Hey everyone! I'm starting university this October and I need to buy a laptop. I'll be studying computer science, which means I'll be doing quite a bit of coding; I'm currently learning Python online. I've been considering the Asus Rog Flow z13 since it fits my budget and most reviews I've seen are pretty positive. I'm curious if this is a good choice for both coding and gaming. I could increase my budget for something like the RTX-5080 in the 16-18 inch range, but it's around £2k more. Would that be a more worthwhile investment for lasting performance? Also, does Linux work well on these models? If I go for the z13, would hooking it up to a monitor and an eGPU improve gaming performance? And can I power the eGPU with an external PSU? Thanks for your help!
4 Answers
A 16" laptop strikes a nice balance for both gaming and coding — it's big enough for comfort but still portable. I have a ROG Zephyrus M16, and while I do more coding than gaming, the 4060 GPU really holds up. Now, if you're aiming to run Linux on it, be aware that setting up Nvidia GPU drivers can get tricky, but it's possible! If portability isn't a concern, consider a larger screen option.
Good to know! I'm leaning towards Windows for now due to some bugs I've read about on Linux.
I find it hilarious that new users just don't search for these questions before asking!
I have been searching! Right now, I'm using the TV for YouTube and checking on my phone. That's why I'm here asking; the z13 is pretty new! Resources are limited.
For sure, it can be frustrating finding specific information on new models.
Honestly, you can code on pretty much any laptop as long as it has a decent display to see your code. If you're just starting out, a low-budget option should suffice. However, since you want to game too, a better graphics card and decent RAM are definitely beneficial! Just keep in mind that for game development, having a faster CPU will make a difference in rebuild times.
Thanks for that! I'm definitely looking for something that can handle gaming well and last through my uni years.
True, but coding can be intensive over time. A good CPU helps with quicker iterations.
Going with the 18" option can make a real difference when multitasking, especially for reading code clearly and keeping two software windows open. This size gives you the workspace you might need.
What would you recommend in that size range? Heat examples like the Asus Strix, Area 51, or MSI Titan? Would connecting them with a 4070ti give me desktop-level gaming performance?
Definitely seek larger options if you can! The gaming performance for the price is important.
Awesome, I've read that Linux is a solid choice for coding. I'm eyeing the z13, looks great for portability and performance.