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Verdict: The 2023 Gigabyte AORUS 17X AZF is a powerful desktop-replacement gaming laptop that delivers excellent QHD performance from its Core i9-13900HX and full-power, 175-watt GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU. Its 17.3-inch 240Hz display is large, sharp, and wide-gamut, while two RAM slots and two PCIe 4.0 SSD slots make it unusually practical to upgrade.
It is not flawless. Independent testing found modest brightness, loud fans during demanding work, a hot underside, a heavy 330W adapter, and a weak webcam. In 2026, it makes sense mainly as a substantially discounted used or refurbished machine—not as a near-launch-price purchase.
This review covers the independently tested 2023 AORUS 17X AZF with Core i9-13900HX, RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of SSD storage. Gigabyte also sold 2023 AXF versions and separate 2024 AZG and AXG models, so specifications and panel suppliers can differ by region and configuration. See Gigabyte’s official 2023 specifications before buying.
Gigabyte AORUS 17X at a glance
| Component | 2023 AZF review configuration |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i9-13900HX |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, 16GB GDDR6, up to 175W |
| Display | 17.3-inch, 2560×1440, 240Hz, 16:9 |
| Memory | 32GB DDR5 in the tested unit; two SO-DIMM slots, up to 64GB listed |
| Storage | 2TB total in the tested unit; two PCIe 4.0×4 M.2 slots |
| Battery | 99Wh |
| Weight | About 2.92kg in independent testing, excluding the adapter |
| Power adapter | 330W; approximately 990g in the tested configuration |
| Launch-era price | €3,800 for the tested unit in April 2023; not a current 2026 price |
Gigabyte’s 2023 family also included Core i9-13950HX and i9-13980HX options, RTX 4080 configurations, and different memory and storage combinations. The exact operating-system edition, keyboard layout, drive capacity, and display supplier may vary by country. Confirm the retailer’s complete specification rather than assuming every AORUS 17X matches this AZF unit.
#1 Best Overall
- Processor : Intel Core i7-13700H 14-Core Processor (Up to 5.0 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology,24 MB Intel Smart cache| 14 Cores: 6 Performance Cores + 8 Efficient Cores | 20 Threads) ,Unlock your potential and optimize for new games and game software Provide multi-tasking capabilities, work, play and play games, all at the same time
- Graphics : NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB GDDR6 ,NVIDIA series graphics cards offer you unprecedented performance, graphics, and effects. Are you ready to embrace higher resolutions, faster frame rates, and more lifelike game visuals? WithNVIDIA series graphics cards, you'll take control of your gaming experience and step into a new realm of gaming
- Memory and Storage : 16GB DDR5 SDRAM 5600MHz,1TB PCI-E NVMe SSD, Accelerate your world with ultra-fast memory, instantly launching your apps and games. Storage is no longer a limitation; experience unparalleled read/write speeds and unlock your potential.
- Display : 17.3" (2560 x 1440) 300 nits Anti-glare | 100% sRGB | TÜV Rheinland-certified | 240Hz | Thin Bezel LCD High-speed and dynamic competitive environment, the picture can also be smooth; the response speed is fast, reducing smear and motion blur, helping players to quickly make moves and win unexpectedly in the competition!
- Connection and Ports :Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2x2)Bluetooth 5.2 1x USB Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps Type-C support Power Delivery through USB Type-C | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support 10Gbps | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A support 10Gbps | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A support 5Gbps | 1x RJ-45| 1x HDMI v2.1 | 1 x Headphone and microphone combo jack
Design and portability
The AORUS 17X uses an aluminum lid and chassis with solid hinges and enough rigidity for regular desk use. Notebookcheck found that the display could be opened one-handed and that the lid was comparatively stable. Gigabyte lists the 2023 chassis at approximately 39.6 × 29.3 × 2.18cm and 2.8kg, while the tested AZF weighed about 2.92kg.
That makes it relatively restrained for a high-performance 17-inch laptop, but “portable” needs qualification. Add the roughly 990g 330W power brick and the travel load approaches 3.9kg before a bag, mouse, or other accessories. It is easier to move than many thicker 18-inch flagships, not a laptop you will enjoy carrying all day.
The large chassis does provide a useful benefit: the 17.3-inch screen can replace a separate monitor in a bedroom, dorm, or temporary workspace. The trade-off is the older 16:9 shape. Many newer productivity-focused laptops use taller 16:10 panels, which provide more vertical room for documents and timelines.
Display: colorful and fast, but not especially bright
The 2023 specification calls for a 17.3-inch 2560×1440 panel running at 240Hz, with a manufacturer-rated 100% DCI-P3 gamut and TÜV Rheinland certification. That combination is well matched to the RTX 4090 Laptop GPU: QHD is considerably easier to drive than 4K while remaining much sharper than 1080p at this size.
