华硕派我们来测试一款名为(ASUS)华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)的高端超极本。这是一款华丽的超极本，配备非常棒的 4K 屏幕、与之匹配的硬件组件以及坚固而优雅的外壳。您可以想象，我们很好奇这款高级设备是否真的是华硕(ASUS)承诺的一切。现在，在我们对华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)进行了开发、使用和测试之后，我们准备与您分享我们的结论。如果您想了解更多关于华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)的信息，请继续阅读。
华硕 Zenbook NX500 拆箱
华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)采用漂亮的黑色盒子。设计简约而优雅。盒子上唯一印的是华硕 Zenbook 标签(ASUS Zenbook label)。
在包装内，您会找到真正的超极本、柔软的织物外壳(fabric case)、电源适配器(power adapter)、说明书以及以太网和 VGA 适配器(Ethernet and VGA adapters)。我们应该指出，华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)非常纤薄，标准以太网或 VGA 端口(Ethernet or VGA ports)无法安装在其两侧。包括这些端口的适配器是华硕(ASUS)部分的一个非常好的方法。
下面的短视频将让您一睹完整的拆箱体验：
硬件规格
华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)在四核Intel Core i7 4712HQ处理器上运行。这是市场上最好的高端移动处理器之一。它以 2.3 GHz的基本频率运行，并在 Turbo 模式下高达 3.3 GHz 。
该处理器配有 16 GB 的DDR3 RAM 内存(DDR3 RAM memory)，以双通道模式(channel mode)运行，频率为 1600 MHz。
图形由集成图形芯片和独立视频卡(video card)处理。集成图形芯片是Intel HD Graphics 4600，每当您执行不那么密集的任务（例如使用办公应用程序(office apps)或浏览Internet ）时都会使用它。在进行要求更高的活动（例如玩游戏）时，功能更强大的Nvidia Geforce GTX850M会发挥作用。Geforce显卡包含 2GB 的GDDR5 VRAM 内存(GDDR5 VRAM memory)，它能够以出色的视频设置处理任何游戏。显然，您在播放高清媒体时不会遇到问题。
华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)真正令人惊叹的硬件是其 4K 屏幕。这是一款 15.6 英寸的触摸屏，提供 3840x2160 像素的超高清分辨率(Ultra HD resolution)。屏幕采用IPS 面板(IPS panel)，可为您提供宽视角、高对比度、鲜艳的色彩和清晰的边缘。无论您是在看照片、视频还是简单的文字，屏幕上的任何东西都看起来很漂亮。屏幕还提供 10点触控(point touch)——全手势支持(gesture support)。我们希望我们所有的读者都能亲眼看到这个屏幕的样子，它是纯粹而简单的交响乐！
华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)提供多种存储选择。您可以获得这款配备 128 GB SSD、256 GB SSD或 512 GB SSD的超极本。后一种变体也是我们在测试中收到的变体。512 GB SSD由三星(Samsung)制造，具有一些令人印象深刻的规格，但本次评测稍后会详细介绍。
声音由内置立体声(built-in stereo)扬声器传递，并采用Bang & Olufsen ICEpower 技术(Bang & Olufsen ICEpower technology)。超极本还提供阵列麦克风(array microphone)和 1.2 兆像素高清网络摄像头(HD webcam)。
至于网络选项，您将获得支持新双频 802.11ac(Dual-Band 802.11ac)标准的集成Wi-Fi网卡。(Wi-Fi network)此外，还提供内置蓝牙 V4.0 芯片(Bluetooth V4.0 chip)。
超极本包括所有常见的连接选项：1 个COMBO音频插孔（可用于插入耳机或外接麦克风）、3 个USB 3.0端口、1 个HDMI、1 个迷你显示端口(Display port)和 1 个SD(SD card)读卡器。此外，在超极本的包装内，您会发现两个适配器：一个以太网适配器(Ethernet adapter)和一个VGA 适配器(VGA adapter)。正如我们之前提到的，VGA或以太网插孔(Ethernet jack)不可能安装在这么薄的设备上。
ASUS Zenbook NX500包含一个 6 芯聚合物电池，能够提供 96 Whrs的能量。这款超极本的宽度为 378 毫米（14.9 英寸），深度为 255 毫米（10 英寸），厚度仅为 19 毫米（0.7 英寸）。超极本重 2.27 公斤（5 磅），比其他超便携设备重一点。然而，华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)的一体式全铝外壳证明了它的重量。我们将在本次评测的稍后部分详细讨论这款超极本的构建方式。
华硕Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)使用的操作系统(operating system)方面，我们收到的测试机型预装了Windows 8.1 Pro 。还可以使用Windows 8.1的变体。
