Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021). If you're looking for a solid gaming laptop that balances performance, durability, and price, this might just be the one for you. In this in-depth review, we'll explore everything from its design and build quality to its gaming performance and thermal management. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) sports a robust and understated look. The chassis is primarily made of plastic, but it feels surprisingly sturdy. ASUS has clearly focused on durability here, which is a hallmark of the TUF series. The laptop meets MIL-STD-810H standards, meaning it can withstand drops, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. This is a huge plus if you're planning to take your gaming on the road or tend to be a bit clumsy.

The lid features a subtle yet stylish design with the TUF logo prominently displayed. Opening the laptop reveals a clean and functional interior. The keyboard deck is also made of plastic but offers a comfortable typing experience. The key travel is decent, and the keys have a satisfying tactile feedback. The trackpad is responsive and accurate, making it suitable for everyday tasks, although serious gamers will likely prefer using a dedicated gaming mouse.

The port selection on the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) is quite generous. On the left side, you'll find two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port with DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 4 support, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. The right side houses a single USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port and a Kensington lock slot. This array of ports ensures you can connect all your essential peripherals without needing a dongle.

One minor drawback is the thickness and weight of the laptop. At around an inch thick and weighing over five pounds, it's not the most portable gaming laptop on the market. However, this is a trade-off for the robust build quality and cooling system. Overall, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) strikes a good balance between durability and aesthetics, making it a reliable and visually appealing gaming machine.

Display Quality

The display is a crucial aspect of any gaming laptop, and the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) offers several options to suit different needs and budgets. The base model typically comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. Higher-end configurations may feature a 240Hz or even a 300Hz panel for smoother gaming experiences. The higher refresh rates are particularly beneficial for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts.

The color accuracy of the display is decent, covering around 60-70% of the sRGB color gamut. This is adequate for gaming and general use, but content creators who require more accurate colors for tasks like photo and video editing might want to consider an external monitor. The brightness levels are also acceptable, typically ranging from 250 to 300 nits. While this is sufficient for indoor use, the display may struggle in bright outdoor environments.

The viewing angles are good, thanks to the IPS panel, ensuring that the image remains clear and consistent even when viewed from different angles. The matte finish helps to reduce glare, making it easier to see the screen in brightly lit rooms. Overall, the display on the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) is well-suited for gaming, providing a smooth and immersive experience. While it may not be the most color-accurate display on the market, it's more than adequate for most gamers.

Performance

Under the hood, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) packs some serious firepower. It's typically equipped with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors from the 11th generation, along with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series graphics cards. The exact configuration can vary depending on the model, but even the base configurations offer excellent gaming performance. For example, a model with an Intel Core i7-11800H and an RTX 3060 can handle most modern games at high settings with smooth frame rates.

The laptop also supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and seamless performance in demanding applications. Storage options typically include a fast NVMe SSD, which provides quick boot times and snappy application loading. Some models may also include a secondary HDD for additional storage space. The combination of a powerful processor, dedicated graphics card, and ample RAM and storage makes the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) a capable gaming machine.

In terms of real-world performance, the laptop excels in gaming. It can easily handle popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and Call of Duty: Warzone at high settings with frame rates above 60fps. The RTX 30-series graphics card also supports ray tracing and DLSS, enhancing the visual fidelity and performance in compatible games. Beyond gaming, the laptop is also well-suited for other demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and software development.

Thermal Management

One of the most critical aspects of any gaming laptop is its thermal management. The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) features an efficient cooling system that helps to keep temperatures in check even during intense gaming sessions. The system includes multiple heat pipes, dual fans, and strategically placed vents that dissipate heat effectively.

During testing, the laptop managed to maintain reasonable temperatures even under sustained load. The CPU temperatures typically hovered around 80-90°C, while the GPU temperatures remained in the 70-80°C range. While these temperatures are not the lowest we've seen, they are within acceptable limits and don't cause any significant performance throttling. The laptop also features different performance modes that allow you to adjust the fan speeds and power limits to optimize performance or reduce noise.

However, the cooling system can get quite loud under heavy load. The fans spin up audibly to keep the components cool, which can be distracting if you're not using headphones. Overall, the thermal management on the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) is effective, but the noise levels could be an issue for some users. It's a trade-off between performance and acoustics, and ASUS has done a decent job of balancing the two.

Battery Life

Battery life is rarely a strong point for gaming laptops, and the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) is no exception. The laptop typically comes with a 48Wh or 90Wh battery, depending on the configuration. With the 48Wh battery, you can expect around 4-5 hours of light use, such as web browsing and word processing. Gaming on battery power will drain the battery much faster, typically lasting for an hour or two.

The 90Wh battery offers significantly better battery life, allowing for around 6-8 hours of light use. However, even with the larger battery, gaming on battery power is still limited. The laptop is designed to deliver its best performance when plugged into a power outlet. If you need a gaming laptop with exceptional battery life, you might want to consider other options, but for most users, the battery life on the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) is adequate for occasional use on the go.

Audio Quality

The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) features dual speakers that are located on the bottom of the laptop. The audio quality is decent, with clear mids and highs. However, the bass response is somewhat lacking, which is common for laptop speakers. The speakers are loud enough for casual listening, but serious gamers will likely prefer using headphones for a more immersive experience.

The laptop also includes DTS:X Ultra audio technology, which enhances the sound quality and provides a more immersive experience. The software allows you to customize the audio settings to suit your preferences. Overall, the audio quality on the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) is acceptable for gaming and general use, but it's not the best we've heard on a gaming laptop.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021)? Overall, it's a solid gaming laptop that offers a great balance of performance, durability, and price. The robust build quality, powerful hardware, and efficient cooling system make it a reliable choice for gamers who want a machine that can handle demanding games without breaking the bank. While it may not be the most portable or stylish gaming laptop on the market, it's a practical and capable option for gamers who prioritize performance and durability.

Pros:

• Durable build quality (MIL-STD-810H)
• Powerful performance (Intel Core i5/i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series)
• Efficient cooling system
• Generous port selection
• Decent display with high refresh rate options

Cons:

• Bulky and heavy design
• Mediocre battery life
• Noisy cooling system under heavy load
• Average color accuracy on the display

If you're in the market for a gaming laptop that offers excellent value for money, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2021) is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its limitations, such as its bulkiness and battery life, before making your decision. Happy gaming, folks!