Laptops ASUS - one of the most popular devices on the market due to the price-quality ratio, but even top models begin to slow down over time. The reasons are different: outdated hardware, clogged system, overheating or non-optimal settings. Fortunately, most problems can be resolved without purchasing a new device. In this article we will look at practical ways to improve your ASUS laptop - from simple software tweaks to serious hardware upgrades.

It is important to understand that not all methods are universal. For example, ASUS ROG Zephyrus with a powerful video card requires one approach, but a budget one ASUS Vivobook - another. We took these nuances into account and compiled recommendations that are suitable for most lines: ZenBook, TUF Gaming, VivoBook, ProArt StudioBook and others. If you are not confident in your technical skills, start with software improvements, and move on to upgrading components after studying the instructions.

1. System cleaning: remove junk and optimize Windows

The first step to improving your laptop's performance is deep system cleaning. Over time, Windows accumulates temporary files, caches, remnants of deleted programs, and duplicates. This takes up disk space and slows things down. Let's start with the built-in tools:

  • 🧹 Disk Cleanup: Open This computer, right-click on the system disk (usually C:), select Properties → Disk Cleanup. Delete temporary files, recycle bin, downloaded program files.
  • 🗑️ Removing unnecessary programs: Go to Settings → Applications → Apps & features. Remove programs you don't use (look especially carefully at ASUS-bloatware like MyASUS, Armoury Crate, if they are not needed).
  • 🔍 Find duplicates: Use utilities like CCleaner or Duplicate Cleanerto find and remove duplicate files (photos, documents, music).

For deeper optimization, we recommend the tool ASUS System Diagnosis (available in MyASUS for most models). It analyzes the system status and suggests fixes. It's also useful to disable autoloading of unnecessary programs:

  1. Click Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the tab Autoload.
  3. Disable programs with a high impact on startup (for example, Steam, Epic Games, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, if they are not needed immediately after switching on).
📊 Which ASUS model are you using?
  • ZenBook
  • VivoBook
  • ROG/TUF Gaming
  • ProArt StudioBook
  • Other

2. Updating drivers and BIOS: why is this critical

Outdated drivers are one of the main reasons Laptop instability. They can cause lag, Wi-Fi problems, overheating, or even blue screens of death (BSOD). It is especially important to update drivers for:

  • 🖥️ Video cards (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel) - affects performance in games and rendering.
  • 🔊 Audio (Realtek or ASUS SonicMaster) - fixes problems with sound.
  • 📶 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth — improves connection stability.
  • 🔋 Power management — optimizes battery life.

You can update drivers in two ways:

  1. Via the official ASUS website:
    1. Go to ASUS support page.
    2. Enter your laptop model (for example, ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA506).
    3. Select section Drivers and utilities, download the latest versions for your OS.
  2. Via Device Manager:
    1. Click Win + X, select Device Manager.
    2. Right-click on the device (for example, Video adapters → NVIDIA RTX 3060), select Update driver.
    3. Select Automatic search.

Updating the BIOS is a risky but sometimes necessary procedure. It can fix critical bugs, improve compatibility with new hardware, or optimize power management. However, if the update is incorrect, the laptop may stop turning on. If you decide, follow the instructions:

Download the latest BIOS from the official ASUS website|Connect your laptop to a power source (do not update from battery!)|Close all programs|Do not turn off or restart your laptop during the process|Use a wired internet connection (if updating through the utility)

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⚠️ Attention: If the laptop turns off during a BIOS update (for example, due to a disconnected power cable), recovery is only possible in a service center using a programmer. Some ASUS models (for example, ROG Strix) have a function BIOS Flashback, which allows you to restore the BIOS even if it crashes, but it requires separate instructions.

3. Upgrade random access memory (RAM): when is it needed and how to do it

Lack of RAM is a common cause laptop slowdown, especially when working with several programs at the same time (a browser with a dozen tabs, Photoshop, AutoCAD>). ASUS often releases laptops with expandable RAM, but there are some nuances:

  • 🔧 Check the maximum amount of RAM: Use the utility CPU-Z (tab SPD) or website Crucial System Scannerto find out how many slots and what maximum capacity your model supports.
  • 🔄 Module compatibility: If you already have one module (for example, 8 GB), it is better to buy one with the same characteristics (frequency, timings, manufacturer) to avoid conflicts.
  • ⚡ Dual channel mode: Installing two identical modules (for example, 2x8 GB) instead of one (1x16 GB) increases performance by 10-15%.

Instructions for replacing RAM (using example ASUS VivoBook S14 S433):

  1. Turn off the laptop, unplug the power cable and remove the battery (if it is removable).
  2. Remove the screws on the bottom cover (usually marked with RAM or M.2).
  3. Carefully pry the lid open with a plastic card or pick.
  4. Remove the old modules (if any) by bending the tabs on the sides.
  5. Install the new modules at a 45° angle and press until they click.
Model ASUS Max. RAM capacity Memory type Number of slots
ZenBook 14 UX434 16 GB LPDDR4X (soldered) No slots
TUF Gaming A15 FA506 32 GB DDR4 3200 MHz 2 slots
VivoBook 15 X515 12 GB DDR4 2666 MHz 1 slot (4 GB soldered)
ROG Strix G15 G513 64 GB DDR4 3200 MHz 2 slots
⚠️ Attention: Some models ASUS (For example, ZenBook Pro Duo) memory is soldered to the motherboard. Trying to replace it in this case will lead to damage. Always check your model's specifications before purchasing RAM!

