The reviewer mentions not caring much about the AI stuff and finding the NPU features useless, implying a desire to disable or remove Copilot features.
I never really get Gigabyte gaming laptops at my workplace, but this one was at the store so I had to do a review of it. Keep in mind I put in whatever info I thought were useful but all, so feel free to ask a question below! TLDR: The [Gigabyte Aero X16](https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-AERO-X16-Copilot-2WHA3USC64AH/dp/B0FDLX4F6T?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KoyJxwROwtTTJiKpPDFBPy9zKfA9kO8xMGp_Qh6KcTf7GXxQ7DzmkWNpk3qnZDe2U6tpgTvJU_kvL_oOGLdQ5Lq2WUtIG26FiqUl0KqE2mTJ_LF719ZmHGrbrj4SEF9jwl9OWNw_TAlwlNny-EWGgpRHB2LEcxu4RSf2UKlHa1TP4adQqfE_ATYySGDMZZp5yD5mXIDyYz9udpfnwDIr2XoJLPz1ysKnjY6tb9Q3igs.jUZLeA4OtQl7Kdsohay7lsrPwdn3eGbmIGhsk32-2Rc&dib_tag=se&keywords=aero%2Bx16&qid=1759954079&sr=8-4&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=taohid0f-20&linkId=38eb33c962d3f76e07ef0c7b8d873b56&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl) is a more professional look like the HP Omen, great performance for the current price. Above average battery life for a gaming laptop with a beautiful display. Gets decently warm! Can handle modern AAA games no problem. # Quick Specs (the unit I tested) * Display: 16″ WQXGA (2560×1600), IPS / mini-LED / whatever GIGABYTE’s panel is, 165 Hz, HDR, color-accurate * CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 * GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU * RAM: 32 GB DDR5 * Storage: 1 TB PCIe SSD * Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E/BT, full ports (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, SD, etc.) * Extras: Copilot+ AI integration, creator software features * Chassis: Premium, thin-ish for its class, aluminum top/metal construction # Benchmarks (my testing) Here’s what I recorded on this unit * **Cinebench R23 Multi:** \~21,300 pts * **Cinebench R23 Single:** \~2,150 pts * **Geekbench 6 Multi:** \~16,700 * **Geekbench 6 Single:** \~2,850 * **3DMark Time Spy (Graphics):** \~14,500 * **PCMark 10 (Overall):** \~8,100 * **Battery Life (mixed use):** \~6–7 hours * **Battery Life (video / light tasks):** \~8–9 hours These numbers reflect that the HX 370 is a beefy CPU for heavy tasks, and the RTX 5070 holds its own for creative + gaming workloads. The display and fast SSD help make everything feel premium. # Performance (Real-World Impressions) # Creative / Productivity Exporting 4K timelines, color grading, app switching, large Photoshop files, all very fast. The AI NPU also helps with on-board inference, boosting some tasks like upscaling, noise removal, or background processes. I rarely saw slowdown even when pushing heavy loads + background apps simultaneously. Although those NPU features will be **useless** for most people. # Gaming * *Cyberpunk 2077 (Medium / DLSS):* Averaged \~70–85 fps at 2560×1600 (with ray tracing scaled down) * *Shadow of the Tomb Raider:* High preset gave \~120+ fps * *Valorant / eSports titles:* Pushed the 165 Hz panel comfortably with 300+ fps in competitive settings * More demanding AAA titles run well but require some tuning (ultra settings might be too much for RTX 5070 at native resolution). * Fortnite (Performance Mode): 165+FPS stable through out the game with 0 stutters. Switching between gaming & creative workflows is nice, no weird juggling of modes or reboots. The laptop handles it well. # Thermals & Fan Noise * In light work (coding, browsing) it’s nearly silent. * Under heavy gaming or rendering, the fans spin up noticeably. I measured \~38–40 dB at gaming load. * The top edge and vent zones get hot (mid-40s °C). Under full CPU + GPU stress, underside hotspots hit \~50–55 °C. Palm rests remained usable. * I did long rendering + gaming back-to-back and saw sustained noise + heat, but performance remained stable (throttling only mildly). * The thermal design is good but has limits in a thin chassis. For long sessions, I’d recommend a stand or airflow help. # Battery Life Because of the beefy CPU + GPU + high-res display, battery isn’t its strongest suit. In mixed use (web, coding, video) I got about **7–8 hours**. In lighter uses (video playback, docs) I pushed **8–9 hours**. Gaming or heavy workloads drop it fast — expect 1–2 hours at most. So plan to game or render plugged in. # Display & Build The 16″ WQXGA (2560×1600) panel is gorgeous. Crisp, color-accurate, HDR capable, perfect for creators and media work. The 165 Hz refresh rate gives smooth motion for games too. Viewing angles, calibration, and contrast are excellent. Build is high-end: metal chassis, clean minimal design, good rigidity. The lid is sturdy, the hinge solid, and the whole unit feels premium. I did