您可以在华硕官方(ASUS official)网站上找到详细规格的完整列表： ASUS Zenbook NX500 规格(ASUS Zenbook NX500 Specifications)。
使用华硕 Zenbook NX500
我们很高兴使用、测试和玩这款超极本一个多星期。我们必须承认，我们对它提供的性能水平感到非常满意。
在打开电源之前，首先引起您注意的是构建质量。外壳全是铝制的，没有任何塑料。此外，表壳由单块材料雕刻而成。只有背面是可拆卸的，而且很容易拆卸。它只用几个螺丝固定，卸下后，您可以使用所有重要的东西：RAM 内存(RAM memory)插槽、电池和冷却器。机箱的制造质量绝对出色，一旦您拿到设备，您就会感觉到。我们听不到任何吱吱声或吱吱声(creaking or squeaking)，无论我们如何握住或试图扭曲超极本。机箱的设计非常优雅。令人惊讶的是，尽管它很薄，但它也坚固耐用。盖子采用拉丝饰面，而后盖则是光滑的。这款超极本的所有细节都经过精心打造，无论多么小，从散热孔的位置到细微的状态(subtle status) LED(LEDs)以及可用的不同连接器。
开启华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)的电源后，您就会对它的屏幕惊叹不已。4K超高清显示器(Ultra HD display)太棒了！巨大的分辨率提供了令人难以置信的细节，而IPS 技术(IPS technology)使宽视角和出色的色彩成为可能。除其他外，我们在华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)上播放了一些视频。屏幕上播放的图像几乎感觉真实。这是一种身临其境的体验！
最重要的是，超级本还通过其 10点触摸屏(point touch screen)提供完整的手势支持(gesture support)。这增强了您将在Windows 8.1及其现代应用程序中获得的计算体验。
华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)还包括一个内置的环境光传感器(ambient light sensor)。这使屏幕能够根据您所处的光线环境自动变暗或增加亮度。
键盘大，宽敞，使用舒适。按键柔软而安静，在上面写字是一种享受。即使长时间使用此设备，您也不会感到手累。
华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)选择了点亮键盘按键(keyboard keys)，手感不错。然而，我们发现在明亮的光线条件下很难看清什么是什么。在这种情况下，您可能需要停用键盘照明(keyboard illumination)。幸运的是，您只需按几个键即可。
超极本还提供了一个大方的 5英寸触摸板(inch touchpad)。它的表面有点柔滑，你的手指在上面滑动是快速而光滑的。它还支持多点触控，因此 Windows 8.1 手势也是可行的。触摸板按钮是唯一与静音键盘和光滑的触摸板表面(touchpad surface)形成对比的地方。即使它们都嵌入在触摸板表面(touchpad surface)下，它们也无法接近键盘的安静度。按下这些按钮中的任何一个都会触发相当响亮的咔嗒声(click noise)。
华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)的音频系统由Bang & Olufsen提供动力，最终效果(end result)非常好。对于超极本来说，内置扬声器的声音非常好，而且我们在任何音量级别(volume level)都没有听到失真。当使用一套好的耳机时，高品质的音频(quality audio)更加明显。
超极本还配备了 1.2 兆像素高清网络摄像头和阵列麦克风(HD webcam and array microphone)。相机质量很好，提供了很好的细节和良好的对比度(contrast ratio)。只有颜色似乎有点平淡。但是，例如，在Skype(Skype)通话方面，网络摄像头会做得很好。无论如何(Anyway)，网络摄像头不是用来自拍的！还是他们？🙂
华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)的另一个优势是它的存储。我们测试了配备 512 GB SSD 驱动器(GB SSD drive)的型号，但也提供容量较低的SSD 。(SSDs)我们在测试中使用的速度非常快。启动 Windows(Booting Windows)和启动应用程序几乎是在瞬间完成的。它绝对是我们用过的最快的超极本之一。
华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)配备6 芯聚合物电池。虽然这不足以让您持续一整天，但正如您将在本评论后面看到的那样，它应该为您提供体面的自主权。
(Apps)与华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)捆绑的应用程序
正如我们之前提到的，华硕为(ASUS)Zenbook NX500选择的操作系统是(operating system)Windows 8.1(Windows 8.1)。您可以通过Windows 8.1(Windows 8.1)或Windows 8.1 Pro获得这款超极本。不幸的是，除了超极本运行良好所需的驱动程序和应用程序外，华硕(ASUS)还捆绑了许多不必要的软件。捆绑应用程序的完整列表如下：
ASUS Install – an application that lets you install ASUS software. This may be useful if you plan to use some of the apps that are bundled by ASUS.
