In a market saturated with prebuilt gaming PCs, the Asus TUF Gaming T500 stands out as a mid-range contender promising solid performance, durability, and style—all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a competitive gamer or just want a machine that can handle modern AAA titles smoothly, this desktop is designed to deliver.
In this hands-on review, we tested the TUF Gaming T500 across multiple scenarios—from high-FPS gaming to demanding productivity tasks. Here’s our full breakdown, including performance benchmarks, design impressions, thermal testing, and whether it really lives up to its reputation as one of the best prebuilt gaming PCs of 2025.
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Design and Build Quality
Asus has stuck to the signature TUF aesthetic—military-inspired lines, angular edges, and a matte black chassis with subtle RGB lighting. The case feels premium for a mid-range system, boasting a steel front panel, tempered glass side window, and strategically placed ventilation.
The front I/O includes:
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
- 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack
- Power/reset buttons
On the rear, you get additional USB ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and more depending on your motherboard/GPU configuration. Cable management is clean out of the box, and airflow is optimized with three pre-installed fans and mesh intake filters.
Verdict: Sturdy, stylish, and functional with minimal plastic—Asus nailed the design.
Specifications and Hardware
Here’s the configuration of the unit we tested:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (8 cores, 16 threads) |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (12GB GDDR6X) |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5 5600MHz (dual channel) |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe Gen4 SSD + 2TB HDD |
| Motherboard | Asus B650 chipset, WiFi 6 onboard |
| Power Supply | 750W 80+ Gold |
| Cooling | 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler |
| OS | Windows 11 Home |
This configuration is well-suited for 1440p and even 4K gaming, as well as heavy workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and streaming.
Gaming Performance
We ran multiple benchmarks on the TUF Gaming T500 to test real-world performance. Below are average FPS results across several titles at 1440p (Ultra settings):
| Game Title | Avg FPS @ 1440p (Ultra) |
|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 78 FPS |
| Call of Duty: MW III | 132 FPS |
| Baldur’s Gate 3 | 104 FPS |
| Fortnite (Performance Mode) | 240+ FPS |
| Elden Ring | 89 FPS |
| Starfield | 70 FPS |
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D, known for its gaming prowess, works incredibly well with the RTX 4070, giving smooth, stutter-free experiences even in GPU-intensive titles. Thermal throttling was non-existent during testing thanks to the 240mm liquid cooler.
If you’re looking for a gaming PC under $1500 (depending on retailer deals), this machine offers exceptional value.
Productivity and Everyday Use
Beyond gaming, we tested the T500 on various tasks:
- Video Editing (DaVinci Resolve): Exported a 4K video in under 3 minutes.
- Photo Editing (Photoshop): Seamless layer rendering and masking.
- Streaming (OBS + Twitch): Handled 1080p 60fps stream + game simultaneously without frame drops.
- Multitasking: Ran Chrome (20+ tabs), Discord, Spotify, and background render with no hiccups.
The high-speed DDR5 RAM and Gen4 SSD make boot times and application loading snappy, while the CPU’s efficiency keeps performance consistent under pressure.
Thermals and Cooling
Thermal management is a standout on the TUF Gaming T500. The 240mm AIO cooler paired with the spacious chassis and well-placed fans keeps temps cool under load:
- Idle CPU Temp: ~35°C
- Gaming CPU Temp: ~68°C
- GPU Temp (Gaming): ~70°C
Even after 3+ hours of stress testing, fan noise remained moderate and thermals well under control. Asus’s TUF thermal engineering lives up to its promise.
Software and Features
Asus bundles the T500 with a lightweight software suite:
- Armoury Crate: For RGB lighting control, fan curves, and system monitoring.
- MyASUS Utility: Driver updates, diagnostics, and support access.
- BIOS Interface: Clean, responsive UEFI BIOS with plenty of tuning options.
There’s minimal bloatware—just the essentials. RGB lighting is subtle, customizable, and syncs across components.
Upgradability and Maintenance
The Asus TUF Gaming T500 was clearly built with future upgrades in mind. Here’s what we found:
- Tool-less side panels make access easy.
- There’s room for:
- 2x 2.5” SSDs
- 1x 3.5” HDD
- Additional RAM slots
- Up to full-length GPUs
- Modular PSU cables and ample room for cable routing.
Dust filters are removable for cleaning, and the airflow-focused design should help keep internals clean.
Value for Money
Depending on the configuration and where you buy it, the TUF Gaming T500 ranges from $1300 to $1600 USD. Here’s how it compares to similar systems:
| Model | CPU/GPU | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Asus TUF Gaming T500 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D / RTX 4070 | $1499 |
| HP Omen 45L | i7-13700F / RTX 4060 Ti | $1399 |
| Alienware Aurora R16 | i9-13900KF / RTX 4070 | $1899 |
| NZXT Player: Two Prime | Ryzen 5 7600X / RTX 4060 | $1299 |
While not the cheapest, the T500 offers top-tier gaming CPU, clean design, and superior thermals—making it a better long-term investment.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Excellent 1440p and 4K gaming performance
- Cool and quiet under load
- High-quality, durable chassis
- Future-proof with DDR5 and Gen4 SSD
- Minimal bloatware and clean software suite
❌ Cons
- No SD card reader (creators may miss this)
- Limited RGB (if you’re into heavy customization)
- Front I/O could use more USB ports
Frequently Asked Question
Is the Asus TUF Gaming T500 good for 1440p gaming?
Yes. The TUF Gaming T500, especially with the RTX 4070 and Ryzen 7 7800X3D configuration, delivers excellent performance at 1440p. Most modern AAA games run well above 60 FPS on Ultra settings, making it ideal for high-refresh-rate monitors.
Can the TUF Gaming T500 handle streaming and content creation?
Absolutely. With 32GB DDR5 RAM, a powerful CPU, and fast storage, it handles streaming, video editing, and multitasking with ease. OBS, Adobe Premiere, and DaVinci Resolve all performed smoothly during testing.
How is the cooling performance on the TUF Gaming T500?
Cooling is one of its strengths. The system includes a 240mm AIO liquid cooler, a well-ventilated chassis, and multiple fans. CPU and GPU temps stayed well within safe ranges even under heavy load, and fan noise was moderate.
Is the Asus TUF Gaming T500 easy to upgrade?
Yes. The case features tool-less access, space for additional drives, and open RAM and PCIe slots. It supports full-length GPUs, extra storage, and higher-capacity power supplies if needed, making it very upgrade-friendly.
Does it come with bloatware or clean software?
The T500 ships with minimal pre-installed software. It includes Armoury Crate for RGB and fan control, plus MyASUS Utility for support and updates. No third-party bloatware slowed the system down.
How does the TUF Gaming T500 compare to other prebuilt PCs?
Compared to other systems around $1300–$1600, it offers excellent performance, thermals, and build quality. While it may lack flashy RGB compared to brands like Alienware, it wins in durability, cooling, and upgrade potential.
Who should buy the Asus TUF Gaming T500?
This PC is best for:
- Gamers who want smooth 1440p or entry-level 4K performance
- Streamers and creators who need multi-tasking power
- Users looking for a long-lasting, upgradeable desktop
It’s not ideal for strict budget buyers or those who want ultra-compact builds.
Conclusion
The Asus TUF Gaming T500 is a no-nonsense powerhouse designed for serious gamers and power users. With its robust hardware, outstanding cooling, and clean aesthetics, it’s easily one of the best prebuilt gaming PCs of 2025 in its price range.
Whether you’re aiming for smooth frame rates in competitive esports titles or diving into graphically demanding RPGs, the T500 won’t disappoint. And with solid upgradability, it’s a system built to last.