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Verdict: The AMD Asus ExpertBook PM5 G2 is a strong choice when a business laptop must provide a spacious, sharp, matte 16-inch display. The tested 144-Hz IPS panel is unusually good for office work, while the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 delivers stable performance, the battery life is very good, and the chassis is easy to service. The compromises are equally clear: the single-fan cooling system becomes loud during sustained workloads, and the sample exhibited slight creaking and loose hinges. Treat the PM5 G2 as a configuration family rather than one fixed product, because processor, memory, operating system, storage and panel options vary by country.
What the ExpertBook PM5 G2 actually is
Asus uses both PM5 G2 and P5 G2 naming for this 16-inch ExpertBook family. The AMD machine reviewed by Notebookcheck is identified as PM5606; Asus Malaysia lists a regional PM5606CGA variant. Those labels are related, but a retail listing can still differ substantially from the tested computer.
Notebookcheck’s review unit was supplied by ASUS Deutschland and evaluated by Andreas Osthoff. The review was published on August 19, 2026, with an update dated September 8, 2026. Its hands-on findings apply to that specific German configuration and test method, not automatically to every PM5606 sold worldwide.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →| Component | Configuration discussed in the review | Other family configurations documented by Asus |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 | AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 |
| Integrated graphics | Radeon 890M with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 configuration | Radeon 840M with the Ryzen AI 7 445 option |
| Memory | The reviewed configuration is described with 16 GB and can accept another module | 32 GB is listed on the Asus Malaysia page; Asus US advertises family configurations up to 96 GB |
| Storage | The review discusses a 1-TB configuration in pricing information | Asus US advertises up to 3 TB using two SSDs at family level |
| Operating system | Verify the edition on the particular German listing | Asus markets Windows 11 Pro for business, while the cited Malaysia configuration lists Windows 11 Home Single Language |
| Display | 2,560 × 1,600 matte IPS at 144 Hz | Regional pages also describe OLED and WUXGA options |
Before comparing prices, record the complete suffix, processor, RAM, SSD capacity, operating-system edition and panel type. A PM5606 with an OLED screen or Ryzen AI 7 445 is not the same product as the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470/144-Hz IPS sample described below.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
The 144-Hz IPS screen is the reason to buy it
The tested panel is a 16:10 matte IPS display with 2,560 × 1,600 pixels and a 144-Hz refresh rate. That combination gives a taller workspace than a 16:9 screen, substantially more desktop area than a typical 1,920 × 1,080 business panel, and smoother scrolling in documents, spreadsheets and web applications.
| Measurement | Notebookcheck result for the tested IPS panel | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution and format | 2,560 × 1,600, 16:10 | Sharper text and more vertical space for office windows |
| Refresh rate | 144 Hz | Smoother pointer movement, scrolling and window animation than 60-Hz screens |
| Average maximum brightness | About 425 cd/m² | Comfortable for normal offices and many bright indoor spaces |
| Contrast | About 1,504:1 | Dark areas look deeper than on many ordinary IPS business panels |
| sRGB coverage | 98.5% | Nearly the full standard-gamut range for web and office content |
| Flicker | No PWM flicker detected | Useful for readers who are sensitive to pulse-width-modulation flicker |
Notebookcheck described subjective image quality as very good and observed only minimal graininess on bright content from the matte coating. The reviewer called it a strong office-oriented panel, particularly compared with common Full HD, 60-Hz business screens. It is not merely a gaming-style refresh-rate upgrade: the resolution, aspect ratio, brightness and near-complete sRGB coverage improve everyday productivity as well.
Andreas Osthoff’s summary was precise: “The built-in matte WQHD display with a 144 Hz refresh rate offers good image quality and is superior to many business competitors in this regard.”
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchColor accuracy is good after calibration, not perfect from the factory
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 office work, web graphics and general visual tasks, but it is not evidence of color-critical, out-of-box accuracy. Anyone working to a strict print or video standard should calibrate the individual unit and use a suitable color-managed workflow.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Do not assume every PM5 G2 has this panel
Asus Indonesia describes both a 144-Hz IPS option and an OLED option. The current Asus Malaysia PM5606CGA specification page presents an OLED panel with WUXGA resolution. The IPS measurements above therefore belong only to the reviewed screen SKU; they must not be applied to an OLED or lower-resolution configuration sold in another market.
