Asus ZenBook G3 Workstation

Basic Information

The Asus ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE is a high-performance laptop designed for creative professionals and users requiring significant computing power. It was initially announced and released in 2018.

• Model: ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE
• Version: Not applicable (hardware model)
• Release Date: 2018
• Minimum Requirements: Not explicitly stated, but ships with Windows 10 Pro.
• Supported Operating Systems: Primarily Windows 10 Pro (64-bit). Some listings indicate compatibility with Windows 11 Pro.
• Latest Stable Version: Refers to the operating system, typically the latest supported version of Windows 10 or 11.
• End of Support Date: ASUS discontinues hardware and software updates after a product reaches its End-of-Support (EOS) period. A specific EOS date for the UX580GE is not publicly listed, but mainstream support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025.
• End of Life Date: Not explicitly stated for this model. ASUS's End-of-Life (EOL) policy means the product is no longer manufactured, its certifications are not renewed, and firmware/manuals are no longer updated.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Dependent on the operating system's lifecycle.
• License Type: Commercial (Windows 10 Pro).
• Deployment Model: Mobile Workstation/Laptop.

Technical Specifications

The ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE features a robust configuration tailored for demanding tasks, highlighted by its innovative ScreenPad and high-resolution display.

• Processor: Intel Core i9-8950HK (6 cores, 2.9 GHz base, up to 4.8 GHz Turbo Boost, 12MB cache) or Intel Core i7-8750H (6 cores, 2.2 GHz base, up to 4.10 GHz Max Turbo, 9MB cache).
• RAM: 16 GB DDR4 (soldered, 2400 MHz). Some configurations offered 8GB.
• Storage: PCIe NVMe SSD, available in capacities up to 1 TB. Options include 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB.
• Display: 15.6-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS touchscreen, glossy finish, 100% Adobe RGB color gamut, Pantone validated, with an average brightness of 330 nits. A Full HD (1920x1080) non-touch option was also available.
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti with 4 GB GDDR5 VRAM, complemented by integrated Intel UHD 630 graphics (NVIDIA Optimus technology).
• Ports: 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C (with Thunderbolt 3 support), 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x Combo audio jack, 1 x MicroSD card slot, 1 x DC power input.
• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) at launch.
• Dimensions: 365 x 252 x 18.9 mm.
• Weight: Approximately 1.88 kg (4.1 lbs).
• Unique Feature: ScreenPad, a 5.5-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS touchscreen integrated into the trackpad, offering interactive functionalities and multitasking capabilities.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The Asus ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE is equipped with powerful components for its release era, positioning it as a strong contender for professional workloads. The Intel Core i9-8950HK processor, paired with a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti GPU, provides substantial processing and graphical power for tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and 3D rendering. The 4K UHD touchscreen display with 100% Adobe RGB coverage and Pantone validation is a significant asset for color-critical work. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 ports ensures high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity for external displays and peripherals. The ScreenPad is a distinctive feature, offering a secondary interactive display that enhances multitasking and productivity, though its utility can be subjective. While the 16GB of soldered RAM is sufficient for many professional applications, the lack of upgradeability might be a limitation for future-proofing. The absence of a full-size SD card reader, opting instead for a microSD slot, is a minor inconvenience for some photographers and videographers.

Support & Compatibility

The ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE offers standard support and compatibility options typical for a premium laptop from its generation.

• Latest Version: Refers to the hardware model, which is the UX580GE.
• OS Support: Primarily Windows 10 (64-bit). Drivers are available for Windows 10 64-bit. Some sources indicate compatibility with Windows 11.
• End of Support Date: ASUS policy states that after EOS, hardware and software updates cease. While a specific EOS date for the UX580GE is not explicitly provided, Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025.
• Localization: ASUS is a global manufacturer, and the product was available in various regions, including Europe, the US, Ukraine, and Japan.
• Available Drivers: Drivers for the ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE are available for download from the ASUS support website for Windows 10 64-bit.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

The support and compatibility status for the ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE is generally good for its age, with official drivers readily available for Windows 10. However, as the model was released in 2018, it is approaching or has reached its end-of-support phase, meaning official hardware and software updates from ASUS may be limited or discontinued. While it may run Windows 11, official driver support might prioritize Windows 10. Users should consult the official ASUS support page for the most current driver and utility downloads.

Security Status

The ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE incorporates essential security features for user authentication and data protection.

