Key Takeaways
1. Custom Motherboard and Processor: The Asus TUF Gaming T500 features a unique custom motherboard with a soldered Intel Core i7-13620H processor, limiting CPU upgrade options.
2. Performance and Efficiency Cores: The Intel Core i7-13620H has six performance cores that boost up to 4.9GHz and four efficiency cores, providing good mid-range gaming performance.
3. Upgrade Limitations: Users face challenges with upgrades, as the proprietary CPU cooler and soldered CPU require motherboard and RAM replacement for upgrades.
4. Standard Graphics Cards: The gaming PC supports standard desktop graphics cards, with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti being the top option available.
5. Pricing and Configuration Options: The Asus TUF Gaming T500 starts at $1,299, with entry-level models featuring an Intel Core i5-13420H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
At first sight, the Asus TUF Gaming T500 might seem like just another gaming PC with a flashy front design. But, taking a peek inside the case shows that this machine is quite unique. Rather than sticking with a common motherboard and desktop processor, Asus has chosen a custom motherboard that features a soldered Intel Core i7-13620H in the top-tier setup.
Unique Processor Choice
This processor, which is from 2023, comes with six performance cores that can boost up to 4.9GHz, along with four efficiency cores. Although this chipset is expected to deliver good gaming performance in a mid-range gaming setup even two years post-release, Asus’s choice is puzzling since it restricts users from upgrading the CPU without swapping out the motherboard and RAM. The RAM is in the SO-DIMM format, which is typically found in laptops.
Limitations on Upgrades
Additionally, the CPU cooler is also proprietary, meaning if users wish to upgrade the processor, they will have to replace it as well. On a brighter side, Asus does implement standard desktop graphics cards, with the top option being the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB (starting at $489 on Amazon). This gaming tower can support a maximum of 64GB of memory and is available with either 512GB or 1TB of SSD storage. The storage can be expanded through an extra m.2 slot or two SATA ports. The dimensions of the case are about 14 x 11.7 x 6.1 inches, and it features one USB-C port, two USB-A ports with 5Gbit/s speed, and a 3.5mm headphone jack at the front. At the back, there are four additional USB-A 2.0 ports and a Gigabit Ethernet port.
Pricing and Availability
The Asus TUF Gaming T500 is priced starting at $1,299, and information regarding pricing and availability in Europe is yet to be announced. The entry-level model includes an Intel Core i5-13420H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. More information about the configurations can be found on the official product webpage.
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