Hey everyone! I'm starting university this October and need a solid laptop for my computer science studies. I'm currently learning Python and want a laptop that can handle both coding and gaming. I've been eyeing the Asus Rog Flow z13 since it fits my budget and most reviews seem positive. Do you think it's a good choice? I'm also considering a higher budget option with an RTX-5080, since it's slightly pricier but I believe it would keep up for longer. By the way, does Linux run smoothly on these laptops? If I go with the z13, would it be beneficial to connect it to an external monitor and use an eGPU for better performance during gaming? Can the eGPU be powered with an external PSU? Any advice would be appreciated!
4 Answers
I feel like some newcomers forget to Google before asking these kinds of questions!
Going for an 18” model can actually be great too, since it gives you room to work with multiple software and view code clearly. If portability isn't a factor for you, a larger screen could really enhance your experience!
What kind of models would you suggest? I’ve been looking at the Asus Strix, Area 51, and MSI Titan. If I team them up with a 4070ti, would I achieve desktop-level gaming performance?
For gaming and coding, 16 inches is a sweet spot—big enough for multitasking but still portable. I’ve got an ROG Zephyrus M16, and I mainly code on it, but it runs games surprisingly well with a 4060 GPU. However, I've heard that setting up Nvidia drivers can be tricky with Linux, so you might want to factor that in.
I’ve been reading that Linux can be great for coding, but I've also seen threads about bugs. I like the z13 for its portability too, but I might stick to Windows since I'm not an expert in fixing bugs yet.
Honestly, you can code on just about anything! If you're mainly learning, even a basic laptop with a decent display will do. For game development, however, a good GPU and RAM will definitely help. If you're looking for a balance between gaming and coding, the ROG Flow z13 should work fine. Just keep in mind that for heavy gaming, you might want something with a more powerful GPU.
Rebuilding code can take time, so a faster CPU would help with performance. Just something to think about!
Thanks for your input! I'm eager for something that can handle gaming well too, to last me beyond uni.
I’ve been searching tirelessly! I'm watching YouTube while browsing on my phone right now. Isn't this community meant to help? There's limited info on the new Asus ROG Flow z13 for both coding and gaming.