Gigabyte G6X review: A value-packed gaming laptop

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

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    </div></figure><p class="imageCredit">IDG / Chris Hoffman</p></div>

The Gigabyte G6X is all about specs for your dollar. We reviewed a Gigabyte G6X 9KG model that came with an Intel Core i7-13650HX CPU. This is one of Intel’s Core HX chips, a refresh of last year’s Raptor Lake CPUs. These seem to perform a bit better than Intel’s current Meteor Lake Core Ultra chips, although they lack the neural processing unit (NPU) that will supposedly accelerate future Windows AI features, according to rumors.

Our review unit came with Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics as well as 32GB of RAM and 1TB solid-state drive. That’s a good selection of hardware for the laptop’s $1349 price. Gigabyte also has a model of this laptop with an Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU, and Gigabyte says the laptop’s storage capacity may vary by region.

Let’s address the AI elephant in the room: Gigabyte is calling this an “AI gaming laptop.” It’s just as much an AI laptop as any other modern laptop with a powerful Nvidia RTX GPU inside it. And Gigabyte is right — as we’ve said, powerful GPUs deliver the fastest AI performance on PCs right now. But there’s nothing extra here beyond a standard Nvidia RTX GPU despite all the AI talk — the Aorus 16X at least has a few little software AI features designed to show things off, but I didn’t see any of those here.

However, the lack of a neural processing unit means it may not get future Windows AI features that may only work on systems with an NPU — we don’t know yet! We’re waiting for Microsoft to reveal its plans.

• CPU: Intel Core i7-13650HX
• Memory: 32GB DDR5-5600 RAM
• Graphics/GPU: Nvidia RTX 4060
• Display: 1920×1200 16:10 IPS display with 165 Hz refresh rate
• Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Webcam: 720p webcam
• Connectivity: 2x USB Type-C (Both USB3.2 Gen2, one with USB Power Delivery 3.0, one with DisplayPort 1.4), 2x USB Type-A (USB3.2 Gen 2), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x combo headphone jack, 1x RJ-45 (Ethernet), 1x Kensington lock slot, 1x DC power in
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, gigabit Ethernet
• Biometrics: None
• Battery capacity: 73 Watt-hours
• Dimensions: 14.21 x 10.19 x 1.06 inches
• Weight: 5.64 pounds
• MSRP: $1,349 as tested

Gigabyte G6X: Design and build quality

IDG / Chris Hoffman

            <div class="lightbox-image-container foundry-lightbox"><div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large enlarged-image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-bind--src="selectors.core.image.enlargedImgSrc" data-wp-style--object-fit="selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit" src="" alt="Gigabyte G6X design" class="wp-image-2321817" width="1200" height="904" loading="lazy" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">IDG / Chris Hoffman</p></div>

    </div></figure><p class="imageCredit">IDG / Chris Hoffman</p></div>

The Gigabyte G6X’s design isn’t going to turn any heads. Compared to the Gigabyte Aorus 16X, it’s a much “blockier” design without sleek-looking curves. There’s nothing wrong with that: This is a classic utilitarian gaming laptop through and through.

This 16-inch laptop has Gigabyte branding, complete with a silver Gigabyte logo on the lid, the name “Gigabyte” below the screen, and some understated “X” graphics on the lid and to the right of the touchpad.

Aside from that, it’s a blocky design, all gray chunky plastics. (Gigabyte calls it “Gunmetal Gray”). It’s fine, but it doesn’t feel or look premium — that’s no surprise, as that’s what Gigabyte’s more expensive Aorus line of laptops is going for.

Still, the Gigabyte G6X feels like it has solid build quality. This may be a five-and-a-half pound brick of plastic, but it feels like a solid one. The chassis doesn’t have any weird creaky bits or questionable flexing to it, and the hinge feels fine when opening and closing the laptop. While gaming, the fans work well and direct air out the back of the laptop, not onto your mouse hand.

There’s also not a lot of bloatware. It’s nice to see Gigabyte didn’t make compromises there.

Gigabyte G6X: Keyboard and trackpad