Asus has unveiled the TUF Gaming A14 at Computex 2024, grabbing attention with its cutting-edge Zen 5 Ryzen AI 9 APUs and the option of an RTX 4060 laptop GPU. This new notebook combines a snappy CPU with solid mid-range graphics, all packed into a compact and travel-friendly design, featuring a 14-inch QHD+ display. Gamers seeking portability without sacrificing power may find this device appealing.
However, the powerful components such as the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 might push the device’s price out of reach for some, as its full retail price stands at $1,499. When we took the Asus TUF Gaming A14 (FA401) for a spin, we found ourselves appreciating its sturdy build, remarkable CPU prowess, dual M.2 slots, and effective input devices.
Thanks to the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, the TUF Gaming A14 ranks as one of the quickest 14-inch laptops on the market, boasting a CPU Performance Rating of 85 points. This means it can effortlessly tackle demanding tasks. Pair this processor horsepower with a 100 W RTX 4060 and the Strix Point CPU, and you’re looking at a gaming performance that holds its own, especially in its “Turbo” mode. During our tests, the RTX 4060 in this laptop trailed its desktop counterpart by just 5%, rendering titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 2.1 smoothly at over 60 FPS on FHD/ultra settings.
The 14-inch QHD+ display tops off the experience with 94% sRGB color space coverage, a swift 165 Hz refresh rate, and a brightness level reaching 430 nits, though it doesn’t fully cater to HDR needs for media playback or content creation.
Despite being a powerhouse crammed into a portable 14-inch body, the TUF Gaming A14 manages a respectable 7-hour battery life in WLAN usage tests. While it does buzz with noise under stress and demands a compromise or two, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 (2024) presents itself as an enticing mid-range choice for gamers looking to find the best of both worlds.
