Top 9 ASUS G14 Improvements in 2022 (And Problems!)

Key product: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022) improvements & issues (vs previous G14 generation)

Main improvements (Top points mentioned)

1. MUX switch added

   • Lets users disable integrated graphics and run games on discrete GPU only.
   • Expected benefit: higher FPS (referenced via a separate performance comparison).

2. Display upgrade

   • Switch to 16:10 aspect ratio for more vertical space vs prior 16:9.
   • Higher-than-typical 1440p resolution (exact value not specified).
   • Much brighter: over 500 nits vs ~340 nits on older models.
   • Faster response time, improving suitability for competitive gaming.

3. Thermal improvements

   • New vapor chamber cooler covering heat-generating components.
   • Liquid metal applied to both CPU and GPU (previously only CPU had liquid metal).
   • Temps can still run high under heavy load, but there’s more thermal headroom overall.

4. More CPU/GPU performance

   • GPU upgrade/performance shift: RX 6800S often outperforms the RTX 3060 from the previous year.
     • Some games show small gaps (e.g., Control favors Nvidia).
     • Others favor AMD more clearly (e.g., Red Dead Redemption 2 improves vs last year).
   • CPU uplift: Ryzen 9 6900HS improves performance over the prior generation.
   • Boosts aren’t as high as Intel 12th gen (up to 14 cores/20 threads), but it’s still an improvement.
   • Battery performance improvement: Ryzen 6000 performs better on battery power; the creator says the G14 is second best in their referenced lineup and still does well unplugged.

5. Platform/feature upgrades (Ryzen 6000)

   • PCIe Gen 4 storage support (though the creator didn’t see their specific SSD outperform PCIe 3.0 in practice).
   • DDR5 memory support.
   • MediaTek Wi-Fi, described as one of the fastest tested, close to Intel-based options.

6. 720p webcam added + IR

   • Fixes the prior lack of a built-in camera (important for Zoom calls).
   • Not “super amazing,” but “does the job.”
   • Includes IR for Windows Hello face unlock.

7. Touchpad improvement

   • 50% larger touchpad vs last year.
   • The creator found it highly accurate and among the better touchpads.

8. Speakers improved

   • Speakers moved up toward the back, reducing the chance hands cover them.
   • Sounds better overall, with some bass—but at high volume (~70%) it can become muffled due to palm-rest vibration.
   • Best performance at reasonable volume levels.

9. Improved I/O

   • USB-A ports now 3.2 Gen 2 instead of slower Gen 1.
   • Adds a MicroSD card slot (on the right side), useful for content creators.

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Cons / problems mentioned

1. Graphics choice may be less ideal for some creators

   • For content creation, Radeon (AMD) may be a drawback.
   • Example: Adobe Premiere tends to favor Nvidia.
   • Counterpoint: Photoshop can be better on AMD due to stronger CPU performance (graphics matter less there).

2. Gaming tradeoffs vs Nvidia

   • While the 6800S is capable for gaming, Nvidia still leads in:
     • Ray tracing
     • DLSS (available in more games than FSR, which the creator frames as a current advantage).

3. Battery life during gaming is worse than before

   • The creator says gaming battery life wasn’t as good as earlier G14 generations.

4. Moderate heat near the sides during lighter use

   • With light workloads, the sides sometimes felt a bit hot.
   • At idle (as described), it was cool—suggesting the effect is workload-dependent.
   • Under heavy stress, palm rest and WASD areas stayed notably cooler, implying comfort is fine where the user touches.

5. Hot air exhaust concern (bottom screen area)

   • Hot air blows onto the bottom of the screen.
   • The creator assumes ASUS tested this thoroughly and expects no short-term warranty issues, but long-term (years) durability isn’t confirmed.

6. Price increase

   • The model costs more this year, attributed to market conditions (component shortages, inflation).

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Comparisons mentioned (in-video)

• Versus last year’s G14

  • Clear gains in GPU performance (RX 6800S vs last year’s RTX 3060).
  • Better thermals, screen brightness/response, webcam, touchpad, speakers, and ports.

• Versus Nvidia laptops

  • Nvidia advantage: ray tracing and DLSS availability.
  • Nvidia may be better for some creator workflows (Premiere).

• Versus Intel competition

  • Ryzen 9 6900HS uplift is noted, but Intel 12th gen is described as having higher theoretical uplift.

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Ratings / numbers included

• Brightness: >500 nits vs ~340 nits
• Touchpad: 50% larger
• Speaker volume note: muffled after about 70% volume
• Storage practical observation: SSD not faster than PCIe 3.0 despite Gen 4 support
• Creator’s “Top 9 improvements”: 9 points total (no out-of-10 score given)
• Battery (relative statement): gaming battery worse than prior generation; video playback better (no numeric hours)

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Unique points list (condensed)

• MUX switch for discrete-GPU-only gaming and higher FPS
• 16:10 display, higher-than-1440p resolution, >500 nits brightness
• Faster response time for competitive gaming
• Vapor chamber cooling
• Liquid metal on both CPU and GPU
• Stronger CPU/GPU power; RX 6800S often beats RTX 3060 from last year
• Ryzen 9 6900HS uplift; better performance on battery
• PCIe Gen 4 + DDR5 + fast-tested Wi‑Fi (MediaTek)
• 720p webcam + IR Windows Hello
• 50% larger touchpad, still very accurate
• Speakers moved to the back; better sound, mild muffling near ~70% volume
• Faster USB-A (3.2 Gen 2) + MicroSD slot
• Creator concern: Radeon may underperform Nvidia in Premiere; Photoshop may favor CPU
• Gaming tradeoff: Nvidia advantage in ray tracing and DLSS vs AMD FSR
• Gaming battery life worse than prior G14; media playback better
• Sides can feel hot under light workloads; palm rest/WASD cooler under stress
• Hot air blows onto the bottom of the screen; long-term durability uncertain
• Higher launch price vs last year

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Verdict / recommendation

• Recommended if you want the most gaming-focused G14 experience in 2022: brighter/faster display, better thermals, stronger performance, and the MUX switch.
• Hold off / only upgrade if you have a specific need: the creator suggests there’s usually little value in upgrading between single generations—improvements are compelling, but the cost is higher.
• Less ideal if you rely heavily on Nvidia features (ray tracing/DLSS) or Nvidia-favored creator workflows (especially Premiere).