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Independent measurements of the AZF panel were more nuanced:
- 276cd/m² average brightness and 294cd/m² maximum brightness.
- Approximately 1050:1 contrast.
- 99.9% sRGB coverage.
- 96.7% Display P3 coverage.
- 84.5% AdobeRGB coverage.
- No PWM detected in the test.
The color coverage is strong for gaming, video, and general creative work. The measured P3 result is slightly below Gigabyte’s 100% claim, which is normal enough for a manufacturer specification and an individual review measurement to differ. It does not make the panel poor; it means buyers should distinguish gamut from overall display quality.
Brightness is the larger weakness. Around 276cd/m² is adequate indoors, but it is unimpressive for a premium flagship and limiting in bright rooms or outdoors. The matte coating reduces reflections, but it cannot compensate for the panel’s limited luminance.
Rank #2
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU 16GB GDDR6
- Intel Core i9-14900HX Processor 5.8 GHz
- DDR5 Ready: DDR5 5600 16GB*2 (32GB), 2TB Storage (Gen4 M.2 SSD)
- Cutting-Edge Display: 17.3" 16:9 IPS QHD 2560x1440, 240Hz, 100% DCI-P3, TÜV Rheinland Certified
- Next Gen Interface: Windows 11 Home AD, Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth V5.2
The 240Hz refresh rate is valuable for shooters and other high-frame-rate games, but the response-time measurements were only acceptable. Highly competitive players may notice more motion smearing than the refresh-rate number suggests. A 240Hz label does not automatically make this an ideal esports display.
Gaming and application performance
The AORUS 17X AZF’s defining feature is its sustained performance. Notebookcheck found that the RTX 4090-equipped system could run tested games at maximum settings at its native QHD resolution, with enough remaining headroom for many games on an external 4K display. The GPU also maintained high performance over time rather than delivering only a short benchmark burst.
The important detail is the power limit. Gigabyte lists the RTX 4090 Laptop GPU at up to 175W. Laptop RTX 4090 performance varies significantly according to power configuration, cooling, firmware, and the individual manufacturer’s tuning, so this machine should not be compared directly with a lower-power RTX 4090 laptop.
The Core i9-13900HX is similarly well suited to CPU-heavy work. It has the performance for compiling large projects, high-bitrate video editing, 3D work, encoding, and other demanding productivity tasks. The RTX 4090 adds CUDA, ray-tracing, and GPU-encoding capability for supported creative applications.
Expect the best results while plugged into the 330W adapter and using an appropriate performance profile. Battery operation, quiet modes, driver revisions, BIOS updates, ambient temperature, game patches, and memory configuration can all change results. Benchmark figures from this 2023 test should be treated as representative of the AZF configuration, not universal AORUS 17X guarantees.
Thermals and fan noise
The AORUS 17X keeps its strongest hardware running, but it does not do so quietly under sustained load. Gigabyte Control Center provides operating profiles and manual fan-curve controls. Meeting and Energy-saving modes can keep the laptop relatively quiet for ordinary work, while gaming and stress tests produce the noise expected from a thin chassis carrying a 175W GPU.
Notebookcheck measured a maximum upper-surface temperature of about 47°C and a bottom temperature of approximately 51°C under load. The palm rests and touchpad stayed much cooler, reaching about 34°C, and the Witcher 3 test produced an average upper-surface temperature around 38°C.
Rank #3
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU 12GB GDDR6
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX Processor 5.6 GHz
- Memory: DDR5 5600 16GB*1 (16GB) / Storage: 1TB (Gen4 M.2 SSD)
- Display 17.3" 16:9 Thin Bezel QHD 2560x1440, 240Hz, 100% DCI-P3, TÜV Rheinland Certified
- Connectivity: Windows 11 Pro, Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth V5.2
Those figures describe a mixed result rather than a uniformly uncomfortable machine. Your hands can remain comfortable while gaming, but the underside can become too hot for an unprotected lap. A stand that improves airflow is useful for long sessions, especially if it raises the rear of the chassis without blocking the intake.
The central compromise is acoustic: the laptop is capable of excellent performance, but users who need quiet gaming should consider a thicker system, a reduced-power profile, or a desktop. Lower fan modes can improve noise, but they may reduce sustained CPU and GPU performance.
Battery life and charging
The 99Wh battery is large, but the AORUS 17X remains a mains-powered gaming laptop. In Notebookcheck’s standardized testing, the AZF achieved:
- 6 hours 29 minutes of Wi-Fi web browsing.
- 6 hours 43 minutes of video playback.
- 3 hours 56 minutes of Wi-Fi use at maximum brightness.
- 2 hours 8 minutes in a maximum-load test.