ASUS LiveUpdate
ASUS WinFlash – a program specifically designed to write new BIOS firmware and make BIOS updates. You should keep it and use it.
ASUS Splendid Utility
ASUS WebStorage
ASUS PhotoDirector
ASUS PowerDirector - a video editing app with some basic features. You may want to experiment it with before deciding on whether to keep it or not.
ASUS FaceID
ASUS Function Key Setting – a tool that lets you set the default behavior for the Fn + F1, F2, … F12 keys. You can select the first function to be either the ASUS defined function or the predefined operating system function.
ASUS On-Screen Display - turns on or off the on-screen display of notifications, other than those already shown by Windows.
ASUS Screen Saver – a screensaver designed to demonstrate the rich 4K UltraHD experience offered by the ASUS Zenbook NX500. You may want to use it to impress your friends and co-workers.
ASUS USB Charger Plus – a tool that lets you charge devices over the USB ports faster, even when the ultrabook is in sleep mode.
eManual – the user manual of the ASUS Zenbook NX500.
Twitter - the official Windows 8.1 app for this social network.
Fresh Paint - a painting app for Windows 8.1.
Music Maker Jam - a music app for Windows 8.1 that allows you to mix different loops and sound effects.
Line - a chat application that you may want to experiment with before deciding on whether to keep it or not.
Netflix - depending on where you live, you'll either love this app or dislike ASUS for bundling it. In the US and a couple of other countries where Netflix is available, you will want to use this app and stream movies and TV shows to your device. In countries where this service is unavailable, this app is useless.
Zinio - a magazine reader app for Windows 8.1.
WildTangent Games - a portal where you can purchase and download various PC games.
McAfee LiveSafe - Internet Security - a full security suite from McAfee. Unfortunately, our last experience with their products was very poor, so we advise you to get a better security solution.
Microsoft Office - a trial version that you can use for 30 days before buying or registering your license.
基准性能
仅仅分享我们对华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)的主观看法是不够的。为了更好地了解它在性能方面必须提供的功能，我们还使用一些流行的基准应用程序对其进行了测试。
我们测量的第一件事是 Windows 8.1 在这款超极本上的启动速度。我们使用Bootracer进行测量。平均启动时间仅为 24 秒。拿走所有捆绑的应用程序，您将获得更快的启动时间。
接下来，我们想看看华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)如何处理日常使用场景。为了衡量这款超极本的性能，我们使用了流行的PCMark 8。家庭加速(Home accelerated)预设让我们可以看到超极本在日常任务中的表现，例如上网、(Web)使用Office应用程序、进行视频通话、编辑图片或随意玩游戏。华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)获得了 3413 分的成绩。这是一个高分，绝对证明您在使用超极本进行普通计算任务时不会遇到任何麻烦。
华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)是一款超极本，它肯定不仅会吸引 4K 粉丝，还会吸引摄影师和摄像师。这就是为什么我们认为有必要从创造性的角度对其进行测试。为此，我们使用了相同的PCMark 8应用程序，但进行了一组不同的测试。这次我们跑了Creative加速测试，分数也很高：4003分。
