Pinnacle of Graphics Excellence: ROG debuts first four-fan graphics cards with ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080, and liquid-cooled Astral LC GeForce RTX 5090

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today unveiled a groundbreaking lineup of gaming technology at its Unlock the ROG Lab: For Those Who Dare virtual event for CES 2025. Embracing the spirit of ROG Lab, where innovation breaks new ground, this year’s collection redefines what’s possible in gaming. Featuring cutting-edge graphics cards, gaming laptops, mini PCs, desktops, monitors, routers, and external GPUs, each product is meticulously crafted to unlock every gamer’s full potential, pushing the boundaries of power and performance like never before. 

Leading the charge was the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 50 Series, a brand-new line of high-end graphics cards inspired by the limitless expanse of the cosmos. Designed for elite gaming, these cards took center stage by demonstrating new heights of graphics performance with their exceptional cooling, stability, and power. The newly launched products include the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080, the ROG Astral LC GeForce RTX 5090, and the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and 5070 from the expanded ROG Strix portfolio. 

Also in the spotlight were the 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 16/18 gaming laptops that redefine performance standards with the next-gen Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor 275HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU. Complementing this lineup are the ROG Strix G16/G18 models that seamlessly combine powerful specifications with a sleek design. Available with AMD Ryzen™ 9 or Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 275HX options, these laptops are ideal for AAA gaming, content creation, and more. 

Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 50 Series GPUs bring game-changing capabilities to gamers and creators. Equipped with a massive level of AI horsepower, the RTX 50 Series enables new experiences and next-level graphics fidelity. Multiply performance with NVIDIA DLSS 4, generate images at unprecedented speed, and unleash creativity with NVIDIA Studio. Plus, access NVIDIA NIM microservices – state-of-the-art AI models that let enthusiasts and developers build AI assistants, agents, and workflows with peak performance on NIM-ready systems. 

The 2025 Zephyrus G14/G16 ultrathin gaming laptops push the limits of portability, delivering exceptional gaming and creative capabilities without compromise. ROG also introduced the 2025 Flow Z13, a versatile 2-in-1 gaming tablet powered by the latest AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with Radeon™ 8060S Graphics, showcasing a stunning Nebula display. The ROG XG Mobile, a high-performance external GPU, adds extra graphics power for compatible laptops, allowing gamers and creators to achieve desktop-level performance for even the most demanding applications. 

In the realm of desktop gaming, ROG presented the G700 series of high-performance towers featuring advanced cooling solutions and driven by Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 285K or AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPU. Meanwhile, the ROG NUC (2025) Mini PC redefined compact gaming with up to Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 265H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, delivering exceptional performance, AI-boosted efficiency, and extensive connectivity options in a sleek, stylish design.  

ROG also elevated the visual gaming experience with the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM, a 27-inch 4K gaming monitor that boasts the latest 4th-gen QD-OLED panel, lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate, and DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20 with full 80Gbps bandwidth. Rounding up the lineup was the ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI, the world’s first Wi-Fi 7 AI gaming router with a built-in NPU, ensuring seamless connectivity for the most demanding online gaming experiences. 

Attendees at CES 2025 in Las Vegas can get a hands-on experience of these innovations and many more of the latest ROG products at The Venetian Expo, Meeting Room #3102, from January 6 to January 9, 2025. 

ROG Astral GeForce RTX 50 Series: Unprecedented Cooling and Reliability for Elite Gaming 

The ROG Astral GeForce RTX 50 Series is the latest generation of high-end graphics cards from ROG, designed to deliver exceptional performance and cooling while helping establish a new standard in premium gaming hardware. It launches as part of the ASUS GeForce RTX 50 Series lineup, which includes the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080, the liquid-cooled ROG Astral LC GeForce RTX 5090, and the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and 5070. 

