Hunting for a gaming laptop that pushes performance but doesn’t send your wallet into a tailspin? The AORUS 17X is getting a lot of buzz lately for packing high-end hardware at a price that’s, well, less outrageous than some of its rivals. (See our pricing breakdown here.)
Inside, you’ll find an Intel Core i9-13980HX and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 laptop GPU with 12GB of VRAM. The 17.3-inch QHD screen runs at a blazing 240Hz and covers the full DCI-P3 color gamut—honestly, it looks fantastic.
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU 12GB GDDR6
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX Processor 5.6 GHz
- Memory: DDR5 5600 16GB*1 (16GB) / Storage: 1TB (Gen4 M.2 SSD)
Folks who’ve used it seem split. On one hand, it chews through games on ultra settings and the cooling system (with four fans!) keeps things surprisingly chill. The all-metal build feels premium, and those skinny bezels really help you lose yourself in the game.
On the flip side, a few buyers have run into issues with the GPU fans failing after a year or so. There are also some gripes about the port selection—HDMI 2.1 is there, but if you’re hoping for DisplayPort, you’re out of luck.
It’s not exactly featherweight at 6.17 pounds, but for a 17-inch beast, it’s not a backbreaker either. Under an inch thick, too. Windows 11 Pro is pre-installed, plus you get Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth out of the box.
Click here to purchase the AORUS 17X and experience premium gaming performance today!
Overview of the GIGABYTE AORUS 17X
This rig isn’t just flexing specs—it’s got a sturdy build that makes it feel a cut above most plastic-clad competitors. With the i9-13980HX and RTX 4080, you can expect top-tier performance whether you’re gaming or editing video.
The 17.3-inch QHD display at 240Hz covers 100% DCI-P3, so colors pop and motion stays buttery smooth. Thin bezels and the 2560×1440 resolution really make games and movies look sharp.
Build quality is a highlight here. The chassis is all metal—no cheap plastic flex. Four internal fans handle cooling, though a handful of users have reported fan hiccups after a year or so.
Performance is what you’d hope for, with the RTX 4080 breezing through new games on high settings. You get 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, which is fine for most, but if you’re the type who always has 50 Chrome tabs open, you might want more RAM.
At 6.17 pounds, it’s not ultra-light, but for this much horsepower, it’s surprisingly portable.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Graphics
If you care about frame rates and eye candy, the RTX 4080 won’t disappoint at QHD. The 12GB GDDR6 is plenty for modern games with all the textures cranked up.
Key Performance Areas:
- Ray Tracing: Handles ray tracing at 1440p well
- DLSS Support: AI upscaling gives a nice FPS boost
- Memory Capacity: 12GB is enough for big game assets
You’ll get the best experience at 2560×1440—most users report smooth gameplay in AAA titles. That said, if you’re chasing 240Hz in esports games, you might need to tweak a few settings.
Potential Limitations:
- Keeps the battery life short if you’re unplugged
- Thermals can spike during marathon sessions
- Not every game will hit max refresh rates on ultra
Honestly, the RTX 4080 is a sweet spot for QHD high-refresh gaming if you don’t want to splurge for the absolute top-end GPUs.
13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX Processor
This chip is a monster. The i9-13980HX packs 8 cores and can boost up to 5.6 GHz—easily one of the fastest mobile CPUs you’ll find right now.
Performance Capabilities:
- Base Architecture: 13th-gen Intel Core
- Max Boost Speed: 5.6 GHz
- Core Configuration: 8 cores for heavy multitasking
It chews through games and creative tasks alike. Most users mention it stays snappy even under pressure, but yeah, it can run hot after a while.
This much muscle draws a lot of power, so don’t expect all-day battery life if you’re pushing it. Paired with the RTX 4080, you don’t run into bottlenecks in games. Some folks have noticed thermal throttling on long gaming sessions, so the fans have their work cut out for them. Still, it’s a powerhouse for both single- and multi-core tasks.
QHD 17.3-Inch 240Hz Display
The display is a real treat for gamers. You get 17.3 inches of QHD (that’s 2560×1440)—a nice middle ground between sharpness and performance demands.
The 240Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for fast-paced titles, with super smooth motion and minimal input lag.
Key Display Features:
- Resolution: 2560×1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Size: 17.3 inches
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
The thin bezels are a nice touch, letting you focus on the action. If you’re picky about text size, you might want to play with scaling for comfort in Windows. Color and brightness are solid for gaming, though if you’re a pro color-grader, you might want something even more accurate.
