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Today I’m reviewing an elegant and stylish ultrabook ASUS ExpertBook B9. For those who do not know how ultrabooks differ from ordinary laptops, I will explain. They are the same laptops, only lighter, thinner, more compact, quieter. Yes, as a rule, ultrabooks can not boast of super-powerful components, suitable, for example, for games, but they are not for this purpose at all created. Such devices are an ideal solution for those people who are on the move a lot, for a long time and often. The weight is less than 1 kilogram, compact size, stylish business appearance and good level of performance, which will be enough for everyday work tasks. Today we will take a detailed look at ASUS ExpertBook B9 (namely, model B9403CVA), its components, test the level of performance, find out how much battery life this ultrabook has, because in our case, this is one of the most important parameters, go over the features, advantages and disadvantages, if any. Well, let’s start, as always, with the technical characteristics.
Technical specifications
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U (Raptor Lake, 10 cores, 12 threads, base clock speed 1.7 GHz, maximum Turbo Boost clock speed 5 GHz, 12MB Level 3 cache, 10 nanometre process, TDP 12-15W, maximum Turbo Boost TDP 55W, Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU integrated graphics)
- Graphics card: Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU integrated graphics
- RAM: 32GB, LPDDR5 type, Micron model (H9JCNNNNNNNNNNNNFA5MLYR-N6E), operating timings 32-24-24-24-52-CR1
- Data Storage: 2TB, M.2 NVMe SSD PCIe 4.0, Micron 3400 model MTFDKBA2T0TFH
Display: 14-inch, OLED, WQXGA+ (2880×1800) resolution, 90Hz screen refresh rate, 16:10 aspect ratio, glossy, LED backlight, 400 cd/m² brightness, sRGB 100% colour space, 90% screen-to-body ratio - Interfaces: 1×USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2×Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, 1×micro HDMI (RJ45 LAN), 1×HDMI 2.1 TMDS, 1×3.5mm combo audio jack
- Audio: Built-in speakers, built-in directional microphone with support for Cortana voice assistant, Dolby Atmos technology, Smart Amp technology
- Network interfaces: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) Dual Band 2×2, Bluetooth 5.3
- Camera: 1080p camera with IR function for Windows Hello support, with shutter function
- Battery: 63Wh 3-cell lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, 3S1P
- Power supply: 65W Type-C adapter (output power: 20V DC, 3.25A, 65W; input power: 100~240V AC 50/60Hz)
- Weight: 0.99kg
- Dimensions (L×W×H): 311.0×215.0×15.7 mm
- Security: NFC input, facial recognition, Kensington lock slot, fingerprint scanner
- Bundle: laptop, power supply, micro HDMI to RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet adapter, carrying case (optional), documentation
Price and positioning
ASUS has 2 ExpertBook lines: Essential and Premium. Essential is an inexpensive ultrabook in the middle price segment. Premium, as it is easy to guess from the name, are premium devices with maximum configuration. Both lines are positioned as ultra-light and ultra-rugged devices for business. Only in Premium the design is labelled not just as “rugged”, but as “military standard”. Actually, as you have already realised, ExpertBook B9 belongs to the Premium line, and the model we are considering is the most high-performance of all. On the official website of ASUS, at the time of writing the review, the price of ExpertBook B9 is $1755.
ASUS ExpertBook B9 package contents
The notebook comes in a branded cardboard box 485×281×100 mm. Inside this box there are 2 more branded ones: one with the notebook and documentation, the other with a power supply and micro HDMI to RJ45 adapter. The first box is the most ordinary one, both in terms of design and informativeness. The boxes with the main set are also not distinguished by original design or images, but it is so intended: restrained, ascetic, purely business style, just to the face of the bundled device. On the upper part of the notebook box we see only the ExpertBook logo and the eponymous inscription, which are embossed. On the back and sides there is nothing but a small sticker with barcodes on one of the sides. The power supply box has only a couple of small barcodes also on one side of the box.
Let’s unpack it and take a look at the contents:
- laptop
- power supply
- micro HDMI to RJ45 adapter
Despite the seemingly ascetic packaging and minimalism of the package, it is exactly as it should be for such devices. ASUS understand perfectly well who the main target audience of these laptops is, and they know that these people don’t need anything extra. All in all, a plus for the packaging and set.
Design, ergonomics, build
We take out our laptop, and the first thing you pay attention to is the weight, dimensions and case material. The device weighs only 1 kilogram, and its dimensions are 311.0×215.0×15.7 mm. The notebook feels incredibly light and compact: it will be really convenient to take it everywhere with you. The case is made of magnesium-lithium alloy, making it almost weightless. In addition to the light weight, according to the manufacturer, this alloy is also incredibly strong and meets military strength standards, which makes the laptop also reliable. The official specification says so – US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard. By the way, the material is very pleasant to the touch.