Performance: stable Ryzen AI 9 speed, with a loud sustained-load trade-off
The Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 in the tested unit delivered good, stable multi-core performance in Notebookcheck’s evaluation. It is a high-end processor for office multitasking, development environments, large spreadsheets, content creation and other workloads that benefit from several fast cores. Stability matters here: performance did not simply collapse after the initial burst during the review’s sustained tests.
The cooling system is the limiting comfort factor. The high power demand of the HX 470 places significant pressure on the laptop’s single cooler, and the fans can become very loud under heavy, extended loads. Asus provides quieter power profiles, allowing you to favor lower noise when compiling, exporting or running long calculations, or to accept more fan noise for sustained performance. Those modes change the experience; do not judge the machine from a short, quiet burst of activity alone.
Asus advertises family-level support for up to 45 W TDP. That is a manufacturer specification, not an independently verified power result for every PM5606 suffix, so it should be treated as a platform capability rather than a promise that all regional versions run identically.
Rank #3
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Ryzen AI 7 445 listings are a different performance tier
Asus also lists a Ryzen AI 7 445 option with Radeon 840M graphics. Notebookcheck’s results for the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 and Radeon 890M cannot be transferred to that lower configuration. If two listings have different processors, compare their cooling limits, graphics hardware and memory configuration rather than assuming that “PM5 G2” makes them equivalent.
Chassis, keyboard and touchpad: businesslike, but not flawless
The aluminum chassis looks sleek and gives the 16-inch machine a more polished appearance than many entry-level business notebooks. The review sample nevertheless produced slight creaking noises, and its hinges felt somewhat loose. Those observations temper the premium impression: the exterior looks refined, but the mechanical feel was not uniformly tight on the tested unit.
The backlit keyboard was comfortable for long typing sessions. The large clickpad was spacious, yet its mechanical clicks felt cheap to the reviewer. If precise, quiet pointing is important, try the exact retail unit or confirm the return policy; a generous touchpad area does not guarantee a high-quality click mechanism.
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Ports, wireless connectivity and upgradeability
Connectivity is one of the PM5 G2’s practical strengths. Notebookcheck lists Wi-Fi 7, Ethernet, USB4 and adequate security and connectivity features. Asus Malaysia’s PM5606CGA specification identifies the physical selection as:
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
- Two USB-A ports
- One USB4 USB-C port
- A second USB-C port
- Gigabit Ethernet
- HDMI 2.1 TMDS
- A 3.5-mm headset/microphone combo jack
The regional specification also lists two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots and two M.2 slots. That is unusually useful for a thin 16-inch business machine: memory and storage are not necessarily fixed at purchase, and a second SSD slot can separate the operating system from large project files or provide room for expansion.
The reviewed 16-GB configuration can be upgraded with another memory module. Asus US advertises family-level configurations up to 96 GB of memory and up to 3 TB of dual-SSD storage, but those are maximum platform capabilities, not what every box contains. Asus recommends professional supervision for SSD installation and warns that the work may affect warranty coverage. Check the local service terms before opening the machine.
Battery and portability
Asus Malaysia lists a 70-Wh battery and a starting weight of 1.62 kg for its PM5606CGA configuration. That is a relatively portable starting point for a 16-inch computer with a large 16:10 workspace, although it is not a substitute for a lighter 13- or 14-inch business laptop when daily travel is the priority.
Notebookcheck judged the tested unit’s battery life to be very good. The review’s exact test conditions and the regional configuration are not identical to every retail model, so the result should be read as a positive assessment rather than a guaranteed number of hours. Screen type, processor, memory, power profile and operating-system image can all change endurance.
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Windows edition and business deployment details
Asus markets the ExpertBook family with Windows 11 Pro and business-oriented security features. The cited Malaysia page, however, lists Windows 11 Home Single Language and says Asus recommends Pro for business use. Confirm the installed edition before placing a fleet order: Pro features, licensing and management options matter to organizations that rely on domain participation, policy control or enterprise deployment tools.
The same verification applies to warranty, keyboard layout, wireless certification, charger, preinstalled software and regional service. A specification page from one country cannot establish what is included in another.