4. Replacing the drive: SSD instead of HDD or NVMe upgrade

One of the most effective ways speed up laptop - replace the hard drive (HDD) to a solid state drive (SSD). The difference in loading speed of the system and programs can reach 5–10 times. For example, Windows on HDD loads in 40–60 seconds, and SSD - 10–15 seconds.

ASUS offers laptops with different types of drives:

  • 💾 2.5" SATA SSD/HDD - an outdated format, but still found in budget models (VivoBook X540).
  • 🚀 M.2 NVMe SSD - modern standard, 3-5 times faster than SATA. Supported by most laptops after 2017.
  • 🔄 Optane Memory — cache memory from Intel, speeds up the HDD, but does not replace a full-fledged SSD.

Recommendations for choosing an SSD:

  • 🔹 For office work: Samsung 870 EVO (SATA) or WD Blue SN570 (NVMe).
  • 🎮 For games and creativity: Samsung 980 Pro or Seagate FireCuda 530 (PCIe 4.0).
  • 💰 Budget option: Crucial P3 or Kingston NV2.

Instructions for replacing the drive (using the example ASUS TUF Dash F15):

  1. Back up your data (for example, using Macrium Reflect or Clonezilla).
  2. Unscrew the bottom cover of the laptop (usually you need a screwdriver PH0).
  3. Remove the old drive (disconnect the SATA cable or unscrew the M.2 retaining screw).
  4. Install the new SSD and secure it with the screw.
  5. Install Windows from a USB flash drive or clone the system from an old disk.
💡

If your laptop has a slot for a second M.2 SSD, you can install it as an additional drive for games or files, leaving the main drive for the system.

5. Fighting overheating: cleaning, thermal paste and cooling

Overheating is the bane of many ASUS laptops, especially gaming series ROG And TUF. The reasons may be:

  • 🌪️ Dustiness — dust blocks air flow and impairs heat transfer.
  • 🧴 Dried thermal paste — after 2–3 years it loses its properties, which leads to an increase in temperatures.
  • 🔥 Inefficient cooling system - weak fans or poor case design.

How to clean your laptop from dust:

  1. Turn off the laptop, disconnect the battery (if possible).
  2. Unscrew the bottom cover (in some models it is enough to remove only the protective panel above the fans).
  3. Use soft brush or compressed air cylinderto remove dust from the radiator and fan blades.
  4. Check if the fans rotate freely (if not, lubricate or replace).

Replacing thermal paste (recommended every 2–3 years):

  • 🛠️ Required materials: thermal paste (Arctic MX-6, Noctua NT-H2), isopropyl alcohol, lint-free wipes.
  • 🔧 Process:
    1. Remove the cooling system (unscrew the radiator mounting screws).
    2. Remove old paste with alcohol and a tissue.
    3. Apply a thin layer of the new paste (about the size of a grain of rice).
    4. Reassemble the laptop and check the temperatures in HWMonitor or ASUS Armoury Crate.
Model ASUS Typical temperatures under load Recommended Actions
ROG Strix G15 CPU: 85–95°C, GPU: 80–90°C Cleaning + replacing thermal paste, raising the back of the laptop for better air exchange
ZenBook 14 UX425 CPU: 70–80°C Limiting TDP in BIOS to 15–20 W, using a cooling pad
TUF Gaming A17 CPU: 90–100°C, GPU: 85–95°C Cleaning + replacing thermal paste, disabling Turbo Boost in BIOS
What to do if your laptop turns off due to overheating?

If the laptop suddenly turns off at high temperatures, overheating protection is triggered. Immediately:

1. Turn off the laptop and let it cool (30-60 minutes).

2. Check the operation of the fans - if they do not spin, the cooler may have failed.

3. Reset BIOS settings (remove CMOS battery for 10 seconds or use jumper CLR_CMOS).

4. If the problem persists, contact a service center to diagnose the cooling system.

6. Power and battery optimization: how to extend battery life

The battery is one of the most vulnerable points in laptops. Over time, its capacity decreases, and ASUS no exception. To extend the life of your battery, follow these tips:

  • 🔌 Avoid constant work from the network: If the laptop is always plugged in, the battery will degrade faster. Periodically discharge it to 20–30% and charge it to 80%.
  • 🌡️ Control the temperature: High temperatures (above 40°C) will shorten battery life. Use a cooling pad.
  • ⚡ Set up a power plan: On Windows, go to Settings → System → Power and Sleep → Advanced power settings. Select a scheme Balanced or create your own with a maximum charge limit of 80%.

ASUS laptops have a proprietary utility MyASUS (section Battery), which allows:

  • 📊 View battery status (wear, charging cycle).
  • ⚡ Enable mode Battery Charging Optimization (Limits charge to 80-90% to extend life).
  • 🔄 Calibrate the battery (useful if the laptop shows the wrong charge percentage).