From the weight, size and materials, I would like to move on to the design of the notebook. On the top cover there is ASUS logo and ExpertBook model designation. On the bottom we can see 4 legs and a small grate, which is located above the cooling system. On the right edge there is a power on/off button (it also acts as a fingerprint scanner) and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port. The left edge has HDMI 2.1, two Thunderbolt 4 ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support, micro HDMI (RJ45 LAN), and a 3.5mm combo audio jack for a headset.
When folded, the notebook is very thin – only 15.7 mm. For better understanding, it is thinner than an index finger.
We open the notebook and it passes the “macbookness” test (lift the lid with one finger so that the rest of the notebook remains stationary) without any problems. At the top we see the 14-inch display and the camera, which can be closed with a latch. At the bottom there is a keyboard, touchpad, a small neat inscription ASUS ExpertBook and a barely noticeable Dolby Atmos logo. I would like to note the complete absence of any stickers on the case and say a special thanks to ASUS for this.
The notebook closes as easily as it opens, and there is a smooth click effect. In general, the design of ExpertBook B9 is remarkable. Strictness and minimalism are its main features. With the number and location of interfaces, too, all is well. Perhaps someone will not find it very convenient that all the main interfaces are located on one side. But personally I didn’t have any discomfort with device connections during the whole testing period (I connected a removable SSD, a charger, a wireless mouse module). The quality of materials and assembly is top-notch. Materials are tactilely pleasant, and the construction feels strong and reliable. For design, ergonomics and assembly we give ExpertBook B9 a plus and move on.
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Keyboard and touchpad
The notebook has a keyboard with a standard WASD layout. The form factor of the keyboard is 75%. There is no num pad, and the Home, End, PgUp, PgDn keys are replaced by arrows. The standard F1 to F12 keys are in place, plus there are a few extra ones. Shift keys are standard, long. Due to the fact that the number pad was removed and some keys were moved, the keyboard became compact on the one hand, but on the other hand, it allowed not to lose the size of the keys – they remained standard. Typing on this keyboard is very comfortable.
The keyboard has a backlight – just white, just enough to illuminate the keys in the dark. It is switched on and off by the keyboard shortcut Cntr + F7.
Information on the official ASUS website indicates that the keyboard is water-resistant, which means that spilled coffee or tea will not harm it.
The touchpad in ExpertBook B9 is large and responsive. PKM and LKM keys are clearly pressed. Gestures, taps, swipes touchpad recognises and performs without any problems. By the way, it is possible to display the physically absent in the notebook digital block (num pad) on the touchpad. To do this, you need to touch and hold the icon in the upper right corner of the touchpad for a while until the touch digital block appears on the panel. This is a really handy feature.
ASUS ExpertBook B9 Display
The ExpertBook B9 features a 14-inch OLED display with WQXGA+ resolution (2880×1800 pixels). The refresh rate of the screen is 90 Hz. The aspect ratio is 16:10. The display itself is glossy, the brightness level is 400 cd/m², and the colour space here is 100% sRGB. The bezels of the display are small: 5 mm on the sides and 10 mm on the top, if measured together with the case.
TFT Monitor Test showed an average display response time of 11 ms. It’s not so little, but it’s not critical either. During the time I had the laptop, I managed to watch almost the whole first season of Halo on it and just a few YouTube videos. The picture is pleasant, smooth. The display is definitely not slow. I didn’t notice any image defects in the form of plumes or halos, typical for slow matrices.
Colour reproduction, contrast and brightness are excellent, just as you would expect from an OLED display. Black colour feels deep, truly black.
Viewing angles are wide, at any angle everything is clear and well seen, with no visible distortion.
In summary, the ExpertBook B9 has a great display that makes watching videos and browsing websites a pleasure. How much do you think this display is suitable for work? My answer is 100 per cent.
Components and performance
Here we are getting to the components that are responsible for the performance and speed of the system. So, what we have here: Intel Core i7-1355U processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU integrated graphics, 32 GB RAM and 2 TB NVMe SSD. Already from the get-go, we can say that this configuration is enough for work tasks with a reserve for the future. Still, let’s take a closer look at each component and run a couple of performance tests, otherwise the review will be incomplete.
Processor
The laptop is powered by Intel’s 13th generation (Raptor Lake) Core i7-1355U processor. The architecture is as follows: 2 performance cores / 4 threads, base clock speed of 1.7 GHz and maximum clock speed of 5 GHz in Turbo Boost; 8 energy efficient cores / 8 threads, base clock speed of 1.2 GHz and maximum clock speed of 3.7 GHz in Turbo Boost. In total we have: 10 cores / 12 threads, base clock speed of 1.7 GHz and maximum clock speed in Turbo Boost of 5 GHz. The processor is made on 10nm process, has 12MB of level 3 cache, its TDP is 12-15W (maximum TDP in Turbo Boost is 55W), includes integrated graphics in the form of Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU.
