ASUS Launches TUF Gaming FX505DY And FX705DY eSports Laptops With Ryzen APUs
ASUS is adding a pair of new TUF Gaming models to its extensive laptop line. The new models include the 15.6-inch FX505DY and 17.3-inch FX705DY, both powered by AMD's Ryzen 5 3550H processor with Vega graphics, and up to 32GB of RAM.
Never heard of the Ryzen 5 3550H? That's because until now, it did not exist. The Ryzen 5 3550H is one of several new Ryzen 3000 H-series mobile APUs from AMD. This particular model is a 4-core/8-thread chip with a 2.1GHz base clock and 3.7GHz boost clock, with 6MB of combined L2 and L3 cache. On the graphics side, it is powered by eight Vega GPU cores clocked at 1,200MHz. These new TUF Gaming laptops are the ones to feature the chip.
Both laptops sport Full HD 1080p IPS panels with FreeSync support. The only difference, other than the physical size and weight, is the refresh rate—the larger TUF Gaming FX705DY has a FreeSync range of 40-60Hz, while the TUF Gaming FX505DY kicks things up a notch with a high refresh rate option that goes from 48-120Hz.
"The 60Hz panel is great for gamers who play more graphically demanding titles where sky-high frame rates aren’t realistic for this class of system. Go with the 120Hz alternative if you prefer fast-paced shooters like CS:GO and Overwatch," ASUS says.
To drive those refresh rates, ASUS injected both models with a discrete Radeon RX 560X GPU. It's a bit odd to pair discrete graphics with an APU, though ASUS's reasoning is that the Vega-based integrated graphics gives the laptop some pixel-pushing muscle while conserving power and extending battery life.
"Discrete GPUs are where it’s at for proper gaming so when it’s time to play, AMD Switchable Graphics tech automatically activates the laptop’s discrete Radeon RX 560X. The GPU pumps out smooth framerates in mainstays like Fortnite and Overwatch plus in esports classics like League of Legends and Dota 2," ASUS says.
For storage, users can opt for up to a 512GB PCIe solid state drive and/or up to a 1TB SSHD. The laptops also feature a pair of USB 3.1 Gen1 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, HDMI 2.0 output, a GbE LAN port, a 3.5mm headphone and microphone combo jack, and a Kensington lock slot.
There are two backlit keyboard options. One is a "Red Matter" version that offers a red LED backlight, and the other is a "Gold Steel" version featuring customizable RGB lighting. These options are offered on both models.
ASUS says it will begin selling the TUF Gaming FX705DY and TUF Gaming FX505DY sometime this quarter. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
