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My experience with the Asus TUF FX505DT AMD Ryzen 7 GTX 1650 (2024)

My thoughts on ASUS TUF FX505DT performance, upgrades, design, and long-term use for games and work.
Author
Affiliation
Sid Metcalfe

Cartesian Mathematics Foundation

Published

August 18, 2023

Introduction

I’ve been using the ASUS TUF Gaming FX505DT for over a year now, and it has become a key part of my daily routine. From gaming to work tasks, this laptop has proved to be a reliable companion.

Specifications

Property Value Property Value
Brand ASUS Model Name FX505DT-WB72
Screen Size 15.6 Inches Color Black
Hard Disk Size 256 GB CPU Model AMD Ryzen 7 3750H
Ram Memory Installed Size 8 GB Operating System Windows 10
Special Feature Backlit Keyboard Graphics Card Description Dedicated

Prices

Overall Performance and Gaming Capabilities

A close-up of the asus tuf fx505dt keyboard with rgb lighting

Having spent considerable time with the ASUS TUF Gaming FX505DT, I’ve pushed it through its paces in a variety of gaming scenarios. What strikes me first is the versatility of this machine – it’s a robust pick for gamers who expect a solid blend of performance and visual fidelity without breaking the bank.

Here’s a breakdown of my experience:

  • Graphics: The dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 16-series card has been more than capable of handling most games I throw at it. Titles like Valheim and Minecraft run without a hitch. For heavier games, dipping into settings to tweak performance is often enough to maintain a smooth experience.

  • Performance: The quad-core Ryzen 7 processor is snappy, multitasking is seamless, and with the modes on offer - silent, performance, turbo - there’s a good balance between power and noise, though the fans can get loud in turbo.

  • Display: The 15.6-inch screen offers clear, vibrant visuals, crucial for picking out details mid-game. The 60Hz refresh rate might be a limiting factor for some, but for many users, it’s quite sufficient.

  • Wi-Fi Speed: The Intel Wave 2 Wi-Fi 5 support with speeds up to 1.7Gbps ensures that connectivity is rarely a bottleneck during online gaming sessions.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The build, while sturdy, includes a trackpad that doesn’t always feel responsive, and I noticed the plastic chassis can seem a bit flimsy. Also, battery life isn’t the strongest, but for a gaming laptop, it’s somewhat expected.

What impresses me is that while the ASUS TUF FX505DT isn’t top of the line in every spec, it’s a workhorse that can power through a range of tasks reliably. I’ve used it for everything from gaming to music production, and performance remains smooth after several months. Plus, the backlit keyboard not only adds a visual flair but its tactile feedback is decent for both gaming and typing. The anti-dust cooling is a thoughtful touch, potentially extending the laptop’s lifespan.

The standout feature for me is the upgradeability. Adding more RAM and an SSD can significantly boost its capabilities, but even in its base configuration, it handles demanding tasks admirably. It doesn’t match a high-end gaming rig, but it doesn’t have to – the value is in its balanced performance.

While it may not be the best choice for hardcore gamers looking for the highest frame rates and the most intense graphics, the FX505DT is a solid, cost-effective option for average gamers or those who need a multipurpose laptop. Sure, there’s room for improvement, but overall, it’s a smart buy that I’ve found to be reliable for my gaming needs.

Upgrades and Customization Potential

The bottom panel of the asus tuf fx505dt with screws removed to show upgradeable components

As a tech enthusiast and someone who enjoys squeezing every bit of performance out of their devices, I appreciate when a laptop offers good upgrade potential. With the ASUS TUF FX505DT, I was fairly satisfied with the base specs, but the real fun began when I explored its customization options.

  • RAM: Out of the box, the 8GB of RAM was adequate, but I jumped at the chance to upgrade to 16GB. For gamers or multitaskers, this extra memory makes a substantial difference.

  • Storage: The 256GB SSD held its own, but as my library of games and work files grew, adding a 500GB SSD was a game-changer. The added space and speed improvements are noticeable, especially during boot times and loading screens.

However, it’s essential to mention that while upgrades are straightforward for someone with a bit of tech savviness, they might not be as easy for everyone. There’s no official support or guide from ASUS that I could find for the upgrading process, so I relied on user guides and community forums to figure out the nuances, like ensuring I purchased compatible RAM and storage.

A significant upside to this laptop is its cooling system, which seems to handle the added demands of upgraded hardware rather well. Even under load, the performance mode did an excellent job keeping things cool without sounding like a jet engine, although the turbo mode did crank things up audibly.

However, I did face a few drawbacks. For instance, the plastic chassis does flex a bit when opening or handling the laptop. It’s not a deal-breaker, but for those looking for that premium feel, it might be a bit lacking. Moreover, the trackpad might not be the most responsive, but that’s a minor quibble since I use an external mouse for gaming anyway.

In my experience, the laptop’s upgrade potential gave it a new lease on life and improved my overall satisfaction. While I didn’t expect top-of-the-line performance from this budget-friendly gaming laptop, the improvements certainly made a notable difference. It’s reassuring to know that the machine can grow a little with my needs, though there’s always a ceiling with laptops compared to desktop PCs.

