[2025] ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 GU605CR-XS97 (Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, 32GB RAM, 2TB NVMe SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070Ti, 16" 240Hz OLED, Windows 11 Pro) Gaming Laptop

I've tried just about every name brand laptop in this category (gaming laptops) and this was the only one (Alienware) that I did not try. The reason I didn't try was because of all the not-so-great reviews and how the cons were just simply not 'acceptable' for 2024. After much trial and tribulation, I figured I had nothing left to lose except to not try this brand. Well low and behold! This laptop was PERFECT for me! I wanted a portable AND capable Beast and this fit the bill PERFECTLY! It maybe a little chunky for people who don't eat meat or work out, but for me it was a very acceptable compromise for what I was looking for in a laptop (a consistent gaming experience whether at home or abroad). It plays all my games at max settings without any problems at all. Others I've had always ended up throttling themselves (despite being 'higher spec'd' than this one) and either stuttered or over-heated to the point it would lock up or shut down. This laptop might get a little 'loud' but it never over heats, never shuts down, and to my surprise, never throttled, not even once. I bought a laptop backpack for this laptop here in Amazon (just look up backpacks for 18.4" laptops). It works PERFECTLY for my needs. Tech Support is practically built right into this machine too. Most questions I had about anything was easily found with the included software packages. I have no regrets with this purchase and can easily recommend this to people who want a great laptop and a Beast without all the marketing and fluff (and failures) of the other 'Top Tier' or 'Higher Spec'd' laptops out there (looking at you ASUS and LENOVO). Oh wait, I do have one regret, and it's that I didn't get this sooner and let my own bias and the bias of other laptop 'Professional Reviewers' sway me away from this brand early on during my searches for the PERFECT laptop for ME.

UPDATE 7/11/2025Well I didnt think it could get much worse. After LOTS of back and forth - Dell suggested they cover labor and I cover parts. I agreed while still maintaining the images they sent me were NOT of my laptop. I paid $200 plus to cover repairs. Then had to wait additional weeks to get the machine back because a part was on back order.When I got the machine back the packing slip showed they replaced the LCD and the palm rest. I started it up - the screen flickered a few times - then the ALIENWARE logo wouldn't come on when booted. Sighs - I reached out to Dell again explaining the NEW problems and sent them a video of my actual machine demonstrating the NEW problems and pointing out how the machine in the photos they sent was not the same machine as mine- they agreed to send someone to replace the motherboard and LCD again.At that time I was told the differences in the photos were because a part on my laptop was missing - nope not true just a cover - because later pointed out 5 differences between my machine the machine in the photos.The kind tech came to my house did his job - left my house - and guess what now NVIDIA driver doesnt work at all - no video card works no sound card - its a gaming pc but im stuck using the intel processing because the NVIDIA drivers arent working.Lol I reach out to dell ADVANCED RESOLUTIONS mind you again - explaining the NEW problems and asking for a replacement. They refused to send a replacement but offered me a box to send the machine back to them....I told them I simply dont trust their Colorado Depot because they scammed me by sending fake photos and having me pay $200 for unnecessary repairs. I let them know they can send a NEW tech to my home to work out ALL of the machines problems - and requested a refund based on the fake images and unnecessary repairs.I also let them know if that was an unacceptable resolution - they should escalate this issue to their legal department - Im a practicing attorney - Ive been licensed in California for many years so if i have to sue - at least i wont have crazy legal fees.I'll provide another update.UPDATE- If I could give negative stars I would. After sending the device into customer service - no motherboard issue - instead they're claiming the LCD screen was cracked along with the palm rest and the back of laptop - consistent with a fall....ummm nope never dropped its super heavy and stays on a desk all day. Basically a scam - they want $350 to fix that stuff on a 6 month old laptop. I'm currently talking with customer service to see if someone DROPPED it upon after delivery - I cant possibly be responsible for damage during shipping as THEY PROVIDED SHIPPING LABEL and I'm assuming insurance. I regret purchasing the device and the customer service is HORRIBLE because NOTHING is wrong with the device they are making up issues to make money - AVOID AVOID AVOID AVOID....READ THE REVIEWS - BELIEVE THE REPORTED ISSUES. I may have a motherboard issue after only a few months of use. I bought this laptop to play TWO games - both are web based and they worked perfectly for a while - then recently It stopped working on one of the games - and crashes IMMEDIATELY upon log in or shortly there after - I cant play the game on it at all. Ive updated game, cleared appdata, updated drivers, and even FACTORY RESET. NOT FIXED. Ive contacted the game - they cant find an issue on their end - I've contacted Microsoft - they cant find a problem - Ive contacted DELL they tried to help - I even paid the $99 for additional software support and after 3 hours they say I need to send it in bc its still w/in warranty. Im extremely disappointed because a friend TOLD ME NOT TO GET AN ALIENWARE LAPTOP but i didnt listen - hopefully sending it in fixes the issue or thats $3000 down the drain.

I heard mixed reviews on this. I took a chance and it's only been 2 weeks, but so far so good. The Alienware software takes about 10 to 20 seconds to load when first opening it. after that 5-10. The back end got flack for being too big. But Who is really carrying around a 16 inch gaming laptop. Keys feel great. RGB is good. Keys are clear and not blinding like most RGB backlits. Design is good imo. feels premium. Cam is decent. Touch pad is smooth. Display is nice, all text is clear and colors are good. I heard many people complaining about the brightness levels. But in a dark room I actually turn the brightness down. And in my home with normal outdoor light coming in, I have no issues with the brightness. 2 usb 2 usb c, this is the only downside. in my opinion. I wish there was one more. I do like there are no cables coming from the sides. All ports in back. Cleaner desk look. will update if I have any issues.

This laptop is a GIANT waste of money. It didn't last for 2 weeks before the system stopped charging itself and shut down. I had to return it without being able to remove my data. I am VERY disappointed with this product and purchase.