PGC NEWS

At the recent “The Rise of Gamers” event held in Ho Chi Minh City, ASUS unveiled its 2022 lineup of ROG gaming laptops, headlined by the incredibly powerful ROG Flow Z13. Beyond the flagship models, ASUS also significantly upgraded its entire laptop range, including the TUF series. The ASUS TUF Dash FX517ZC stands out with a refreshed design and impressive specs, targeting budget-conscious gamers. This review dives into what makes this laptop a compelling option.

Sleek Design and Robust Build

ASUS TUF Dash FX517ZC – Sleek Design

In the past, ASUS, while known for its innovative laptops, occasionally struggled with product naming conventions, particularly within its budget gaming laptop segment. The introduction of the TUF Dash line streamlined this, providing a clear entry point for gamers seeking affordable performance. The FX517ZC takes this a step further, incorporating premium features typically found in higher-end models.

ASUS TUF Dash FX517ZC – Metal Chassis

Unlike previous budget-focused TUF laptops, the FX517ZC boasts a full metal chassis, providing a noticeable improvement in rigidity and overall build quality compared to earlier plastic-heavy designs. This premium feel extends to the overall design, which is sleek and understated, suitable for professional or academic settings without sacrificing the distinct gamer aesthetic.

ASUS TUF Dash FX517ZC – Slim Bezel

While the FX517ZC retains a similar footprint to its predecessor, ASUS has trimmed the bezels, resulting in a more immersive display. The laptop is also marginally thinner, shaving off a few millimeters for improved portability. The minimalist design, available in black or white, features the signature TUF logo, offering a subtle yet recognizable gaming identity.

Display and Performance

ASUS TUF Dash FX517ZC – Keyboard and Trackpad

Opening the laptop reveals a slightly thicker top bezel accommodating a webcam, essential for online learning and remote work in today’s environment. While this adds to the top bezel’s thickness, it also facilitates one-handed opening.

ASUS TUF Dash FX517ZC – Webcam

The FX517ZC features a high-refresh-rate 165Hz IPS display with a 1440p resolution and a 3ms response time. This impressive panel offers vibrant colors, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut with high accuracy, setting a new standard for displays in this price range.

ASUS TUF Dash FX517ZC – Display

Powering this display is a 12th-generation Intel Core i7-12650H processor, paired with an RTX 3050 GPU. The system also includes 8GB of DDR5 RAM running at 4800MHz, with an additional slot available for future upgrades.

Advanced Cooling and MUX Switch

ASUS TUF Dash FX517ZC – Internal Components

To keep these powerful components cool, ASUS has implemented its ROG Intelligent Cooling technology, featuring five copper heat pipes, four air intakes, and a self-cleaning 12V fan with 84 anti-vibration blades.

ASUS TUF Dash FX517ZC – Cooling System

A standout feature of the FX517ZC is the inclusion of a MUX Switch. This allows the GPU to connect directly to the display, bypassing the CPU, resulting in a performance boost of 5% to 30% in games, a feature previously reserved for higher-end laptops. Benchmark results (shown below) demonstrate the laptop’s gaming capabilities.

Benchmark 1Benchmark 2Benchmark 3Benchmark 4

Conclusion

The ASUS TUF Dash FX517ZC delivers impressive upgrades in both performance and technology. With its powerful hardware, advanced cooling, high-refresh-rate display, and the inclusion of a MUX Switch, it offers exceptional value for budget-conscious gamers. Currently available in Vietnam for 26 million VND, the FX517ZC sets a new standard for affordable gaming laptops.