The ASUS V500 positions itself as a versatile and powerful compact PC, designed to meet the diverse needs of students, home users, casual gamers, and creative hobbyists. With a focus on performance, ease of upgrade, and robust build quality, it aims to deliver a compelling computing experience in a small form factor.
Performance
At the heart of the ASUS V500 lies serious processing power, configurable with up to an ultra-efficient Intel Core i7-13620H processor. This 13th Gen Intel chip ensures snappy performance for demanding applications, multitasking, and everyday computing.
ASUS has also paid attention to thermal management, implementing a custom thermal solution designed to maintain optimal performance even under load, all while keeping noise levels to a minimum. This is crucial for a compact system where heat dissipation can be a challenge.
Memory and storage options are equally impressive, supporting 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD. This offers high-speed storage for the operating system and frequently used applications, alongside ample capacity for large files and media libraries. This system is equipped with two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, allowing for significant memory expansion. It comes pre-installed with 16GB of DDR5 SO-DIMM memory, providing a solid foundation for performance. For users with more demanding needs, the memory can be upgraded to a maximum capacity of 64GB.
The ASUS V500 offers robust expandability through its various expansion slots. It includes one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, though it operates at PCIe 4.0 x8, providing ample bandwidth for a dedicated graphics card or other high-performance components. For wireless connectivity, there’s a dedicated M.2 connector for WiFi.
Durability and Reliability
ASUS leverages its reputation for quality with the V500, incorporating an ASUS motherboard built with 100% solid capacitors for long-term usage. This commitment to high-quality components ensures stability and longevity. The system also boasts US military-grade reliability with optimised construction, suggesting it can withstand more rigorous conditions than typical consumer PCs, adding peace of mind for users who might transport it or use it in varied environments.
The system is powered by a robust 330W power supply, which boasts an 80 Plus Platinum certification. This certification signifies exceptional energy efficiency, meaning a significant portion of the electricity drawn from the wall is converted into usable power for the components, reducing waste heat and electricity bills. Furthermore, this power supply is capable of delivering a peak output of 660W when transient power demands are higher, ensuring stable operation even under momentary heavy loads.
Security and Management
For environments requiring centralised control, the ASUS V500 is compatible with ASUS Control Center, enabling one-to-multiple centralised management. While this feature might be more relevant for educational institutions or small businesses, it highlights ASUS’s consideration for professional deployment and secure operation.
Connectivity
Equipped for diverse connectivity needs, the ASUS V500 features a comprehensive set of front and rear I/O ports. On the front, you’ll find convenient access with a 2-in-1 SD/MMC card reader, a smart card reader, a headphone jack, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack for headsets.
Around the back, the connectivity expands to include an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port for reliable networking, HDMI 1.4 and DisplayPort 1.4 for multiple display setups, a 7.1 channel audio array (microphone, line-out, line-in) for immersive sound, a Kensington lock for security, and four USB 2.0 Type-A ports for peripherals.
Target Audience
The ASUS V500’s features align perfectly with its identified target audiences. For students and those in education, the powerful Intel Core i7 processor and ample RAM facilitate seamless access to educational materials, online research, and handling multiple browser tabs and applications simultaneously. The responsive performance ensures smooth document creation and coursework completion, and reliable performance and connectivity support participation in online group projects and virtual classes without lag.
For home users and families, the V500 effortlessly handles everyday tasks such as web browsing and managing personal finances. The ample storage makes it ideal for multimedia consumption, including streaming videos in high definition, listening to music, and viewing photo collections with excellent clarity. It also efficiently manages digital documents and files, providing a central hub for family data.
Casual gamers and creative hobbyists will find the ASUS V500 highly capable. The PC provides the essential performance required for popular and casual games, offering a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience without needing a full-blown gaming rig. The powerful CPU and generous DDR5 RAM are well-suited for demanding tasks like graphic design and audio track editing, allowing for quicker rendering and smoother workflows. For aspiring vloggers or content creators, the V500 can handle recording and editing videos, providing the necessary horsepower for efficient content production.
Verdict
The ASUS V500 is a well-rounded compact PC that punches above its weight. It successfully blends high-end performance components with user-friendly upgradeability and robust build quality. Its thoughtful design caters effectively to a broad spectrum of users, from students needing a reliable study machine to casual gamers and creative hobbyists seeking a capable system for their passions. The emphasis on durability and future-proofing through easy upgrades makes the ASUS V500 a compelling choice for anyone looking for a powerful yet compact computing solution. The ASUS V500 is now available for AED 2699 in the ASUS eshop and Sharaf DG stores.
Price: AED 2699
