Asus Packs a Core i7 Laptop Chip and RTX 5060 Ti into the Compact TUF Gaming T500 – YugaTech Gaming
Asus today unveiled the TUF Gaming T500, a surprisingly compact desktop that pairs laptop-grade Intel processors with full-blown desktop graphics, marking a bold experiment in gaming PC design. Measuring just 15.6 × 29.6 × 35.7 cm, the new T500 trades the usual desktop CPU socket for soldered 13th-Gen mobile chips—up to the Core i7-13620H, which packs six high-performance cores, eight efficiency cores and boosts to 5.0 GHz—while still accommodating an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti graphics card.
Rather than repurpose a laptop cooler, Asus engineered a custom cooling solution inside a rugged, anime-inspired “mecha” chassis. A 90 mm fan blows across a heat sink and three heat-pipes to keep mobile-class thermals in check, and users can choose either a tempered-glass side panel to show off internal components or a solid metal panel with an X-shaped mesh for a stealthier look.
Memory and storage options are equally ambitious. The T500 supports up to 64 GB of DDR5-5200 SO-DIMM RAM and up to 2 TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, ensuring both gaming and content-creation workflows remain snappy. Power comes from a high-efficiency 80 Plus Platinum PSU, available in 330 W or 500 W variants depending on GPU choice. Front I/O includes two USB-A 5 Gb/s ports and a USB-C 10 Gb/s port, with additional USB-A and audio jacks at the rear, plus Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
Industry analysts note that mobile CPUs in desktops can deliver surprisingly desktop-level performance thanks to better cooling and higher sustained power budgets, while simplifying motherboard design. However, soldered laptop chips mean no future CPU upgrades unless the entire proprietary motherboard is replaced—an unusual trade-off that may appeal more to gamers seeking a ready-to-play system rather than DIY enthusiasts.
Pricing and availability vary by region, but initial models are expected to start around $1,299 in the U.S. for a configuration with Core i5-13420H, RTX 5060 (8 GB), 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD. Higher-end builds with the Core i7-13620H and RTX 5060 Ti (16 GB) will cost more but promise strong frame rates at 1440p and smooth streaming at 1080p. The TUF Gaming T500 is already listed on Asus’s website and will roll out through major retailers this month.
By combining mobile processors and desktop GPUs in a compact, military-grade chassis, Asus is challenging conventional PC design while offering a flexible, space-saving alternative for gamers and content creators. Whether this hybrid approach catches on may depend on how buyers value upgradability versus out-of-the-box performance and convenience.
