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|  Posté le 07-12-2012 à 09:09:35   
| Review Asus Zenbook Prime UX21A Ultrabook
With the Zenbook Prime UX21A Ultrabook, Taiwanese manufacturer Asus ushers in the second generation of the smallest member of its Prime series. The familiar aluminum unibody design now houses new and updated components. For a detailed review of the chassis, please take a look at the identically constructed Asus Zenbook UX21E. Our review model features a fast Intel Core i7-3517U dual-core processor with an integrated GMA HD 4000 GPU, a 128 GB SSD, 4 GB DDR3 RAM and updated wireless components. The most standout feature though is the non-glare 11.6-inch IPS based panel, which sports a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels (Full HD, 1080p). No other notebook in this size compares. [b]ASUS G73JH-TZ128V charger[/b]
The silver design and slim build are a carry-over from the previous generation. What has changed is the keyboard: aside from a chiclet-type layout, the keyboard now features a backlight (three brightness levels). All these changes should allow the UX21A to score very well. In our review we will determine how the UX21A-K1010V stacks up against similarly equipped notebooks, how it compares to its (well received) bigger brother Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A, and if the price of 1199 Euros (MSRP / ~$1550) is justified or not. [b]ASUS G73JH-TZ155V charger[/b]
Performance
Although Asus offers two versions of the Zenbook Prime UX21A in Germany, the only real difference is the size of the SSD. Our review model UX21A-K1010V (1199 Euros MSRP / ~$1550) is equipped with a 128 GB SSD, the more expensive (1299 Euros MSRP / ~$1680) UX21A-K1009V features a 256 GB SSD. Since an upgrade at a later stage is very expensive, it is advisable to spend some time before the purchase to evaluate what amount of storage is needed. [b]ASUS G73JH-TZ172V charger[/b]
Back to the similarities: for processing power, the Ultrabook relies on a fast Intel Core i7-3517U dual-core ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processor with hyperthreading (four threads) and a core frequency of 1.9 GHz. Turbo Boost is able to overclock a single core to 3.0 Ghz or both cores to 2.8 Ghz. During our test, the processor was able to address all Turbo Boost and Speed Step (power-saving feature) frequencies without any issues. For details about throttling, please see our section on "Temperature". One of the advantages of the Core i7 over the Core i5 processors is the larger L3 cache (3 MB vs. 2 MB). [b]ASUS G73JH-TZ173V charger[/b]
For graphics power, the notebook uses the integrated Intel GMA HD 4000, which supports DirectX11 and Shader 5.0. This particular GPU obviously wasn't designed for gaming, but rather for everyday tasks and multimedia purposes. The UX21A comes with 4 GB DDR3 RAM, which is soldered onto the motherboard and is therefore not upgradeable.
Processor [b]ASUS G73JH-TZ207V charger[/b]
For the first tests in our series, we use the CPU benchmark tests from Maxon. The Intel Core i7-3517U in the UX21A manages a score of 10333 points in the Multi Thread CineBench R10 (64-Bit) - enough for a place in the top third of our database. The larger Samsung Series 9 900X3C-A04DE (same CPU) scored 10207 points. The older Zenbook UX21E with the Intel Core i5-2467M dual-core processor only managed 7158 points in the same test (a difference of 31 percent). Manufacturers often use the less expensive Intel Core i5-3317U in their systems. This CPU (also part of the Ivy Bridge generation) is frequently found in entry-level Ultrabooks. The average score: 8712 points - 15.7 percent lower. Examples for notebooks using this CPU are the Acer Aspire V5-171-53314G50ass and the HP Envy Spectre XT 13-2000eg Ultrabook. [b]ASUS G73JH-TZ218V charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JH-TZ224V charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JH-X1 charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JH-X2 charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JH-X3 charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JH-X5 charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JQ charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JW charger[/b]
CineBench R11.5 confirms the findings. Compared with the UX21A, the older UX21E with Sandy Bridge processor falls behind: 2.76 points for the former, 1.93 points for the latter - a difference of 30 percent. The Intel Core i5-3317U performs a bit better - 2.3 points - but still lags behind the performance of the i7 dual-core in the UX21A (17 percent difference).
System Performance
Overall performance is more than adequate. Because of the SSD load times are quick and without any delays. PCMark 7 confirms our impressions: the score of 4089 points places the notebook in the top one-third of our database yet again. The comparably equipped Samsung 900X3C-A04DE does a bit better, although we would doubt that the difference is noticeable in everyday use. The predecessor of our review notebook does well here: 3488 points - a difference of only 15 percent. The Windows performance index points illustrate the difference in graphics performance.