与华硕 ROG G771JM(ASUS ROG G771JM)不同，华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)不是专为游戏玩家设计的设备。然而，它包装的高端硬件让我们想从游戏玩家的角度来看看这款超极本有多好。这就是为什么我们决定用流行的游戏基准测试3DMark (gaming benchmark)Vantage来测试它。由于其Geforce GTX850M和i7 4712HQ，华硕 Zenbook NX500在(ASUS Zenbook NX500)性能预设(Performance preset)中获得了 16984 分。
然后，我们再次运行 3DMark Vantage，但这次我们使用了 Extreme 测试。华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)得分8493 分。无论是性能还是极限预设，都表明这款超极本提供了不错的游戏体验(gaming experience)。市场上的任何游戏都可以在中到高细节设置下玩。
接下来，我们继续进行存储测试。正如我们之前简要提到的，这款超极本仅适用于SSD驱动器，这非常棒。我们测试的模型配备了高端 512 GB SSD，在PCIEx4上运行。它是三星(Samsung)制造的顶级机型之一，它并没有让我们失望。只需查看下面的屏幕截图，即可了解它在CrystalDiskMark中获得的出色结果。
接下来，我们检查了华硕Zenbook NX500的(ASUS Zenbook NX500)散热系统(cooling system)。为了进行测量，我们使用Prime95对超极本施加压力，并使用 CoreTEMp(CoreTEmp)来检查CPU的温度。经过近一个小时的“痛苦”，CPU没有超过 86摄氏度(Celsius)。
视频卡(video card)是另一块容易发热的硬件。所以我们也对其进行了测试。这一次，我们使用了FurMark。我们设法达到的最高 GPU 温度是 83摄氏度(Celsius)。
华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)将其硬件热量(hardware heat)保持在其最大规格以下。但是，超极本本身会在密集使用时发热。冷却系统(cooling system)安静而高效。然而，铝制外壳(aluminum case)往往会相当缓慢地散热。即使停止了我们的密集测试，它仍然很热很长一段时间。我们可以得出的唯一结论是，华硕(ASUS)需要做出一些妥协，以便将所有高端硬件安装在优雅而轻薄的全金属外壳中。
最后，我们测试了华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)的自主性。PowerMark估计，正常使用场景下，超极本的续航时间约为 4 小时。这是该设备唯一重要的弱点。
判决
华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)是一款漂亮的超极本，外壳坚固而优雅。它包含强大的硬件和华丽的屏幕。极致的 4K UltraHD 分辨率(UltraHD resolution)会让您惊叹不已，而精致的铝制外壳(aluminum case)肯定会让人眼前一亮。英特尔酷睿 i7(Intel Core i7) 四核处理器(quad core processor)，辅以 16 GB内存(RAM)、Geforce GTX850M和超快SSD将确保您拥有出色的计算体验。该设备唯一重要的缺点是电池寿命短(battery life)。如果您想要华丽的硬件、令人难以置信的 4K 显示屏并且愿意支付高价，那么华硕 Zenbook NX500(ASUS Zenbook NX500)是一个很好的选择。如果您负担得起，您将不会后悔购买。
ASUS Zenbook NX500 Review – A High-End Ultrabook With A 4K Display
ASUS has sent us for teѕting a high-end ultrabook, called ASUS Zenbook NX500. It is a gorgeous ultrabook that features a really awesome 4K screen, hardware comрonents to match it and a solid and elegant case. As you can іmagine, we werе very curious if this premium device really is everything ASUS promised it to be. Now, after we've workеd on, played with and tested the ASUS Zenbook NX500, we're ready to share our conclusionѕ with you. If you want to know more aboυt the ASUS Zenbook NX500, don't hesitatе to read on.
Unboxing The ASUS Zenbook NX500
The ASUS Zenbook NX500 comes in a beautiful black box. The design is minimalistic and elegant. The only thing printed on the box is the ASUS Zenbook label.
Inside the package you'll find the actual ultrabook, a soft fabric case, the power adapter, the manual and Ethernet and VGA adapters. We should point out that the ASUS Zenbook NX500 is so slim that a standard Ethernet or VGA ports wouldn't fit on its sides. Including adapters for these ports is a very good approach from ASUS' part.
The short video below will give you a glimpse of the full unboxing experience:
Hardware Specifications
ASUS Zenbook NX500 runs on a quad-core Intel Core i7 4712HQ processor. This is one of the best high-end mobile processors available on the market. It runs at a base frequency of 2.3 GHz and goes up to 3.3 GHz in turbo mode.
