A gaming desktop is a niche target market as gaming enthusiasts mostly purchase DIY units. This 2018 we have the G21 Huracan that can provide top gaming-class PC performance in under a 13-liter chassis. This concept started last 2014 with the GR8 that is built to become steam gaming PCs for portability and powerful performance.
With 4 years of progress such as RGB lighting, a quick tray slot for SSD, but the Huracan delivers a unique solution never seen before. Similar to the covers of tablets which folds like origami, the Huracan folds on its side to allow direct airflow to bring better cooling for the G21 Huracan.
This concept is a genius approach in pushing the limits of the G21 Huracan and its body concept for the maximum performance. But how much is the added performance? let’s find out.
At the back are 6 USB A ports (2 dedicated for Mouse and Keyboard) and 4 ports with USB 3.1 speeds for faster connectivity. Along with a gigabit ethernet LAN, SPDIF audio and 3-in-1 audio jacks.
Ports are complete especially the display department where a GTX1080 graphics is equipped for 2pcs of Display Port and 2pcs of HDMI connection for multiple displays. Along with the dual power supply port to support the GTX1080 graphics and Core i7-7th generation PC.
At the front is still the familiar tower style case which utilizes airflow toward upwards to amplify better air cooling.
At the front, quick access ports like USB-Type C, 2 USB 3.1 Type-A and 3.5mm input and output ports. Additionally, two ASUS Aura RGB lights are prominent giving a gamer-centric look with no doubt.
The front also has air vents for better cooling management as compared to previous generations. Additionally, the G21 Huracan has a special sliding chassis for faster access to the internal components instead of a front access panel which you have to unscrew a lot of parts.
Performance
Like the ASUS ROG G11, the ASUS ROG G21 Huracan was a complete system so we tested the performance of both its GPU and CPU in several benchmarks:
As far as performance goes, the ASUS ROG G21 Huracan posted some impressive numbers that allowed it to top the charts. The only time it has been beaten by the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X was on multi-core workloads, which is expected since the 1950X had a core count advantage over the ASUS ROG G21 Huracan’s Intel Core i7-8700.
As far as temperature goes, the ASUS ROG G21 Huracan reached expected numbers. Since there’s not a lot of airflow in its diminutive case, performing heavy workloads will put some thermal stress on its components.
Opening the magnetic flap at the side of the device will allow more air to go through the chassis, which will alleviate any thermal problems that some users may encounter. Opening the flap, however, will let a lot of noise out, which may annoy some gamers.
Convenience
Additionally, the Huracan has a hot swap SSD tray for fast loading of your SSD drive to input files, programs, and even another system.
Additionally, expansion of an additional SSD / HDD slot is possible and one moremMemory slot free for expansion. So you can ultimately expand up to 32GB in this case.
A Super Multi-DVD slot is also unforgotten which we highly appreciate as this is still an all-in-one package.
G-Sync Monitor – PG279Q
One company we used with the G21 Huracan is the PG279 G-Sync monitor, it’s thankfully the same size as our VX279H which is our monitor thus our dual-screen setup was fairly better.
At the back is the ROG emblem at the base stand, where it also holds the 180 rotation hinge that lets the giant 27 screen to be vertically set as well.
ROG Mayan patterns along with a glowing red LED gives the overall gaming look. There is even simply an indicator to tell if the base stand is in the center similar to a sundial.
No matter where you look at the PG279Q, its a gaming monitor especially at the base where the prominent ROG logo is located.
The PG279 is a matte finished G-Sync monitor that delivers top-notch WQHD resolution under an IPS display. The refresh rate is at 165mhz though a turbo mode for intense game moments.
On our experience playing PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUND, DotA 2 and even simple photo and video editing are simply much better. We opted to use the sRGB mode for better color accuracy with higher brightness to compensate with the dimmer mode.
With a GTX1080 graphics, overall game performance is lag-free and we like the on-top cross hair software for better visuals of first-person shooting games. You can also change to timers and an FPS counter for on-top display of the unit’s performance.
Aside from the display input of HDMI or Display port, there is also a USB in to be a hub for 2 USB 3.1 Type-A ports, its a nice addition for a quick access port for devices such as speakers and card readers.
Who is it for?
