By Paul Cockeram
Each year at this time, we celebrate the accomplishments of two important groups of people. On one hand we honor the dads who work hard for their families without asking much in return. On the other, we congratulate the grads who finished their exams, passed their classes, and grabbed that diploma.
But where can you find something special enough to reward grads for all their hard work, something that also prepares them for their next degree program or new career? And for dads, it can be especially hard to find a gift that expresses the right level of gratitude. We think both needs can be met by the right tech, so we prepared our 2024 ASUS Dads and Grads gift guide to help you find the perfect computer component for the moment.
For the gamers
Since at least 83% of internet users worldwide report playing games, there’s a good chance your dad or grad is among them. A selection from our high-performance, durable line of ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) devices will keep them entertained for years to come. We constantly refine ROG desktops, laptops, peripherals, and handheld devices to ensure that every gamer enjoys cutting-edge performance paired with our signature style.
ROG Ally
For all dads and grads who have earned some free time, you can prevent them from twiddling their thumbs by filling their hands with a new ROG Ally. This gaming device puts their favorite PC titles at their fingertips. Its compact size delivers optimal performance powered by AMD’s brand-new Ryzen Z1 Series processors and incredible RDNA 3 graphics. The Full HD high-refresh display provides a crystal-clear view of the action in even fast-paced games. And they can get in on the action right away with a preloaded 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
The Ally was designed to fit comfortably into almost any life, with every button placed in easy reach. For grads who plan to move into a small apartment or new student housing, the Ally can do double- or triple-duty when it’s paired with the right peripherals thanks to Windows 11 functionality. By connecting to a TV and pairing multiple controllers, the Ally transforms into a formidable multiplayer console. For more serious pursuits, connect the Ally to a display, add a keyboard and mouse, and you have a functioning PC.
ROG Zephyrus G14
While grads appreciate tech that can adapt to their big life changes, dads who game just want to hang out with friends in online games or retreat to their dens for some single-player action. The new ROG Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop meets all these needs. The Zephyrus G14 offers cutting-edge gaming performance inside an ultra-slim, lightweight aluminum chassis. And when the action is in full swing, every gamer will love the silky-smooth graphics powered by its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU.
To help your dads or grads lose themselves in the game world, the Zephyrus G14 delivers exquisite color accuracy and incredible contrast ratios courtesy of our first-ever 3K OLED 120Hz/0.2ms Nebula Display. Of course, this hardware also powers applications for streaming and creativity, making the G14 an ideal gift for dads or grads with a wide range of interests.
ROG NUC
If your dad or grad prefers to game on a desktop PC, consider giving them a game-changer. The compact ROG NUC is a blazing fast, space-saving computer that sets a new standard for portability. Your dad or grad can game without compromising valuable desktop real estate by turning this compact PC on its side with the included vertical stand.
The ROG NUC’s Intel Core Ultra processor delivers superior performance, while the graphics that come courtesy of its NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU bring immersive gaming within reach. The NUC also supports a quad 4K display, bringing your dad or grad in touch with the crystal-clear visuals of ultra-high pixel density. To add a personal touch, customize the NUC with your favorite lighting experience on the backlit ROG panel.
ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ
For dads and grads who already own a cutting-edge gaming rig, consider upgrading their display. A gamer’s display is their window into the game-world, and they won’t find a smoother, clearer viewpoint than our ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ. This 42-inch OLED gaming monitor delivers immersive gaming with its big screen and 4K resolution. The PG42UQ’s high 138Hz (overclocked) refresh rate keeps the action crystal clear.
During marathon gaming sessions, the ROG Swift OLED goes easy on the eyes. Its anti-glare micro-texture coating provides better viewing and more accurate colors by reducing reflections, letting your dads and grads enjoy extreme blacks and high perceptual brightness without unnecessary eye strain as they design games, edit video, or engineer a new project.
ROG Delta S Wireless
If your dad or grad is especially difficult to shop for, sneak a look at their computer peripherals. Anywhere you see worn-out input devices or gear that came packaged with their rig, a rugged replacement will undoubtedly be welcome. Consider the ROG Delta S wireless lightweight headset, perfect for dad’s multiplayer gaming nights. It also helps to eliminate ambient noise when your grad spends their evenings enjoying videos and music in cramped housing.
The ROG Delta S provides wireless freedom and mobility. And your gamer will truly appreciate the clear in-game communication afforded by the Delta S’s AI Noise Cancelation, which reduces 500 million types of background noises. Of course, these same microphones will maintain crystal-clear video chats whenever your grad gets lonely and needs to speak with a familiar face from home.
ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
Gamers love customizing their keyboards until every important function is a finger-twitch away. So we designed the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless to provide 96% of the functionality of a full-sized keyboard in a form factor just 1 cm wider than a standard 80% keyboard. Besides freeing up desk space, this smaller design lets your dad or grad move their keyboard and mousing hands closer together, while the wireless connection keeps their desk space tidy and clean.
When it comes to keyboards, many dads and grads have developed some specific preferences for the feel and sound of the action. So we ship the Strix Scope II Wireless with either NX Snow linear switches or NX Storm clicky switches, both of which are pre-lubed to ensure the stability of each and every keystroke. And both models of the Strix Scope II are fine-tuned for satisfying sound thanks to a unique, integrated dampening foam that absorbs unwelcome noises like pings and echoes.
ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition
To put a bow on any gift of high-quality gaming peripherals, consider adding an ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition. This wireless gaming mouse ensures ultimate precision thanks to its AimPoint sensor, which minimizes frustrating skips or misses during every action-packed onscreen battle.
The Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition was co-developed with e-sports professionals. They helped us achieve extreme weight reduction without sacrificing comfort, precision, or durability. Its high-quality materials will give your gamer smooth, fast movements for years to come.
For the creators
Of course, not all dads and grads devote themselves to the adrenalized thrills of PC gaming. Some prefer to spend quiet evenings editing their video reels or tinkering with a new project. And for grads getting ready to transition from the classroom into the corporate space, many could use a wardrobe refresh or a new laptop that meets standards of professionalism.
Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405)
For all such creators, we offer the eco-friendly ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED. This ultra-slim, beautifully blue laptop won’t just make a positive impression in the boardroom. It’s also perfect for those dads who spend their quality time in the garden or grads who worry about the future of the planet. The Zenbook 14 OLED leaves a small carbon footprint certified by top ecolabels, including EPEAT Gold. It also makes a modest impact in their shoulder bag, thanks to its featherweight, sturdy metal chassis that measures just .59” thick and weighs 2.82 pounds.
In addition to eco-friendly construction, the Zenbook 14 OLED supplies your dad or grad with uncompromising versatility and power. A full range of I/O ports let it plug naturally into any workflow. The lifelike visuals from its 3K 120H OLED touch screen make life easier for every knowledge worker. And if your dad or grad is a future-facing techie, they will definitely appreciate this Zenbook’s AI optimization thanks to an integrated NPU.
ZenScreen MB16AHG
Digital nomads need to maintain workflow everywhere they go, and creators need to be ready whenever inspiration strikes. When you purchase a ZenScreen MB16AHG portable display, you send your grad into the world with a 15.6-inch monitor that runs at 1920×1080 resolution with a flicker-free refresh rate of 144Hz. Or you give your business-traveling dad a handy multi-monitor workspace that sets up quickly thanks to its built-in, fold-out kickstand.
The MB16AHG sports two USB-C connections and mini-HDMI ports, making it compatible with a broad range of devices. And whenever your dad or grad works long hours, the built-in TÜV Rheinland-certified Blue Light Filter will shield their gaze from harmful blue light.
ZenWiFi XT9
Today’s homes do more for us than ever, often doubling as corporate offices or design studios. And since a majority of young adults now live with their parents, any household’s WiFi network can quickly become overtaxed, introducing frustrating lags and stalls. The perfect solution for households crowded by both dads and grads is our ZenWifi XT9, a mesh WiFi system that provides coverage for the whole home.
The ZenWiFi XT9 gives your household superfast, reliable connections for streaming videos, gaming, and all smart gadgets. And our latest ASUS RangeBoost Plus technology extends your WiFi coverage up to 5700 square feet across six or more rooms. But double the units doesn’t mean double the complications or maintenance. Thanks to the ASUS Router mobile app with its intuitive interface, you can easily manage your network from your smartphone. The simple 3-step setup will have your network up and running quickly.
ASUS VivoWatch 5
One thing that busy dads and grads have in common is a tendency to neglect their health. Dads will put their family first while delaying doctor visits, and grads have spent long hours studying and eating convenience meals. Take this opportunity to nudge them toward wellness with an ASUS VivoWatch 5 wearable health tracker.
The VivoWatch 5’s leather wristband and stainless-steel case don’t just keep time in style, they equip your loved one with 24/7 wellness tracking. Your dad or grad will fine-tune their health in every area of life, from fitness and workouts to sleep quality to a normal day’s respiration and heart activity. In no time, they will have all the data necessary to achieve total body harmony while managing blood pressure, heart-rate, and medication reminders.
For the DIYers
For PC DIYers, building their computer is part of the fun. Whether you want to help your DIY dads and grads upgrade their custom-built computers, or you aim to provide them with high-quality components to get a new build going, look no further than our TUF line of rugged, durable, high-performance PC gaming components.
The TUF Gaming B650-E WiFi motherboard lays a sturdy foundation for any build, including the most demanding gaming rigs. This motherboard exceeds expectations with rock-solid, stable performance throughout the longest gaming marathons. For optimal CPU thermal control, add our TUF Gaming LC II 360 ARGB all-in-one liquid coolers. They take center stage in any TUF build with a style that complements the motherboard and shows off upgraded, brighter lighting.
Whether a DIYer intends to game or create, they usually prioritize powerful graphics processors. Our TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER graphics card supplies cutting-edge visuals for the long haul, thanks to its optimized cooling and military-grade capacitors.
The beast that is emerging from this build will demand considerable power, so meet its energy needs with a high-performance TUF Gaming 750W Gold power supply. For a finishing touch that will protect their new PC in style, encase the build in a TUF Gaming GT502. The panoramic view provided by this mid-tower case’s tempered glass panels is tactfully tinted to showcase their new rig handsomely, while the dual-chamber construction maintains separate cooling zones for the CPU and GPU. The superior durability, power, and cooling of this build will keep any dad or grad computing stylishly and contentedly for years to come.
Perfect gifts for dads and grads
Father’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation for all the dear old dads in your life, while graduation gives you the occasion to celebrate your loved one’s success. The right gift shows them how much you care and helps them pursue their hobbies, enhance their professional life, and even stay connected with family and friends. In our newest lineup of gifts from ASUS and ROG, you can find the right tech for this moment.