ASUS Zenbook Prime UX32VD gets First Test

Posted on 29 May 2012, Last updated on 29 May 2012 by

The ASUS Zenbook Prime UX32VD looks nice, performs well, could be a casual gamer’s dream!

UX32VD

We’re surprised that so many 2nd-Generation ASUS Ultrabooks have found their way into the hands of reviewers. Considering the Ivy Bridge processors inside them are under NDA you would think that Intel could have kept a tighter control. Instead we’re getting reviews that don’t list CPU part numbers or CPU/GPU performance figures. There will be a huge number of updates on June 5th! Despite that, the UX32VD impresses and because the GT640M GT620M GPU isn’t under NDA, you can see some impressive gaming results.

Notebookcheck are the first out of the blocks with a review of the Zenbook Prime UX32VD and if you haven’t kept up with the new models, don’t worry. We’ll have them all in the database soon. The UX32VD [full specs and more information] is the one with the discreet graphics card!

Also of note is the 1920×1080 screen (that we assume is the same as the one that impressed reviewers of the Zenbook Prime UX31A), a good set of ports, backlit keyboard, and a weight of under 1.5KG.

Is it the same build as the UX32A? No. There’s a hard-drive for a start and the materials are slightly different – this isn’t a unibody housing and the design has been changed very slightly.

Notebookcheck are happy with the screen. Not only is the IPS display viewable from all angles, it’s bright, and matt too.  However, it should be noted that when you boost the Windows Font Size to 120% as will probably be default with these HD screens, not all programs follow the sizing rules. You can get wrapping and strange effects with buttons. Watch out for that on older software. Black levels are deep and the contrast ratio was measured as very good. Even the gamut is good. This could be one for graphic designers as well as gamers!

One part of the review I won’t need to translate for you are the gaming and 3D test results. They’re good! Check out the section ‘Gaming Performance’ and look for the 3DMark 06 result that is about 2X what we see on 1st-Gen Ultrabooks with HD3000 graphics. You’ll also see some test game frame rates too.

You may pay for this in battery life though. Notebookcheck measured some extremely high drain rates when the discreet graphics card is in use and high drain rates at max screen brightness.  Test battery Life figures are available in the review.

Overall it looks like Notebookcheck enjoyed the UX31VD and ASUS could be on to a winner here as a gaming Ultrabook. The 320GB+24GB storage might be the only thing to consider though.

Notebookcheck.com ASUS Zenbook Prime UX32VD Review (German) (Translated)

Don’t forget to check out the image set too. You’ll see 2GB soldered on board and one memory slot. Two fans and a 48Wh battery that isn’t as big as it could be. Probably a result of the graphics card housing. (The UX31A only has a 49Wh battery though.)

6 Comments For This Post

  1. Thead says:

    Can you clarify whether the UX32VD has a GT620M or GT640M? Previous articles stated the 620 but you mention the 640 in the first paragraph. Thanks!

  2. John says:

    “Is it the same build as the UX32A? No. There’s a hard-drive for a start and the materials are slightly different – this isn’t a unibody housing and the design has been changed very slightly.”

    Is that a typo? Did you mean the UX31A, maybe?
    Or will the UX32A and the UX32VD actually have different cases?
    I thought both of them were made of plastic with a thin alu coating. But if the UX32A gets a massive alu unibody, that would be great!
    Please clarify! Thank you!

  3. artaman says:

    7.5K at 3DMark06…as Borat would have said…I like!!!!!

  4. Tirillea says:

    SB averaged around 3K-4K, IVB around 5K-6.K Not sure it’s worth the hassle that discreet cards provide for another moderate bump.

    But I am glad Asus is at least providing options & I hope they sell well.

    If next years 2.5x Haswell lives up to it’s claims than it will probably completely eliminate the discreet market in UB’s.

  5. artaman says:

    In 3DMark11 the 620m scores almost twice as much (1141 vs 608 -the latter value from a review of the thinkpad x230 that i just read).

    In DirectX11 enabled games the difference should be quite sizeable (at least theoretically)

  6. none says:

    What is the point of a review on kit you can’t buy.
    Date when will shops in US and UK will have stock ?
    please

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