Intel Core i7-1355U is quite a productive processor, which is often put in ultra-thin and light laptops (just like the one we are reviewing). Its performance is more than enough for everyday work tasks. To prove it, let’s run a few performance tests. For the tests we will use: Cinebench R15, Cinebench R20, Cinebench R23, Perfomance Test CPU Mark, Blender CPU Benchmark, Geekbench 6, V-Ray Benchmark, AIDA64 Extreme (FP32 Ray-Trace, FPU Julia, CPU SHA3, CPU Queen, FPU SinJulia, FPU Mandel, CPU AES, CPU ZLilb, FP64 Ray-Trace, CPU PhotoWorxx).
Cinebench R15, R20, R23 test results:
Performance Test CPU Mark test results:
Blender CPU Benchmark test results:
Geekbench 6 test results:
V-Ray Benchmark test results:
AIDA64 Extreme test results:
Video card
There is no discrete graphics card in the ExpertBook B9, only CPU-integrated graphics in the form of Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU. You can see detailed information about the chip in the screenshot below.
Of course, this iGPU will not be suitable for modern games, except for something simple to run. But for a comfortable level of work of ordinary applications will be enough. Just for the sake of interest, let’s run a few tests: 3DMark, Performance Test 3D Graphics Mark, Geekbench 6 Benchmark, V-Ray Benchmark.
3DMark test results:
Performance Test 3D Graphics Mark test results:
Geekbench 6 GPU Benchmark test results:
V-Ray GPU Benchmark test results:
RAM
The notebook has 32 GB of LPDDR5 type RAM installed. The memory is made by 8 chips of 4 GB each from Micron (H9JCNNNNNNNNNFA5MLYR-N6E). The operating timings are as follows: 64-52-52-112-CR1.
To test memory, let’s run AIDA64 Extreme built-in tests: read, write, copy, latency.
Data storage
The ExpertBook B9 has a 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, the specific model is Micron 3400 MTFDKBA2T0TFH. Let’s test it with a standard set of CrystalDiskMark (Default mode and NVMe SSD), ASS SSD Benchmark and 3DMark.
Overall Performance Tests
A couple more tests of overall system performance, let’s run them with AIDA64 Cache & Memory Benchmark, PCMark 10, CrossMark and Performance Test.
As we can see, the tests of the processor, RAM and storage show quite good results. I repeat that it is enough for work tasks.
Game performance
For modern games, ExpertBook B9 has frankly weak graphics. I, of course, for the sake of interest, launched CS GO. The game at a resolution of 1680×1050 at medium graphics settings produced 50-120 playable frames on the map Train. But the gameplay was accompanied by rare freezes when turning the camera. On the map Dust 2 the situation was already worse – 30-55 frames. In principle, with a great desire and if you play with the settings, I think you can chase. And you can also put Heroes III, which run on any hardware and where it is always nice to kill a little extra time (or not a little). I don’t see the point in trying to run any of the more resource-intensive modern games on ExpertBook B9. I generally very much doubt that people who buy such laptops play computer games. And if they do, it is obviously not on working ultrabooks.
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Sound
ExpertBook B9 supports Dolby Atmos and Smart Amp technology, so the sound from the notebook speakers is full and rich. In Dolby Atmos demos, you can clearly distinguish by ear where the sound source is located (left, right, rear). While watching films, the sound quality is pleasing. However, there is a point that does not allow you to fully reveal the full beauty of these technologies on ExpertBook B9 – it is the power of the speakers themselves. Still, it feels a little lacking. And the explanation for this is very simple: larger speakers (size, power, number) would lead to the need to increase the size of the device. Let’s just say that if you know how Dolby Atmos can sound on laptops, our laptop falls a little short. If you need a golden mean between ultra-compact size and quality sound, the ExpertBook B9 sounds good. This only applies to the sound from the speakers. When headphones and headset are connected, everything sounds perfect.
Network communications
For network connections, the ExpertBook B9 has Wi-Fi 6E, which supports Dual Band, that is, it can work in two bands – 2.4 and 5 GHz. You can also connect an Ethernet cable via the included micro HDMI to RJ45 adapter. While working on the laptop there were no problems with Internet connections. For example, I’ll show the connection speed on gigabit internet when connected via cable and via Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz). Let me remind you that ExpertBook B9 has Bluetooth 5.3 for connecting wireless devices.
Camera, microphone, video communication
The camera in the notebook, it would seem, is there, and fine. But ExpertBook B9 pays special attention to the camera, microphone and video communication functions. This once again proves that ASUS knows well the main target audience of this device and understands perfectly well what functions of the notebook will be in priority and will be used most often.