The ROG Astral series features premium cooling technology as the first ROG graphics cards to incorporate a quad-fan design, boosting airflow and air pressure by up to 20% to ensure peak performance even under heavy loads. Equipped with a patented vapor chamber, milled heat spreader, and GPU thermal pad, temperatures are effectively reduced, enhancing performance and reliability. Optimized fin spacing across the heatsink maximizes airflow, with denser fins on the right-side fan creating higher air pressure and an airflow tunnel that effectively channels heat out, further improving cooling efficiency. 

For gamers who demand maximum stability and durability, the ROG Astral integrates ASUS GPU Guard that secures all four corners of the GPU for added protection, along with a 304-grade steel bracket for stable mounting. The full-metal diecast shroud, frame, and backplate provide extra rigidity, bracing the PCB to prevent warping and bending. Additionally, a protective PCB coating guards against moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures, ensuring exceptional resilience in various gaming environments.  

Gamers and creative professionals alike can enjoy enhanced control and customization with GPU Tweak III, offering easy monitoring and tuning for optimal performance adjustments, while MuseTree, an AI-powered ASUS-exclusive image-generation app, helps unleash creativity. With its innovative cooling design and robust protection features, the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 50 Series is the ideal choice for gamers who demand top-tier performance under the most demanding conditions.  

For optimal power supply, pair the GeForce RTX 50 Series with a ROG Thor III or ROG Strix Platinum Series PSU, which ensures stable power and features the patented ‘GPU-First’ voltage stabilizer, keeping systems ready for whatever the battlefield throws at users. 

ROG Strix SCAR 16/18: Unleashing Exceptional Power and Precision  

At the heart of the 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 16/18 is the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 275HX, featuring up to 24 cores and 32 threads capable of reaching impressive TDP levels of 65W for powerhouse gaming performance. Paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU delivering up to 175W TGP, and equipped with a MUX Switch and NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, these laptops are engineered to handle the most demanding AAA titles, high-performance applications, and intensive multitasking with ease.  

Complementing this power is ROG’s Intelligent Cooling technology, which incorporates a custom vapor chamber, sandwiched heatsink, and advanced Tri-Fan Technology. Enhanced further with Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on both the CPU and GPU, this thermal system keeps temperatures low and reduces noise levels to 45dB, allowing gamers to fully unleash their hardware’s potential in even the most extended sessions. 

Visually, the ROG Nebula HDR Display on the SCAR 16/18 elevates gameplay with its 2.5K mini-LED panel, over 2,000 dimming zones, 16:10 aspect ratio, and ultra-responsive 240Hz refresh rate. With 100% DCI-P3 color coverage and a peak brightness of 1200 nits, every frame delivers an immersive experience, augmented by high Ambient Contrast Ratio (ACR) technology to reduce reflections and enhance contrast for the ultimate gaming experience. 

With up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and a spacious 4TB PCIe Gen4 SSD in RAID 0, the Strix SCAR Series delivers exceptional speed, storage, and smooth multitasking. The tool-less access design makes it easy to upgrade both memory and storage, empowering users to stay at the cutting edge of technology. Additionally, the AniMe Vision array on the lid and full-surround Aura RGB light bar across the chassis allow gamers to customize their devices and create a distinctive, personal aesthetic.

ROG Strix G16/G18: Empowering Every Gamer 

Designed to unite squads and elevate gaming experiences, the ROG Strix G16/G18 deliver fast AAA gaming performance and seamless content creation, powered by AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX (G614), AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D (G814), or Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 275HX (G615/815). Paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, 5070 Ti, or 5070 Laptop GPUs, these devices offer powerful performance and stunning graphics. With up to 32GB of DDR5 5600MHz RAM, they enable smooth multitasking and efficient handling of resource-intensive applications. The advanced Tri-Fan Technology, full-width heatsink, and full-surround vents provide exceptional thermal management, allowing users to maintain peak performance during intense gaming sessions. 

The breathtaking ROG Nebula Display features a 2.5K 240Hz panel with a 3ms response time, offering smooth and responsive visuals, along with 100% DCI-P3 color coverage and Ambient Contrast Ratio (ACR) technology for enhanced gameplay. The built-in 1080p FHD camera and dual speakers with Dolby Atmos make streaming and recording easy, providing high-quality audio and video for sharing gameplay experiences. 

