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Watch this before you buy! ROG XG Mobile + ROG Flow X13 review!
When the ROG announced the most powerful, thinnest ultrabook - the ROG Flow X 13 laptop, they also announced the ROG XG Mobile alongside the laptop.
It was a fantastic idea on paper but using it though... is a completely different story.
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Пікірлер: 138
Wow, you have a really good sense of reviewing. It's on point. This is a truly user experience. You can feel the expectations and the actual on hand findings. Those expectations we had when we saw the commercial, and the questions followed, are answered comprehensively in this video. Please keep the reviewing style. Subscribed
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
I'm humbled by your comment. Thanks for watching and thanks for subscribing too!
Now you’ve finished your review you can finally tuck into that badger ice cream you’ve been holding.
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
I wish that's ice cream 😂
Love that you ran games at 3440x1440! I have a monitor of that resolution and this helped a lot!
I just ordered an XG Mobile RTX 4090 version to go with my Flow X13 2023 🤯 It will be my PC VR on-the-go setup 👍
I asked at a local electronics shop if they had any graphics cards in stock. They only had this one! LOL
To fix the fan noise issue when Chrome is running, you need to turn off hardware acceleration in Chrome. Chrome will offload a lot of processing from the CPU to the GPU when you have multiple tabs open. I was getting really bad frame rate hits and high temps in fairly light games but only when Chrome was also running and had, like 25 processes going in the Task Manager. As soon as I updated the hardware acceleration toggle, the problem went away.
I was fiddling around with trying to stream to my TV without the XG mobile (don't own one) but thought, well now there is no power input so might as well drop this ambition but then I saw your video and understood that there is a power input where the XG Mobile port is haha! Thanks! EDIT: In fact, there is no real need for buying the XG Mobile since you can use a USB-C to HDMI cable to stream. Works perfectly for me.
Thanks. Great review 👍 I was seriously thinking about getting the Asus ROG Flow Z13 (next gen). But after watching your review, I would go for something else instead. 100% agree with you on: - It's stupid that it needs a minute to plug in or plug out to the XG mobile eGPU. - It's stupid that the XG mobile eGPU runs full power and full fan noise when not even playing games.
This is the 1ST review showing how this works 🤩🤯! Awesome video to show us guys 👍😉. This is the stuff we need to know as many big Techtubers gloat about th ease of installation and the performance of the external GPU only…… not actually how to get it going. This is an essential service providing us all this info and FAQ portion of the video. Cheers fellas 🍻😆
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
As a xg mobile 3070 owner on my rog ally i have to say i love it but its different to using it on a laptop as i use it for pure gaming. Docked 4k 60fps and undocked 720/1080 30/60fps. For me works fine. Yes it is loud but i use a headset and tbh not much louder than my old pc was. I get as a laptop user why not want it but as an ally user i can definitely see the plus side especially with it being used for gaming.
Good review! I’m still convinced about the product, but I haven’t heard in other reviews about the fan noise of the external gpu.. you can play and keep your house warm in winter hahaha
Where did you find that XG Mobile lighting setting? My armoury crate app doesnt have a bunch of icons like that anywhere
Thank you for review. Fan noise is very important for me. Does it possible to undervolt cpu and gpu? I want to use this device as desktop pc more part of my time.
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
Nope. No such option
What happens if i leave XG Mobile plug in, and switch laptop to sleep mode?? When i turn on the laptop from sleepmode do i need to set up the same process with XG Mobile?
man don't worry about the rubber plug. Just remove it if it's bothering you. The plug is to prevent dust from coming in and possibly hindering the connection.
No, because some of us use it to draw on. So we need the touch screen. Please do a new review and see if the newer XG MOBILEs are compatible with the older laptop versions. Thank you.
@TechCritter
Жыл бұрын
They're all compatible. Also no idea what you mean by using it to draw?
please review the stylus experience when using with flow x13
@kirby1fan
Жыл бұрын
not sure about the x13, but I can tell you about the newer z13. short version: it really sucks. longer version: the pen likes to not stay connected to the tablet (especially when it gets warm). So if you lift too high to where the pen is no longer in the connection loop, you have to fiddle with it a bit on the screen so that it connects again. The pen does not stop touches and even if you disable touch on the tablet, it still activates while the pen digitizer is enabled. So to draw or write, you have to hover. Even my drawing glove didn't stop from touching. The pen is a cool idea, but it is nothing compared to a wacom tablet let along a huion or xppen tablet. Also no place to store the pen. There is a perfect place right on top. Could sit in-between the exhust fans perfectly with magnets, but nope. I got magnets from a store and stuck them on, but the pen likes thicker/stronger magnets. So it stays but it doesn't stay strong (if that makes sense). This is for the z13. I assume because the x13 and z13 use the same/similar body and hardware that the pen experience should be the same or close to.
