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ASUS Japan announced seven additional configurations of its compact TUF Gaming T500 desktop on February 13, 2026. Reservations began on a staggered basis, with Japanese sales scheduled for February 26. The expansion adds Ryzen 7 260, Ryzen 5 220, Radeon RX 9060 XT, GeForce RTX 5060, GeForce RTX 5050, and GeForce RTX 5060 Ti combinations to the approximately 15-liter family.
The announcement confirms a Japan-market launch—not simultaneous availability in the United States, Europe, or elsewhere. Exact model numbers, memory, storage, power-supply specifications, and prices must be checked against the individual Japanese product listings before purchase.
The seven new T500 configurations
ASUS describes the expansion as four Ryzen 7 configurations, one Intel configuration, and two Ryzen 5 configurations. ITmedia’s breakdown identifies three Radeon RX 9060 XT systems, three RTX 5050/RTX 5060 systems, and one RTX 5060 Ti system.
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#1 Best Overall
- Ready for advanced AI PCs: Designed for the future of AI computing, with the power and connectivity needed for demanding AI applications
- AMD AM5 Socket: Supports AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series Desktop Processors.
- Exclusive AI Technologies: AI Cache Boost, ASUS AI Advisor, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II and AI Networking II for intelligent control.
- Robust Power Solution: 16(80A)+2(80A)+1(80A) SPS power stage, 8-layer PCB, 8+8 pin ProCool power connectors for stable power delivery.
- Asynchronous Clock: Greater CPU potential and stability for overclocking.
| Configuration group | CPU | GPU | What is verified | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD T500/TM500 | Ryzen 7 260 | Radeon RX 9060 XT | Ryzen 7 260 is specified as 8 cores and 16 threads. ASUS identifies 16GB GDDR6 for the TM500MH variant. | Japan announcement; verify exact SKU |
| AMD T500/TM500 | Ryzen 7 260 | GeForce RTX 5060 | One of the announced Ryzen 7 combinations. | Japan announcement; verify exact SKU |
| AMD T500/TM500 | Ryzen 5 220 | Radeon RX 9060 XT | Ryzen 5 220 is specified as 6 cores and 12 threads. | Japan announcement; verify exact SKU |
| AMD T500/TM500 | Ryzen 5 220 | GeForce RTX 5050 | One of the announced Ryzen 5 combinations. | Japan announcement; verify exact SKU |
| Intel T500MV | Intel processor listed by ASUS as Core 7 240H | GeForce RTX 5060 Ti | The press release uses “Core 7 240H,” but an indexed T500MV specification PDF also exposes Core i7-13620H and Core i5-13420H models. Confirm the processor on the exact product sheet. | Japan announcement; verify exact SKU |
| Additional announced configuration | Ryzen 7 260 | Radeon RX 9060 XT, RTX 5050, or RTX 5060 grouping | Included in ASUS’s total of four Ryzen 7 configurations. | Japan announcement; verify exact SKU |
| Additional announced configuration | Ryzen 7 260 or Ryzen 5 220 | Radeon RX 9060 XT, RTX 5050, or RTX 5060 grouping | Included in ASUS’s seven-model total; the individual SKU and full component list require confirmation. | Japan announcement; verify exact SKU |
For the authoritative model name, RAM capacity, SSD capacity, PSU rating, launch price, and warranty terms, use the exact ASUS Japan listing rather than assuming that every T500 carries the same specification. The Japanese announcement is available from ASUS Japan’s release, while the broader TM500 platform information is on ASUS’s global product page.
What the 15-liter design means
The T500’s approximately 15-liter volume is a chassis measurement, not a performance category. At roughly 155mm wide in ASUS Japan’s announcement, it is substantially easier to place on a small desk, in a dorm room, or near a living-room television than a conventional mid-tower.
It is not an ultra-small mini-PC. The T500 contains a discrete desktop graphics card, a conventional enclosure, and model-dependent upgrade restrictions. Its compact size also leaves less room for airflow, replacement parts, and cable flexibility than a standard ATX tower.
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Expected gaming hierarchy
No independent benchmark results for all seven 2026 additions are established by the announcement. Based on the announced GPU tiers, the expected order is:
Rank #2
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, AMD B550 Chipset mATX motherboard, 16GB ToughRam DDR4 RGB, 1TB NVMe M.2, WiFi, Windows 10 Home
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, 3x Display Port/1x HDMI; Graphics card brand may vary
- 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x Headphone, 1x Mic Ports
- Swing door tempered glass with magnetic mounting
- Full Length PSU Power cover cleans up cables for a professional look
- GeForce RTX 5060 Ti: likely the fastest gaming configuration in this group.
- Radeon RX 9060 XT: a strong midrange option, with 16GB graphics memory identified for the TM500MH model.
- GeForce RTX 5060: the mainstream NVIDIA option.
- GeForce RTX 5050: the lower-cost option, with less GPU headroom.
This is a specification-based positioning, not a measured T500 benchmark. CPU choice also matters: the Ryzen 7 260’s announced 8-core/16-thread design is better suited to streaming, editing, multitasking, and CPU-heavy work than the 6-core/12-thread Ryzen 5 220, assuming the rest of the configuration and pricing are comparable.