High-Speed DDR5 Memory and 1TB SSD Storage
On the memory and storage front, you get 16GB of DDR5-5600 RAM—faster than DDR4, sure, but it’s a single stick, so you’re not getting the full dual-channel speed boost.
Memory Configuration:
- One 16GB DDR5-5600 stick
- Faster than DDR4, but single-channel
It’s a bit of a letdown for those who want max memory bandwidth, but for most gaming and general use, it’ll do just fine.
Storage is handled by a 1TB Gen4 M.2 SSD, so boot times and game loads are snappy. Gen4 SSDs are noticeably faster than Gen3, which is great for big file transfers.
1TB is enough for a decent game library and your usual files, but if you’re hoarding videos or massive games, you might need an external drive or upgrade down the line. The single-channel RAM is a missed opportunity, but it’s not a dealbreaker for most.
Advanced Cooling and Build Quality
The cooling setup is one of the laptop’s bragging points—four fans move a ton of air, and most users say temps stay reasonable even when gaming hard. The all-metal chassis is another win. No cheap plastic, just a solid, premium feel. At 6.17 pounds and 0.86 inches thick, it’s not exactly svelte, but it’s not a brick either.
Still, it’s not perfect. Some have run into GPU fan failures after about a year, which is a headache considering the price.
| Build Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Chassis Material | All-metal construction |
| Cooling Fans | 4-fan system |
| Weight | 6.17 pounds |
| Thickness | 0.86 inches |
Overall, the metal build is sturdy and feels high-end, and the thin bezels give it a sleek, modern vibe. Still, if you end up with a fan issue, it’s a hassle.
Connectivity and Operating System
Connectivity’s solid: you get Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, and three USB 3.0 ports. For some, three USBs might feel a bit tight if you’re plugging in a bunch of gear.
It comes with Windows 11 Pro, so you’ve got extra security and business features—maybe overkill for pure gaming, but handy if you need remote desktop or advanced networking.
Key connectivity features:
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
- Bluetooth: Yep
- USB Ports: 3x USB 3.0
No optical drive, but who’s really using those these days? Wireless performance is good, though as always, your mileage may vary depending on your home setup. Windows 11 Pro is a nice bonus for some, but not everyone will use the extra features. Ports cover the basics but could be better.
Pros and Cons
If you’re a performance junkie, there’s a lot to like here. The AORUS 17X is stacked with high-end parts, but there are a few quirks and trade-offs to keep in mind before you pull the trigger.
Pros
The laptop really shines in raw performance capabilities—that RTX 4080 GPU doesn’t mess around, powering through demanding games at ultra settings. People seem pretty happy with how smooth everything runs, even on the most resource-hungry titles.
The cooling system stands out—four fans, lots of airflow, and it actually seems to keep temps in check during long gaming marathons. Not every laptop nails this, but this one’s got it figured out.
Display quality impresses too. That 17.3-inch QHD screen pops at 240Hz, and the 100% DCI-P3 color coverage means colors look vibrant and accurate—handy for gaming and editing alike.
Build quality receives praise for its all-metal chassis. No cheap plastic here, and the thin bezels give you more screen to work with while keeping things feeling premium.
Value proposition appears competitive—it’s got the specs of a flagship gaming laptop, but you’re not paying quite as much as you might elsewhere. That’s always nice to see.
Cons
Hardware reliability concerns emerge—mainly around the GPU fans. There are more than a few stories about fan failures, some even after the warranty’s up. A handful of folks have had to get replacements, which isn’t ideal.
Power management limitations are a bit of a letdown. You don’t get much fine-tuned control over performance modes, and the control panel doesn’t really help you squeeze out extra battery life.
Connectivity options disappoint—it’s HDMI 2.1 or bust, since there’s no DisplayPort 1.4. That could be a dealbreaker if you need more flexibility for external monitors.
Charging cable proves impractical—it’s just short. If your workspace isn’t right next to an outlet, you might find yourself grumbling about it more than once.
Quality control issues pop up too. Some people have gotten damaged units, or even open-box items when they thought they were buying new. Not exactly confidence-inspiring on the fulfillment side.
Customer Reviews
Buyers often rave about the AORUS 17X’s performance and the price point. The four-fan cooling setup gets plenty of nods, and folks say the RTX 4080 breezes through games at max settings.
Positive feedback centers on:
- Solid metal build quality
- Excellent gaming performance
- Thermals that actually work
- Thin display bezels
Common complaints include:
- Limited ports (just HDMI 2.1, no DisplayPort 1.4)
- Annoyingly short charging cable
- GPU fan reliability after warranty ends
- Power management could use some work
Some buyers have run into hardware failures, especially with the cooling fans giving out within a year and a half. There’s also the occasional story of receiving a damaged or open-box unit rather than a new one.
