The ASUS ZenBook UX430 is a svelte 14-inch notebook with dedicated NVIDIA graphics
The ASUS ZenBook UX430 is a svelte 14-inch notebook with dedicated NVIDIA graphics
ASUS has announced the ZenBook UX430, the latest addition to its ZenBook family of ultrabooks. The UX430 is intended as a more value-for-money alternative to the original ZenBook 3 and the Deluxe model that was unveiled at CES 2017, so you get top-end specifications in a slightly heavier chassis.
For starters, this is one of the few ultrabooks on the market to come with discrete NVIDIA graphics, and you’ll be able to outfit it with up to an NVIDIA GeForce GT 940MX if you want some extra graphics horsepower.
However, if you have no need for that, it is available with integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 as well.
Here’s a look at the base specifications:
- 14-inch 1,920 x 1,080-pixel matte display
- Intel Core i5-7200U (2.5GHz, 3MB L3 cache)
- 8GB DDR4 2,400MHz RAM
- 256GB M.2 SATA SSD
- 324 x 225 x 15.9mm
- 1.25kg
The above hardware will cost you S$1,398, but an extra S$100 will net you the discrete NVIDIA GeForce GT 940MX. Finally, if you want to go all out, you can configure it with up to an Intel Core i7-7500U (2.7GHz, 4MB L3 cache), 16GB of RAM, and a larger 512GB M.2 SATA SSD for S$1,898.
However, even though it is intended as a more affordable model, the UX430 is still a member of the ZenBook series through and through, with a spun-metal finish topped with a glass-like sheen. This is unique to the Royal Blue model however, and the Quartz Grey and Shimmer Gold color options are available with the standard sandblasted look.
ASUS has also managed to cram the 14-inch display onto the chassis of a 13-inch notebook, thanks in large part to the thin 7.18mm bezels on the left and right edges.
In addition, it features one USB 3.1 (Gen 1) Type-C and one Type-A port, and a USB 2.0 connector. Unlike the ZenBook 3 Deluxe, the ZenBook UX430 does not support Thunderbolt 3, which means it will not work with an external graphics dock like the ROG XG Station 2.
Other trade-offs include its slightly thicker body and heavier weight, but the more generous body does mean that ASUS has been able to increase the key travel distance slightly to 1.4mm (from 1.2mm on the ZenBook 3 Deluxe).
The notebook will be available to buy at all ASUS Brand Stores and authorized retailers from 24th May.