The notebook features Intelligent Noise Cancellation technology, which improves the quality of voice communication. This applies to both outgoing and incoming calls. The technology, based on AI with machine learning, filters out extraneous sounds during calls or conferences so that nothing disturbs you.
Your laptop camera can enhance your video with AI technology. For example, it automatically centres your face in the frame and adjusts to the focus of your eyes. It can also automatically filter out noise, noise, artefacts and other visual defects in the frame. And as a bonus, it automatically adjusts the brightness of the image.
Security and privacy
Special attention in ExpertBook B9 is paid to security, protection and privacy of user data. No wonder, because the notebook is positioned for the corporate segment. So, what it has:
- protection and security of user passwords
- BIOS-level Computrace function
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- user password for BIOS customisation
- IR webcam with Windows Hello support
- fingerprint scanner
- Kensington Nano Security Slot
It’s a great set, don’t you think? If you’re worried about the safety of your data on your laptop, ExpertBook B9 has many options on how and in what way to protect it.
Cooling system and noise level
ExpertBook B9 has a pair of fans with intelligent cooling function. You can also set the operating mode for them yourself, there are three modes available: Whisper (quiet), Standard (balanced), Performance (productive).
At idle and under light load, the component temperatures do not exceed 50-55°C. At the same time, the cooling system is not audible at all, both in Standard and Performance modes.
To test the cooling system’s capabilities to the maximum, let’s give the system a stress test. The system stability test from AIDA64 Extreme is ideal for this: during the test the processor, video core, RAM and storage will be loaded 100%. It should be noted at once that users of this notebook are unlikely to face such loads in everyday tasks. We need this test in order to test the maximum capabilities of the cooling system, to find out the maximum noise level it can emit and to reveal the maximum temperatures. We will take readings using the HWiNFO64 programme.
As we can see, the maximum recorded CPU temperature was 93°C. The temperatures of other components are within the normal range. As for the noise level of the cooling system, it is barely audible, approximately 40 dB. What conclusions can be drawn from this: the cooling system copes even with maximum loads, and at the same time produces a minimum noise level.
During the temperature tests I checked how warm the notebook case is. The keyboard is barely warm, the bottom of the notebook is warm. I do not feel a strong heating of the case.
ASUS ExpertBook B9 battery life
The ExpertBook B9 has a 63Wh 3-cell lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. A 65W power adapter is included for charging. Charging from 0 to 100% took me 1 hour and 30 minutes.
100% battery charge was enough for me for about 6-7 hours of autonomous work. At that, 6-7 hours the laptop was not in standby mode, but actively used. About 3 hours watching videos (online movies), the rest of the time, 3-4 hours – websurfing, YouTube, installing programmes, working with texts in Google Docs. I conclude that ExpertBook B9 has excellent autonomy, it can easily work on one full charge for a whole working day.
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MyASUS App
While in ASUS gaming notebooks Armoury Crate can be considered the main proprietary application for system configuration and information, in office and business notebooks MyASUS is responsible for this. Here you can:
- set the battery charging modes – gentle and fast
- set the fan speed mode – quiet, standard and performance
- switch on noise cancellation for microphone and speakers
- select the desired Dolby Atmos settings
- enable ASUS OLED Care – protects and extends the life of your notebook’s OLED display
- enable OLED Flicker-Free Dimming – removes the flicker effect from the display
- Adjust the gamma and colour temperature of the display with Splendid
- Enable video enhancement with Tru2Life
- Activate target mode – inactive areas of the display are dimmed to save battery power and increase your concentration while working
- Optimise your webcam with ASUS AiSense: optimise brightness and lighting, background blur, gaze correction, motion tracking, and video image correction filters.
Also in MyASUS you can customise the touchpad and touch numeric pad, enable automatic locking of the laptop in your absence and vice versa – enable automatic wake-up when you are near the device again.
MyASUS application also allows you to perform diagnostics of the device, its components and get information about their current state. And if necessary, you can easily check and install the latest updates for the device.
There is an extremely useful feature to transfer files, apps and settings to other ASUS devices via ASUS Switch. There is also Link to MyASUS, a feature that allows you to transfer files via the cloud in one click.
The app is still full of various useful features that you can’t tell about right away, otherwise you’d have to write a separate review about them.
Conclusions
ASUS ExpertBook B9 is the perfect solution for the businessman who is not tied to his workplace. Such a light, compact device will be comfortable to work at home, take it with you to the office, co-working or business trip. But despite the small size, the laptop is highly productive for its segment of devices. It is clear that it is not gaming, but it copes with work tasks easily and quickly, which is clearly proved by the tests I conducted. From myself I will say that it was very convenient to work or view content on it, and my wife liked to write her book on it. So I recommend this laptop to anyone who wants to work comfortably on a computer, wherever they are and whatever they do. I can say with confidence – ExpertBook B9 will be a reliable assistant.
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