ASUS Laptop Surprise
ASUS Laptop Surprise
Hey everyone, it's been a while since I shared updates—now I'm a tech founder after years as a gamer, and things have changed a lot. Back in the day, I built everything from scratch, but now I rely on laptops for work and spend a lot of time using them.
I've been using an ASUS Zenbook 15 for about four years. Here are the specs:
https://imgur.com/a/fkSDQJI
Recently, it began showing some serious issues that couldn't be fixed, so I upgraded to a new model:
https://imgur.com/a/SRu8Qxo
This new laptop is running on a Ryzen 7, but it seems to be underperforming compared to my old one. Did I accidentally downgrade?
I have seen some reports suggesting a slight increase in latency when using (AM4) Ryzen compared to (specifically) 11th gen Intel. I don’t know if it exists for the 10th generation, but the sockets are similar. Aside from that, once you get the PC, it should handle tasks and updates smoothly. I expect a newer machine might have some problems, possibly needing to check what background processes are running. I think between 10 and 11, memory management and the ability to pause unused tasks is much better in the latter. The thing I like about version 10 is being able to switch off background apps easily. In version 11 it’s possible but more complicated. It would be fair to ask what experiences or programs are noticing this difference. Are you seeing any actual performance drops? Just a gut feeling?
Fair comments and queries.
I frequently keep many browser tabs open at once, even on my previous laptop.
The limit for open tabs on the newer machine appears to be lower; though I can't confirm exactly because the old one is no longer functional, I'd guess it's about half the number before performance drops.
Notion slows down when scrolling.
Slack becomes sluggish when switching between channels and chats.
Figma struggles significantly, even with fewer tabs open.
Opening new Chrome windows (and tabs) causes such a delay that my typing sometimes doesn't show, and I experience lagging or even crashes occasionally.
It seems odd that my current laptop lags so much compared to the old one when handling multiple processes.
Could there be new system settings I'm missing that could improve this?
Are you keeping an eye on the temperatures? I noticed the previous laptop had 16GB of RAM. What specifications does the new one have, and is it double or triple the amount? The lag during scrolling might be due to a difference in the monitor's refresh rate. Is there a noticeable variation in the resolution? It doesn't look very good, does it?
... why I didn't check the memory
new laptop 8gb, old laptop 16gb - that's a facepalm, completely ignored during purchase.
Resolution and refresh rate were the same. The old one was 15.6", the new one is 15.6"
I was thinking about this again and wondering if you could recommend a laptop? I spent some time browsing recently instead of sticking to ASUS as before... there are so many choices and models. Your advice would be really helpful.
As you're aware, my main use is for work, which means I often have multiple browser tabs running at the same time (dozens or more), along with Figma, Slack, Notion, Adobe, etc.
Cheers
I understand your feelings about it. For years, I've relied on Dell laptops, but I only need one when traveling, which is pretty basic.
Even considering purchasing a Dell makes me feel uncomfortable, isn't it? It's ironic since I've collaborated with Dell on projects worth millions, yet the "trauma" of those two-hour waits back then still lingers—just enough to make me want to build my own PCs from scratch as a teenager. Thanks for the credit where it's due, though; that frustration actually helped me learn to work with components instead of relying on pre-built systems.
I hold a strong affection for Dell's product range. Many of those Optiplexes will remain in good shape for centuries, perhaps even being used by cockroaches. I also work with refurbished business class laptops for one of my children. She enjoys damaging electronics, so an ad featuring an elephant on a laptop would likely appeal to her.
My current machine is an Inspiron Intel 8th gen. Its battery has finally failed, so instead of purchasing another one, I might opt for a replacement. The other story is amusing. I believe it's an XPS with a Ryzen processor. I was searching for some fake hardware to test in a store to see if it was ever stolen before the office relocated. It had been crushed by a niece and was severely bent. I took off the screen and cover, connected the wireless loop to an old antenna I owned, adjusted the Kensington lock area so it protruded, and then secured it to the back of a cheap TV I could buy at Wal Mart. I've been relatively trouble-free for several years now.
Hey, you're kidding? That's really impressive. I haven't done anything like that in 20 years, so I'm impressed.
I'm going to take a closer look at the Dell's, though surviving the apocalypse isn't exactly my main concern—window shopping might still be okay. Cheers!