The ASUS TUF Gaming T500 is a compact prebuilt gaming PC with an unusual recipe: a laptop class processor on a small motherboard, paired with a full size desktop graphics card. That mix keeps the case small and the price within reach of first time PC gamers, while leaving the most important part for gaming, the GPU, swappable later. Here is what the T500 includes, what it costs, who it suits and what to consider instead.
What makes the T500 different
Most gaming desktops use a socketed desktop processor that you can replace later. ASUS took another route with the T500. Its CPU is an Intel Core i7 13620H or Core i5 13420H, the same kind of chip found in gaming laptops, soldered to the board. ASUS says this approach lets the processor run cooler in a desktop chassis, and it helps shrink the case.
The graphics card, though, is a regular desktop GPU in a PCIe slot. That matters because the GPU has the biggest effect on gaming performance and is the part most people upgrade first. Compared with a gaming laptop at a similar price, the T500 gives you a clearer path to better graphics down the road.
Official specs
| Spec | ASUS TUF Gaming T500 (2025) |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7 13620H (6 performance and 8 efficiency cores, up to 5.0 GHz) or Core i5 13420H |
| Graphics | Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, configurations vary by retailer and region |
| Memory | Two SODIMM slots, dual channel DDR5, up to 64GB |
| Storage | Two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slots |
| Power supply | 500W TFX, 80 Plus Platinum |
| Networking | WiFi 6, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth |
| Front ports | Two USB Type A, one USB Type C, combo audio jack |
| Size and weight | About 6.1 x 11.7 x 13.7 inches, about 13 lb |
| Software | Windows 11 Home or Pro depending on model |
Cooling uses custom heatsinks with copper heat pipes and a 90mm fan, according to ASUS. The side panel comes in a transparent or metal version, and the metal panel removes without tools.
The 2026 refresh with AMD chips
At CES in January 2026, ASUS announced the TUF Gaming T500 (2026), model TM500, which swaps Intel for AMD. It uses a Ryzen 7 260 or Ryzen 5 220 processor, an AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics card, DDR5 5600 memory up to 64GB and a 330W Platinum power supply. ASUS did not announce US pricing alongside it, and availability varies by market, so check which version a retailer is actually selling before you buy.
Graphics card, SODIMM memory, M.2 storage
Soldered laptop CPU and compact motherboard
Small case and TFX power supply restrict future GPU choices
Price and how to judge a deal
ASUS does not publish a fixed US price for the T500, and the configurations sold at retailers change often. In 2025, Micro Center listed a Core i5 13420H model with an 8GB RTX 5060 Ti, 16GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD at a regular price of about $1,200, and discounted it at times. Newegg has carried a Core i7 13620H model with a 16GB RTX 5060 Ti and 32GB of memory, but it showed as out of stock in October 2026.
When you compare offers, look past the CPU name. Check the exact GPU and its memory, because 8GB and 16GB versions of the RTX 5060 Ti are sold under the same name. Also check memory capacity, SSD size and whether Windows 11 Home or Pro is included.
Who it suits, and alternatives
- Good fit: console players moving to PC, living room setups next to a TV, small apartments and dorm rooms, and anyone who wants a ready made 1080p gaming machine without building one.
- Consider a standard tower if you want a socketed desktop CPU you can upgrade, more ports and a larger power supply for future GPUs.
- Consider building your own if you are comfortable with hardware. A DIY small form factor build lets you choose every part.
- Consider a gaming laptop only if portability matters more than upgrades, since laptop graphics cannot be replaced.
FAQ
Does the ASUS TUF T500 use a laptop CPU?
Yes. The 2025 model uses Intel Core i5 13420H or Core i7 13620H mobile processors, while the graphics card is a full desktop GPU.
Can I upgrade the graphics card?
Yes, the GPU sits in a standard slot. Size and the 500W power supply limit how large and power hungry a replacement can be.
How much memory can it take?
ASUS lists two SODIMM slots supporting up to 64GB of dual channel DDR5.
Is the T500 good for 4K gaming?
An RTX 5060 Ti class card is aimed mainly at 1080p and some 1440p gaming. For demanding 4K games, a more powerful GPU is the better choice.
The verdict
The ASUS TUF Gaming T500 is a smart, compact entry into PC gaming, especially for players coming from consoles who want a small box under the TV and a simple GPU upgrade path. The soldered laptop CPU and small power supply are real limits, so experienced builders will still get more flexibility from a standard tower or their own build.
Updated October 2026: rewritten as a buyer guide with official ASUS specs, the 2026 AMD refresh, pricing notes and alternatives.
Featured photo: sdl sanjaya on Unsplash.
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