• Security Features: Fingerprint sensor for secure login.
• Known Vulnerabilities: No specific widespread vulnerabilities for this model were found in the provided information.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; no information suggests a blacklist status.
• Certifications: Not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets, beyond general product certifications.
• Encryption Support: PCIe NVMe SSDs typically support hardware-level encryption, though this is not explicitly confirmed for the UX580GE's specific SSD.
• Authentication Methods: Fingerprint sensor with Windows Hello support.
• General Recommendations: Users should maintain up-to-date operating system and driver software, utilize strong passwords, and enable the fingerprint sensor for enhanced security.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

The ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE offers a satisfactory level of security for a consumer-oriented workstation laptop, primarily through its integrated fingerprint sensor and support for Windows Hello. This provides convenient and relatively secure biometric authentication. While enterprise-grade security features like SmartCard readers or advanced TPM configurations are not highlighted, the standard security measures are adequate for most professional and personal use cases. Users are advised to follow general cybersecurity best practices to maintain a secure computing environment.

Performance & Benchmarks

The ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE delivers strong performance for its class, though thermal management can impact sustained peak performance.

• Benchmark Scores:
  • 3DMark 13 Fire Strike: 5225 (Graphics – 5617, Physics – 10488)
  • PCMark 08 Home Conventional: 3289
  • PCMark 10: 4175
  • GeekBench 4 64-bit: Single-Core: 5489, Multi-core: 20541 (another source reported 20,076)
  • CineBench R15: CPU 686 cb, CPU Single Core 162 cb
  • Cinebench R20 (multi-core): Sustained ~3.4 GHz all-core turbo speeds due to thermal throttling
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Excellent for content creation, graphics professionals, video editing, and light gaming. Capable of handling demanding tasks. Fast file transfer rates, e.g., 4.97GB in 12 seconds (424.1MBps).
• Power Consumption: Battery life ranges from approximately 4.5 to 6.5 hours for light productivity tasks and video playback. A video loop test with the ScreenPad active yielded 8 hours.
• Carbon Footprint: Not specified in available data.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Competes with Dell XPS 15, MacBook Pro 15, and other high-end laptops. The ScreenPad is often compared favorably to Apple's Touch Bar.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status

The Asus ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE offers strong performance, especially for creative workloads, thanks to its powerful Intel Core i9/i7 processor and NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti graphics. Benchmark scores demonstrate its capability to handle intensive multi-core and graphical tasks. However, reviews indicate that the i9 processor, particularly under continuous heavy loads, can experience thermal throttling, preventing it from reaching its theoretical maximum clock speeds. This means while it excels in bursts of performance, sustained high-demand tasks might see some reduction in peak performance. Battery life is decent for a powerful workstation laptop with a 4K display, but users engaged in intensive tasks will likely need to stay connected to power.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for the ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE highlights its strengths as a creative powerhouse with innovative features, alongside some areas for improvement.

• Strengths: Users praise its compact and aesthetically pleasing design, solid build quality, and the excellent 4K IPS touchscreen with wide color gamut. The ScreenPad is frequently cited as an innovative and useful feature for multitasking, often preferred over Apple's Touch Bar. The laptop receives positive remarks for its powerful hardware, good I/O options (including Thunderbolt 3), and punchy audio. The comfortable, backlit keyboard is also a plus.
• Weaknesses: Common criticisms include thermal throttling issues, particularly with the i9 processor during sustained heavy use, which can limit peak performance. The keyboard, while comfortable, is sometimes described as slightly mushy, and the layout can take getting used to. The absence of a full-size SD card reader (only microSD) is a minor but recurring complaint. The VGA quality webcam is considered mediocre. Battery life, while acceptable for its class, can be short for some users or demanding tasks. Some users also find the pricing aggressive.
• Recommended Use Cases: The laptop is highly recommended for content creators, graphic designers, video editors, and professionals in fields like 3D modeling or CAD who require significant processing and graphical power on a mobile platform. It is also suitable for users who appreciate innovative features like the ScreenPad for enhanced productivity.

Summary

The Asus ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE is a formidable mobile workstation that, upon its release, pushed boundaries with its blend of powerful hardware and innovative design. Its core strength lies in its high-resolution 4K UHD Pantone-validated display, making it an excellent choice for color-critical creative work, coupled with robust processing power from Intel Core i9/i7 CPUs and NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti graphics. The standout feature, the ScreenPad, offers a unique and often praised secondary interactive display that enhances multitasking capabilities.

However, the laptop is not without its drawbacks. The powerful i9 processor, while capable, can be prone to thermal throttling under sustained heavy loads, which may limit its ultimate performance potential in prolonged demanding tasks. Other minor criticisms include a mediocre webcam, the lack of a full-size SD card slot, and a keyboard that some users find slightly mushy. Battery life, while reasonable for its specifications, necessitates power access during extended intensive use.

Overall, the ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE is highly recommended for creative professionals, engineers, and power users who prioritize a stunning display, strong performance for burst workloads, and innovative productivity features in a portable form factor. It excels in tasks like video editing, graphic design, and software development. Users should be aware of the thermal limitations for sustained peak performance and consider their specific workflow needs. Despite being an older model, its core capabilities remain relevant for many professional applications.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.