Overall, if you’re looking at the ASUS TUF FX505DT as a starting point with the intention to upgrade, you’ll find that it has decent potential. Just be ready to do a little research and maybe get your hands dirty. The fact that I’ve significantly boosted its performance with a few upgrades without breaking the bank is a big plus in my book.

Design and Build Quality Observations

A side view of the asus tuf fx505dt showing its ports and cooling vents

When it comes to the ASUS TUF Gaming FX505DT, the first thing I want to talk about is the build and design quality, as these are crucial factors for any gaming laptop. Here’s a quick rundown of my impressions:

Pros:

  • Robust and eye-catching design

  • Substantial keyboard with tactile feedback and RGB lighting

  • Adequate port selection for peripherals

Cons:

  • The plastic chassis can feel a bit flimsy

  • Trackpad responsiveness is not up to par

  • Fans can be noticeably loud in performance modes

The laptop has a distinctive gaming look with its angular lines and a backlit keyboard that not only adds to the aesthetic but is practical for late-night gaming sessions. The keystroke durability is something I appreciated, as it provided a sense of reliability when handling heavy typing tasks.

While I’m fond of the visual style, the build material gives me mixed feelings. The plastic frame can show some flex, particularly in the middle of the keyboard, which might concern some users about its long-term durability. However, I’ve not experienced any functional issues related to this so far.

Moving to the trackpad, it’s functional but doesn’t compare to the smooth experience you’d get from high-end models or, say, a MacBook. It suffices for navigational purposes, but I mostly depend on an external mouse, especially for gaming or precision tasks.

One aspect that caught my attention is the cooling system, as efficient cooling is vital for gaming laptops. The ASUS TUF FX505DT comes with an Anti-Dust Cooling (ADC) system, a significant plus in theory. However, the fans do have a tendency to become loud, particularly in turbo mode. While this isn’t a deal-breaker for me, it’s something to note if you’re hoping for a whisper-quiet machine.

In terms of ports, there’s enough real estate to handle my accessories and external devices, which makes it versatile for various setups. It’s a small detail, but it’s crucial for gaming laptops to support the number of peripherals that gamers tend to use.

Overall, the ASUS TUF Gaming FX505DT’s design and build quality are generally good for its price range. There are some drawbacks, like any product, but none that have significantly impaired my experience with the laptop. It seems to be a solid choice for gamers who need a dependable machine without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind that if you are particularly sensitive to the touch and feel of the materials or plan on using the trackpad extensively, you may want to physically check out the laptop before purchasing.

Reliability and Long-term Satisfaction

A still frame from a game demonstrating the graphics capability of the asus tuf fx505dt

Reflecting back on a year with the ASUS TUF FX505DT gaming laptop, I’ve gathered quite a rundown of my experiences. First off, let’s break down the core points:

  • Performance: Smooth for multitasking, gaming, and productivity tasks.

  • Upgrades: Simple to add more RAM or storage to boost capabilities.

  • Aesthetics: Sleek design with a backlit keyboard that’s a touch of class.

  • Portability: Light enough for on-the-go use.

  • Cooling: The Anti-Dust Cooling system does its job well.

The reliability of the FX505DT has been a sweet spot. From day-to-day browsing to intensive gaming sessions, it hasn’t missed a beat. The quad-core Ryzen 7 and GeForce GTX 16-series graphics allow the laptop to keep up with the demands of newer game titles without stuttering, making it a capable companion for casual and mid-level gamers.

The hardware has stood the test of time, with no major hiccups impeding performance. I’ve particularly grown to love the backlit keyboard; not only does it look great, but it’s also proven to be durable, handling marathon typing sessions and gaming alike.

Connectivity-wise, the Intel Wave 2 Wi-Fi 5 delivers satisfying internet speeds, although it’s not the newest standard. And as for sheer grit, the Anti-Dust Cooling system is a noteworthy feature, seemingly extending the longevity of internal components by preventing dust build-up.

But it hasn’t been all buttery smooth. The laptop’s chassis, while sleek, is not the sturdiest feeling. Occasionally, the plastic bending can be unnerving, even though it hasn’t led to any issues.

On the note of annoyances, the trackpad can be temperamental. I’ve resorted to a mouse for a consistent experience, which, to be fair, is my preferred setup for gaming anyway.

And while the laptop’s fan settings are adjustable, even the ‘silent’ mode doesn’t achieve ninja levels of quietness. It isn’t disruptive, but if you crave absolute silence, you might notice the hum.

When it comes down to battery life, the laptop doesn’t inspire awe. It gets the job done, but you’ll want to keep that charger handy for longer sessions.

In closing, the ASUS TUF FX505DT is a solid pick for a gaming laptop. If you’re diving into specifics, upgrading RAM and possibly adding an SSD are sensible moves that net rewarding performance gains. Sure, it has some quirks, such as the iffy trackpad and rigid plastic feel, but overall, it’s a dependable machine. You can expect it to carry through your daily needs—and then some—with relative ease.