Gigabyte Launches Aero 15 X Gaming Notebook With GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q Graphics
Gigabyte has gone and beefed up the graphics processor in its thin and relatively light Aero 15 gaming laptop. The new Aero 15 X model swaps out the GeForce GTX 1060 with 6GB of GDDR5 memory found in the non-X SKU to a more powerful GeForce GTX 1070 with 8GB of GDDR5 memory. Beyond being a burlier GPU, the new model laptop also boasts NVIDIA's Max-Q technology.
Max-Q is the secret sauce to cooking up thinner and lighter laptops for gaming, such as the excellent ASUS ROG Zephyrus GX501 that we reviewed this past summer. The chips that are inserted into Max-Q laptops are selectively binned based on being able to operate more efficiently and at the lowest voltages. Throttling plays a role too, as the goal is to deliver strong gaming performance while outputting less heat and running quieter, in a form factor that is not far off from an ultrabook.
In this case, Gigabyte's Aero X measures a mere 19mm (0.75 inches) thick and weighs just 2.1kg (4.6 pounds). There are no shortage of gaming laptops that weigh twice as much and are much thicker at the waistline.
Beyond the GPU upgrade, the rest of the spec sheet is the same. The Aero X sports a 15.6-inch display with a 1920x1080 resolution and 5mm bezel, a 7th generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor (Kaby Lake), 16GB of DDR4-2400 memory (upgradeable to 32GB), and a 512GB M.2 PCIe solid state drive for fast loads and all-around performance.
Wireless connectivity consist of 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. The Aero X also sports three USB 3.0 Type-A ports, Thunderbolt USB Type-C, HDMI and mini DisplayPort outputs (one each), headphone/microphone combo back, HD webcam, SD card reader, and a GbE LAN. The keyboard is a full-size plank with RGB backlighting.
As before, the new Aero X is a premium designed laptop with a case and cover carved from solid aluminum. Gigabyte says the production process is carried out using state-of-the-art CNC machines, so there should be a noticeable difference between the Aero X and cheaper gaming laptops made of plastic.
Of course, it's the GTX 1070 that is the real treat here. The GTX 1070 is a stronger GPU compared to the GTX 1060, which not only extends the life of the laptop, but also allows gamers to crank up the visual quality settings in more demanding games.
Gigabyte says the Aero 15 X will be available October 3 for 2,399 euros (~$2,730).
Max-Q is the secret sauce to cooking up thinner and lighter laptops for gaming, such as the excellent ASUS ROG Zephyrus GX501 that we reviewed this past summer. The chips that are inserted into Max-Q laptops are selectively binned based on being able to operate more efficiently and at the lowest voltages. Throttling plays a role too, as the goal is to deliver strong gaming performance while outputting less heat and running quieter, in a form factor that is not far off from an ultrabook.
In this case, Gigabyte's Aero X measures a mere 19mm (0.75 inches) thick and weighs just 2.1kg (4.6 pounds). There are no shortage of gaming laptops that weigh twice as much and are much thicker at the waistline.
Beyond the GPU upgrade, the rest of the spec sheet is the same. The Aero X sports a 15.6-inch display with a 1920x1080 resolution and 5mm bezel, a 7th generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor (Kaby Lake), 16GB of DDR4-2400 memory (upgradeable to 32GB), and a 512GB M.2 PCIe solid state drive for fast loads and all-around performance.
Wireless connectivity consist of 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. The Aero X also sports three USB 3.0 Type-A ports, Thunderbolt USB Type-C, HDMI and mini DisplayPort outputs (one each), headphone/microphone combo back, HD webcam, SD card reader, and a GbE LAN. The keyboard is a full-size plank with RGB backlighting.
As before, the new Aero X is a premium designed laptop with a case and cover carved from solid aluminum. Gigabyte says the production process is carried out using state-of-the-art CNC machines, so there should be a noticeable difference between the Aero X and cheaper gaming laptops made of plastic.
Of course, it's the GTX 1070 that is the real treat here. The GTX 1070 is a stronger GPU compared to the GTX 1060, which not only extends the life of the laptop, but also allows gamers to crank up the visual quality settings in more demanding games.
Gigabyte says the Aero 15 X will be available October 3 for 2,399 euros (~$2,730).