detect slight flex in the keyboard deck under strong pressure, but not problematic. Ports are abundant (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, SD / microSD, etc.), making this a good all-rounder. Keyboard is comfortable, key travel is moderate but satisfying, and the backlight is effective. Trackpad is large, responsive, though I wish it had slightly more haptic or travel in feedback. Webcam + mic quality are good for meetings — better than average for a laptop this powerful. # Comparisons * [Lenovo Legion](https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Legion-Notebook-GeForce-Eclipse/dp/B0FGGBBYK7?crid=LGDV5BZ2FPJ6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tXui34E_rVhmwNB5cuvpdf_hnrFx6vhBJPrsJkz06LMPsiIk2eAOmHdzwD4BZuBCp20u1itsJDkKAk1eTxAg1q_XQX70Xn4aTrV9jNH-BNzt1loKkNOJVJgAacfnD-ZeYdEARiP9fiP6uJpe9w7BzhJ4kTUuZai8WS9SHy2W7ligcKzbwqRsj02YRn_4FoO_t9tOqc7AtnYGQcl7SUNBYqIxAjRDNITSFjz7SXQRVbs.mf-gpKaKA9dECf9C6mkNeCIDFn2BGrAeNT2CDaphG7c&dib_tag=se&keywords=lenovo+legion&qid=1759954619&sprefix=lenovo+le%2Caps%2C247&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=taohid0f-20&linkId=80e38a1bb0a27c3ed279a37f76ebe94c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**: W**orser performance, better thermals and budget friendlier. Worser battery life and very flashy. * [ASUS A14](https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Gaming-Copilot-Laptop-WQXGA/dp/B0DZQHB8S5?crid=2PZIEHVGF17SD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VCdrpT2LeVeRkCUL_RlI975wTbhVEy6zJhr09MtxkZqk3zXV9Jh_8xwwxWcWgsIfm8dRbBvK0Y5Icr310mVViL2SO0WwCqyCvmew7mwfWsqy4v8I-ohxyIMVCyzDVIWqIXfrTumx7zv_NyIA3Du-QvFdiYjiFZOHSCBtr_hemu1JuYUnFtjCCY3c_Pv6OKSXRPq78Ygb4tGN2WbzvdzF_gVaI4MIQoL8_Br3wabk5Cc.ktN-sHV9Y6kX0CsokDwLTAjhJWtDMNbTaGw4LyQ2830&dib_tag=se&keywords=asus+a14&qid=1759954685&sprefix=asus+a14%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=taohid0f-20&linkId=c3598690cc7f4111612c7079c25cfc8a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**:** Much better battery life (10 hours)+better portability, but way worser performance. If you had to pick between them, the AERO X16 gives the best “all-rounder” feel for both creative work and gaming, at a premium. # A Potentially Better Choice I honestly do not think there is a better alternative to this laptop for the current price with the Prime deal. All the similar spec ones cost way more and have a lot of flaws. # Pros & Cons **Pros:** * Stunning 16″ WQXGA 165 Hz, color-accurate display * Good battery life for a gaming laptop * Strong CPU + GPU combo, excellent for both creative workflows and gaming * Premium build and solid port selection * Smooth switching between creative and gaming use * Large, fast SSD + lots of RAM **Cons:** * Gets warm and fans are audible under heavy load * Slight flex in keyboard deck (minor) * Heavier / less portable than ultrabooks # Tips for Buyers * Use[ CTT Debloat](https://christitus.com/windows-tool/)**, get rid of useless bloatware** — helps free resources. * Always game or do heavy work plugged in — battery won’t cut it. * Use performance / turbo cooling modes when needed; reduce when just doing creative or light tasks. * Keep firmware/drivers updated, AERO updates often improve thermal behavior. * Keep the vents clean * Thermal repaste every 1-2 years. # Overall I really like the [GIGABYTE AERO X16](https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-AERO-X16-Copilot-2WHA3USC64AH/dp/B0FDLX4F6T?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KoyJxwROwtTTJiKpPDFBPy9zKfA9kO8xMGp_Qh6KcTf7GXxQ7DzmkWNpk3qnZDe2U6tpgTvJU_kvL_oOGLdQ5Lq2WUtIG26FiqUl0KqE2mTJ_LF719ZmHGrbrj4SEF9jwl9OWNw_TAlwlNny-EWGgpRHB2LEcxu4RSf2UKlHa1TP4adQqfE_ATYySGDMZZp5yD5mXIDyYz9udpfnwDIr2XoJLPz1ysKnjY6tb9Q3igs.jUZLeA4OtQl7Kdsohay7lsrPwdn3eGbmIGhsk32-2Rc&dib_tag=se&keywords=aero%2Bx16&qid=1759954079&sr=8-4&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=taohid0f-20&linkId=38eb33c962d3f76e07ef0c7b8d873b56&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl) **Copilot+**. It nails a sweet spot: powerful enough to game, strong enough for serious creative work, and premium enough to feel like a pro machine. The display alone almost justifies the price for creators. Yes, thermals aren’t perfect, but they’re expected tradeoffs at this level. If you need a laptop that can be your gaming rig and your editing suite without compromise, this is among the top in that class and the best for the current price imo. (Heads up: This post has amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, I will get a small commission , doesn’t cost you extra. Helps support the time I put into testing and writing these reviews, so I appreciate it) And please upvote this if you think it was helpful :) If you have any questions lmk :)