The laptop’s a hit as a desktop replacement when you hook up external monitors. Still, the reliability hiccups and shipping mix-ups have left a few folks frustrated—performance is great, but overall satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag.
Unique Features: Dynamic Display Switch and TÜV Rheinland Certification
There are a couple of features here you don’t always see. The TÜV Rheinland certification means the display’s been tested for eye comfort, which is something you start to care about after a few hours of gaming.
The 17.3-inch QHD panel looks sharp at 2560×1440 and pushes a fast 240Hz refresh. That combo keeps things smooth and detailed, which is especially nice for fast-paced games.
Key Display Benefits:
- Full 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
- TÜV Rheinland eye safety cert
- Thin bezels for more screen
The certification means lower blue light and less flicker—stuff that’s easy to overlook but matters if you’re glued to your laptop for hours. On the flip side, you don’t get G-Sync, which some high-end machines offer.
The 240Hz refresh is great for competitive play, though you might have to tweak settings in some games to really push that high.
Frequently Asked Questions
People always have a bunch of questions before dropping money on high-performance laptops. The AORUS 17X, unsurprisingly, brings up a few specifics about performance, value, and real-world use.
What are the performance benchmarks for the latest model of GIGABYTE AORUS 17X laptop?
The AORUS 17X puts up some solid numbers. Its Intel Core i9-13980HX can hit 5.6 GHz, and the RTX 4080 with 12GB GDDR6 packs plenty of graphics muscle for just about anything you throw at it.
Gamers report smooth play at ultra settings. The 16GB DDR5-5600 memory helps with multitasking and creative work, too.
The four-fan cooling system keeps things cool even when you’re pushing it. Benchmarks show steady frame rates at QHD 2560×1440.
How does the GIGABYTE AORUS 17X compare to other high-end gaming laptops on the market?
It’s definitely in the mix with other premium gaming laptops, but usually comes in a bit cheaper for similar specs.
The 240Hz QHD display is a leg up over a lot of competitors running slower panels. High res and high refresh is a nice combo for both gamers and creatives.
Build quality gets thumbs up for the metal chassis. Missing DisplayPort 1.4 is a bummer, especially since some rivals include it at this price.
What are the key features and improvements in the 2024/2025 iteration of the GIGABYTE AORUS 17X?
This year’s model bumps up to 13th gen Intel CPUs for a bit more punch. There’s Dynamic Display Switch tech for toggling between integrated and discrete GPUs as needed.
DDR5-5600 RAM is a step up from the old DDR4 setups. The display covers 100% DCI-P3 and carries that TÜV Rheinland badge for color and eye comfort.
Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 keep connectivity current. Thin bezels help you get the most out of the 17.3-inch size.
Can the GIGABYTE AORUS 17X handle modern triple-A gaming titles at maximum settings?
Yup, the RTX 4080 config takes on new AAA games at ultra settings without breaking a sweat. Feedback says gameplay’s smooth at QHD, even in demanding titles.
12GB VRAM helps with big textures, so you’re not likely to run into memory bottlenecks. Frame rates stay consistent during heavy sessions, at least according to users.
The 240Hz panel can keep up with high frame rates if you dial in the right settings. Performance seems to scale well across different genres.
What is the battery life expectancy for the GIGABYTE AORUS 17X during intense gaming sessions?
Like most gaming laptops, don’t expect miracles on battery. The RTX 4080 and i9 combo draws a lot of power when gaming, so unplugged sessions are pretty short.
You’ll probably want to stay plugged in for serious play, and, yeah, that charging cable isn’t the longest. It’s a common gripe.
Battery life does stretch further for lighter tasks. Power management modes are there, but they only go so far with this much hardware under the hood.
How does the inclusion of an NVIDIA RTX 4090/4080 GPU impact the performance of the GIGABYTE AORUS 17X?
This particular model actually comes with the RTX 4080, not the 4090. The jump in performance compared to older GPUs is pretty significant—it’s hard not to notice.
With 12GB of GDDR6 memory, you can push high-res gaming and creative projects without much fuss. Ray tracing and DLSS? They definitely kick visuals and frame rates up a notch in games that support them.
The four-fan cooling setup is built to handle the RTX 4080’s heat output. Most folks seem happy with how it holds up during long gaming marathons—temps stay in check, even when things get intense.
