Asus ROG Strix GL753: A Budget Beast for 2017 (A 2024 Retrospective)

Asus ROG Strix GL753

Design & Build: Ruggedness with a Gamer's Aesthetic

First things first, the GL753 wasn't shy about its gamer identity. Bold red accents splashed across the black plastic chassis, alongside the iconic ROG logo emblazoned on the lid. While not the epitome of sleekness, the build prioritized sturdy construction. The plastic felt robust, capable of withstanding everyday bumps and dings, a crucial aspect for a laptop destined for dorm rooms and LAN parties.

Ergonomics weren't an afterthought, either. The keyboard boasted a full-size layout with dedicated number keys, perfect for long gaming sessions. The keys offered satisfying travel and responsive feedback, further enhanced by customizable RGB backlighting. The touchpad, however, left room for improvement. While functional, it wasn't particularly spacious or smooth, sometimes registering stray inputs in the heat of battle.

Performance: Punching Above its Weight

The GL753's real star was its hardware. Powered by a 7th Gen Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor and a choice between Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 and 1050 Ti graphics cards, it could handle most popular games at the time with respectable frame rates, even at medium to high settings. This made it a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers unwilling to compromise on performance.

RAM options ranged from 8GB to 16GB, further bolstering multitasking capabilities. Storage configurations offered a hybrid solution: a 128GB SSD for lightning-fast boot times and application loading, alongside a 1TB HDD for ample game and media storage. This proved a sweet spot, balancing speed and capacity without breaking the bank.

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Display & Audio: Immersive Enough, But with Caveats

The 17.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display delivered vibrant colors and decent viewing angles. While not mind-blowing, it provided an immersive experience for most games and multimedia content. Brightness levels, however, were a bit underwhelming, especially in brightly lit environments.

Audio on the GL753 was serviceable, with enough volume and clarity for casual gaming and media consumption. However, audiophiles and competitive gamers might miss the finesse and spatial immersion of dedicated headphones or external speakers.

Heat & Battery Life: Expect Warmth, and Stay Plugged In

Gaming laptops and thermal throttling go hand-in-hand, and the GL753 was no exception. Under heavy load, the chassis got noticeably warm, particularly around the keyboard and exhaust vents. While not uncomfortable, it's something to be mindful of during marathon gaming sessions.

Battery life was another expected caveat. With its powerful components and large display, the GL753 wasn't designed for unplugged adventures. Expect roughly 3-4 hours of light usage before needing to find a power outlet.

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2024 Perspective: A Time Capsule of Gaming on a Budget

Viewed through the lens of 2024, the "Asus ROG Strix GL753" may not compete with today's high-end gaming laptops. Its processor and graphics card lack the raw power of their current-gen counterparts, and the lack of higher refresh rate displays and cutting-edge cooling solutions are noticeable.

However, the GL753 deserves recognition for its role in democratizing gaming in its time. It offered entry-level gamers a taste of high-performance gaming without exceeding their budget, paving the way for more affordable powerhouses to come.

The Asus ROG Strix GL753's price varied depending on the configuration, with the base model starting at around $1,099 USD in 2017.

Here's a breakdown of the typical price range based on the graphics card:

GTX 1050: $1,099 - $1,299 USD
GTX 1050 Ti: $1,299 - $1,499 USD

It's important to note that these are 2017 prices, and the laptop is no longer officially sold by Asus. You might be able to find used or refurbished models online, but the price could be higher or lower depending on the condition and configuration.