Hardware Configuration:
Screen: 17.3 inches 2560×1440, 165Hz
Processor: Core i9 12900H, 14 cores 20 threads
Graphics Card: RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6, 140W
Memory: Dual-channel 16GB DDR4-3200
Storage: 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD
Network: Intel AX210 Wi-Fi 6E, Gigabit Wired
Ports: 1×Thunderbolt 4, 1×USB3.2 Type-C, 1×USB3.2 Type-A, 1×USB2.0, 1×HDMI 2.1, 1×Mini DP1.4, audio input/output, TF card reader
Weight: 2.49kg (body) + 980g (180W adapter)
Reference Price: 8699 yuan
Core i9 12900H + Direct Connection 140W RTX 3060
If you search for gaming laptops by processor on e-commerce platforms, you will find that those equipped with Core i9 level processors are basically above 10,000 yuan, with some even exceeding 20,000 yuan. The few products under 10,000 yuan are all from domestic brands, with the lowest even achieving under 7,000 yuan by pairing with RTX 3050Ti. So what is the “magic” of the Core i9 12900H? With 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, it has a total of 14 cores and 20 threads, the same specifications as the Core i7 12800H, but with a higher frequency. The performance core frequency is 2.5~5GHz, and the efficiency core is 1.8~3.8GHz, both increased by 100~200MHz. Moreover, the Wukong K7 Shining 3 also adopts a PL1 power setting of 80W, higher than the conventional 60W, because the machine uses a dual-fan five-heat pipe four-exhaust design, ensuring heat dissipation efficiency.
By using y-cruncher for processor full-load testing, the Core i9 12900H of the Wukong K7 Shining 3 can be stabilized at around 70W. Although the package temperature is very high, close to 100℃, there is no obvious heat accumulation point on the C surface, and the performance core frequency is basically around 3.1GHz, while the efficiency core is also at 2.5GHz, with very good performance release.
As for the graphics card, the Wukong K7 Shining 3 has chosen the 140W version of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, which supports direct connection to the display, but needs to switch in the UEFI interface. Considering that entering UEFI in Windows 11 is somewhat complicated, and the UEFI interface is entirely in English, it requires a certain learning cost.
Using Furmark for single graphics card testing, the RTX 3060 of the Wukong K7 Shining 3 fluctuates between 120~140W in power consumption, and the temperature can be kept below 90℃. At this time, the C surface also does not have any particularly obvious heat accumulation points, and the airflow design is quite reasonable.
In actual gaming tests, the Wukong K7 Shining 3, with its Core i9 12900H and 140W RTX 3060, combined with DLSS, can easily run AAA titles like “Elden Ring”, “Ghostwire: Tokyo”, “God of War”, and “Halo: Infinite” at 2.5K resolution with maximum effects. Gaming is no longer an issue for the Wukong K7 Shining 3, even when using software like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, or DaVinci for video post-production, it can handle them easily, and using various 3D software for modeling and rendering work can also ensure high work efficiency.
17.3-inch 2.5K High Refresh Rate Screen, Overall Quality is Quite Good
The screen has always been a core selling point of the Wukong brand. As one of the first domestic brands to focus on 17.3-inch large screens, among the current mainstream Core i9 gaming laptops, most are based on full HD resolution. This time, the Wukong K7 Shining 3 offers two versions of the screen: one is the standard full HD 144Hz, and the other is an upgrade to a 2.5K resolution 165Hz screen for an additional 300 yuan. The version we tested is the upgraded one. Many brands only use this level of resolution on gaming laptops priced above 10,000 yuan, which indirectly reflects the effort of the Wukong K7 Shining 3 in screen specifications, at least users have a choice.
17.3-inch 2.5K 165Hz Gaming Screen Experience is Quite Excellent
In terms of screen quality, the Wukong K7 Shining 3 also performs quite well, with 100% sRGB, 69% AdobeRGB, and 67% P3 color gamut coverage. The average brightness reaches around 350 nits, and the average color DeltaE is controlled within 2, which is quite good for a high refresh rate panel. Moreover, it uses DC dimming, so there is no PWM flickering issue. Overall, this 300 yuan upgrade is very worthwhile, and because it is customized before ordering, it is much more convenient than changing the screen later, so I recommend everyone to upgrade!