The standard web and video measurements used approximately 150cd/m² brightness, so real-world results can vary with display brightness, background applications, refresh rate, and power mode. These are respectable figures among high-end gaming laptops, but they are not all-day battery life. Serious gaming away from the charger is unrealistic.
The USB-C port supports Power Delivery up to 100W. That can be useful for light office work or travel, but it is not equivalent to the 330W adapter. A USB-C charger should not be expected to power the laptop at full gaming performance, and buyers should confirm charger compatibility before leaving the original adapter at home.
Ports and connectivity
The 2023 specification includes:
- Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports on the left.
- One USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port on the right.
- One Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port with Power Delivery.
- HDMI 2.1.
- Mini DisplayPort 1.4.
- RJ45 Ethernet.
- 3.5mm audio combo jack.
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
The rear-oriented video and networking connections are useful for a permanent desk setup, while Thunderbolt 4 supports docks and high-speed peripherals. Three Type-A ports are adequate for most gaming desks but not unusually generous for a desktop replacement. The missing feature is a memory-card reader. Photographers, videographers, and creators who regularly ingest SD cards will need a separate reader.
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Rank #4
- Processor : Intel Core i7-13700H 14-Core Processor (Up to 5.0 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology,24 MB Intel Smart cache| 14 Cores: 6 Performance Cores + 8 Efficient Cores | 20 Threads) ,Unlock your potential and optimize for new games and game software Provide multi-tasking capabilities, work, play and play games, all at the same time
- Graphics : NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB GDDR6 ,NVIDIA series graphics cards offer you unprecedented performance, graphics, and effects. Are you ready to embrace higher resolutions, faster frame rates, and more lifelike game visuals? WithNVIDIA series graphics cards, you'll take control of your gaming experience and step into a new realm of gaming
- Memory and Storage : 16GB DDR5 SDRAM 5600MHz,1TB PCI-E NVMe SSD, Accelerate your world with ultra-fast memory, instantly launching your apps and games. Storage is no longer a limitation; experience unparalleled read/write speeds and unlock your potential.
- Display : 17.3" (2560 x 1440) 300 nits Anti-glare | 100% sRGB | TÜV Rheinland-certified | 240Hz | Thin Bezel LCD High-speed and dynamic competitive environment, the picture can also be smooth; the response speed is fast, reducing smear and motion blur, helping players to quickly make moves and win unexpectedly in the competition!
- Connection and Ports :Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2x2)Bluetooth 5.2 1x USB Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps Type-C support Power Delivery through USB Type-C | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support 10Gbps | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A support 10Gbps | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A support 5Gbps | 1x RJ-45| 1x HDMI v2.1 | 1 x Headphone and microphone combo jack
Keyboard, touchpad, webcam, and speakers
The island-style keyboard supports per-key RGB Fusion lighting and per-key macro control. That gives gamers useful customization, particularly when different profiles are assigned to specific games. The large chassis also leaves room for a comfortable layout, although buyers should check the regional keyboard design if they need a particular language or key arrangement.
The touchpad is suitable for ordinary navigation, but most owners will use a gaming mouse. The built-in 1080p camera supports Windows Hello face authentication on configurations that include the required feature. Its resolution sounds promising, yet independent testing rated image quality much more weakly than the keyboard and general audio experience. For streaming, frequent video calls, or content creation, an external webcam remains the safer choice.
The two 2.5W speakers and DTS:X Ultra processing are serviceable for games, video, and system sounds. Headphones or external speakers remain preferable for competitive play, music, and immersion—particularly once the cooling fans are working hard.
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One of the AORUS 17X’s practical advantages is access to conventional upgradeable components. Gigabyte lists two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB and two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0×4 SSD slots. The tested unit had 32GB of RAM and 2TB of total SSD storage, but that configuration is not universal.
Two drive bays make it easier to add capacity without immediately replacing the original SSD. They are especially useful for large game libraries, video projects, and local development environments. Memory can also be expanded if a 32GB configuration becomes restrictive.
Storage capacity, memory speed, supplier, and regional configuration can vary. Before purchasing a used machine, confirm whether it has one or two SSDs, whether both memory modules are present, and whether the seller has opened or modified the cooling system. Check the warranty terms before installing parts, since policies differ by market and service provider.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Software and ownership
Gigabyte Control Center is the main interface for performance modes, fan behavior, and related system controls. It is important software on this laptop because the difference between a quiet office profile and a full-performance gaming profile is substantial.