Historical pricing and availability
The only concrete prices reported for this review are Germany figures from the August 19, 2026 publication period, not current or global recommendations. Notebookcheck reported about €2,250 for a Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 configuration with 64 GB of RAM and a 1-TB SSD. It also reported an Amazon.de Ryzen AI 7 445 configuration starting at about €1,800.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Those listings may represent different configurations from the 16-GB sample discussed in the hands-on sections. Stock, taxes, promotions, warranty and exact suffix can change the value substantially. Recheck the local retailer and Asus specification page on the day of purchase rather than converting the German figures into a worldwide expected price.
How to choose the right PM5 G2 listing
- Read the complete model suffix. Confirm that the listing is a PM5606/PM5606CGA variant and note the country-specific code.
- Verify the processor and graphics. Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 with Radeon 890M is the reviewed high-end combination; Ryzen AI 7 445 with Radeon 840M is a different tier.
- Confirm the panel technology. Look specifically for matte IPS, 2,560 × 1,600 and 144 Hz if that display is the reason you are buying. An OLED or WUXGA listing does not share these measurements.
- Check memory before paying for capacity. The tested 16-GB setup can accept another module, while regional listings may ship with 32 GB or advertise much higher family limits.
- Check storage layout. Two M.2 slots are listed for the PM5606CGA, but the installed SSD count and capacity depend on the SKU.
- Confirm Windows edition. Do not assume that an ExpertBook marketed for business includes Windows 11 Pro; the Malaysia configuration is listed with Home Single Language.
- Review service conditions. Ask whether adding an SSD or memory module is permitted under the local warranty and whether professional installation is required.
- Compare noise expectations. If sustained CPU work is routine, look for the available quiet and performance profiles and decide whether fan noise is acceptable.
- Check physical quality at delivery. Inspect hinge tension, deck movement, creaking and clickpad feel during the return period, since these were weaknesses of the tested sample.
Who should buy the ExpertBook PM5 G2?
It fits these users
- Professionals who want a 16-inch, 16:10 workspace without moving to a very heavy desktop replacement.
- People who find 60-Hz, Full HD business screens limiting and value smooth scrolling as well as higher text sharpness.
- Buyers who need Ethernet, USB4, HDMI and multiple upgradeable storage or memory paths.
- Users whose workloads benefit from the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 and who can tolerate noticeable fan noise during long runs.
- Organizations willing to verify the exact Windows edition and regional warranty before standardizing.
Look elsewhere if these are deal-breakers
- You need near-silent operation while the processor is under sustained load.
- You expect a rigid, completely creak-free chassis and tight hinges from a premium-priced business laptop.
- You require guaranteed factory color accuracy for professional imaging without individual calibration.
- You need an ultralight travel machine rather than a relatively portable 16-inch model.
- You are comparing listings without checking whether the screen is IPS 144 Hz, OLED or WUXGA.
How to compare it with another business laptop
Notebookcheck names the HP EliteBook 8 G1a 16 AI, Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 5, Dell Pro 5 16 and Dynabook Tecra A60/A65-M among comparison machines. A meaningful purchase decision requires current, matching configurations rather than a family-name comparison. Use this checklist for each candidate:
- Display: record resolution, aspect ratio, refresh rate, measured brightness, color coverage, finish and whether the panel is IPS or OLED.
- Sustained performance: compare long-run results and fan behavior, not only short benchmark bursts.
- Memory and storage: note installed capacity, number of slots, upgrade limits and warranty conditions.
- Physical design: assess hinge stiffness, deck rigidity, keyboard comfort, touchpad mechanism and service access.
- Connectivity: count USB-A and USB-C ports, identify USB4 or Thunderbolt support, and check Ethernet, HDMI and wireless generation.
- Business provisions: verify Windows edition, security features, warranty length, local service and manageability.
- Total price: compare the exact local SKU, tax-inclusive price, stock status and included accessories on the same date.
The PM5 G2’s distinctive advantage is the tested matte 144-Hz, 2,560 × 1,600 IPS screen combined with a serviceable 16-inch platform. Its value falls if a competing model offers comparable display quality with quieter cooling, tighter hinges or a lower price in your market.
Quick Recap
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.
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