If the battery is already worn out (capacity less than 50% of the original), it can be replaced. Original batteries for ASUS are designated by part numbers like C11P1505 or A32-N55. The cost varies from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles depending on the model.

💡

MyASUS's Battery Optimization mode can increase battery life by 30-50%, but the laptop will have less battery life. Use this mode if you often work from the network.

7. Software tweaks: Windows and BIOS settings for performance

Even without a hardware upgrade, you can significantly improve the performance of your laptop using software settings. Let's start with the BIOS - low-level settings that affect performance and power consumption.

How to enter BIOS on ASUS laptops:

  • Turn off your laptop.
  • Clamp F2 and turn on the power (for some models - Del or Esc).
  • In BIOS go to Advanced or AI Tweaker (name depends on model).

    • Recommended BIOS settings for performance:

    Parameter Recommended value Effect
    CPU Power Management Disabled (for gaming laptops) Removes restrictions on processor power consumption, increases performance, but reduces battery life.
    Turbo Boost Enabled (for creativity/games), Disabled (for office) Disabling Turbo Boost reduces temperatures and noise, but reduces performance in resource-intensive tasks.
    PCIe Speed Gen 3 or Gen 4 (depending on support) Affects the speed of the SSD and video card. For modern NVMe SSDs, choose Gen 4.
    Fan Curve Custom (adjust the curve manually) Allows you to make coolers quieter or more efficient depending on temperatures.

    Windows settings for acceleration:

    • 🖥️ Turn off visual effects:
      1. Open Settings → System → Advanced system settings.
      2. In the section Performance select Provide better performance.
    • 🎮 Optimize for gaming:
      1. B NVIDIA Control Panel (if you have a discrete video card) select Manage 3D settings → Program settings.
      2. For games, install Preferred GPU: NVIDIA High-Performance Processor.
    • 🔊 Disable unnecessary services:
      1. Click Win + R, enter msconfig.
      2. Go to the tab Services, uncheck unnecessary ones (for example, Xbox Live, Superfetch).

8. Additional improvements: accessories and peripherals

Sometimes you can improve the experience of using a laptop without tampering with its internals. The right accessories will make work or play more comfortable:

  • 🖱️ Mouse and keyboard:
    • For games: ASUS ROG Chakram (mouse with joystick) or Logitech G Pro X.
    • For work: Logitech MX Master 3S (ergonomic mouse) + Keychron K3 (compact mechanical keyboard).
  • 🎧 Headphones/headset:
    • Budget: HyperX Cloud Stinger Core (for games).
    • Premium: Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (for sound) or ASUS ROG Delta S (for games with USB-C).
  • 🖥️ Monitor:
    • For the office: ASUS ProArt PA248QV (24", IPS, 100% sRGB).
    • For games: ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM (27", 240 Hz, IPS).
  • ⚡ Cooling pad:
    • Budget: DeepCool N80.
    • Premium: ASUS ROG Strix Arion (with USB hub).

For laptops ASUS with support Thunderbolt 4 (For example, ZenBook Pro Duo) can be connected external video card (eGPU) like ASUS ROG XG Mobile. This will allow you to run modern games or work with desktop-level graphics. However, please note that:

  • 💰 The cost of an eGPU + video card is comparable to the price of a new laptop.
  • ⚡ Consumes a lot of energy - it won’t work on battery power.
  • 🎮 Performance is lower than desktop due to Thunderbolt limitations (up to 10-15% loss).
💡

If your ASUS laptop has a USB-C connector with DisplayPort support, you can connect a second monitor via a USB-C → HDMI to DisplayPort adapter. This is especially convenient for ZenBook And VivoBook, where there are often not enough ports.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about improving ASUS laptops

Is it possible to replace the processor in an ASUS laptop?

In 90% of cases - no. In modern ASUS laptops, processors are soldered to the motherboard (for example, in ZenBook, VivoBook, ROG Zephyrus). Exception - some models TUF Gaming And ROG Strix with socket processors (for example, Intel LGA 1151), but even in this case the upgrade is limited by compatibility with the chipset and cooling system.

Before purchasing a new CPU, check:

  • Does the motherboard support this processor (see specifications on the ASUS website).
  • Is the cooling system capacity sufficient (for example, transition from i5-9300H on i7-9750H may require replacing thermal paste).
  • BIOS compatible (sometimes an update is required).
How do I know which SSD is suitable for my ASUS laptop?

There are three ways:

  1. View specifications on the ASUS website:
    1. Go to support page.
    2. Enter your laptop model.
    3. In the section Specifications find information about drives (for example, M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4).
  2. Use the utility HWiNFO:
    1. Download and run HWiNFO.
    2. Go to section Drives.
    3. Look at the connection type (SATA or PCIe) and form factor (M.2 2280).
  3. Disassemble the laptop:
    1. Remove the bottom cover.
    2. Look at what SSD slot is installed (for example, M.2 with key B+M or just M).
    3. Check if there is a free slot for a second drive.