If you want one of the best gaming PCs in 2024, building your own might sound like a good option, but that’s only true when you want to build an absolute 4K beast. However, if all you need is something to play AAA games at 1080p or 1440p and high settings, there are better-prebuilt options that boast solid gaming performance and won’t drain your wallet. The Asus ROG G16CH (G16CHR-AS766Ti) is one such machine.
The Asus ROG G16CH is a compact gaming PC that runs powerful components, like a 14th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series graphics, but it squeezes everything into less than half the price of a typical gaming PC, such as the Corsair Vengeance i8200. The result is a rig that’s fairly affordable compared to big builds but delivers good gaming performance that rivals some more expensive machines.
Also, it isn’t adorned with RGB LEDs across the chassis like, let’s say, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme or Skytech Blaze, despite packing similar hardware, and that’s a good thing for anyone looking to use the ROG G16CH for productivity tasks when not gaming. In its design, Asus provides a fairly mute platform for gaming and work that can easily fit into tight spots.
About the Asus ROG G16CH
- Processor: Intel Core i7-14700F
- Graphics Card: Nvidia RTX 4060Ti
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Memory: 32GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Weight: 29.5 pounds
- Dimensions: ‎‎7.28 x 16.57 x 20.08 inches
Design & Features
The Asus ROG G16CH is pretty compact and feels really premium. This all-metal is designed to be transported easily, that’s why you get double-D handholds on the chassis and a headphone holder. The front panel has a clean mesh look, with a blacked-out Republic of Gamers logo up-front and an RGB light strip running on the mesh front panel. At 7.28 x 16.57 x 20.08 inches and 29.5 pounds, this machine won’t be an issue moving around.
The G16CHR-AS766Ti can only be oriented upright to facilitate seamless airflow. Rubber feet underline the PC’s underside, and the system’s bottom-heavy weight makes it difficult to tip over accidentally. The top and right sides are perforated for air intake. The graphics card and other internal components are just visible behind the transparent glass side, with a subtle RGB strip under the card that adds extra gamer style.
Port selection is great it is better than the Asus ROG G13CH, which only has four USB ports and doesn’t come with a USB-C port. On the Asus ROG G16CH, you’re getting lots of easy access ports on the top panel – two USB 3.2 ports, two UB 3.2 Type-C, a Mic-in, and a headphone out jack. On the rear, there are four USB 2.0, two USB 3.2, two HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4, and three 7.1 audio jacks. There’s also an Ethernet port, which is supplemented by Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless connectivity.
Gaming and Graphics Performance
The Asus ROG G16CH is a midrange gaming machine that features an Intel Core i7-14700F processor, GeForce RTX 4060Ti, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD storage. With these specs, it sits in between the Skytech Nebula and Alienware Aurora R15, and for the price, it’s decent enough for gamers looking for something capable of both gaming and productivity.
And while this PC won’t run heavy titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest framerates, even more expensive machines struggle to hit higher fps on such titles, it nonetheless does a fine job at 1080p. In real-world gaming, you’re assured of over 60 fps at high settings, which should be enough for casual gaming. Played at 1080p high settings, Forza Horizon 5 reaches 128 fps, Far Cry 6 averages 114 fps, while Cyberpunk 2077 hits 77 fps – quite acceptable for an entry-level gaming machine.
It also makes a great productivity machine, as the 14th Gen CPU can handle lots of work-related tasks with ease and some creativity tasks as well. But I wouldn’t bank on it handling heavy creative or editing projects, and it will not look great at the office. If you need something for gaming and productivity, there are lots of alternatives out there, including the Dell XPS 8960, which comes with a capable Intel Core i7-14700 CPU and a whopping 1TB of SSD storage.
Again, the ROG G13CH 1TB solid-state drive is speedy enough, meaning you can transfer your large files in a few minutes. The solid-state drive and RAM are upgradeable should you need more space and speed to store your documents, game files, photos, and videos.
Everyday Use
With the Intel Core i7-14700F, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD storage, the Asus ROG G16CH is a powerful PC and is more than usable for content creation and can handle some light video editing. Plus, the small case design makes for a good productivity machine that will fit on a small desk, provided you can look beyond the RGB lighting on the case.
Overall, the Asus ROG G16CH is an undeniably powerful machine, and the fact that it comes in a compact design makes it a great choice for most users, but it will not have you pay a premium for the privilege. If you need something compact, nice looking, and great at both gaming and productivity, then this is the ideal system.
Asus ROG G16CH Review | Verdict
The Asus ROG G16CH is an impressive, midrange gaming machine packing an Intel Core i7-14700F and GeForce RTX 4060Ti despite being about one-third the size of a typical pre-built gaming desktop. We also appreciate the quality and solid build of the case.
The system gets a little loud under load, but it’s not a deal-breaker at all. However, considering that Corsair no longer produces its One series gaming desktop, the ROG G16CH remains one of the few precious compact desktops offering big tower performance. And for gaming with the fewest compromises, this mid-tower appears as the way to go.
If you want something smaller than a mid-tower but with gaming performance to rival big chassis gaming machines, the Asus ROG G16CH is a solid performer.
Recommended Configuration
ASUS ROG G16CH (2024) Gaming Desktop PC
1 used from $1,358.35
The Review
Asus ROG G16CH
The Asus ROG G16CH (G16CHR-AS766Ti) provides accessible gaming excellence in a compact tower that can fit on your desk or media center and can be used for both gaming and productivity. It packs a powerful Intel Core i7-14700F and RTX 4060 Ti GPU for smooth gameplay.
PROS
- Excellent 1080P gaming performance
- Compact design fits in more spaces
- Well-priced for the hardware
CONS
- Limited upgrade potential
- Fan noise is quite notable
Review Breakdown
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ARS SCORE
