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Battery longevity remains a critical concern for users of gaming laptops, with many finding themselves reliant on power sources by midday. To assess the real-world performance of Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 3 chip, known for its promising battery efficiency, I utilized my Asus Zenbook Duo. My objective was to determine if this device could sustain a full day of usage—including work tasks and gaming—without requiring a charge.
The Core Ultra Series 3 chips, constructed on the Panther Lake architecture, feature an integrated graphics solution recognized for its gaming potential. My Asus laptop lacks a dedicated graphics processing unit (dGPU) and depends solely on the Arc B390 iGPU integrated into the Core Ultra X9 388H. Despite its compact design, this iGPU provides a performance level worthy of consideration for gaming enthusiasts.
The evidence
Intel asserts that laptops equipped with their Core Ultra Series 3 chips can achieve up to 27 hours of battery life; however, my model, featuring dual OLED screens, poses a unique challenge. To ensure a fair evaluation, I limited my use of the secondary display for demonstration purposes. According to Asus, under optimal conditions, users can expect approximately 18 hours of battery life, setting my expectations as I prepared for my journey.
As I boarded the train from Southampton to Bath, a 126-mile round trip, I almost left my compact USB-C charger behind. In a moment of uncertainty, I decided to include it, reflecting a common concern among laptop users. Once settled in my seat, I began checking emails and browsing the web utilizing the notoriously unreliable onboard Wi-Fi, while managing multiple browser tabs.
Battery performance during work
After about two hours of consistent use, I checked the battery status and was relieved to find it at 92%. My initial concerns began to subside as I arrived at the office. Showcasing my new laptop to colleagues elicited admiration for its sleek design and dual screens. However, my focus quickly reverted to productivity with a full workday ahead.
Throughout the day, I engaged in various tasks, from writing reviews to participating in video meetings. Although I was not maxing out the laptop with demanding applications like 3D modeling or photo editing, I was multitasking extensively. Surprisingly, the Core Ultra X9 388H managed everything I required with remarkable ease. By lunchtime, approximately four hours into my work, the battery level had only dropped to around 70%, a promising sign for the device’s endurance.
The reconstruction
After lunch, I moved to our studio to take notes and capture footage with the video team. The Arc B390 proved to be an adequate graphics processor; however, I was cautious about running demanding titles, aware that games like Cyberpunk 2077 could quickly deplete battery life.
As I worked, I was conscious of the power-consuming features of my laptop—a setup with dual 1800p OLEDs and a powerful 16-core CPU. I contemplated reducing background applications to conserve energy but ultimately opted against it, viewing this as a real-world test of the laptop’s capabilities. As the day progressed, my productivity continued, and soon it was time to head back to the train station.
Gaming on the journey home
With over 40% battery remaining, I was eager to test the gaming performance of the Asus Zenbook Duo on my return trip. Instead of choosing a graphically intense game, I opted for a classic: Civilization VI. Its modest requirements made it an ideal candidate for gaming on the go. The results were encouraging, as the laptop exhibited minimal battery drain even while running at 1800p resolution.
To push the boundaries further, I switched to Hitman World of Assassination. The gameplay was smooth, and the battery usage was surprisingly efficient, dropping around 5% every ten minutes. I was impressed; even after nearly half an hour of gaming, I still had sufficient power to complete some work tasks once I arrived home.
The Core Ultra Series 3 chips, constructed on the Panther Lake architecture, feature an integrated graphics solution recognized for its gaming potential. My Asus laptop lacks a dedicated graphics processing unit (dGPU) and depends solely on the Arc B390 iGPU integrated into the Core Ultra X9 388H. Despite its compact design, this iGPU provides a performance level worthy of consideration for gaming enthusiasts.0
Key players
The Core Ultra Series 3 chips, constructed on the Panther Lake architecture, feature an integrated graphics solution recognized for its gaming potential. My Asus laptop lacks a dedicated graphics processing unit (dGPU) and depends solely on the Arc B390 iGPU integrated into the Core Ultra X9 388H. Despite its compact design, this iGPU provides a performance level worthy of consideration for gaming enthusiasts.1
The implications
The Core Ultra Series 3 chips, constructed on the Panther Lake architecture, feature an integrated graphics solution recognized for its gaming potential. My Asus laptop lacks a dedicated graphics processing unit (dGPU) and depends solely on the Arc B390 iGPU integrated into the Core Ultra X9 388H. Despite its compact design, this iGPU provides a performance level worthy of consideration for gaming enthusiasts.2
What happens next
The Core Ultra Series 3 chips, constructed on the Panther Lake architecture, feature an integrated graphics solution recognized for its gaming potential. My Asus laptop lacks a dedicated graphics processing unit (dGPU) and depends solely on the Arc B390 iGPU integrated into the Core Ultra X9 388H. Despite its compact design, this iGPU provides a performance level worthy of consideration for gaming enthusiasts.3