Is ASUS VivoBook Good for Gaming?

The ASUS VivoBook laptops are not exactly designed for gaming, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play games on them. Generally speaking, most VivoBook models are okay for light gaming. 

The VivoBook lineup is pretty big. The laptops range from affordable 11-inch notebooks all the way to pro versions for business professionals.

Sure, more expensive VivoBook models with dedicated graphics cards can handle even the AAA titles, but they are definitely not meant for hardcore gaming professionals. 

In this article, we’ll cover some of the best models from the VivoBook series, and we’ll see which ones are solid gaming options and which are no-go. 

So let’s dive right in. 

What Games Can You Play on ASUS VivoBook?

Even low-tier ASUS VivoBook models with integrated GPUs are great laptops for League of Legends, CS:GO, Sims 4, and Minecraft, to name a few. The VivoBook S15, for example with the low-budget Intel Iris Xe GPU, can handle these older games that don’t require high-end specs.

But if you want to play CoD Modern Warfare 2, Red Dead Redemption 2, or Cyberpunk 2077, you’ll need a laptop with a dedicated GPU (like the RTX 4050). And the good news is, there are PRO versions of the VivoBooks that come with dGPUs. 

Here are a few specs that are important for gaming: 

• A dedicated GPU (NVIDIA’s 40 series are ideal) 
• Powerful CPU (12th or 13th Generation Intel Core i7)
• Memory (at least 16GB RAM) 
• High refresh rate displays (144Hz is recommended)
• Good thermals 
• Comfortable keyboard (most gaming laptops also have cool RGB backlighting) 

Not all VivoBooks are built the same. So if you’re serious about AAA titles and want to enjoy every bit of what they offer, go for high-end versions. 

ASUS VivoBook | Photos by Bence Fagyal

What is the Difference Betweenan ASUS VivoBook and a More Expensive Gaming Laptop?

Generally speaking, VivoBook laptops are budget-friendly options, and low price tags mean you have to compromise in some areas. 

In terms of everyday usage and light productivity tasks like photo and video editing, VivoBook laptops offer solid performance. However, performance will vary depending on the components, and there are lots of models with different specs.

If you’re curious to find out more about all VivoBook models, check out their website. 

It’s safe to say that VivoBooks are ideal for students and business pros looking for a reliable device, but they are not the best choice for gaming. On the other hand, gaming laptops are packed with high-end components so they can handle the workload of AAA games.

Now, let’s look at the pros and cons of VivoBook laptops.

Benefits of the ASUS VivoBook for Gaming

If you go for a VivoBook laptop, you’ll be getting a decent-performing, portable device that will not break the bank.

Their CPU/GPU combos are great for productivity tasks that students and business pros might do. My VivoBook always performed pretty well – when it comes to general tasks, it’s a pretty fast machine.

I personally like their sleek minimalistic design and their overall build quality. Moreover, they are super-thin and lightweight, which is pretty useful if you care about portability. If I’m headed to work or decide to have a productive day in one of my fav coffee shops, I don’t even notice carrying VivoBook in my backpack.

Alternatively, you could also consider a gaming laptop that is good for everyday use.

Drawbacks of the ASUS VivoBook for Gaming

The main drawback is, of course, some VivoBooks have low-end GPUs. I never had a problem running less demanding games, but running AAA titles is another story. You will get them to run, though they are quite slow.

Another thing is battery life. VivoBooks are awesome for light browsing, but the juice will run out quickly while gaming. I usually got a few hours, at best.

Also, most VivoBooks come with basic displays running at a low (60Hz) refresh rate, which is not the best for gaming. If you’re not into competitive gaming, you will notice the difference only when there’s a horde of enemies ganging up on you, or in eSports.

There are some models with high-quality (120Hz) OLED displays, but they are more expensive. 

Which ASUS VivoBook is Best for Gaming? 

Gaming performance depends on the specs, and ASUS does offer some models with serious capabilities. 

The VivoBook 15 and the more advanced S 15 version are decent performers, but I wouldn’t recommend them for gaming. Well, at least not for high-end gaming, because the lag is insufferable.

If you want to play AAA titles, check out the VivoBook Pro 15 OLED. It comes with high-end components that you usually find in more expensive gaming laptops. The powerful CPU and the dedicated RTX 3050 GPU make it the best choice for gaming from the VivoBook series. I ran Battlefield and GTA V at 50+ FPS with no problem.

Also, the newest Pro models come with the 12th Gen. Intel Core processors combined with the even more powerful RTX 3070 GPU, but don’t expect them to be cheap. This is a serious configuration, and in my tests, it performed well with games.

However, if you are into hardcore gaming, check out some of the ROG Zephyrus laptops from ASUS. And if those are too expensive for you, I’d look into Lenovo Legion 5 as a budget-friendly option.

ASUS VivoBook | Photos by Bence Fagyal

For specific recommendations, check out our list of the best affordable gaming laptops. 

ASUS is one of the most popular laptop brands. Whether you’re a gamer, a student, or a professional, you can’t go wrong by getting one of their devices. So if you prefer ASUS above other brands, check out our list of best ASUS laptops in 2023. 

But if you’re a student searching for a powerful gaming device, there are some other great laptops to consider – check out our top picks for gaming and school.  

Conclusion 

Obviously, the ASUS VivoBook series is not designed for gaming. Some models, however, are able to run games (even the AAA titles) at satisfying settings. 

If gaming is not your primary reason for getting a laptop, the VivoBook laptops are an excellent budget option for productivity tasks and everyday use. Otherwise, you might want to look for some other models.