The processor is complemented by 16 GB of DDR3 RAM memory, running in dual channel mode, at 1600 MHz.
The graphics are handled by both an integrated graphic chip and a discrete video card. The integrated graphic chip is an Intel HD Graphics 4600 that is used whenever you perform less intensive tasks like working with office apps or browsing the Internet. When running more demanding activities, like playing games, the much more powerful Nvidia Geforce GTX850M comes into play. The Geforce graphics card packs 2GB of GDDR5 VRAM memory and it is capable of handling any game at more than decent video settings. Obviously, you won't have problems when playing HD media.
The really stunning piece of hardware on the ASUS Zenbook NX500 is its 4K screen. It's a 15.6 inches touch display that offers an Ultra HD resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. The screen uses an IPS panel that gives you wide viewing angles, great contrast, vivid colors and crisp edges. Anything on the screen looks gorgeous, no matter if you're looking at photographs, videos or simple text. The screen also offers 10 point touch – full gesture support. We wish all our readers could see in person how this screen looks, it's pure and simple symphony!
The ASUS Zenbook NX500 is sold with multiple storage choices. You can get this ultrabook with a 128 GB SSD, 256 GB SSD or a 512GB SSD. The latter variant is also the one we've received in tests. The 512 GB SSD is manufactured by Samsung and has some impressive specifications, but more on that later in this review.
The sound is delivered by built-in stereo speakers and features Bang & Olufsen ICEpower technology. The ultrabook also offers an array microphone and 1.2 megapixels HD webcam.
As for the networking options you get an integrated Wi-Fi network card that supports the new Dual-Band 802.11ac standard. Also, a built-in Bluetooth V4.0 chip is available.
The ultrabook includes all the common connectivity options: 1 COMBO audio jack (that can be used to plug in both a headphones set or an external microphone), 3 USB 3.0 ports, 1 HDMI, 1 mini Display port and 1 SD card reader. Also, inside the package of the ultrabook you'll find two adapters: one Ethernet adapter and one VGA adapter. As we've mentioned earlier, a VGA or an Ethernet jack are impossible to mount on a device this thin.
The ASUS Zenbook NX500 includes a 6 cells polymer battery capable of delivering 96 Whrs of energy. The ultrabook has a 378 mm (14.9 in) width, 255 mm (10 in) depth and is only 19 mm (0.7 in) thick. The ultrabook weighs 2.27 kg (5 pounds), which is a little more than other ultraportable devices. However, the unibody all-aluminum case of the ASUS Zenbook NX500 justifies its weight. We'll talk more about the way this ultrabook is built later on in this review.
In terms of the operating system used by the ASUS Zenbook NX500, the model we received in tests had Windows 8.1 Pro pre-installed. A variant with Windows 8.1 is also available.
You can find the full list of detailed specifications, on the ASUS official website: ASUS Zenbook NX500 Specifications.
Using The ASUS Zenbook NX500
We had the pleasure of using, testing and playing with this ultrabook for more than a week. We must admit we were really happy with the level of performance it offers.
Before powering it on, the first thing that will get your attention is the build quality. The case is all aluminum, with no plastics whatsoever. Furthermore, the case is carved from a single piece of material. Only the backside is detachable and it's easy to remove. It's held only in a few screws and, when removed, you get access to everything that matters: the RAM memory slots, the battery and the coolers. The build quality of the case is absolutely fantastic and you feel that as soon as you get your hands on the device. We couldn't hear any creaking or squeaking, no matter how we've held or tried to twist the ultrabook. The design of the case is very elegant. Surprisingly, it's also sturdy and robust, despite its thinness. The cover uses a brushed finish, while the back cover is smooth. The ultrabook was carefully crafted in all its details, no matter how small, all the way from the positioning of the cooling vents to the subtle status LEDs and the different connectors that are available.
Once you've powered on the ASUS Zenbook NX500,you'll simply be in awe about its screen. The 4K Ultra HD display is amazing! The huge resolution offers incredible amounts of detail and the IPS technology makes wide viewing angles and superb colors possible. Among other things, we played a few videos on the ASUS Zenbook NX500. The images playing on the screen almost feel real. It's an immersive experience!
On top of all that, the ultrabook also offers full gesture support, through its 10 point touch screen. This enhances the computing experience you'll get both in Windows 8.1 and in its modern apps.
