Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR XC
Nvidia 30 Series GPU in a portable package.
The Aero 17 HDR first appeared in 2020, and we previously covered the XB release built around an Intel 10th Gen Core i7 CPU, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super GPU.
The hardware we’re covering today, the new XC variant, retains main of the classic features of that design and also sports a 10th generation Intel CPU, but now the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 graphics technology.
With the discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080/3070 cards practically impossible to source, is the Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR XC the unsubtle answer to those that want the ultimate in portable performance?
The external aesthetics haven’t changed noticeably from the previous Aero 17 HDR models. Structurally the ergonomics of the machine were dictated by the widescreen aspect of the 4K X-Rite Pantone Certified panel that stands slightly proud of the main chassis.
As it is significantly wider than deeper, this form factor allowed for a large keyboard with a full numeric pad layout that you wouldn’t normally find on a laptop.
As this is a very highperformance system, it needs more than token cooling, and the whole rear edge between the hinges is an exhaust vent, removing the possibility of any ports existing there.
Therefore, all of the ports have been positioned on the sides, and this machine has plenty of them.
With such a narrow screen bezel the webcam has been relegated to below the screen on the bottom half of the machine, where it can provide those ominous zoom shots of people lit from underneath like they’re in a sixties Hammer horror movie.
The user experience of the Aero 17 HDR XC is generally an excellent one. But then it should be good, given this is a computer that would make the most dedicated desktop workstations blush based on raw performance alone
The screen is bright and gorgeously saturated, and the 4K resolution makes it perfect for anyone working with big images or complex CAD designs. Gigabyte makes the most of it by factory calibrating each one before it leaves the production facility, and it undoubtedly justifies its Pantone certification.
Equally, the keyboard is exceptionally nice to work on, as the width is much closer to a desktop input and transitioning between this and our usual systems proved very easy. The trackpad is overly sensitive for our sausage-like digits, but it can be adjusted, and it is a decent size.
We’ve only two very minor complaints about the XC, and they’re things that were wrong in the previous releases that have not yet been addressed.
The first of these is the horrible placement of the power connector near the middle of the right-hand edge. This position is precisely where most right-handed users will want to operate their mouse, unfortunately. Our second issue is the USB ports, or rather than all the type-A ones on this machine are only Gen 1. Why?
Top-notch performance for professionals and gamers, but it this hardware isn’t a cheap option and the mobile RTX 3070 doesn’t have all the power of the discrete desktop card.