Storage Devices
The storage solution in our review sample is a Solid State Drive (SSD) from SanDisk with 128 GB. The model (type U100) is located on a small circuit board with a proprietary connector. The SSD is SATA III capable and allows speeds of up to 6 Gbit/s. CrystalDiskMark shows good transfer rates of 440 MB/s (read) and 270 MB/s (write), although there is a noticeable slowdown when transferring small blocks of data (4k: 14/10 MB/s). Access times are on par with flash drives (AS SSD). There are several mSATA SSDs that perform better - the LiteOn LMT-256M3M in the Samsung 900X3C-A04DE is one example. [b]Samsung AA-PB9NC6W battery[/b]
Asus sources - like other companies - components from several different vendors. It's therefore possible to receive the Ultrabook with a drive from A-Data (at least according to user reports in various forums). This drive performs better according to the benchmarks seen here and also in this video. Which SSD is actually in the notebook can only be determined via the control panel. The difference probably won't be very noticeable during daily use (check the video for the boot time). [b]IBM ThinkPad T43 battery[/b]
GPU Performance
Before we check gaming performance, we take a look at the integrated Intel GMA HD 4000 and subject it to the synthetic Futuremark benchmarks. In the 3DMark 06 test, the GPU scores 4893 points with the resolution set to 1280x1024 pixels - a pretty average score. Other ultra-thin models, like the Toshiba Satellite Z930 or the HP Envy Spectre XT 13 Ultrabook show comparable performance. The Asus Zenbook UX21E (which features the older Intel GMA HD 3000) is about 16 percent slower (3622 points). The Apple MacBook 11 Mid 2012 running Windows 7 (Boot Camp) posts scores on par with our review model. All in all not an overwhelming performance – but playback of Full HD material is never an issue. For most multimedia applications, the GPU is certainly sufficient. [b]Acer AS07A75 battery[/b]
Gaming Performance
After trying to play a few hardware-taxing games, it became apparent that the integrated Intel GMA HD 4000 does not handle gaming well. Even less demanding games like Trackmania Nations Forever or Counter Strike: GO cause the frame rate to drop unplayable levels. The resolution of 1920x1080 pixels seems ideal for playing games - but of course only if the hardware is up to the task. In case of the UX21A, the resolution enhances productivity. Those who prefer slim notebooks but still want to play games occasionally should look for a notebook with a dedicated (entry-level) GPU - like the Asus UX32VD, for example. [b]HP ProBook 4310s battery[/b]
Gaming Performance
After trying to play a few hardware-taxing games, it became apparent that the integrated Intel GMA HD 4000 does not handle gaming well. Even less demanding games like Trackmania Nations Forever or Counter Strike: GO cause the frame rate to drop unplayable levels. The resolution of 1920x1080 pixels seems ideal for playing games - but of course only if the hardware is up to the task. In case of the UX21A, the resolution enhances productivity. Those who prefer slim notebooks but still want to play games occasionally should look for a notebook with a dedicated (entry-level) GPU - like the Asus UX32VD, for example. [b]Asus A32-K53 battery[/b]
Surface temperatures are an important criterion for a notebook. During idle, all temperatures are well within limits. The Ultrabook feels either quite cool to the touch or just barely warm. Under load, the temperatures increase, as one would expect. Compared to the predecessor, the UX21A remains cooler overall. We measured a maximum of 45.1 degrees Celsius (113.2 degrees Fahrenheit) - high, but not critical. The slightly protruding keys of the keyboard and the palm rest never get uncomfortably warm. A reason for the fairly well-controlled temperatures might be the fact that Asus uses a fairly large opening for the fan exhaust right in front of the display hinge. [b]Sony VGP-BPS13/Q battery[/b]
In order to determine how the notebook behaves under full load, we use FurMark and Prime95 to push even normal-sized laptops to their limits. After running said tests for one hour, we didn't discover any apparent weaknesses. The highest core temperature we measured for the Intel Core i7-3517U was 87 degrees Celsius (188.6 degrees Fahrenheit) - not a critical number. We couldn't observe any throttling either - although Turbo Boost is not active any longer under the above circumstances. The CPU frequency remains at a constant 1.9 GHz (core frequency). When we ran just Prime95, temperatures went up but remained uncritical; Turbo Boost was able to overclock to the expected 2.8 GHz (two cores). We didn't discover any issues even during prolonged testing. [b]DELL Latitude E5530 battery[/b]