I wish malaysia will hv the 3050ti option. Gaming 2in1 is just fantastic idea
@KikiDaily09
2 жыл бұрын
Yep , just like in Indonesia they give many options such as the 3050,3050ti or gtx1650
I like the way you reviewed this product, which finally lead me to subscribe your channel. Very useful information to us as consumer before deciding to buy it. Keep the good work bro.
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful and thanks for watching! Truly appreciate the comment. ✌
Can we connect x13 flow directly to external monitor with dgpu?
I quite like the hair dryer sound, though. Very soothing 🤣
@TechCritter
Жыл бұрын
It functions as a hairdryer too if you point the exhaust to yourself 🤣
You got the main point. Horrible fan noise isn't acceptable.
I am about to move to a place where my gaming setup must be as small as possible. That makes this package a really fine idea. My current setup basically takes up an entire room, just the basics you know, two 27" screens and a gaming rig. However as mentioned, the hassle just makes it so hard to actually decide if this truly is a good idea. The price isn't helping either. We now have the RTX 4080 which alone cost as much as a very decent gaming laptop in my country. The power of the ROG XG 4080 outperforms though. My computer would essentially only need a new graphics card to match modern equipment (currently running a RX 6700 XT). So my three conflicting thoughts is: Should I choose this setup for ultimate space, keep my current PC and upgrade graphic card or just pick a decent laptop in the price range of the ROG XG 4080? These are very tough question for an assh0le with first world problems.. Edit: Might be worth mentioning that I also own the ROG Ally where the ROG XT Mobile also might come in handy.
@TechCritter
6 ай бұрын
I'm not really into the idea of dumping everything in favor of the XG Mobile. This thing is... proprietary and has a lot of issues. Maybe build an SFF PC?
Hey, I'm hesitant between the flow X13 with eGPU and the Rog M16 I am studying mechanical engineering and I like the idea of laptop which turns into desktop but at the same time I like not having hassle. Can you help me please? (Awesome video btw)
@maxlu2456
2 жыл бұрын
Get a portable laptop and a game console / desktop. It’s much cheaper and way better performance.
@icantsee0
2 жыл бұрын
@@maxlu2456 did you not read their comment. They said they were a mechanical engineer. Why would they even bother getting a "normal" laptop and a console, they wouldn't be able to do any CAD and 3D work well. Edit: but ye, a desktop and a laptop would be good. But it also depends on if they're a mobile worker or not.
@ahmadihsan5652
2 жыл бұрын
good Legion pro for mobile work 😌
Hi, I have it and I agree with quite all of what you said. Thank you very much for the good quality of the information you provide. I would add that the cables are too short. The power one is note an issue, but the one between the laptop and the egpu could have 30cm or 40cm more so that it would be easier to set it farther from the laptop while playing or working. And this rubber cap is really annoying, I already lost it after the second use of my XG Mobile :'-(
@fdc184
2 жыл бұрын
Latency is the biggest bottle neck of computing systems nowadays. The shorter the cable the shorter the latency between the gpu and the system
i saw this now after the 2023 version has been released. asus has not improved much, even worse the xg mobile 2023 costs way too much for a mobile gpu. thanks for your video, was fun and useful
How's the battery life with igpu mode and light tasks?
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
Pretty bad for this particular variant. With that 4K screen and the Ryzen 9 5980HS, we only got about 3 hours max. And it also gets very hot even while on battery at silent power profile. I have used the Ryzen 7 5800HS variant of this Flow X 13 before, and I think it's better than the Ryzen 9 variant.
@RafaelRodrigues-if6wr
2 жыл бұрын
@@TechCritter on ryzen 7 version whats the battery life?
@ThebreWaw
2 жыл бұрын
@@TechCritter can you say more why ryzen 7 5800hs was better than ryzen 9. Any such a thoughts on choosing graphic card?
I am using the Flow Z with XG mobile and feel the same hassle too, but I often wok mobile and like the concept so i have to suck it up LoL. Nice review tho
Is the fan noise really high when playing AAA games at medium settting?