We were glad to experience the G21 Huracan as this PC is worth to experience aside from powerful laptops and DIY PC’s. This niche concept is one form factor to consider for heavy users with needs of a portable PC for gaming, video editing and even as a powerhouse for other heavy applications.
The G21 Huracan might be absurd for practical users, but this is a unit for serious PC enthusiasts that have a special usage scenario such as from time to time editing needs.
One thing we only hate is the two giant power bricks encased, we wished ASUS could have delivered a different power supply solution as this is the same problem we had with the GX700 / GX800 and even the Predator 21X.
Conclusion
At the end, the ASUS ROG G21 Huracan and the PG279Q deliver high-end performance for gaming enthusiasts or even video content creators. If you are in need of a PC that must be portable like constant traveling, we think the Huracan is one unit that must be considered.
It’s no joke to purchase a unit like this, ultimately the Huracan is only one of the few desktop powerhouses aside from Apple’s tin can offering. So, right now the options are quite limited unless you create your DIY and sacrifice and lose a lot of cool features.
The ASUS ROG PG279Q, meanwhile, delivered stellar performance in games with its high refresh rate that gave us the advantage in the most stressful situations. With its IPS panel and 100% sRGB coverage, the monitor also gave us decent colors while editing and watching media content.
It’s with these reasons that we’re going to give the ASUS ROG PG279Q our 100% Satisfying Gaming Monitor award. If you’re looking for a monitor that will improve your gaming experience while delivering an all-around decent in other affairs.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS ROG Huracan G21 is now available in ASUS ROG Concept Stores in two configurations.
| G21CN-PH006T | G21CN-PH005T | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-8700 | Intel Core i7-8700 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 2666MHz | 16GB DDR4 2666MHz |
| Storage | 3.5″ HDD SATA 1TB 7200rpm + M.2 SSD SATA 512GB | 3.5″ HDD SATA 1TB 7200rpm + M.2 SSD SATA 256GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB |
| OS | Windows 10 | Windows 10 |
| Bundle | Gaming USB Keyboard/Mouse | Gaming USB Keyboard/Mouse |
| SRP | PhP139,995 | PhP119,995 |
As for the ASUS ROG PG279Q, it’s available in ASUS ROG Concept stores for around PhP 49,000.
| Display | Panel Size: Wide Screen 27.0″(68.6cm) 16:9 |
| Color Saturation : 100%(sRGB) | |
| Panel Backlight / Type : In-Plane Switching | |
| True Resolution : 2560×1440 * | |
| Display Surface Non-glare | |
| Pixel Pitch : 0.233 mm | |
| Brightness(Max) : 350 cd/㎡ | |
| Contrast Ratio (Max) : 1000:1 | |
| Viewing Angle (CR≧10) : 178°(H)/178°(V) | |
| Response Time : 4ms (Gray to Gray) | |
| Display Colors : 16.7M (real 8 bit) | |
| Flicker free | |
| Video Feature | Trace Free Technology : Yes |
| Color Temperature Selection : 4 Modes | |
| GamePlus(modes) : Yes (Crosshair/Timer/FPS Counter) | |
| Low Blue Light : Yes | |
| HDCP support : Yes | |
| GameVisual :6 Modes(Scenery/Racing/Cinema/RTS/RPG/FPS/sRGB Modes) | |
| G-SYNC™ | |
| Audio Features | Stereo Speakers : 2W x 2 Stereo RMS |
| Convenient Hotkey | GamePlus |
| 5-way OSD Navigation Joystick | |
| Turbo key | |
| I/O Ports | Signal Input : HDMI, DisplayPort |
| Earphone jack : 3.5mm Mini-Jack | |
| USB Port(s) : 3.0×2 | |
| Signal Frequency | Digital Signal Frequency : DisplayPort：34 ~209 KHz (H) /30 ~165 Hz(V) |
| HDMI : 30 ~140 KHz (H) /24 ~60 Hz(V) | |
| Power Consumption | Power On: <90W |
| Power Saving/Off:0.5W | |
| Voltage: 100-240V, 50/60Hz | |
| Mechanical Design | Chassis Colors : Black |
| Tilt : +20°~-5° | |
| Swivel : +60°~-60° | |
| Pivot : 0°~+90° | |
| Height Adjustment : 0~120 mm | |
| VESA Wall Mounting : 100x100mm | |
| Super Narrow Bezel Design : Yes |
