ASUS ROG G615 Review: A Gaming Laptop That's Actually Upgradeable (and Packs Serious Power)

Let's get real: when we gamers hear the term RGB and upgradeability, we're usually talking about desktop rigs, not laptops. What if I told you that there is one gaming laptop, though, that not only has top-of-the-line specs but also lets you take out the back and upgrade major components? Meet the ASUS ROG G615—a laptop that could potentially break the stigma.".

We put it through three weeks of testing, pushing it, and (accidentally) slightly breaking it. Here's what we learned.

First Impressions: Design and Build Quality
The first time we saw the G615 at CES 2025, it caught our attention—no, not just for the specs, but for the build. The unit we tested includes:

Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX

RTX 5080 GPU with 16GB VRAM

64GB DDR5 RAM

2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD

This thing is a beast.

The Build
It's largely plastic but feels upscale with hardly any flex.

There is only 5mm thickness to the screen, which is the only part of metal that it contains so it feels upmarket where one needs it most.

Hinges are solid and you can conveniently open it in one hand (good to see, ASUS).

What really caught my attention off guard was the finish—a rich matte grey top with a touch of purple sheen, crisp ROG logo, and a skinny stripe across. You can disable the RGB strip at the front if the "flying saucer look" is not for you.

RGB, See-Through Keys, and… Gamer Buttons?
RGB wraps the bottom edge in one unbroken strip. You also get see-through keycaps—but only on gamer-standard WASD keys. Handy? Maybe. Overkill? Probably. But it definitely adds to the gamer aesthetic.

But here's the thing to consider: Why do companies love to feature the WASD keys? Let me know in the comments.

Upgradeability — And a Quirky Security Feature
The G615's toolless back panel is a dream come true. Click, pull, and you're in. No screws, no hassle. It's all about the users adding RAM or storage without having to jump through hoops.

But that's where it gets bizarre.

A Curious Power Quirk
The instant you remove the back, the laptop powers off. Safety feature? Definitely. But rebooting it until you've put the charger in—whether or not you immediately close it back up—is something you can't do. That is:
No wowing with insides in transit.

When you do open the back inadvertently, you find yourself with no charger.
Some head-scratching, indeed.

On the bright side, ASUS added plastic protector covers above sensitive parts to prevent shorts if touched accidentally—a considerate gesture.

Keyboard & Touchpad
Keyboard: Quiet, clicky Chiclet keyboard.

Trackpad: GIANT. Great for gesture navigation, though also prone to accidental taps with fingers while typing or gaming. A software palm rejection fine-tuning would be appreciated.

Display & Gaming Performance
16-inch 2.5K IPS screen

240Hz refresh rate

100% DCI-P3 color gamut

Pantone certified

This display is sharp, vivid, and fast—ideal for gamers and content creators.

Performance
175W GPU power delivered solid results:

25 FPS in Black Myth: Wukong (full ray tracing, no DLSS)

140+ FPS in Marvel Rivals with DLSS Quality

270 FPS with Frame Gen on

I’d give the overall gaming experience an 8.9/10—nearly flawless, with just a few quirks keeping it from a perfect score.

Fans, Heat & Noise
Gaming laptops tend to be sneaky jet engines—but not this time. The G615:

Is pleasantly quiet to operate, aside from when in Turbo mode

Has multiple profiles: Silent, Performance, Turbo

Breathes heat out the back, as opposed to toward your hands or your lap

Thermals are handled exceptionally well. With or without load, I didn't experience overheating.

Battery & Charger
90Wh battery lasts around 3 to 3.5 hours of usage when doing light work and having a brightness level of 30%.

Don't anticipate gaming off battery—performance suffers, and it's not good for battery longevity.

The charger, however? Large and awkward. It doesn't sit well in the port and is loose. Not a dealbreaker, but doubtful long-term functionality.

Ports & Webcam
Lots of I/O here:

3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2

2x Thunderbolt 5

1x HDMI 2.1

Ethernet + audio jack

The 1080p webcam is. fine. In good lighting, it's good enough for meetings. Just don't have expectations of DSLR quality.

Final Verdict: Do You Need to Buy the ROG G615?
The ASUS ROG G615 is probably one of the most interesting gaming laptops I've tested in a while. It delivers desktop performance, genuine upgradeability, and a solid build, all without being excessively hot or noisy.

Pros:
Excellent Core Ultra + RTX 5080 pairing
Easy to upgrade RAM and SSD
Gorgeous 240Hz screen
Excellent thermals and performance
Imposing but slim design

Cons:
Weird power quirk when backplate is removed
Charger port is delicate
RGB might be overkill for some
Trackpad accidental presses

If you want a high-end gaming laptop where you can mess around and upgrade without losing your hair, the G615 should be at the top of your wish list. Even the bottom-of-the-range spec is excellent value—and the top-of-the-range model? A beast.