@TechCritter
Жыл бұрын
Yes
great video but what about multi monitors??
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
I tried with another USB-C monitor and it works fine. Just having the same annoyance.
Thanks for the video especially how to/do not point with the product. I like the idea but 13 inch really small plus not sure how secure the plug would be with the laptop on my lap and the cable connected to the laptop.
Very detailed review, I like how you focused on the things we stubborn people would do despite being told we shouldn't unplug the exmonile a certain way 😂
Great review! Just a question, is the noise coming from the external GPU only? Is the notebook itself noisy when on its own ?
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
Aha that is a good question. The notebook in itself does have a lot of fan noise (Ryzen 9 version in particular) but that is nothing compared to the whirlwind of the XG Mobile.
@Bervilat
2 жыл бұрын
@@TechCritter thanks !
Does the ROG XG Mobile come with the Laptop??
@TechCritter
3 ай бұрын
Depends on the sales bundle.
This video is super helpful!
Sir this GPU support laptop ASUS ROG Strix G17 (2021), 17.3-inch (43.94 cms) FHD 144Hz, AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, GeForce RTX 3050 4GB Graphics, Gaming Laptop (8GB/1TB SSD/Windows 10/Original Black/2.4 Kg), G713QC-HX052T ????????????????????????????????
When was the recall for the check mobile I got mine months ago and it works weird like it won’t connect properly i had to rip mine out of the flow and broke a connector the actual make port is fine but whatever secures it is damaged it also has battery problems from just doing homework I only have a hour windows mode and battery saver on don’t know what to do
thank u so much! exactly what I have searched for. that they dont sell it separately makes no Sense
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
I agree lol. Especially since they only bundled it with the highest-end versions of the Flow X13
I don’t see any issue here. This is what is expected of an e-gpu I guess
@bboyalanleung123
2 жыл бұрын
Exacty. I have this laptop for more than 6 months, and I love this beast
Thinking about it, the surface book is kind of similar where you have to turn off all apps using the gpu built in the keyboard. but none of this activate/deactivate bs. it was all automatic. The part that frustrates me the most about this asus thing is if you don't disable it, turn off the computer and take the laptop away, you're basically screwed. that ain't right. it looked like you can still boot, but also that it may have problems until you connect back up again. I have the flow z13 and I'm fine with the 3050ti inside, but my issue is I can't fine a dock that lets me run hrr through the nvidia plug or a dock that actually gives me 100w of power. This seems to be the only thing that does one/both but it just looks so clunky to use. And the new version is an amd card which would only interfere with the nvidia card and drivers. Should have kept it nvidia so that it atleats uses the same exact driver that is already on the laptop. fan noise doesn't bother me cause I wear headphones. The time to set up and connect is annoying cause it really should just be automatic connect and manual disconnect (like the surface book). Thanks for the review
I got an flow x13 it has charging issue, I got a replacement laptop then the replacement laptop also had some problem the again I'm going to replace, but I'm going for g15
@ahmadihsan5652
2 жыл бұрын
Stric scar the best for ROG high lvl
Very helpful indeed. Honesty is very valuable!
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks a bunch for watching and glad this is able to help!
I got my xgmobile stuck permanently in the flow x13 lol can't bring it to my classes now
@Fishwalker
2 жыл бұрын
Hello so whay happen next? Do u let stuck on your x13 or u get it fixed?
@ZeroXAlAttas
2 жыл бұрын
@@Fishwalker i fixed it my self. Got to separate the two With a help of a strong tweezers and a friend. First i Managed to lose it that we can barely see the tiny metal bars that hold it together in place. Then i used 2 tweezers and pushed the metal bars on both sides inward as strongly as I could, and my friend pulled the connector away. After disconnecting them, i forcefully bend the metal bars outside and cut it with scissors (i think it is called playar). Problem fixed permanently. I just can't lock it in place. But I used the gxmobile on a fixed place so that shouldn't matter anyways. Asus should really hire me... Lol
Are you able to connect 2 external monitors?
@TechCritter
Жыл бұрын
Yes
When you plug the xg mobile, does it switch entirely from the laptop's GPU to the xg mobile's? If 2 GPUs are connected to a PC the VRAM is limited to whichever GPU has the lowest one, and that's a big hassle for 3D rendering. I wonder if the xg mobile can circumvent that problem.
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
Correct. It switches entirely to the XG Mobile's. Only one discrete GPU is active at any one time.
