Asus Zenbook Vivobook 11th Gen: Specs & Buying Guide

Asus Zenbook and Vivobook laptops with 11th Gen Intel processors (Tiger Lake) deliver strong everyday performance, improved integrated graphics, and Thunderbolt 4 support. These CPUs, launched in late 2020, are still found in many budget and mid-range models, offering a good balance of speed and efficiency for office work, streaming, and light creative tasks.

Background: The 11th Gen Intel Mobile Lineup

Intel’s 11th Gen mobile processors, codenamed Tiger Lake, succeeded the 10th Gen Ice Lake and Comet Lake families. They are built on a 10nm SuperFin process, which allowed higher clock speeds and better power efficiency than the previous 14nm parts. The lineup includes several tiers:

• Core i3-1115G4 – dual-core, 4 threads, up to 4.1 GHz
• Core i5-1135G7 – quad-core, 8 threads, up to 4.2 GHz
• Core i7-1165G7 – quad-core, 8 threads, up to 4.7 GHz
• Core i7-1185G7 – higher bin, up to 4.8 GHz, with better Iris Xe graphics

These CPUs integrate Intel Iris Xe graphics, which replaced the older UHD Graphics. The i7 models have 96 execution units, while the i5 and i3 have 80 and 48, respectively. That difference matters for gaming and video editing.

Key Features of 11th Gen in Zenbook and Vivobook

When Asus adopted Tiger Lake for its Zenbook and Vivobook lines, it brought several platform-level improvements:

• Thunderbolt 4 – available on many Zenbook models, offering 40 Gbps data transfer and support for external GPUs and dual 4K displays.
• PCIe 4.0 – on some models, allowing faster NVMe SSDs (though many budget Vivobooks still use PCIe 3.0).
• Wi-Fi 6 – built-in support for faster wireless networking.
• Improved AI performance – via Intel Gaussian Neural Accelerator for background blur and noise reduction in video calls.

In practice, these features make 11th Gen laptops feel snappier than older models, especially when handling multiple browser tabs or light photo editing.

How to Choose Between Zenbook and Vivobook

Asus positions the two series differently, even when they use the same processor.

• Zenbook – premium ultrabooks with thinner chassis, aluminum builds, and higher-res displays (often OLED on newer models). They target professionals and students who want portability and style.
• Vivobook – more affordable, with plastic construction and standard IPS panels. They are aimed at budget-conscious users who need a reliable daily driver.

If you find a Zenbook and a Vivobook with the same i5-1135G7, the Zenbook will likely have a better screen, lighter weight, and faster SSD, but it will cost more. The Vivobook will be heavier and have a dimmer display, but it covers basic needs well.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One frequent misconception is that all 11th Gen i7s are equal. The i7-1165G7 and i7-1185G7 differ in sustained performance due to power limits. In thin Zenbooks, the CPU may run at lower TDP (15W) to keep cool, reducing performance compared to a thicker model with the same chip.

Another issue is driver compatibility. Early Tiger Lake laptops had bugs with certain USB-C docks and external displays. Most have been fixed via BIOS updates, but it’s wise to check Asus’s support page for the latest drivers if you experience flickering or display issues.

Heat and fan noise are also common complaints. Because these CPUs boost aggressively, they can get warm under load. Using a cooling pad or adjusting the power plan to “Balanced” can help.

How 11th Gen Compares to Newer Processors

In 2024, Intel has moved to 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors, and AMD’s Ryzen 5000/6000/7000 series are strong competitors. Here’s how the 11th Gen stacks up:

• vs. 12th Gen (Alder Lake) – 12th Gen has a hybrid architecture (P-cores and E-cores) and is significantly faster in multi-core tasks. For everyday use, the difference is noticeable but not huge.
• vs. Ryzen 5000 – AMD’s Ryzen 5 5500U and Ryzen 7 5700U outperform the i5 and i7 in multi-threaded workloads, but the Intel chips have slightly better single-core speed and integrated graphics.
• vs. Apple M1 – The M1 is more power-efficient and faster in sustained workloads, but it runs macOS, so it’s not a direct comparison for Windows users.

For basic tasks like web browsing, Office, and video streaming, an 11th Gen i5 is still perfectly adequate in 2024. It will only feel slow if you do heavy video editing or 3D rendering.

Cost and Value in 2024

Because 11th Gen laptops are older, they often appear on clearance or as refurbished units. Prices vary widely, but you can expect:

• Vivobook with i3-1115G4 – typically under $350 new (if still available) or $250 refurbished.
• Zenbook with i5-1135G7 – around $500-$700 new, less on sale.
• Zenbook with i7-1165G7 – often $700-$900, but deals can drop it below $600.

When considering a used unit, check the battery health and whether the SSD is replaceable. Many 11th Gen Vivobooks have soldered RAM, so you can’t upgrade memory later.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re shopping today, you might also look at:

• 12th Gen Intel laptops – better performance, similar price if you catch a sale.
• AMD Ryzen 5000/6000 laptops – often better value in the budget segment.
• Chromebooks – if you only need a browser, they are cheaper and lighter.
• Apple MacBook Air (M1) – if you can stretch your budget, it offers superior battery life and performance.

But if you find a well-priced Zenbook with 11th Gen i5, it remains a solid choice for students and office workers who don’t need top-tier speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 11th Gen Intel still good in 2024?

Yes, for everyday tasks. The i5 and i7 Tiger Lake chips handle web browsing, Office, streaming, and light photo editing without issue. They lack the multi-core muscle for heavy video editing or gaming, but they are not obsolete.

Can I play games on a Zenbook with 11th Gen?

You can play older or less demanding titles like Minecraft, League of Legends, and CS:GO at 720p or 1080p with low settings. The Iris Xe graphics in i5/i7 models are surprisingly capable, but don’t expect to run modern AAA games smoothly.

How do I know if my Asus laptop has 11th Gen?

Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and go to the Performance tab. The CPU name will show, e.g., “Intel Core i5-1135G7”. You can also right-click the Start button and select System – the processor is listed there.

Can I upgrade the RAM in a Vivobook with 11th Gen?

Many Vivobooks have one RAM slot and one soldered module. Some models allow adding a SODIMM, but others have all RAM soldered. Check the specific model’s manual or use CPU-Z to see if there’s an open slot.

Does 11th Gen support Windows 11?

Yes, all 11th Gen Intel processors are officially supported by Windows 11. They meet the TPM 2.0 and secure boot requirements, so you can upgrade or install it without workarounds.

What is the battery life like on these laptops?

It varies. A Zenbook with a 50Wh battery can last 8-10 hours on light use. Vivobooks often have smaller batteries (around 42Wh) and may last 6-8 hours. Screen brightness and background apps affect this significantly.

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