Both models are equipped with dual PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD slots and designed for future-proofing, with Intel versions supporting PCIe Gen 5 on both slots and AMD versions on one, allowing for easy storage upgrades. With customizable hotkeys for quick access to essential functions, the ROG Strix G16/G18 empower gamers to rise to victory. 

The AMD-powered Strix G614/814 boast unique ROG pixel patterns along with a sleek armor cap and hinge design, enhancing durability and visual appeal. Meanwhile, the Intel-equipped G615/815 models feature full-surround Aura RGB lighting, adding a dynamic flair. Available in eye-catching Volt Green and Eclipse Gray, the 2025 ROG Strix G series is designed to reflect every gamer’s personality. 

Zephyrus G14/G16: Ultra-Portable Gaming and Creating 

The ROG Zephyrus G14/G16 are prime choices for gamers and creators seeking portability without sacrificing performance. Crafted from a CNC-milled aluminum chassis, these laptops balance lightweight design with structural durability. They are equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 285H or AMD Ryzen AI 7 350/Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processors, along with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090, 5080, 5070 Ti, or 5070 Laptop GPUs, ensuring optimal gaming and multitasking on the go. The GPUs come with professional-grade hardware to tackle the most demanding AI, video, 3D and livestreaming workflows, as well as NVIDIA Studio optimizations in 130+ apps, enabling users run cutting-edge generative AI models with powerful performance. 

The Zephyrus G14 boasts a stunning ROG Nebula OLED Display with a 3K 120Hz refresh rate and 0.2ms response time, while the G16 features a 2.5K ROG Nebula OLED Display with a 240Hz refresh rate and similar response time, both offering 100% DCI-P3 color coverage for vibrant visuals. Both models support NVIDIA G-SYNC for supersmooth, tear-free gameplay.  

To maintain peak performance during intense gaming sessions, the Zephyrus series incorporates an advanced cooling system that includes 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans, with the G16 benefiting from vapor chambers and the G14 utilizing robust heat pipes. With weights of just 1.5kg for the G14 and 1.85kg for the G16, alongside maximum thicknesses of 1.59cm and 1.49cm, these ultrathin laptops excel in portability. They also feature Slash Lighting and are available in stylish Platinum White and Eclipse Gray color options, making a bold visual statement. 

Moreover, the Zephyrus G14 is a Copilot+ PC, reflecting ROG’s commitment to integrating AI-enabled experiences that enhance multitasking and gaming support. This includes tools like NVIDIA DLSS for enhanced gaming performance. With ample I/O support, including DisplayPort 2.1 and 100W power delivery via USB-C, the ROG Zephyrus G14/G16 are powerful and versatile, making them ideal companions for gamers and creators alike.

ROG Flow Z13: The Game-Changer in 2-in-1 Gaming 

The 2025 ROG Flow Z13 is a versatile 2-in-1 gaming tablet that combines portability with superior performance. It is built on the brand-new, ultra-powerful AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with Radeon 8060S graphics, which integrates a desktop-class CPU, RDNA 3.5 GPU, and dedicated NPU into a single die. With 50 TOPS of total NPU compute power, the Flow Z13 is also a capable AI PC, delivering an enhanced Copilot+ PC experience thanks to its advanced NPU cores. This innovative chiplet-based design delivers outstanding performance and power efficiency, making it ideal for the compact 13-inch tablet form factor. With support for unified memory architecture, gamers can expect high-speed access for both CPU and GPU needs, enhancing performance and responsiveness. 

The Z13 features a 2.5K ROG Nebula 180Hz touchscreen display with Pantone validation and 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, bringing vibrant and accurate visuals to life. Crafted from a durable CNC aluminum unibody chassis, it weighs just over a typical tablet and includes a 170° kickstand, providing versatile usage options. With a 70 Wh battery offering up to 10 hours of usage, the Flow Z13 is designed for both gaming and productivity on the go. 