The ASUS Zenbook NX500 also includes a built-in ambient light sensor. This enables the screen to automatically dim or increase its brightness level, depending on the light environment you're in.
The keyboard is large, spacious and comfortable to use. The keys are soft and silent and writing on it is a delight. Even after long hours of using this device, you won't feel that your hands get tired.
ASUS Zenbook NX500 chose to illuminate the keyboard keys, which is a nice touch. However, we found it hard to see what key is what, under bright light conditions. In such cases, you'll probably need to deactivate the keyboard illumination. Fortunately, you only have to press a few keys in order to do that.
The ultrabook also offers a generous 5 inch touchpad. Its surface is somewhat silky and sliding your finger(s) on it is quick and smooth. It also supports multi-touch control, so Windows 8.1 gestures are doable too. The touchpad buttons are the only thing that contrasts with the silent keyboard and the smooth touchpad surface. Even if they are both embedded under the touchpad surface, they don't come close to the quietness of the keyboard. Pressing any of these buttons will trigger a rather loud click noise.
The audio system of the ASUS Zenbook NX500 is powered by Bang & Olufsen, and the end result is great. The built-in speakers sound very well for an ultrabook and we didn't hear distortions at any volume level. When using a good set of headphones, the high quality audio is even more noticeable.
The ultrabook is also equipped with a 1.2 megapixels HD webcam and array microphone. The camera is of good quality, offering good details and a good contrast ratio. Only the colors seemed to be a bit flat. However, the webcam will do great when it comes to Skype calls for example. Anyway, webcams aren't made for selfies! Or are they? 🙂
Another strong point for ASUS Zenbook NX500 is its storage. We tested the model that comes with a 512 GB SSD drive, but lower capacity SSDs are also available. The one we've had in testing is extremely fast. Booting Windows and launching apps are done almost instantaneously. It's definitely one of the fastest ultrabooks we ever used.
The ASUS Zenbook NX500 is equipped with a 6 cells polymer battery. While this is not enough to last you for an entire day, as you'll see later in this review, it should offer you decent autonomy.
Apps Bundled With ASUS Zenbook NX500
As we've mentioned earlier, ASUS' operating system of choice for the Zenbook NX500 is Windows 8.1. You can get this ultrabook with either Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Pro. Unfortunately, alongside the drivers and apps that are needed by the ultrabook to work well, ASUS also bundled a lot of unnecessary software. The whole list of bundled apps is the following:
ASUS Install – an application that lets you install ASUS software. This may be useful if you plan to use some of the apps that are bundled by ASUS.
ASUS LiveUpdate
ASUS WinFlash – a program specifically designed to write new BIOS firmware and make BIOS updates. You should keep it and use it.
ASUS Splendid Utility
ASUS WebStorage
ASUS PhotoDirector
ASUS PowerDirector - a video editing app with some basic features. You may want to experiment it with before deciding on whether to keep it or not.
ASUS FaceID
ASUS Function Key Setting – a tool that lets you set the default behavior for the Fn + F1, F2, … F12 keys. You can select the first function to be either the ASUS defined function or the predefined operating system function.
ASUS On-Screen Display - turns on or off the on-screen display of notifications, other than those already shown by Windows.
ASUS Screen Saver – a screensaver designed to demonstrate the rich 4K UltraHD experience offered by the ASUS Zenbook NX500. You may want to use it to impress your friends and co-workers.
ASUS USB Charger Plus – a tool that lets you charge devices over the USB ports faster, even when the ultrabook is in sleep mode.
eManual – the user manual of the ASUS Zenbook NX500.
Twitter - the official Windows 8.1 app for this social network.
Fresh Paint - a painting app for Windows 8.1.
Music Maker Jam - a music app for Windows 8.1 that allows you to mix different loops and sound effects.
Line - a chat application that you may want to experiment with before deciding on whether to keep it or not.
Netflix - depending on where you live, you'll either love this app or dislike ASUS for bundling it. In the US and a couple of other countries where Netflix is available, you will want to use this app and stream movies and TV shows to your device. In countries where this service is unavailable, this app is useless.
Zinio - a magazine reader app for Windows 8.1.
