Skip to main content

The monstrous ROG G703 Asus laptop could easily chew through your PC games

ROG G703
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Just days before BlizzCon 2017, the Republic of Gamers arm at Asus introduced a new, powerful laptop for the PC gaming crowd: The ROG G703. Not to be confused with the ROG GL703 models launched on October 24, this “beast” packs seventh-generation Intel Core i7 processors (the specific chip depends on the laptop model), a 17.3-inch screen with a maximum resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, up to 64GB of DDR4 system memory, and Nvidia’s non-Max-Q GTX 1080 discrete graphics chip.

Right now, Asus is only listing one model under the ROG G703 umbrella costing$3,499 right here. This version consists of an overclocked Intel Core i7-7820HK processor, and an overclocked GTX 1080 graphics chip. The display even has a high refresh rate of 144Hz so all that overclocking and high framerate goodness doesn’t go to waste.

Here are the specifications:

Recommended Videos
Model: G703VI-XH74K
Display size: 17.3 inches
Display type: In-Plane Switching with G-Sync
Display resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 at 144Hz
Processor: Intel Core i7-7820HK (unlocked)
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 (8GB GDDR5X)
Memory: 32GB DDR4 at 2,400MHz (4x 8GB)
Storage 1: 256GB NVMe SSD (PCI Express Gen3 x4)
Storage 2: 256GB NVMe SSD (PCI Express Gen3 x4)
Storage 3: 1TB SSHD (8GB SSD cache)
Audio: Asus Sonic Studio
2x three-watt speakers
Array microphone
Connectivity: Wireless AC (up to 867Mbps)
Bluetooth 4.2
Ports: 1x Microphone jack
1x Headphone/microphone combo jack
1x Gigabit Ethernet port
1x HDMI 2.0
1x Mini DisplayPort 1.4
1x Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C)
4x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A
1x Card reader
Camera: HD webcam
Battery: 71WHr 8-cell Li-ion
Dimensions: 16.7 (W) x 12.6 (D) x 1.9 to 2.0 (H) inches
Weight: 10.4 pounds
Operating system: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Price: $3,499
Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming
Check your inbox!

As the specifications show, you likely won’t see a model sold by Asus with the full 64GB memory complement. There are four memory slots supporting up to 64GB of system memory clocked at 2,800MHz although the sticks crammed into this specific model sport a lower frequency (speed). This model also ships with an FHD resolution despite the GTX 1080 being capable of pushing higher.

To keep the heat-producing chips cool inside is the company’s patented Anti-Dust Cooling (ADC) system that pulls air in through the bottom, and out through vents located on the sides and rear. This system supposedly filters out harmful dust particles and other junk, and then kicks the trash out through dedicated tunnels.

According to Asus, it’s this ADC layout that makes overclocking possible in its new laptop. Both chips are already overclocked out of the box, but owners can push the unlocked processor to a maximum speed of 4.3GHz, and the graphics chip to 1,974MHz. That said, the maximum overclocking of both can create a monster laptop that can easily chew through your favorite PC games.

Other notable G703 mentions include a chiclet keyboard with per-key RGB backlighting. This backlighting supports the Aura RGB platform that synchronizes colors and lighting effects across all supporting hardware. The laptop also includes a built-in Xbox Wireless Controller module so you can connect an Xbox One controller without the need for a wireless dongle or Bluetooth connection.

The new Asus ROG G703VI-XH74K is available for $3,499. The company did not say when additional models will be made available, so stay tuned.

Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
We just learned two critical details about the 2024 Zephyrus G14
The 2024 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 sitting on a table.

The 2024 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 are technically here -- if you consider "here" to mean listings are live but sold out. We've had a chance to go hands-on with the two laptops and dig into their specs. But listings reveal two key details about the laptops -- for better and worse.

Starting with the worse: The specs sheet on the 2024 G14 and G16 reveals that the memory is soldered to the board. Previous Zephyrus designs featured slot-in memory modules, allowing users to upgrade their RAM down the line. That's not the case with these redesigned models, presumably to allow Asus to cut down on the thickness.

Read more
5 things you should never do with your gaming laptop
Doom Eternal running on an Alienware x14 R2.

You finally settled on the best gaming laptop, but how do you take care of it? There's the routine maintenance of installing Windows updates and updating your GPU drivers, but there are some critical mistakes you should avoid to keep your gaming laptop running smoothly.

I've reviewed dozens of gaming laptops and used them for years, and I've learned that some basic preventative steps can keep your gaming laptop performing at its best. Here are the things you should pay attention to.
Let it get dirty

Read more
Why I refuse to buy a gaming laptop, even though I need one
A game playing on the Razer Blade 14 gaming laptop.

I've had a few gaming laptops in my life, but I really can't see myself ever buying another one -- even though there are definitely times when I could use one. That's not to throw shade to some of the best gaming laptops, because I know those are great for those who can appreciate them. I simply can't bring myself to trust another one again.

I'm not against buying a laptop for gaming, but here are some of the reasons I've continued to resist picking one for myself.
Once burned, twice shy

Read more