Do you think this can Work to stream? Having the egpu connected to the laptop? Im asking because I dont know if the cable connected in to the laptop can delivery enough data to the CPU to run a Game and also streaming in Twitch. Im also asking cuz I have a egpu (3070) connected to a thunderbolt 3 with a i7 10875H and I can not streaming while using the egpu because I have frame issues, Think IS because sending the game to the cpu and then sending back to the Stream is way to much CPU Work. What do you think? Sorry for muy english, spanish pal here
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
Okay I understand the question. I think believe your problem is because of sending data from the laptop to the eGPU then back to the laptop which causes frame issues. I don't have a solid answer for you but I think if you use an external monitor for the XG Mobile, it should work.
so you have a graphic card inside the lap and you can add a another graphic card?
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, it will switch to the XG Mobile
5:44 5. I contacted ASUS about that message (can happen that this message shows up after turning on the laptop itself and not realising the XG Mobile wasn't connected to the power connector). The ASUS support said that the message is nothing to worry about. So let's say you turned off the whole setup the day before (XG Mobile still connected), but you wanna go somewhere and not turning it on only to disconnect the XG Mobile... I guess in that case you don't have to worry, just disconnect it when everything is turned off and ignore the message. The hassle with the XG Mobile I don't really mind, because of how incredibly versatile and unique the setup is. Also I don't mind the fan noise while gaming. I hope though that with Win11 the use of an eMonitor will be easier. Let's see what the future brings.
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah in theory there's nothing to worry about since it's a cold boot after all. However, it's still annoying that we have to press a button to proceed with the boot process.
Is there any way to shut down the gpu (or have it run on low power) for regular pc usage? So annoying that I can only use my external monitor when I game!
@bennbutters2578
2 жыл бұрын
I think turning on IGPU shuts it off, it also lowers the idle temps a good bit
It's dissipating 150W, why you complain about noise ??? Don't load it with heavy tasks, it will not make noise at all :-)
Im confused to take this laptop right now :(. Do you think x flow 13 is still worth it if i buy it right now? Or just wait for next generation. Btw i cannot find your vids about x flow 13 alone
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
The laptop itself is excellent, just that the XG Mobile is not 100% complete. It feels very experimental. If you plan to just get the laptop, go ahead. As for the XG Mobile, you might need to ask yourself if you can live with all those pros and cons.
@Xoxdb
2 жыл бұрын
@@TechCritter do you think 1650 max-q enough for next several years? Maybe around 3-5 years
Hey, please do a comparison between ROG Flow x16 (Ryzen 9 6900HX) Vs ROG Flow Z13 (i9 12900H). I am really confused.
@TechCritter
Жыл бұрын
Sorry, returned both of those devices already. What sort of clarifications do you want to know regarding those two devices?
@deepankartv9475
Жыл бұрын
@@TechCritter after watching more than 100 videos i have also changed my mind about a convertible laptop. Looking to buy a gaming high performance laptop now. Not sure if this is a good time, still doing research. Please feel free to share if you have any suggestions. Need intel i9 with 3070/3070ti graphics, 32gb ram (should be upgradable, 1gb ssd (min). I am a creator not a gamer.
Hi.. i am from sri lankaa... Is this laptop getting too hot during 4k editing? Is the touch screen messing up after a while..? Plz can you reply me..?
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
Definitely hot. Touch screen still works fine.
@nehanchandira
2 жыл бұрын
@@TechCritter thank you brother...❤😊
The 20+ millisecond pixel response time of the built-in screen makes this laptop unusable for gaming Imo. It's a blur fest I had to take it back and get the 2022 G14. Much happier now 😄
That stupid connector got stuck after second attempt to detach
@ZeroXAlAttas
2 жыл бұрын
While pushing the metal pin from the side of the connector, I managed to pull it out by force. Then I decided to cut off the metal bar completely and the problem is permanently solved. I am doing much more better job than engineers at ASUS. They should hire me as a design engineer lol
well, how about Rog XG Mobile plug into Rog Zepyrus series wich is has thunderbolt ?
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
Can't. It's using a proprietary cable to achieve that PCIE Gen 3 x8 connectivity.
@tech critter is there an adapter for desktop for the XG mobile?
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
No, as of now.
Very helpful review man, thanks! 👌🏾
you are really nitpicking here. "I have to press a BUTTON every time" oh no
Can X13 and Z13 use an EGPU other than this product?
