Asus Zenbook Vivobook 11th Gen Updates

Yes, Asus updated both the Zenbook and Vivobook lines with 11th Gen Intel Core processors, officially announced in September 2020 and rolling out through early 2021. These updates brought Intel’s Tiger Lake chips, Iris Xe graphics, and Thunderbolt 4 support to a wide range of models, from the premium Zenbook 13 to the mainstream Vivobook 14 and 15.

Background: Why the 11th Gen Update Mattered

Intel’s 11th Gen Core processors (codenamed Tiger Lake) were a significant leap over the previous 10th Gen Ice Lake and Comet Lake chips. Built on a 10nm SuperFin process, they delivered a major boost in integrated graphics performance thanks to the new Iris Xe GPU, which roughly doubled graphics performance compared to the previous UHD Graphics. This meant that even thin-and-light laptops like the Zenbook and Vivobook could handle light gaming, photo editing, and video playback far better than before. The new chips also integrated Thunderbolt 4 and PCIe 4.0 support, which Asus adopted across many of its updated models.

Which Models Got the 11th Gen Update

Asus refreshed most of its Zenbook and Vivobook lineup with 11th Gen processors. The key models included:

• Zenbook 13 (UX325) and Zenbook 14 (UX425) – the flagship ultraportables, available with Core i5-1135G7 and Core i7-1165G7.
• Zenbook Flip 13 (UX363) and Zenbook Flip 14 (UX463) – convertible versions with touchscreens and 360° hinges.
• ZenBook Pro 15 (UX535) – a larger creator-focused model, though it used a higher-power 11th Gen H-series chip (like the Core i7-11370H) in some configurations.
• Vivobook 14 (X413) and Vivobook 15 (X513) – the budget-friendly mainstream line, with options from Core i3-1115G4 up to Core i7-1165G7.
• Vivobook Flip 14 (TP470) – a convertible variant with the same 11th Gen options.

Not every configuration was available in every region, but the 11th Gen update covered the core of both lineups.

Key Features That Came with the Update

Beyond the processor itself, the 11th Gen Zenbook and Vivobook models introduced several notable features:

• Iris Xe Graphics: Integrated GPU with up to 96 execution units, capable of playing esports titles at 1080p and accelerating video encoding.
• Thunderbolt 4: USB-C ports with 40Gbps bandwidth, supporting external GPUs, 8K displays, and fast charging.
• PCIe 4.0 SSD support: On select models, doubling storage bandwidth for faster boot and file transfers.
• Wi-Fi 6: Standard on most models, with Intel AX201 or similar chips.
• NumberPad 2.0: A LED-illuminated numeric keypad embedded in the touchpad, found on many Zenbook models.
• Improved cooling: Asus upgraded the cooling systems with dual fans and heat pipes to manage the higher performance.

How to Check if Your Asus Laptop Has an 11th Gen Processor

If you’re not sure whether a specific Zenbook or Vivobook model has an 11th Gen chip, you can check in a few ways:

1. In Windows, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and go to the Performance tab. Click on CPU – the processor name and base speed will be shown.
2. Alternatively, press Win + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter. The System tab lists the processor.
3. Look for the model number on the bottom of the laptop or in the BIOS. 11th Gen models often have model numbers ending in 11 or 13 (e.g., UX425, X513).

If the processor name includes 11th Gen Intel Core or the number starts with 11 (like i5-1135G7), it’s an 11th Gen model.

How the 11th Gen Zenbook/Vivobook Compares to Newer Models

Since the 11th Gen update, Asus has released 12th Gen (Alder Lake) and 13th Gen (Raptor Lake) versions. The 12th Gen models brought a hybrid architecture with Performance and Efficiency cores, significantly improving multi-threaded performance. The 13th Gen models refined that further. Compared to those, the 11th Gen laptops are still capable for everyday tasks, office work, and light creative work, but they are slower in heavy multitasking and demanding rendering. If you’re buying used, an 11th Gen Zenbook is still a good value, but expect better battery life and performance from newer 12th or 13th Gen models.

Common Problems and Fixes for 11th Gen Zenbook/Vivobook

Owners of 11th Gen Asus laptops have reported a few recurring issues, with workarounds:

• Battery drain in sleep mode: Some Windows laptops with 11th Gen chips experience excessive battery drain when sleeping. Fix: Update the BIOS and Intel drivers from the Asus support site, and consider using hibernate instead of sleep.
• Thunderbolt 4 not detecting devices: Ensure the Thunderbolt driver and firmware are updated. In the BIOS, make sure Thunderbolt is enabled and set to “No Security” if you want to connect any device.
• Fan noise under load: The 11th Gen chips run hot in thin chassis. Fix: Use the “Whisper” or “Performance” mode in MyASUS app, and ensure vents are not blocked.
• Wi-Fi disconnections: Some Intel Wi-Fi 6 modules had driver issues. Fix: Update the Intel wireless driver or disable power saving for the adapter in Device Manager.

How to Choose Between Zenbook and Vivobook with 11th Gen

If you’re looking at a used or discounted 11th Gen model, the choice comes down to your needs:

• Zenbook – Premium build (aluminum body), better display options (OLED on some models), NumberPad, and slightly thinner/lighter. Best for professionals and frequent travelers.
• Vivobook – Plastic or mixed-metal chassis, lower price, often with more ports (including USB-A and HDMI), and sometimes a number row on the keyboard. Best for students and budget buyers.

Both lines use the same processors, so performance is nearly identical for the same chip. The main differences are build quality, display quality, and features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 11th Gen Zenbook have Thunderbolt 4?

Yes, most 11th Gen Zenbook models include at least one Thunderbolt 4 port via USB-C. This is a key feature of the Tiger Lake platform. However, some lower-end Vivobook models may only have USB-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery but not Thunderbolt – check the specific model’s specs on Asus’s website.

Can I upgrade the RAM in an 11th Gen Zenbook or Vivobook?

Most 11th Gen Zenbook and Vivobook models have RAM soldered to the motherboard, so you cannot upgrade it after purchase. Some Vivobook models (like the X513) have one SO-DIMM slot that can be upgraded, but the Zenbooks are typically fully soldered. Always check the manual or Asus’s spec page for your exact model.

Is an 11th Gen i5 enough for photo editing?

Yes, the Core i5-1135G7 with Iris Xe graphics is sufficient for light to moderate photo editing in Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. It can handle RAW processing and layer-based editing, though it may be slower than a desktop or a larger laptop with a discrete GPU. For heavy 4K video editing, you’d benefit from an i7 or a dedicated GPU.

How long does the battery last on an 11th Gen Zenbook?

Battery life varies by model and usage, but most 11th Gen Zenbook 13/14 models are rated for 12-16 hours of video playback. In real-world mixed use, you can expect 8-10 hours. The 11th Gen chips are efficient, but the display and brightness have a big impact. The Vivobook line typically gets slightly less, around 6-8 hours, due to larger screens and less optimized power management.

Are 11th Gen Asus laptops still supported with driver updates?

Yes, Asus continues to provide driver and BIOS updates for 11th Gen models, though the frequency may slow down as the platform ages. As of 2025, you can still download all necessary drivers from the Asus support site. Intel also provides updates for the integrated graphics and Wi-Fi, so you can get security and performance fixes.

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