WildTangent Games - a portal where you can purchase and download various PC games.
McAfee LiveSafe - Internet Security - a full security suite from McAfee. Unfortunately, our last experience with their products was very poor, so we advise you to get a better security solution.
Microsoft Office - a trial version that you can use for 30 days before buying or registering your license.
Performance In Benchmarks
Just sharing our subjective opinion about the ASUS Zenbook NX500 is not enough. To get a better idea of what it has to offer in terms of performance, we've also tested it with a few popular benchmark applications.
The first thing we've measured was how fast Windows 8.1 starts on this ultrabook. We used Bootracer to make our measurements. The average start was done in only 24 seconds. Take away all the bundled apps and you will get an even faster boot time.
Next, we wanted to see how the ASUS Zenbook NX500 handles everyday usage scenarios. In order to measure this ultrabook's performance, we used the popular PCMark 8. The Home accelerated preset allowed us to see the ultrabook's performance in common task like surfing the Web, using Office applications, making video calls, editing pictures or casually playing games. ASUS Zenbook NX500 obtained a score of 3413 points. This is a high score that definitely proves that you will have no troubles whatsoever when using the ultrabook for common computing tasks.
The ASUS Zenbook NX500 is an ultrabook that will surely appeal not only to 4K fans out there, but also to photographers and videographers. That's why we thought it was necessary to also test it from a creative point of view. For that, we used the same PCMark 8 application, but with a different set of tests. This time we ran the Creative accelerated tests, and the score was also very high: 4003 points.
Unlike the ASUS ROG G771JM, the ASUS Zenbook NX500 is not a device that's designed for gamers. However, the high-end hardware it packs made us want to see how good the ultrabook is from a gamer's perspective. That's why we decided to also test it with 3DMark Vantage - the popular gaming benchmark. Thanks to its Geforce GTX850M and its i7 4712HQ, the ASUS Zenbook NX500 received a score of 16984 points in the Performance preset.
Then, we ran 3DMark Vantage again, but this time we used the Extreme tests. The ASUS Zenbook NX500 scored 8493 points. Both the performance and the extreme presets show that this ultrabook offers a good gaming experience. Any game available on the market is playable at medium to high details settings.
Next, we moved on to the storage tests. As we've briefly mentioned earlier, this ultrabook is available only with SSD drives, which is great. The model we tested was equipped with a high-end 512 GB SSD, running on PCIEx4. It's one of the top models manufactured by Samsung and it didn't let us down. Just look at the screenshot below to see the fantastic results it got in CrystalDiskMark.
Next, we checked the cooling system of the ASUS Zenbook NX500. In order to do our measurements, we used Prime95 to stress the ultrabook and CoreTEmp to check the temperatures of the CPU. After almost an hour of "pain", the CPU didn't get higher than 86 degrees Celsius.
The video card is the other piece of hardware that tends to heat quite a lot. So we've tested it too. This time around, we used FurMark. The highest GPU temperature we've managed to achieve was 83 degrees Celsius.
The ASUS Zenbook NX500 keeps its hardware heat beneath their maximum specifications. However, the ultrabook itself gets heated when used intensively. The cooling system is silent and efficient. However, the aluminum case tends to dissipate the heat rather slowly. Even after stopping our intensive tests, it still remained hot for quite a while. The only conclusion we can pull is that ASUS needed to compromise a bit, in order to fit all that high-end hardware inside an all-metal case that is both elegant and thin.
Finally, we tested the autonomy of the ASUS Zenbook NX500. PowerMark estimated that, normal usage scenarios, the ultrabook would last for about 4 hours. This is the only important weaksport for this device.
Verdict
The ASUS Zenbook NX500 is a beautiful ultrabook, with a solid and elegant case. It packs powerful hardware and a gorgeous screen. The extreme 4K UltraHD resolution will awe you, while the sophisticated aluminum case will surely turn heads. The Intel Core i7 quad core processor, complemented by 16 GB of RAM, Geforce GTX850M and a blazing fast SSD will make sure that you have a great computing experience. The only important downside of this device is its weak battery life. If you want a gorgeous piece of hardware, an incredible 4K display and you are willing to pay a premium price, then ASUS Zenbook NX500 is a great choice. If you can afford it, you won't regret the purchase.
