ASUS ROG Strix GL12 Gaming Desktop Initial Impressions: Flashy and Edgy

We check out ASUS newest gaming desktop!

After unveiling its new ROG and TUF gaming laptops with 8th-Generation Intel processors a few weeks back, ASUS updates its ROG desktop line with the introduction of the Strix GL12 gaming desktop. Armed with 8th-generation Intel processors like its laptop counterparts, the ROG Strix GL12 is styled for the avid gamer in mind with its RGB lighting and acrylic side panel to showcase its internals.

We came across the unit today, and here are our first impressions:

ASUS ROG Strix GL12 specs

Intel Core i5-8400/Core i7-8700 processor
8GB/16GB of DDR4 RAM
1TB HDD + 128GB SSD/1TB HDD + 256GB SSD/1TB HDD + 512GB SSD
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050/ GTX 1060/ GTX 1070/ GTX 1080 GPU
(Back) Two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 Gen 1 ports, two USB 3.0 Gen 2 ports, six audio ports
(Front) Two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, an SD card reader, headset jack, DVD-RW Superdrive, 2.5-inch drive slot
802.11 AC WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0
USB Keyboard and Mouse
Windows 10 Home

Initial Impressions: Aggressive styling with flashy design elements

Without no doubt, the ROG Strix GL12 is designed with gamers in mind. Aside from its aggressive design, you get funky elements like RGB lighting on the front panel that can be programmed via ROG’s AuraSync. It’s a definite head turner, and there are several ways to configure the lighting to suit your needs. Hidden behind the panel are the DVD-RW Superdrive and a 2.5-inch drive bay.

You got a large vent on top of the CPU tower for additional ventilation, which is crucial for hardcore gaming sessions.

Also at the top panel, you have a suite of ports that include two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, an SD card reader, and a headset jack. You’ll find the power button on the right side of the CPU tower.

The CPU tower’s left side is where things get interesting. You have a clear acrylic panel that showcases the ROG Strix GL12’s internals. While it is an interesting design aesthetic, there’s a small gap between the acrylic panel and CPU tower, which can be a concern for dust and other particles.

Speaking of internals, you have various options for the ROG Strix GL12. These include a Core i5-8400 or Core i7-8700 processor, 8GB or 16GB RAM, 1TB HDD + 128GB SSD, 1TB HDD + 256GB SSD, or 1TB HDD + 512GB SSD internal storage, and GTX 1050, GTX 1060, GTX 1070, or GTX 1080 GPUs.

You have a suite of ports at the back panel, which includes two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 Gen 1 ports, two USB 3.0 Gen 2 ports, and a suite of audio ports.

That’s it for our quick review of the ROG Strix GL12. The model we checked out here comes with a Core i7-8700 processor, GTX 1080 GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB HDD, and 512GB SSD, and retails for Php 149,995.

In case you find the price too steep, there’s an entry-level model that comes with a Core i5-8400 processor, GTX 1050 GPU, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, and 128GB SSD, and retails for Php 55,995. The ROG Strix GL12 is now available at select authorized ASUS ROG dealers.