Asus is making a bold statement at CES 2026 with its new ROG G1000 gaming PC. Forget subtle RGB lighting; this machine is draped in holographic panels, making it a spectacle as much as a powerhouse. But does the G1000 deliver on performance to match its eye-catching design? That's what gamers—and my testing—will ultimately determine.
Holo-Everything: Design That Demands Attention
The most striking feature of the ROG G1000 is undoubtedly its holographic exterior. Asus seems to be betting big on aesthetics, creating a system that’s “built to be seen,” according to early marketing materials. Whether this is a welcome change or an over-the-top gimmick remains to be seen. What I can say from early hands-on is that the execution seems surprisingly polished. The holograms shift and shimmer depending on the viewing angle, creating a dynamic visual effect that goes far beyond simple color cycling.
Beyond the holograms, the case appears to be well-built, with a focus on airflow. This is crucial, considering the components inside. Speaking of which...
RTX 5090 and Ryzen 9950X3D: Raw Power Unleashed
Underneath the holographic exterior lies some serious hardware. The ROG G1000 boasts an NVIDIA RTX 5090, the current top-of-the-line GPU, and an AMD Ryzen 9950X3D processor. This combination should be capable of handling any game at maximum settings, even at 4K resolution with ray tracing enabled. "This configuration should chew through anything you throw at it," writes Tom's Hardware in their initial coverage.
But raw power is only part of the equation. Effective cooling will be critical to prevent thermal throttling and maintain consistent performance during extended gaming sessions. I'll be running extensive benchmarks to assess the G1000's thermal management capabilities in my full review. Don't get blinded by the pretty lights; consistent frame rates are still king.
The Million-Dollar Question: Is It Worth It?
The ROG G1000 represents a significant investment, and its value proposition hinges on more than just its components. The holographic design will undoubtedly appeal to some, but others may find it distracting or simply unnecessary. Ultimately, the G1000's success will depend on whether Asus can deliver a seamless and high-performance gaming experience that justifies its premium price tag.
"Don't get blinded by the pretty lights; consistent frame rates are still king."
— Sarah Kim, Automatica PressWhat remains to be seen is the price, availability, and real-world performance under sustained load. Asus also announced new gaming laptops at CES, but the G1000 is the real head-turner. If the cooling system can keep pace with the bleeding-edge components, and the price isn't completely absurd, this could be a truly unique and powerful gaming machine. But until I've put it through its paces, I'm reserving judgment. The gaming PC market is fiercely competitive, and flashy aesthetics alone won't cut it. Gamers demand substance, and I intend to find out if the ROG G1000 delivers.