for productivity, casual gaming, and content creation and is easy to carry with its lightweight. Perhaps a compromise is its battery life, which might not last for long periods without charging. Still, its overall performance and usability make it a competitive choice in the 16-inch laptop market. the 16" OLED screen is finger-licking good, a major selling point. There are some constraints, such as the underutilized 50 TOPS XDA 2-based NPU in AMD's Strix Point, which is not yet fully supported in all applications or recognized by certain AI benchmarking tools. AMD expects improvements within the next year, though depending on future updates involves some risk. Other than that the ASUS Zenbook S 16 is absolutely a solid choice for those needing a versatile Windows laptop. The version tested, with 32GB RAM and the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, is available for give it take $1,699. A less expensive option with 24GB RAM and a Ryzen AI 9 365 with Radeon 880M graphics is priced at $1,399. Given its balance of performance, design, and portability, the ASUS Zenbook S 16 comes highly recommended for those seeking a high-end 16-inch laptop. If you're interested in the combination of an ASUS design and the Ai hype train, this model is worth considering with that big and sweet OLED screen as a cherry on top of this cake.
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