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ASUS ExpertBook B9 (B9403CVAR)

7.5

The ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED refreshed with the Intel Core processor (Series 1) is a pretty good option as it's still pretty much in its own class.

What's Good?
  • Upgraded performance
  • Less than 1kg light
  • 3K OLED display
What's Not?
  • An ageing design

The ASUS ExpertBook B9 is probably one of the longest running series in the ExpertBook lineup. We have previously checked out the ExpertBook B9 (B9400CB) and the ExpertBook B9 OLED (B9403CVA), and in its latest iteration, this ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED (B940CVAR) touts the latest Intel “Raptor Lake Refresh” Core processor (Series 1). With this refresh, ASUS also equipped it with the Copilot key, with the button being the main visible distinction from its pre-refresh twin. With that out of the way, let’s get down to it.

ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED — What’s Good

Upgraded performance

While we received the Intel Core 5 120U variant, you can configure this with up the Core Ultra 7 150U for more oomph. Overall, CPU performance and GPU performance do look a bit dated when compared to the laptops with the more recent Intel and AMD chips. The battery life figures on show here also leaves something to be desired, but these are minor sacrifices to be made when considering that this is the world’s lightest 14-inch OLED business laptop.

Less than 1kg light

ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED B9403CVAR Review-5

Its weight, or the lack of it, is the main reason why nothing has yet to replace the ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED. At just 990 grams, the ExpertBook B9 OLED feels ludicrously light in the hand. It’s really one of those things you have to feel for yourself to understand. And yet due to the impressive engineering and metallurgy at play, there’s barely any flex or give throughout the chassis. The unique magnesium-lithium construction is also sustainable with a refined thixomolding process to help meet environmental goals. As if that’s not impressive enough, this ExpertBook B9 is still durable enough to meet the US MIL-STD 810H durability standards, just like all ASUS ExpertBooks do.

3K OLED display

ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED B9403CVAR Review-2

ASUS’ extensive use of OLED panels across their lineup is not just to deliver better colors, but it is also better for you. OLED panels emit 70% less blue light, which means that you can stare at your display longer without hurting your eyes. Of course, you can choose to stare at spreadsheets or just kick back with some movies. Regardless of what you have on your screen, the ExpertBook B9’s display ensures that it will look good.

ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED — What’s Not

An ageing design

ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED B9403CVAR Review-4

ASUS refreshed the design in 2023 from the ExpertBook B9 (B9400), with the birth of the ExpertBook B9 (B9403). They actually changed little in terms of the aesthetics though. It’s slightly lighter and came with a 16:10 display panel, while still giving you a dual-fan cooling. However, for the uninitiated, these differences are not apparent at all. And one drawback of this dual-fan design is that there isn’t enough PCB space for a second SSD slot, which removes the potential redundancy you could set up with the last-gen ExpertBook B9 (B9400) design. So, while cooling improved and we have a taller screen, overall, I do think ASUS could have done more with the design.

ASUS ExpertBook B9 (B9403CVAR) Specifications

ProcessorIntel Core 5 120U, 10C/12T (2P+8E) @ up to 5.0GHz
12MB L3 cache
15W TDP
Intel 7
Memory32GB LPDDR5X-5200, on-board, quad-channel
GraphicsIntel Graphics, 80EU @ up to 1.3GHz
Storage1TB Micron 2400 SSD (M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD, NVMe 1.4, TCG Pyrite encryption)
Display14″ 3K 16:10 (2880 x 1800) 90Hz OLED Samsung SDC4171 display
600 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 gamut, PANTONE Validated
90% screen-to-body ratio
ConnectivityWiFi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3 (Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211)
Intel I219-V GbE LAN (over micro HDMI)
2 x Thunderbolt 4 with display-out, USB-PD
1 x USB-A (USB 3.2, 10Gbps)
1 x HDMI 2.1 (TMDS)
1 x 3.5mm combo jack
AudioStereo speakers with Smart Amp Technology
harman/kardon (Premium)
Dolby Atmos
Array microphone
Power63WHr 3-cell Li-po battery
65W USB-PD power adapter
Dimensions311 x 215 x 16.9 mm
Weight0.99kg
Included AccessoriesSleeve
Micro HDMI to RJ45 gigabit ethernet adapter
ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED (B9403CVAR) Specs

ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED — should you buy this?

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The ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED refreshed with the Intel Core processor (Series 1) is a pretty good option as it’s still pretty much in its own class. For a laptop with military-grade durability, extensive 3-year warranty coverage and an arguably timeless design, your options are quite limited. I won’t beat around the bush; RM8,999 is quite a hefty sum to pay. However, what you’re paying for the peace of mind offered by the support and military-grade hardware, instead of cutting-edge performance or premium aesthetics. It won’t turn heads, but in the corporate world, your laptop really shouldn’t be the most attention-grabbing detail on you. Get one that blends into the background and let you do the talking.

For more info about the ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED (B9403CVAR): https://www.asus.com/my/laptops/for-work/expertbook/expertbook-b9-oled-b9403-series-1-intel/

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