Cooling is supported by a revamped stainless steel vapor chamber and 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans™, ensuring incredibly quiet operation even under full load. Additionally, the Flow Z13 features the new ROG Command Center for quick access to frequently used system functions, along with a large touchpad and keycaps, making it an exceptional device for both work and play.

2025 ROG XG Mobile: More Than Graphics, Less to Carry 

The 2025 ROG XG Mobile transcends conventional gaming accessories, featuring a next-gen NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU and pioneering Thunderbolt™ 5 connectivity. This external graphics card is designed for peak performance and exceptional portability, surpassing all previous generations with its compact size. Its innovative design features a striking new outlook, bringing a fresh vibe to any gaming setup while making it an ideal companion for gamers on the move. 

Equipped with a redesigned vapor chamber, the 2025 ROG XG Mobile offers 150% more cooling surface area than standard heatpipe designs, effectively managing heat while keeping noise levels to a minimum. Additionally, the new active bridge rectifier MOSFETs make it the smallest and lightest external GPU ROG has ever produced, enhancing its portability without sacrificing performance. 

Connectivity is at the forefront with an array of options, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, dual USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, and an SD card reader – all accessible through a single Thunderbolt 5 connection. The XG Mobile also features customizable operating modes and full Aura Sync support, allowing users to personalize the RGB lighting that shines through its semi-transparent case. With the 2025 ROG XG Mobile, gamers can experience flagship performance without the bulk, redefining the possibilities of portable gaming solutions.

ROG G700 Series Desktops: Built for Performance and Flexibility 

The 2025 ROG Strix G700 series desktops are built from the ground up for gaming, powered by AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D or Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 285K and paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPUs for a top-tier gaming experience. The Intel-powered G700 features the PRIME B860M-A-AX6-II motherboard, while the AMD-equipped G700 carries the ASUS PRIME B650M-A AX6 II. Both support up to 64 GB of DDR5 RAM, with speeds rising to 6000MHz, and high-speed PCIe Gen 5 storage, ensuring exceptional performance and responsiveness.  

Engineered for durability, the G700 series includes both air- and water-cooling configurations, utilizing a quad-fan system to optimize airflow. Tool-less access from the side and front panels allows for painless upgrades, while standard-sized components prolong the lifespan of the chassis and simplify maintenance. 

The G700 series aesthetic includes a large, seamless glass front panel to minimize gaps and joints for a sleek, sophisticated look. ROG’s signature “slash” design accents the front panel, while strategically placed RGB lighting adds a dimensional effect. Aura Sync support further enhances the visual impact, allowing for a cohesive gaming setup with other ROG peripherals. Dust filters on the top and bottom panels help maintain internal cleanliness, ensuring consistent peak performance. 

With a focus on high-quality components designed by ROG, the G700 series delivers an exceptional gaming experience, providing gamers with both performance and flexibility in a beautifully designed chassis.

ROG NUC (2025): Compact Powerhouse for Uncompromising Gamers 

The ROG NUC (2025) redefines compact gaming technology with up to Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 265H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, complete with ray tracing and the latest NVIDIA DLSS technologies for increased performance and stunning visuals. This cutting-edge mini PC delivers exceptional performance and AI-boosted efficiency, enabling multitasking and smooth gameplay in demanding AAA titles. With the advanced Intel processors, gamers can expect remarkable responsiveness and breathtaking visuals that fully immerse them in their favorite experiences. 

This mini PC is ideal for streamers and game creators, effortlessly tackling AI-intensive tasks such as real-time video rendering and content creation. Extensive connectivity options, including Thunderbolt™ 4, Intel Killer™ Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth® 5.4, and high-speed Ethernet, help ensure low-latency gaming and rapid data processing, allowing users to stay ahead of the competition. 

The compact 3L ROG NUC (2025) is engineered for gamers seeking high performance with minimal distraction. Designed for easy upgrades to memory and storage, it also features advanced thermal management to handle the most intense gaming sessions. With three fans and a dual Vapor Chamber, it effectively dissipates heat, maintaining cool and quiet operation for sustained peak performance. This efficient cooling system ensures uninterrupted focus, letting users enjoy seamless gaming without compromise, while its adaptable design makes it an optimal fit in any gaming or streaming setup. 

