ASUS ROG Spring System Updates: Gaming Big and Small

ASUS Launches ROG Strix GL12 Gaming Desktop

ASUS has launched another gaming desktop which aims to offer a more unconventional chassis design with angled ‘slashes’ running across the front of the case, a transparent side panel, as well as integrated RGB, LED Aura Sync Lighting. While there is plenty to like for the amateur here, the Strix GL12 was built with eSports in mind where professional gamers need powerful PCs which have the ability to maintain high FPS in battle as well as reliable systems that can let players load their own customized settings quickly. The ROG Strix GL12 includes an Intel Core i5 or i7 8^th Generation processor, DDR4 RAM supports up to 64GB, with up to a NVIDIA GTX 1080 video card driving graphics. With the factory overclocking of the 8700K to 4.8 GHz, the GL12 looks to be a formidable desktop built for gaming with styling and an integrated lighting system to go along with it.

The case itself has the unique slashes across the front which contains an RGB element through a frosted plastic piece that diffuses the light. The bottom part has other lines going through it in weaving pattern for the intake while the top above the RGB elements is a removable panel that hides space for a 5.25-inch drive and the hot-swap 2.5” SSD drive. The left side of the case has a choice of panel options of either a tinted acrylic panel to show off the internals, or a solid metal panel. Both panels are included and mount to the chassis with thumb screws.

The IO panel is on top of the case facing the front and has two USB 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports, a 2-in-1 card reader, as well as a microphone/headphone combo jack. Internally it will support up to two HDD trays, one SSD tray (+ the hot swap tray), and two exhaust fans (+ one intake) for airflow. There doesn’t appear to be much room for additional radiators/cooling flexibility outside of the included CLC cooler from Asetek (120mm radiator in the top fan slot). There is even an internal crossbar that secures the graphics card to avoid damage from movement and shipping as well as to prevent sagging under its own weight while at rest.

When talking hardware specifications, the GL12 gives users a choice of three hex-core processors, an i5-8400, i7-8700, and the flagship CPU the i7-8700K. ASUS can overclock the processor up to 4.8 GHz from the factory. The system has four DRAM slots total and supports DDR4-2666 RAM from 8 GB  - 64 GB, plenty for a gaming machine. ASUS gives four video card options to choose from - a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 2 GB GDDR5, GTX 1060 3 GB/6 GB GDDR5, GTX 1070 8 GB GDDR5, and finally the GTX 1080 8 GB GDDR5X. For audio, the GL12 uses the Realtek ALC1150 codecs with Sonic Studio software support. I expected to see the latest ALC1220 codec on the new system. On the mass storage side, the unit has five SATA ports and gives options for up to 2 TB 7200 RPM HDD, 512GB SATA or PCIe SSDs.

The GL12 connects to the internet through an Intel I219-V 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN, or through an optional 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0 device. Guessing from the Bluetooth 5.0 specification, I'd imagine it to be the Intel 9560 CNVi device integrated into the chipset as I have not run across a board with the BT5.0 spec that wasn't using the CNVi based device. 

Overall, it appears ASUS will bring to the market a uniquely designed with powerful configurations eSports focused gaming desktop. Pricing was not listed, but it will be available in late Q2.