GRAPHICS TESTS
We use UL’s 3DMark suite to test graphics performance with gaming
simulations. Of the two subtests we run, Fire Strike is for gaming PCs, while Sky
Diver is easier for systems with weaker integrated graphics. The Alpha 15
predictably trailed the faster 6GB Nvidia GPU–equipped laptops in both
exercises, but it notched a clear victory over the GL65 and its GeForce GTX
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rendering engine for a second take on a PC’s graphics performance. The Alpha
15 continued to do well here against the GL65 at higher resolution settings.
For the ultimate test of gaming potential, we move on to real games at their
middle and maximum image-quality presets. Running at 1080p resolution, we
use the built-in benchmarks in Far Cry 5 (at its Normal and Ultra presets) and
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The Alpha 15’s earlier advantages over the GL65 are less pronounced here,
though I’m not entirely sure that Rise of the Tomb Raider benchmarked
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preset, which I couldn’t say about the GL65 when I tested that machine. Even
setting this aside, the numbers clearly indicate that the Radeon RX 5500M is a
stronger choice than the GeForce GTX 1650.
BATTERY RUNDOWN TEST
For our last benchmark, we measure a laptop’s unplugged runtime while
playing a locally stored video with screen brightness at 50 percent and audio
volume at 100 percent. We use Windows’ energy-saving rather than balanced or
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backlighting to squeeze as much life as possible out of the system.
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laptop. It’s able to switch to its CPU’s Radeon RX Vega 10 integrated graphics to
stretch battery life when the Radeon RX 5500M isn’t needed.