For years, I struggled with a sluggish laptop that constantly crashed during even the simplest tasks. The frustration was immense, especially when deadlines loomed or I wanted to relax with a game. A new laptop wasn’t just a want; it was a necessity to improve my productivity and maintain my sanity. I knew I needed something powerful yet portable, and an ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021) seemed like the perfect solution.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 up to 1585MHz at 60W (75W with Dynamic Boost 2.0)
- Intel Core i7-11370H processor (12M Cache, up to 4.8GHz)
- 15.6” 144Hz IPS-Type Full HD (1920x1080) display with adaptive sync
- 8GB DDR4 RAM | 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD | Backlit Precision Gaming Keyboard
Pre-Purchase Considerations: Choosing the Right Gaming Laptop
The market is flooded with gaming laptops, each promising peak performance. However, choosing the right one requires careful consideration. The ideal buyer is someone who needs a blend of portability and power – someone who wants to game on the go but also needs a machine capable of handling demanding software. This laptop isn’t for someone solely focused on maximum graphical fidelity at the highest settings, or users with extremely limited budgets. Those seeking the absolute best graphics should explore high-end models, while budget-conscious users might benefit from exploring more affordable options. Before purchasing, assess your budget, consider the specific games you plan to play (and their system requirements), and check the laptop’s storage and RAM capacity.
Introducing the ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021): A Powerful Package
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021) is a sleek, 15.6-inch gaming laptop boasting an Intel Core i7-11370H processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD. It promises smooth, high-refresh-rate gaming in a surprisingly thin and light package. Compared to previous ASUS TUF models, this iteration is significantly more compact, and it stands out in its class for its portability. It’s aimed at gamers who prioritize mobility without compromising on performance, although heavy AAA title players should still be aware of performance limitations.
Pros:
* Slim and lightweight design
* Powerful processor and graphics card
* 144Hz refresh rate display
* Backlit keyboard
* Relatively affordable price point
Cons:
* 8GB RAM might be limiting for some users
* Can get quite warm under heavy load
* Battery life could be better
Exploring the ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021)’s Key Features
Performance: A Powerful Punch
The Intel Core i7-11370H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU are a formidable combination. I’ve been able to play most modern games at high settings with acceptable frame rates. While it may not max out every AAA title at 4K resolution, it provides a fantastic gaming experience at 1080p. This performance extends beyond gaming; the laptop handles demanding video editing and other creative software with ease. This was a vast improvement from my old laptop, where even basic video editing tasks would bring the system to a crawl.
Display: Immersive Visuals
The 15.6-inch 144Hz IPS-type Full HD display is a visual treat. The high refresh rate makes gameplay remarkably smooth, minimizing motion blur and enhancing the overall experience. The colors are vibrant, and the viewing angles are wide, ensuring a consistently enjoyable experience regardless of my viewing position. It’s a significant upgrade from my old, low-refresh-rate screen, making gaming and general usage far more pleasant.
Keyboard and Trackpad: Precise Input
The backlit keyboard is comfortable to type on for extended periods. The keys offer good travel and feedback, ensuring accurate typing even during intense gaming sessions. The trackpad is also surprisingly responsive and precise, making it suitable for everyday tasks. I found the precision particularly useful for editing tasks and navigating within games.
Cooling: Keeping Cool Under Pressure
While the ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021) does generate heat under heavy load, the cooling system does a reasonable job of managing it. The fans can get quite loud during intensive gaming, but it’s a trade-off I’m willing to accept for the performance. It’s certainly better than my previous laptop’s pathetic cooling, which often resulted in thermal throttling and performance drops.
Storage and RAM: Room for Improvement
The 512GB SSD provides ample storage for games and files, while the 8GB of RAM proves sufficient for most tasks. However, 8GB is becoming the minimum for smooth multitasking and future-proofing. Upgrading the RAM was considered by me initially as I found that it could get maxed out if you were running many intensive tasks at once. For those planning to run demanding programs alongside games, I’d strongly recommend exploring a model with more RAM.
Portability: A Surprisingly Slim Package
The thin and lightweight design makes the ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021) exceptionally portable. I’ve easily carried it to friends’ houses and cafes for gaming sessions and work without any strain. It easily slips into my bag and is almost noticeably lighter than other laptops I’ve owned. This was a huge selling point for me, as I value mobility.
User Feedback: What Others Say
Online reviews consistently highlight the ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021)‘s performance and portability. Many users praise its sleek design and powerful components, while some mention potential overheating issues under heavy load and the relatively limited RAM. However, the overall feedback suggests that the pros outweigh the cons for most users.
Final Verdict: A Powerful and Portable Gaming Solution
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021) successfully addresses my need for a powerful yet portable gaming laptop. Its strong performance, stunning display, and comfortable keyboard have significantly improved my gaming and productivity. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as potential overheating and limited RAM, its strengths far surpass its weaknesses. If you’re seeking a balance between portability and performance, the ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021) is an excellent choice. To check out this amazing laptop for yourself, click here to visit the product page!