Best Value
- Processor : Intel Core i7-13700H 14-Core Processor (Up to 5.0 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology,24 MB Intel Smart cache| 14 Cores: 6 Performance Cores + 8 Efficient Cores | 20 Threads) ,Unlock your potential and optimize for new games and game software Provide multi-tasking capabilities, work, play and play games, all at the same time
- Graphics : NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB GDDR6 ,NVIDIA series graphics cards offer you unprecedented performance, graphics, and effects. Are you ready to embrace higher resolutions, faster frame rates, and more lifelike game visuals? WithNVIDIA series graphics cards, you'll take control of your gaming experience and step into a new realm of gaming
- Memory and Storage : 16GB DDR5 SDRAM 5600MHz,1TB PCI-E NVMe SSD, Accelerate your world with ultra-fast memory, instantly launching your apps and games. Storage is no longer a limitation; experience unparalleled read/write speeds and unlock your potential.
- Display : 17.3" (2560 x 1440) 300 nits Anti-glare | 100% sRGB | TÜV Rheinland-certified | 240Hz | Thin Bezel LCD High-speed and dynamic competitive environment, the picture can also be smooth; the response speed is fast, reducing smear and motion blur, helping players to quickly make moves and win unexpectedly in the competition!
- Connection and Ports :Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2x2)Bluetooth 5.2 1x USB Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps Type-C support Power Delivery through USB Type-C | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support 10Gbps | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A support 10Gbps | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A support 5Gbps | 1x RJ-45| 1x HDMI v2.1 | 1 x Headphone and microphone combo jack
Buyers should also check Gigabyte’s support page for the exact suffix and region before reinstalling Windows or changing drivers. BIOS updates, graphics drivers, display switching behavior, and Advanced Optimus settings can influence battery life, external-display behavior, and game performance. A machine can have excellent hardware measurements while still being frustrating if its control software or firmware is unreliable.
For a used 2023 unit, warranty transferability matters as much as the specification sheet. Confirm the serial number, remaining regional warranty, original 330W adapter, battery health, dead-pixel status, and whether the system has been repasted or modified.
How it compares in 2026
The AORUS 17X was a flagship platform in 2023–2024, but by 2026 its age changes the buying calculation. The relevant question is not whether it remains fast—it does—but whether its discount is large enough to offset older efficiency, display, warranty, and platform characteristics.
Against RTX 4080 laptops
A well-powered RTX 4090 Laptop GPU brings 16GB of VRAM and substantial QHD performance. A newer or discounted RTX 4080 laptop may deliver better value, efficiency, display technology, or warranty coverage. Compare actual GPU power limits and memory specifications instead of judging by the GPU name alone.
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Thicker MSI Titan- or Raider-class and Alienware m18-class systems can offer more room for cooling and a larger display, but they may be heavier and less convenient to transport. The AORUS is attractive when you want near-desktop performance without moving to the heaviest class of gaming laptop.
Against thinner 16-inch laptops
A premium 16-inch laptop is easier to carry and may offer a taller 16:10 screen, a brighter panel, or newer platform features. It will usually sacrifice some sustained GPU power and screen size. Choose the AORUS when the 17.3-inch gaming view and high-power RTX 4090 matter more than daily portability.
Against a desktop and a lightweight laptop
A desktop generally provides more sustained performance and easier upgrades for the same overall budget, while a lightweight laptop handles travel better. The AORUS’s justification is that it combines both roles in one machine. That convenience is real, but you still carry a nearly 4kg laptop-and-charger package and accept gaming-laptop noise.
Who should buy the AORUS 17X now?
- Buy it if you want excellent QHD gaming performance, a large 17-inch screen, 16GB of GPU VRAM, upgradeable memory and storage, and can find the 2023 or 2024 model at a meaningful discount.
- Buy it if most gaming and demanding work will happen near a power outlet and loud fans are acceptable.
- Consider another laptop if display brightness, OLED or Mini-LED quality, quiet operation, or a strong built-in webcam is important.
- Choose a thicker 18-inch system if sustained thermals and acoustics matter more than carrying weight.
- Choose a desktop if mobility is incidental and maximum performance per dollar is the priority.
- Skip it when a seller asks close to its original flagship pricing, cannot provide the 330W adapter, offers no meaningful warranty, or cannot verify the exact suffix and GPU power limit.
Final verdict
The 2023 AORUS 17X AZF succeeds at its main job: it puts desktop-class gaming performance into a comparatively restrained 17-inch chassis. At native QHD, the full-power RTX 4090 Laptop GPU and Core i9 processor have enough capacity for demanding games and professional workloads, while the upgradeable internals and two SSD slots improve long-term practicality.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIts compromises are not minor. The display is colorful but only moderately bright, sustained gaming is loud, the underside gets hot, the adapter is heavy, and the webcam is disappointing. In 2026, the AORUS 17X is a compelling discounted used or refurbished purchase for a performance-first buyer, but a poor choice at anything close to its historical €3,800 launch-era price. Verify the exact model year, suffix, GPU power, panel, storage, warranty, battery condition, and included adapter before committing.
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