Edit: I have now received this laptop. Corrections were made to this and new findings will come in a new article.
I ordered the base model of the Asus Zenbook 14 (Q409ZA) from Best Buy USA. It is a variant of the Asus Zenbook 14 (UX3402).
UltrabookReview posted a short piece on the UX3402 with the only photo of the internals I could find.
One verified purchaser on Best Buy commented the following system specs that I marked up with comments. It answers some of my questions but there are still some questions I have about the product.
Zenbook UX3402ZA_Q409ZA.
This implies the models are probably equivalent. Pantone has the only other reference to this model, listing it as Pantone verified for the P3 color space. The full model number on the Best Buy site is Q409ZA-EVO.I5256BL. The ending likely refers to it being an i5 processor, with 256GB storage in BLue.
i5–1240p, 2100Mhz, 12 Cores, 16 Logical Processors.
There are 4 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores for a total of 12. The performance cores have hyperthreading, providing another 4 threads for a total of 16. The frequency is likely just what that computer was running at the time. CPU Benchmark lists the base clocks at 1.7 or 1.2 GHz for the P and E cores respectively. NotebookCheck also has more details on this CPU.
Installed 8GB. Total Physical Memory 7.63GB. Available after boot 3.38GB.
This is soldered LPDDR5-4800MHz with 52–44–104–148 timings over 8x1GB RAM chips.
Realtek HD Audio.
Virtually all low and mid end computers use Realtek chipsets for audio.
XE Graphics. 1GB Adapter RAM.
The processor has the 80EU version of the XE graphics. It’ll likely perform the same as it did in the 11th gen parts. It can use up to 3.8GB of the system memory.
Resolution 2880 x 1800 x 60 hertz. 32 Bits/Pixel.
This was the greatest mystery of the listing on Best Buy. It had changed multiple times from 4k (3840x2160) to 2880x1800 to 2560x1600 before settling back at 2880x1800.
This model has the same screen as the UX3402 OLED which is 2880x1800 at 90 Hz. The UX3402 non-OLED has a lower resolution of 2560x1600 but at 60 Hz like this user listed.
Realtek USB GbE.
A laptop sleeve, USB to ethernet/LAN adapter is included with some models, but not this one. It is listed as a possible accessory on both spec sheets. A stylus is included with some touchscreen models.
Intel AX211 Wi-Fi 6E.
This is among the latest WiFi adapters that Intel makes. Bluetooth 5.2 is integrated in the module. This connects over the CNVio protocol, not typical PCIe, so it is only compatible with Intel systems. Full details are available on Intel’s website.
NVMe WD PC SN735 256GB.
This is likely a variant of the WD SN730, which is a m.2 2280 PCIe Gen3x4 SSD with sequential reads of 3150MB/s, sequential writes of 2100MB/s and an endurance of 200TBW. There should be no problems with this drive.
Questions I still have:
- Are there any differences between the UX3402ZA and the Q409ZA? Does it have the same exterior appearance and/or internal layout?
- What is the battery life under different conditions? How long does it take to charge?
- What is the screen on this laptop? (IPS/OLED, glossy/matte)
- What is the RAM speed and timing? Is it soldered?
- How hot does this computer get under load? What frequencies can it maintain over time?
- Does this model have the numpad on the touchpad?
- Is there a physical webcam shutter?
- How do the speakers and microphone sound?
- How does this laptop perform with an eGPU?
- How difficult is it to open the case?
- Can you use PCIe cards in the WiFi card slot?
- Does the storage slot also support SATA drives?
- Does it come with a sleeve?