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
I'm not sure. From what I can see here, only the Z13 can use other EGPU since it has Thunderbolt.
@emreyurt5676
2 жыл бұрын
@@TechCritter Thx 👍🏼
Was about to buy it then got put off by all the intricacies, rather have a desktop and an ultrabook, it's more convenient and cheaper!
My rog flow x13 is super hot lmao like it can cook eggs Ps: i dont have the xg mobile tho
Tbey need a 4080 one
Does it works on Flow Z13?
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
Yep. Exactly the same XG Mobile between Flow X13 and Flow Z13.
Thanks for review. Plug and unplug the device each time seems super annoying indeed...
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
It really is! And thanks for watching!
@mathieudubost9730
2 жыл бұрын
@@TechCritter I am looking for a super light on the go working device for motion design, and was really hyped by this combo. But this plug / unplug stuff would get me crazy after a few days of use I think 😭
I got a Rog 2 years ago. It was very noisy and very hot because it’s bad engeneering. I’ll never buy a rog again… My friend got a acer predator and it was great…
@motulautech4680
2 жыл бұрын
I recommend msi laptops if you searching for good temp and use Trottlestop
I bought the 3080 version but it preforms worse than my friends laptops that costs only 1 grand :/
@thecompetitor4418
2 жыл бұрын
What laptop was that
this only works for this laptop only?
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
The XG mobile only works with ROG Flow X13 right now
@shinra358
2 жыл бұрын
@@TechCritter well thats pointless...
Btw …. I think your gf wants here makeup brush back hehe 😜
"maybe will be commonly asked questions" :DDDD ♥
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
I guess those questions really did become commonly-asked questions 🤣
I'm never buying an asus ever again. This was my 2nd chance to them. They failed. Acer is tride and true.
Rubber plug reaction ... Samesies! Like
God almighty, they chose to make a propriety connector.. Sigh
@TechCritter
Жыл бұрын
Granted, this gives them 8 PCIe lanes instead of the usual 4 from Thunderbolt connections.
If you are complaining about the short cable to connect then you really aren't looking for a portable system. Seems like that may be the only complaint people can have, for a 13' laptop that gets compared to 15' systems because no other 13' system can compare. Complaining about a rubber plug is the silliest thing as well. Just toss it or be responsible and put it with an accessory drawer. I find it hysterical that everyone says the performance on this is great but the only thing they can find fault in is the design lol I love my x13 and xg mobile and if you need a mobile gaming system it's the only option. If you are going to hook it up to an external monitor and use external keyboard, just buy a dang desktop people jesus.......
@el3ctron
2 жыл бұрын
Anthony, i want to know if i do not buy the external card, still i connect this laptop to a monitor? thanks for your answer! :)
@alien8w8
2 жыл бұрын
@@el3ctron should be able to although the laptop is VERY limited on USB ports. I would grab a USB hub I you are looking to use more than 1 monitor
A lot of idle complaints for insignificant issues as you call to such little stuff, spoiled boy, not every people using this device are gamers, what about video editors/colourists, humm? ;- )
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
We're pointing out the facts. Or would you prefer we choose to live with all the problems? Some users literally got their flow x13 stuck with the XG mobile connector
@educare9909
2 жыл бұрын
@@TechCritter you forgot to mention gamers are far to be the only users of this tool, without mention your "issues" are not even problems, go figure ;- )
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
You do realize all these complaints are valid for *all* types of users? If you're okay with these issues then go ahead and buy it, no one is stopping you.
@educare9909
2 жыл бұрын
@@TechCritter Not all. You neglect the 4K screen. And 120Hz is useless for a good part of users. This is just one of the few mobile solutions if not the best for those your review is simply ignoring.
@TechCritter
2 жыл бұрын
The laptop itself is good, I kid you not. The Flow X13 has all the great specs, features and components to make it one of the very best thin and light laptop. The problem lies with the entire package's user experience. The XG Mobile is just not ready. It is a rushed product which had to be recalled the moment the first batch of stock was arrived. ROG could've just use a standard Thunderbolt external GPU dock which you can upgrade the GPU down the road but instead they have chosen to go with laptop GPU and a proprietary connector. Just for a slimmer and smaller external GPU. Not to mention in some region, you are forced to purchase the highest configuration of the laptop in order to get the XG Mobile as a bundle. They don't sell the dock individually, say for those who bought the mid configuration.