Asus is diving into the world of mini PCs with their latest creation, the TUF Gaming T500. This desktop tower may look small, but it packs a punch with its laptop processor and RTX 5060 Ti graphics card. While the CPU is soldered in place and not upgradable, there are plenty of options for customization with PCIe slots, RAM slots, storage slots, and more. The T500 is part of Asus’ mid-range gaming line, offering decent performance at a starting price of $1300. However, some may find better value in building a custom desktop with more power for the same price.
Who is Asus targeting with the TUF Gaming T500?
Asus unveiled the TUF Gaming T500 at Computex, aiming to appeal to gamers looking for a compact yet powerful desktop solution. The T500 features a laptop processor, an Intel 13th-gen i5 or i7, depending on the version, along with an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card. While the CPU is not upgradeable due to being soldered onto a proprietary motherboard, the T500 offers other upgrade options such as PCIe slots, RAM slots, and storage slots. With a price tag of $1300, the T500 falls into the mid-range category for gaming PCs, but whether it offers enough value compared to custom-built desktops remains to be seen.
What sets the TUF Gaming T500 apart from other pre-built desktops?
One of the standout features of the TUF Gaming T500 is its compact form factor, resembling a small desktop tower rather than a traditional mini PC. The inclusion of a laptop processor allows for efficient cooling, with a small cooling setup directly connected to a rear exhaust fan. While the CPU is not swappable, users have the flexibility to upgrade other components such as the graphics card, RAM, and storage. The TUF series from Asus is known for offering budget-friendly gaming solutions, and the T500 follows suit with its competitive price point. However, some users may opt to build a custom desktop with more power for the same cost, especially given the current market conditions.
Is the TUF Gaming T500 worth the investment?
At a starting price of $1300, the TUF Gaming T500 offers a decent gaming experience with its laptop processor and RTX 5060 Ti graphics card. While the T500 provides some upgrade options for components like RAM and storage, the non-upgradable CPU may be a limiting factor for some users. When compared to building a custom desktop with similar specs, the T500 may not offer the best value for those looking for maximum performance. Ultimately, the appeal of the TUF Gaming T500 will depend on individual preferences and priorities when it comes to gaming hardware.
