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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Short answer: The AMD ASUS ExpertBook PM5 G2 is a capable 16-inch business laptop whose tested matte 2,560 × 1,600, 144 Hz IPS display is genuinely better than the 60 Hz Full HD panels common in this class. It also delivers stable Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 performance, useful ports, upgradeable memory and storage, and very good battery life. The compromises are audible fans during sustained work, slight chassis creaking, loose-feeling hinges and a clickpad that does not feel as premium as the aluminum exterior.
This review covers the PM5606 family tested by Notebookcheck and explains why the exact regional suffix, processor, panel, memory, operating system and price matter before you buy.
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Verdict first: a strong work laptop with one standout screen and several caveats
The PM5 G2 makes the most sense for professionals who want a large, sharp workspace without accepting the dim, 60 Hz display still common on business notebooks. In Notebookcheck’s August 19, 2026 review (updated September 8), the tested Germany-supplied unit combined a Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor with a matte 16:10 IPS panel running at 144 Hz. The panel measured about 425 cd/m², delivered a 1,504:1 contrast ratio and covered 98.5% of sRGB, with no PWM flicker detected. Those are meaningful advantages for spreadsheets, code, web applications and mixed office work.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →That does not make every PM5 G2 listing identical. ASUS uses PM5 G2 and P5 G2 names for the family, while regional pages identify models such as PM5606CGA. A Ryzen AI 7 445 version uses Radeon 840M graphics, and some markets list an OLED WUXGA panel instead of the reviewed IPS screen. Treat this as a family review, not a guarantee that every retail configuration has the same display or performance.
#1 Best Overall
- Windows 11 Pro - ASUS recommends Windows 11 Pro for business
- The world’s lightest 14” OLED business laptop, weighing a mere 2.18lbs
- Intel Core 7 processor (Series 1)
- Dedicated Copilot key for more AI exploration
- Sustainable across the product lifecycle
Which ExpertBook PM5 G2 is this review about?
The independently tested machine is a 16-inch PM5606 with AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 470. ASUS regional specifications also list a Ryzen AI 7 445 option, and memory, storage, operating system and panel choices vary by country. Confirm the complete model code on the seller’s page rather than relying on a product-family headline.
| Item | Notebookcheck test configuration | ASUS regional information |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 | Ryzen AI 7 445 is also listed in some markets |
| Integrated graphics | Radeon 890M with the HX 470 configuration | Radeon 840M with Ryzen AI 7 445 |
| Display tested | Matte IPS, 2,560 × 1,600, 16:10, 144 Hz | Other listings include OLED and WUXGA options |
| Memory in reviewed unit | 16 GB; one additional module can be added | Regional pages may show 32 GB; family claims go as high as 96 GB |
| Storage | Review sample used a 1 TB SSD | Two M.2 slots; family-level material advertises up to 3 TB dual-SSD storage |
| Operating system | Review configuration supplied for the German market | Windows 11 Home Single Language appears on ASUS Malaysia’s cited configuration; Windows 11 Pro is marketed for business |
ASUS’s advertised maximums are capabilities for the family, not proof that a particular box contains those components. A listing that says PM5 G2 may therefore describe a lower processor, a different screen or a different operating-system edition from the unit reviewed here.
The 144 Hz IPS display is the main reason to consider it
Sharp, spacious and easier on the eyes than a typical business panel
The tested panel’s 2,560 × 1,600 resolution gives a 16:10 working area rather than the shorter 16:9 shape used by many older business laptops. You gain vertical room for long documents, code, email and timelines while retaining a 16-inch diagonal. Text and fine interface elements look visibly denser than on a 1,920 × 1,080 panel, and the matte finish avoids the mirror-like reflections of glossy screens.
Notebookcheck measured approximately 425 cd/m² average maximum brightness. That is sufficient for a bright office and practical near a window, although direct outdoor sunlight remains challenging. The measured contrast ratio was about 1,504:1, helping dark text and interface elements retain separation from the background.
144 Hz is useful even outside gaming
At 144 Hz, scrolling through long web pages, moving windows and navigating large spreadsheets feel smoother than on a 60 Hz business display. The refresh rate does not turn the PM5 G2 into a gaming machine: graphics performance, response behavior and the business-oriented chassis are still the limiting factors for demanding games. Its value is day-to-day fluidity and a more modern feel during ordinary work.
