ASUS Vivobook Go 14 (E1404FA-NK185W) Laptop Review: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
ASUS Vivobook Go 14 (E1404FA-NK185W) Laptop Review
Looking for a budget-friendly laptop that doesn’t skimp on performance? The ASUS Vivobook Go 14 (E1404FA-NK185W) might be your answer. This sleek and portable machine packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor, 8GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB NVMe SSD. But does it live up to the hype? I put it through its paces to find out.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The ASUS Vivobook Go 14 (E1404FA-NK185W) is designed for users who prioritize portability without compromising on performance. It boasts a lightweight design, a comfortable keyboard, and a vibrant display. But the true star of the show is the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor, which delivers impressive power for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Features
The Vivobook Go 14 is packed with features that cater to both work and entertainment. Let’s take a closer look:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Color | Mixed Black |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home (ASUS recommends Windows 11 Pro for business) |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ 5 7520U Mobile Processor 2.8GHz (4-core/8-thread, 4MB cache, up to 4.3 GHz max boost) |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon™ Graphics |
| Display | 14.0-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 aspect ratio, LED Backlit, 60Hz refresh rate 250nits, 45% NTSC color gamut, Anti-glare display, Non-touch screen, (Screen-to-body ratio)83% |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR5 on board, Max Total system memory up to:8GB |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 3.0 SSD |
| Expansion Slots | 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0×2 |
| I/O Ports | 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1x DC-in |
| Keyboard & Touchpad | Chiclet Keyboard, 1.4mm Key-travel, Touchpad |
| Camera | 720p HD camera, With privacy shutter |
| Audio | SonicMaster, Built-in speaker, Built-in array microphone Cortana and Alexa voice-recognition support |
| Network and Communication | Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) (Dual band) 1*1 + Bluetooth® 5.3 Wireless Card (*Bluetooth® version may change with OS version different.) |
| Battery | 42WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion |
| Power Supply | ø4.5, 45W AC Adapter, Output: 19V DC, 2.37A, 45W, Input: 100~240V AC 50/60Hz universal |
| Weight | 1.38 kg (3.04 lbs) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 32.45 x 21.39 x 1.79 ~ 1.79 cm (12.78″ x 8.42″ x 0.70″ ~ 0.70″) |
| Built-in Apps | MyASUS, ScreenXpert, GlideX |
| MyASUS Features | System diagnosis, Battery health charging, Fan Profile, Splendid, Function key lock, WiFi SmartConnect, Link to MyASUS, TaskFirst, Live update, AI Noise Canceling |
| Military Grade | US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard |
| Ecolabels & Compliances | Energy star 8.0, RoHS, REACH |
Performance
The Vivobook Go 14 is a true performer, exceeding expectations for its price point. The AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor handles everyday tasks with ease. From browsing the web and streaming videos to running productivity software, the laptop never stuttered or lagged. It also managed to handle some light gaming, like League of Legends and Valorant, with playable frame rates on low settings. This performance is further amplified by the 8GB DDR5 RAM, allowing for smooth multitasking. The 512GB NVMe SSD provides ample storage for your files, and its fast read and write speeds ensure quick boot times and app loading.
I was impressed with the battery life, lasting for about 6-7 hours on a single charge with moderate use. This makes it suitable for a full workday without needing a power outlet. While the display isn’t the most vibrant, it’s more than adequate for everyday use and delivers a comfortable viewing experience. The keyboard is also a standout feature, providing a comfortable typing experience thanks to its 1.4mm key travel and responsive keys.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a quick summary of the Vivobook Go 14’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor
- 8GB DDR5 RAM for smooth multitasking
- Fast 512GB NVMe SSD for quick boot times and app loading
- Lightweight and portable design
- Comfortable keyboard with 1.4mm key travel
- Solid battery life lasting up to 6-7 hours
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Display could be brighter and have a higher color gamut
- Limited upgrade options for RAM and storage
- No dedicated graphics card for demanding games
Final Verdict
Overall, the ASUS Vivobook Go 14 (E1404FA-NK185W) is an excellent choice for students, professionals, and casual users who need a portable and powerful laptop at an affordable price. Its combination of performance, portability, and battery life makes it a solid value proposition. While the display could be better and the upgrade options are limited, these are minor drawbacks considering the overall package. If you’re looking for a reliable and capable laptop that won’t break the bank, the Vivobook Go 14 is definitely worth considering.