However, to be honest, although it has a very good performance screen, the speaker performance of the Wukong K7 Shining 3 is quite average, with low volume and ordinary sound quality. Considering that it is mainly used in a fixed position and only occasionally needs to be carried, I suggest using a separate pair of speakers or wearing headphones for a better experience.
Other hardware configurations of the Wukong K7 Shining 3 are also not lacking, it comes standard with dual-channel 16GB DDR4-3200 memory, with a maximum option of dual-channel 32GB. If there is one regret in the configuration, it might be that it does not come with DDR5 memory. However, since this is a discrete graphics laptop, the impact of memory bandwidth is relatively limited, so it is merely a regret for perfectionists…
Excellent Heat Dissipation Design Allows for More Complete Processor Performance Release
Storage is standard with 1TB SSD, but it is PCIe 3.0 version. Fortunately, like the screen, the Wukong K7 Shining 3 can also upgrade to 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD for an additional 300 yuan. If you often play games and particularly dislike waiting for game loading times, this 300 yuan is also worth upgrading.As for the network card, it has chosen Intel’s latest AX201 wireless card, supporting Wi-Fi 6E specifications, plus a Gigabit wired network interface, so it can handle various network needs without any issues.
Comprehensive Interfaces, Balanced Control Performance
As a large 17.3-inch laptop, the richness of interfaces is also a must-consider item. Fortunately, this time the Wukong K7 Shining 3 has done a good job in this regard. With its three-sided interface layout, it has a Thunderbolt 4 on the right side that supports full-speed operation, enabling extensive interface expansion. In addition, there is an HDMI 2.1 and a Mini DP 1.4 on the back of the machine, so the Wukong K7 Shining 3 can achieve four-screen output, including the machine’s own screen.
In addition, there is a USB3.2 Type-C, a USB3.2 Type-A, a USB2.0, headphone microphone, and a TF card reader. If there is a downside, it is that there are relatively few high-speed USB Type-A interfaces, and you need to expand through Thunderbolt 4 to completely avoid interface anxiety.
Standard Thunderbolt 4 Interface Significantly Enhances Expandability
From our practical experience during this time, the Wukong K7 Shining 3 can adjust performance modes through the control center. During daily office work, you can choose the relatively quiet “Entertainment” mode or even “Quiet” mode, and switch to “Performance” mode when playing games or doing design work, adjusting the heat and noise performance of the computer as needed.
Moreover, in the control center, you can also set the keyboard backlight. The backlight settings of the Wukong K7 Shining 3 are relatively simple; the entire keyboard can only be adjusted uniformly, with no additional partition lighting options available, which may disappoint those who enjoy “light pollution”. But the advantage is that it has built-in keyboard macros, mouse macros, and key statistics functions, which are quite suitable for those who struggle with recording macro keys for “special moves” in fighting games, which is quite fun.
Supports Direct Connection to Discrete Graphics for Guaranteed Performance
Due to the full keyboard design and the very wide touchpad, the daily input and gaming control feel of the Wukong K7 Shining 3 is quite good, belonging to a standard that is neither too strong nor too weak, suitable for most people.
Conclusion: Unafraid of Competition in the Same Level
Looking at Intel’s 12th generation Core i9 processor models, the Wukong K7 Shining 3 is indeed a unique presence. It has a distinct 17.3-inch 2.5K screen, a relatively reasonable price, and it also leaves room for upgrades in configuration. From both gaming and daily experience, it has reached above the passing line, making it very competitive.
Moreover, in terms of after-sales service, while most domestic brands are based on factory repair, Wukong offers a 2-year whole machine warranty, while most brands only offer 1 year. It may be relatively weaker in terms of mold personalization design, but for players who want to spend as much as possible on the core value of gaming laptops, the Wukong K7 Shining 3 is indeed a niche but not to be underestimated choice.
Editor: Zhang Yi
Reviewed by: Wu Xin