Color coverage and calibration
The panel covered 98.5% of sRGB in Notebookcheck’s measurements, making it suitable for web graphics, presentations, UI work and general visual production. The factory image had a slight blue cast and an overly cool color temperature. After reviewer calibration, the measured ColorChecker deviation was 1.3 dE2000. That is convincing for mixed professional use, but it should not be read as color-critical accuracy straight out of the box. Photographers, video editors and designers who require a known color target should calibrate their own unit and verify the exact panel SKU.
Comfort and flicker
Notebookcheck detected no PWM flicker, and the reviewer described bright areas as showing only minimal graininess. Those observations support comfortable long sessions for many users, but individual sensitivity still varies. Screen behavior on an OLED PM5 G2 is not covered by these IPS measurements, so do not transfer the no-flicker or brightness result to that version.
Rank #2
- Business Operating System — Windows 11 Pro
- AI-Powered performance for multitasking — Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 226V with Intel AI Boost NPU offering up to 47 TOPS for AI task processing, and Intel Arc 140V Graphics for smooth visuals.
- Microsoft Copilot in Windows — Help is here with Copilot in Windows, your everyday AI companion. Get answers, generate images, summarize texts, and more.
- Fast and seamless — Lightning-fast 512 GB SSD storage, 16 GB of 8448 MHz LPDDR5X RAM, and Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring seamless connectivity and operation.
- Thin-and-light design for portability — Slim profile at just 0.65 inches thin and a lightweight all-metal 2.84 lb chassis.
Ryzen performance is stable, but sustained work gets loud
What the tested Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 delivers
Notebookcheck found good, stable multi-core performance from the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470. It is appropriate for large spreadsheets, software development, virtual machines, image work and other workloads that reward sustained CPU throughput. The integrated Radeon 890M is also the graphics solution associated with this top configuration.
ASUS advertises family support up to a 45 W TDP. That is a manufacturer specification, not an independently verified sustained value for every PM5 G2 variant. A Ryzen AI 7 445 configuration with Radeon 840M should be treated as a separate performance tier; benchmark results from the HX 470 sample cannot be applied to it.
Cooling behavior and power profiles
The single cooler has to dissipate substantial heat from the high-power HX 470. Under heavy, sustained load, the fans can become very loud. ASUS provides quieter power profiles, allowing you to favor lower noise when compiling, rendering or processing data is not time-critical. The trade-off is straightforward: the quiet setting is preferable in meetings, libraries and shared offices, while the higher-performance setting is more appropriate when throughput matters and fan noise is acceptable.
This behavior is less important for short bursts such as opening documents or responding to email. It matters when a workload holds the CPU near its limits for many minutes. Buyers who need consistently quiet operation should consider a lower-power configuration or a business model with a more conservative processor.
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Aluminum construction looks premium, but the sample had quality compromises
The chassis has a sleek aluminum appearance and a relatively restrained business design. However, Notebookcheck reported slight creaking noises and hinges that felt somewhat loose. Those issues weaken confidence when the laptop is opened, carried or repositioned frequently. They do not establish a long-term failure rate; the review is a single test sample, and no broad reliability survey was established.
Keyboard and clickpad
The backlit keyboard was comfortable in the review. The large clickpad provides plenty of room for gestures and pointer movement, but its mechanical clicks felt cheap to the reviewer. If you spend most of the day typing, the keyboard is a strength; if a firm, quiet and high-end pointing surface is a priority, try the machine in person when possible.
Ports, wireless and internal expansion
The PM5 G2 is equipped for a conventional office without requiring a dock for basic connectivity. Notebookcheck lists Wi-Fi 7, Ethernet, USB4 and adequate security connectivity among the strengths. ASUS Malaysia’s PM5606CGA specification lists the following physical interfaces:
Rank #3
- 【AI-Powered Performance】 The ASUS ExpertBook B1 business laptop is equipped with Intel Core 7 150U processor, delivering reliable computing power and adopting AI-enhanced productivity technology to streamline daily office workflows and boost overall work efficiency for diverse business tasks.
- 【Vibrant Visual Experience】 Featuring a 15.6-inch FHD display with 1920*1080 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate, this anti-glare screen delivers clear and vivid visuals, ensuring comfortable viewing during long-hour business presentations, document reading and video conferences.
- 【Optimized Thermal System】 Built with ExpertCool for optimized thermal management, the laptop maintains stable temperature and steady performance under prolonged business operation, effectively avoiding overheating issues and supporting continuous work.
- 【Enterprise-grade Security】 This business laptop comes with comprehensive enterprise-grade security configurations including TPM 2.0 chip, BIOS protection, hard drive password protection and privacy camera shutter, fully safeguarding business data and device security without fingerprint reader design.
