ASUS announced the launch of their new Gaming laptops, TUF Gaming FX505 and FX705, that are powered with latest AMD Ryzen processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPUs on an up to 120Hz IPS-level NanoEdge display, delivering immersive, high-performance gaming at an affordable price. The laptops are tested and certified to meet military-grade MIL-STD-810G standards, ensuring the toughness and durability needed to withstand the knocks and bumps of everyday work and play.
The GeForce GTX 1660 Ti deploys NVIDIA’s latest Turing architecture with a tighter focus on today’s games. Upgrades to its CUDA cores, cache hierarchy, and memory subsystem produce a significant per-core performance increase over the previous generation. Live-streamers can also reap the benefits of a new video encoder that improves video quality using hardware-accelerated capture that reduces burden on the CPU.
The powerful GPU puts triple-digit frame rates within reach in popular games, and it’s paired with a fast display that allows enjoyment of every frame. With up to a 120Hz refresh rate that’s twice the speed of standard screens; FX505 enables smoother gameplay that provides an edge on the battleground. Its high refresh rate is especially helpful in fast-paced shooters and esports titles. The 15.6inch panel also comes in a 60Hz option that’s better for graphically demanding games that run closer to 60 fps. For users who prefer a larger screen, FX705 features a 17.3inch display and is available with a 60Hz panel.
Both screen sizes feel expansive thanks to NanoEdge bezels that focus attention on the display rather than what’s around it. In addition to heightening immersion, the narrow frames shrink the footprints of the chassis, making the laptops more compact. The panels inside are based on vIPS-level technology that maintains vibrant colors over wide viewing angles, allowing a variety of viewing scenarios; such as siting off to the side while playing games or streaming videos with friends.
Impressive gaming credentials are balanced with everyday versatility powered by AMD’s latest Ryzen processors. Also known as Picasso, these second-generation mobile APUs are based on the updated Zen+ architecture and built using industry-leading 12nm fabrication technology. The TUF Gaming laptops are available with up to a Ryzen 7 CPU that features quad cores and eight threads with ample performance for gaming, entertainment, and everyday work. Despite the ability to slice through multithreaded workloads and aggressive multitasking, the processor fits into an energy efficient 35W power envelope that preserves battery life.
With 16GB of DDR4-2400 memory, there’s enough RAM for productive multitasking and light content creation. A range of storage options accommodates varied needs and budgets: solid-state drives up to 512GB boast high speeds across the board, a 1TB FireCuda SSHD accelerates access to frequently used data, and 1TB HDDs offer affordable storage at 5400 rpm. The storage bays and memory slots are readily accessible with a standard screwdriver, so it’s easy to upgrade as needed.
Effective cooling is crucial to maintaining strong performance, so HyperCool technology covers the CPU and GPU with independent fans and heatsinks. A shared heatpipe links them all together to maximize cooling in situations where only one processor is under load.
Warm air vents out the back under a patented trapezoid cut in the lid that ensures exhaust escapes unobstructed, even with the screen tilted back. Special anti-dust tunnels on the edges of the fan housings catch and direct particles out of the laptop to prevent them from clogging the heatsinks and fans. This self-cleaning design prevents buildup that could impede performance and stability over time.
Fan speeds adapt automatically to component temperatures. With a quick keyboard shortcut, users can switch between three operating modes that mix different cooling and performance profiles. “Turbo mode” delivers maximum performance and fan speeds for intensive tasks, while a “Balanced mode” optimizes speed and acoustics for the best gaming experience. A “Silent mode” backs off to reduce noise for lighter loads like day-to-day productivity, web surfing, and video streaming.
Two chassis variations bring different looks to the TUF Gaming laptops. One features a Gold Steel and Gunmetal Grey aluminum finish on its lid, and is complemented by customizable colors through Aura RGB lighting in the keyboard. Stealth Black keeps a lower profile with a shadowy exterior punctuated by keyboard backlighting. Both exhibit the sharp lines and angular accents that define the TUF Gaming aesthetic, right down to the distinctive Radiating-X design on the lid.
The bottom of the chassis adds structural strength and rigidity with a hexagonal design that helps the laptops live up to the TUF name. These machines meet military-grade MIL-STD-810G standards, passing demanding tests that ensure survival in extreme environments, and with ambient vibration and accidental knocks. Both versions bounce back from short drops to a desk, and the 15inch models can handle higher falls.
The keyboard is optimized for gaming with a layout reminiscent of standard desktop designs. Function keys are separated in the usual groups to make shortcuts more intuitive, arrow keys are offset for effortless navigation, and a full number pad makes number crunching a breeze. Highlighted WASD keys clearly identify the home row for gaming, while a wider space bar provides a larger target for thumb presses.
Models with RGB backlighting let users add an element of personalized style across the keyboard as a whole. Users can customize RGB colors and effects with the Armoury Crate utility, which unifies vital functions like lighting control, system monitoring, and configurable game profiles that automatically load preferred system settings for different titles.
Gaming is more immersive with DTS Headphone: X technology that brings 7.1-channel virtual surround sound to stereo headsets or speakers plugged into the laptop. Users can choose between built-in presets for games, movies, and sports or perform custom tuning with the embedded equalizer.
The 3.5-mm audio jack is joined by enough USB ports for vital peripherals like a gamepad, mouse, and external storage. HDMI 2.0 allows a user to drive a wide range of displays at resolutions up to 4K, from the desktop monitors, big-screen TVs in living rooms, or projectors at school. Getting online is easy with the integrated 802.11ac WiFi. It’s hard to beat the convenience of wireless networking, but wired connections have lower latency for serious multiplayer gaming, so Gigabit Ethernet is also included.
ASUS TUF Gaming FX505 and FX705 will be available in the below configuration for preorder from today and will be on sale from early May. Prices start from £799 Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.