The Ultrabook incorporates two stereo speakers. They are located to the left and right of the palm rest and feature openings (ports) on the bottom. The sound quality is OK, although mids are over-emphasized, while lows and bass are clearly lacking. Overall the sound is decent enough, although we would have expected a bit more from a notebook that features "Audio by Bang & Olufsen ICEpower". Since the speakers have ports on the bottom, the sound depends on the surface the notebook is sitting on. Ideal is a flat, hard surface - like a desk or table. If the Ultrabook is placed on the lap or on a blanket, the sound changes noticeably. [b]Toshiba Satellite L300 battery[/b]
For external audio connections, the user can choose either the 3.5 millimeter audio jack or the Micro HDMI port (via the dongle). The quality is of course dependent on the speaker system used - we tested the connections with a sound system from Teufel and found the sound very pleasing. [b]HP Pavilion g7 battery[/b]
Battery Life
Power Consumption
Intel's Ivy Bridge generation of processors are known to offer lower power consumption. Because of the 3D transistors, the CPU exhibits a very good balance between performance and energy efficiency. During office tasks, the notebook consumes between 4.1 and 9.6 Watts. The predecessor consumed up to 11.1 Watts. The minimal power consumption is also much higher for the predecessor UX21E: 6.6 Watts (a plus of 2.5 Watts or 61 percent). Under load, the UX21A is just a little more power-hungry: we measured 34.6 Watts. Considering the hardware and the higher performance, this is perfectly acceptable.[b]Sony VGP-BPS9/B battery[/b] [b]DELL XPS 17 battery[/b] [b]Lenovo 3000 C200 battery[/b] [b]Fujitsu L51-3S4000-G1L1 battery[/b] [b]toshiba satellite l655-11g battery[/b] [b]Sony VGP-BPS9/S battery[/b]
The integrated lithium polymer battery has a capacity of 35 Wh (4800 mAh). Asus used the same type (C23-UX21) in the predecessor. A larger battery either doesn't fit or it would increase the weight of the system too much. The larger Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A features a battery with 50 Wh. [b]ASUS N50V battery[/b]
One of the negative aspects of the Asus Zenbook UX21E was the mediocre battery life. The updated version doesn't offer a larger capacity battery, but the hardware is more efficient. When we conducted our WLAN surf-test (wireless on, display brightness 150 cd/m², balanced power profile), the notebook lasted for 4 hours and 14 minutes - 20 minutes longer than the predecessor, but not really a huge improvement. The Apple MacBook Air 11 Mid 2012 has the same capacity battery and lasts much longer in the same test: 5 hours and 44 minutes. [b]Samsung R540 battery[/b]
The maximum battery life of the UX21A is 9 hours and 51 minutes (Reader's test with the display brightness at its lowest setting). This is a much more significant improvement: a plus of 199 minutes (34 percent) compared to the predecessor UX21E. The minimum battery life under load (Battery Eater Classic Test) has gotten worse. With the display turned up all the way, performance profile enabled, and all wireless modules on, the notebook only lasted 89 minutes before shutting down. [b]Dell Latitude D820 battery[/b]
Verdict
All things considered, the Asus Zenbook Prime UX21A is a successful update of the 11.6-inch UX21E Ultrabook. The new version features an improved keyboard design, a very impressive Full HD display and retained the very high quality chassis - it seems the Apple MacBook Air 11 Mid 2012 (the former leader in this category) has some catching up to do. Performance is up, too - thanks to the Intel Core i7-3517U. The new dual-core CPU allows overclocking to 3.0 GHz and features lower power consumption - especially when performing office-type tasks. [b]Asus X42F battery[/b]
The slim design also has some disadvantages: the port selection is somewhat limited and expandability is restricted. We appreciate the fact that the fan can be cleaned fairly easily. Speaking of the fan: the cooling system remains quite audible under load - although it can easily handle the new hardware. Asus includes a few accessories with the system (MSRP 1199 Euros / ~$1550): two dongles, a sleeve to protect the Ultrabook, and a cleaning cloth. We would love to see the Micro HDMI dongle included - so far this item remains an optional accessory. [b]HP EliteBook 8740w battery[/b]
The UX21A is an Ultrabook which is quite suitable as a mobile companion. It's about the size of a piece of paper (DIN A4) and weighs 1145 grams (2.52 pounds). We consider it to be a very good alternative to the offering from Cupertino - as long as Mac OS X is not a requirement. The price of almost 1200 Euros (~$1550) seems fair.
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