- 【Full I/O Port Selection】 It retains a complete set of I/O ports as official specifications, including dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 1.4 and 3.5mm combo audio jack, enabling convenient connection to external monitors, storage devices and network equipment for flexible business expansion.
- Two USB-A ports
- One USB4 Type-C port
- One additional USB-C port
- Gigabit Ethernet
- HDMI 2.1 TMDS
- 3.5 mm combo audio jack
Port placement and the exact capabilities of each USB-C connector should still be checked on the regional specification sheet, especially if you depend on a particular monitor, charging or docking setup.
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Serviceability and upgrades
The reviewed 16 GB configuration can be expanded with another memory module. ASUS Malaysia lists two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots and two M.2 slots, so a compatible configuration can provide more RAM or additional solid-state storage. ASUS US describes family-level support for up to 96 GB of memory and up to 3 TB of dual-SSD storage; those are maximum platform capabilities, not a promise that every retailer offers them.
ASUS recommends professional supervision for SSD installation and notes that the work may affect warranty coverage. Before opening the chassis, check the warranty terms in your country, identify the exact SSD form factor supported by your model and back up data. Upgradeability is a practical advantage over sealed ultraportables, but it is not a reason to assume every memory or storage combination is officially supported.
Portability and battery life for a 16-inch business machine
ASUS Malaysia lists a 70 Wh battery and a starting weight of 1.62 kg for its PM5606CGA configuration. That is relatively portable for a 16-inch laptop with a full-size work area, though it is not as easy to carry as a compact 13- or 14-inch business notebook. Charger weight, panel type, memory and storage can change the total travel load.
Notebookcheck judged the tested unit’s battery life very good. The review’s assessment applies to its particular hardware and settings; an exact runtime should not be assumed for every PM5 G2 SKU because processor, display, operating system and power mode affect results. For travel, use the balanced or quiet profile, reduce screen brightness when practical and verify the battery capacity of the exact regional model.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBusiness features and operating-system details
ASUS markets the ExpertBook family with Windows 11 Pro and business security features. The ASUS Malaysia configuration cited in the specifications instead lists Windows 11 Home Single Language and says ASUS recommends Pro for business. That difference matters for domain joining, enterprise management and security policy. Confirm the installed edition before purchase; upgrading from Home may add cost and administrative work.
Security and manageability also depend on the exact processor, firmware and regional configuration. Treat the family branding as a starting point, then obtain the full business specification from ASUS or your reseller before placing a fleet order.
Rank #4
- 【AI-Powered Performance】 The ASUS ExpertBook B1 business laptop is equipped with Intel Core 7 150U processor, delivering reliable computing power and adopting AI-enhanced productivity technology to streamline daily office workflows and boost overall work efficiency for diverse business tasks.
- 【Vibrant Visual Experience】 Featuring a 15.6-inch FHD display with 1920*1080 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate, this anti-glare screen delivers clear and vivid visuals, ensuring comfortable viewing during long-hour business presentations, document reading and video conferences.
- 【Optimized Thermal System】 Built with ExpertCool for optimized thermal management, the laptop maintains stable temperature and steady performance under prolonged business operation, effectively avoiding overheating issues and supporting continuous work.
- 【Enterprise-grade Security】 This business laptop comes with comprehensive enterprise-grade security configurations including TPM 2.0 chip, BIOS protection, hard drive password protection and privacy camera shutter, fully safeguarding business data and device security without fingerprint reader design.
- 【Full I/O Port Selection】 It retains a complete set of I/O ports as official specifications, including dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 1.4 and 3.5mm combo audio jack, enabling convenient connection to external monitors, storage devices and network equipment for flexible business expansion.
Configuration checklist: verify these details before comparing listings
- Model suffix: Confirm whether the listing is PM5606, PM5606CGA or another regional code, and whether it is branded PM5 G2 or P5 G2.
- Processor and graphics: Check for Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 with Radeon 890M or Ryzen AI 7 445 with Radeon 840M. Do not use HX 470 benchmarks to predict AI 7 445 performance.
- Panel: Look for matte IPS at 2,560 × 1,600 and 144 Hz if that is the feature you want. An OLED or WUXGA listing is a different display experience.
- Memory: Record the installed capacity and whether one or both SO-DIMM slots are occupied. The reviewed unit had 16 GB; regional listings may ship with 32 GB.
- Storage: Verify SSD capacity and whether a second M.2 slot is populated or merely available.