Customizable ARGB lighting enhances the aesthetic appeal, letting users personalize their rigs with Aura Sync and Armory Crate to create a truly unique gaming environment. The ROG NUC (2025) effortlessly combines advanced performance with a sleek design, making it the ultimate choice for gamers who seek uncompromising power and style.

ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM: Built for Next-gen Gaming  

The ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM is the world’s first 27-inch 4K OLED gaming monitor, featuring an ultrafast 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time. Leveraging the latest ROG 4th-gen QD-OLED technology, it offers an impressive 166ppi pixel density for ultra-sharp images and text. OLED Anti-Flicker 2.0 reduces onscreen flicker by up to 20% over the previous generation using a luminance compensation algorithm, ensuring more uniform visuals without sacrificing input lag or refresh rates.  

The Swift OLED PG27UCDM features extensive connectivity options, including DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20 with full 80Gbps bandwidth without compression, designed to support next-gen GPUs. It also includes HDMI 2.1, a USB hub, and USB-C with 90W power delivery for seamless integration.  

The new ROG OLED Care Pro technology features an advanced Neo Proximity Sensor that uses wavelength detection to accurately measure the user’s distance to determine usage time without interference from ambient light or color. Users can personalize the detection distance, prompting the monitor to automatically switch to a black screen when the user steps away, reducing the risk of OLED burn-in. Combined with a three-year warranty, the PG27UCDM offers peace of mind for users. 

The monitor also supports Dolby Vision® HDR and HDR10, which can be easily adjusted via the OSD menu to enhance the viewing experience for various types of content. To further optimize the user experience, the ROG DisplayWidget Center software simplifies adjustments to display settings and OLED Care features, provides firmware update notifications with a direct update option, and enables users to import or export display configurations for sharing. 

The ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM sets a new standard in gaming visuals, combining cutting-edge technology, advanced features, and user-friendly software to elevate the gaming experience. 

ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI: The World’s First Wi-Fi 7 AI Gaming Router with Built-in NPU 

The ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI is a groundbreaking Wi-Fi 7 AI gaming router with a built-in NPU, offering advanced capabilities to elevate gaming and day-to-day network performance. Its powerful tri-core design drives various AI enhancements like game acceleration, energy saving, network security and privacy, as well as network scanning and insights – all to optimize the overall network experience.  

The AI energy-saving feature utilizes a ‘Big-Small Architecture,’ where the CPU and NPU work together to enable “performance mode” with full power when multiple devices are connected, while the MCU seamlessly switches to power-saving mode during inactivity, achieving up to 46%i energy savings. 

The Rapture GT-BE19000AI introduces the new Triple-Level Game Acceleration with the ROG AI Game Booster, which intelligently calculates the fastest path to game servers, reduces ping by 34%1, and supports up to 3,000 game titles. Additionally, Adaptive QoS 2.0 allows users to set customized priorities for different workflows, such as allocating 80% bandwidth for gaming and 20% for streaming, ensuring optimal performance for versatile network scenarios. 

For enhanced stability, the Rapture GT-BE19000AI boasts an advanced Wireless Insight panel, providing users with connection status for each device and valuable RF Scan data, such as microwave interference. It incorporates intelligent blockers to eliminate disruptive ads and trackers, while powerful on-device NPU processing ensures data remains local and secure, improving privacy and performance.  

The ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI is a high-performance tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router designed to deliver up to 19,000 Mbps with 320 MHz channel support, covering up to 3,500 sq. ft., and supporting dual 10G ports with up to 31G LAN/WAN capacity. With 4GB DDR4 RAM and 32GB eMMC flash memory, it offers double the performance of the standard GT-BE19000. Advanced features like Guest Network Pro, AiProtection Pro, and VPN support make it ideal for gaming and high-demand networking. 

The post ASUS ROG Unveils Latest Innovations Forged to Unlock Limitless Gaming Potential at CES 2025   appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.