- Operating system: Distinguish Windows 11 Home Single Language from Windows 11 Pro.
- Warranty and service: Check local coverage and the rules for user-installed SSDs or memory.
- Price and stock: Compare the final price in your country, including tax, keyboard layout, delivery and return terms.
Price and availability: the review figures are historical
Notebookcheck reported approximately €2,250 in Germany for a Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 configuration with 64 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. It also cited an Amazon.de Ryzen AI 7 445 configuration starting at about €1,800. Those figures were recorded around the August 19, 2026 review and are not current global prices or guarantees of stock. Currency, tax, retailer, warranty and exact specification can all change the comparison.
Use those numbers only as historical context. Before buying, match the advertised processor, panel, memory, storage and operating system to the configuration you actually need, then check the current local offer.
How to compare the PM5 G2 with another business laptop
Notebookcheck places the ExpertBook PM5 G2 alongside models such as the HP EliteBook 8 G1a 16 AI, Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 5, Dell Pro 5 16 and Dynabook Tecra A60/A65-M. A useful comparison requires more than processor names or screen size. Evaluate each candidate on the same six axes:
| Comparison axis | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Display | Is it the actual 144 Hz IPS SKU, an OLED model or a lower-resolution panel? What are measured brightness, color coverage, finish and flicker behavior? |
| Sustained performance | Does the processor maintain speed under long workloads, and how loud is the cooling system in the chosen power mode? |
| Memory and storage | How much is installed, how many slots remain, and are additional M.2 or SO-DIMM upgrades supported? |
| Physical quality | How rigid are the lid and hinges? Does the keyboard and pointing surface feel appropriate for daily use? |
| Connectivity | Are Wi-Fi 7, Ethernet, USB4, display output and the required USB-A ports present on the exact model? |
| Ownership terms | What are the local price, warranty, operating-system edition, service policy and availability? |
Without current, matching configurations and prices, a definitive head-to-head winner would be misleading. The PM5 G2’s clearest advantage is its high-resolution 144 Hz matte IPS option; its clearest disadvantages are heavy-load fan noise and the fit-and-finish concerns reported on the tested sample.
Strengths and weaknesses at a glance
Strengths
- Matte 2,560 × 1,600 16:10 IPS panel with a 144 Hz refresh rate in the tested configuration.
- About 425 cd/m² brightness, 1,504:1 contrast and 98.5% sRGB coverage measured by Notebookcheck.
- No PWM flicker detected on the reviewed IPS screen.
- Good, stable Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 multi-core performance.
- Useful business connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7, Ethernet and USB4.
- Two SO-DIMM slots and two M.2 slots listed for the PM5606CGA regional model.
- Very good battery assessment for the tested unit.
- Comfortable backlit keyboard and a relatively light 16-inch starting weight of 1.62 kg on the cited ASUS Malaysia model.
Weaknesses
- Fans become very loud during sustained heavy workloads.
- Test sample exhibited slight creaking and somewhat loose hinges.
- Clickpad clicks felt inexpensive compared with the aluminum chassis.
- Factory color tuning was cool with a slight blue cast; calibration improved accuracy.
- CPU, display, memory, storage and operating-system options differ by region and suffix.
- Historical German prices do not predict current local pricing or stock.
Who should buy the AMD ExpertBook PM5 G2?
Choose the PM5 G2 when a large, sharp, matte workspace is more important than absolute silence or a flawless premium fit. It suits office professionals, developers, analysts and creators who value 16:10 space, smooth 144 Hz interaction, wired networking and the ability to expand memory or storage. The HX 470 version is attractive for sustained CPU work if you can tolerate fan noise.
Look elsewhere if your priority is a whisper-quiet desk presence under continuous load, exceptionally rigid hinges, a more refined clickpad or a compact travel footprint. Also avoid assuming that a listing includes the reviewed display: verify the panel and model suffix before paying a premium for the 144 Hz feature.
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The ASUS ExpertBook PM5 G2 is not uniformly premium, but it gets the most visible part of a work laptop unusually right. The tested matte 144 Hz IPS display is bright, spacious, high-contrast and close to full sRGB, making everyday business work feel more modern than on conventional 60 Hz Full HD machines. Stable Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 performance, broad connectivity, upgradeable internals and very good battery life add practical value.
Its loud cooling under sustained load, creaking and loose-feeling hinges, and mediocre clickpad keep it from being an effortless recommendation. Buy the exact configuration rather than the family name, and decide whether the display advantage outweighs those compromises for your workload.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