An earlier independent Wired review of a different T500 configuration recorded more than 60 frames per second in Helldivers 2 and more than 90 frames per second in Marvel Rivals at 1440p. That review also found the tested system roughly 6–8% behind a more powerful RTX 5060 Ti test system in the games examined. Those results provide context for the chassis, not a performance guarantee for these seven new models.
Upgradeability: useful, but not unrestricted
ASUS says the TM500 supports RAM, SSD, and graphics-card upgrades. Its global product page lists DDR5 support, up to 64GB DDR5-5600 MT/s, PCIe 4.0 storage, and two M.2 slots. These platform specifications do not mean every Japanese SKU ships with the same memory, storage, or an unused expansion slot.
- Memory: possible in principle, but verify the exact module format, supported speed, capacity, and ASUS compatibility guidance. Third-party additions are not necessarily guaranteed.
- Storage: a second M.2 slot may be available, but factory configuration determines whether one is empty. Check drive length and heatsink clearance.
- Graphics card: replacement may be possible, but physical clearance, PSU wattage, power connectors, firmware, and cooling all matter. A card that fits physically may still be unsuitable.
- CPU and motherboard: do not buy the T500 expecting a normal socketed-platform upgrade path. The compact, semi-custom layout can make CPU replacement or moving the system to another case impractical.
The practical distinction is important: the T500 is more serviceable than a sealed mini-PC, but it is not as open or flexible as a standard custom-built tower.
Rank #3
- Fearless ROG Design – The G700’s dual-glass chassis showcases iconic ROG design with the ROG Slash and Aura Sync RGB lighting. Its 58L capacity supports triple-slot GPUs.
- Unstoppable Power – Equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 7 265F processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD PCIe 4.0 storage for seamless gaming and multitasking.
- Optimized Thermals – Stay cool with a quad-fan system, while dust filters and efficient airflow ensure long-term reliability.
- Advanced Connectivity – Game without lag with 2.5Gbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and versatile ports. Dolby Atmos audio and AI noise cancellation enhance sound and communication.
- Ready for Upgrades – Designed with tool-less access, easily swap out components, ensuring future-proof performance for years to come.
Thermals and noise
ASUS lists custom heatsinks, copper heatpipes, and a 90mm cooling fan for the TM500, and says the design is intended for sustained workloads. ASUS also acknowledges that fan noise can become more noticeable under heavy loads.
Wired found an earlier T500 relatively quiet in ordinary use but warm under load, citing the single 90mm rear fan and restricted intake area. That result should not be transferred directly to the new systems: Ryzen and Intel models, different GPUs, BIOS versions, fan curves, and firmware can all change temperatures and noise. The RTX 5060 Ti and RX 9060 XT configurations deserve particular attention to cooling and sustained performance before purchase.
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The global product page lists USB, DisplayPort, HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, Windows 11, and Armoury Crate support. Exact port speeds, wireless hardware, Bluetooth version, and display outputs can vary by regional SKU.
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Rank #4
- 2.8” IPS LCD screen for custom animated GIFs or live monitoring of clock speed, voltage, temperature, or fan speed
- Pre-installed integrated fans streamline installation and deliver high airflow and static pressure
- Exclusive TUF Gaming software for real-time hardware status info and dynamic customization
- Styled to complement TUF Gaming motherboards at the center stage of your build
- Reinforced, sleeved 400mm tubing for enhanced durability and chassis compatibility
ASUS also advertises MIL-STD-810H testing for the TM500. That is an ASUS manufacturer claim, not independent proof that the desktop is indestructible or protected against every type of damage. The global page advertises two months of Xbox Game Pass, but redemption, region, eligibility, and expiry terms apply.
Which configuration makes sense?
- Choose the RTX 5060 Ti model if maximum gaming performance within the announced T500 range matters most. Confirm its price, power supply, and thermals first.
- Choose an RX 9060 XT model if the announced 16GB VRAM capacity is valuable for the games and resolutions you use.
- Choose RTX 5060 for a mainstream 1080p or 1440p system when its price is meaningfully below the RTX 5060 Ti version.
- Choose RTX 5050 for a lower-cost build if your target games do not require substantial GPU headroom.
- Choose Ryzen 7 260 for streaming, editing, multitasking, or other CPU-heavy work.
- Choose Ryzen 5 220 when gaming is the priority and the saving versus a Ryzen 7 system is significant.
T500 versus a custom compact PC
The T500’s strongest advantage is convenience: one assembled system, one vendor relationship, Windows preinstalled, and a compact footprint. It is a sensible fit for students, small desks, living rooms, and buyers who do not want to validate every part in a small-form-factor build.
A custom Mini-ITX or microATX system offers more control over the CPU, motherboard, cooling, power supply, case, and future upgrades, but it requires assembly and compatibility work. A larger prebuilt generally provides better airflow and easier upgrades at the cost of desk space. A gaming laptop adds portability and a built-in display, but usually sacrifices sustained performance and upgradeability.
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Do not compare these alternatives by “15L” alone. Compare the exact GPU, VRAM, CPU, PSU, cooling arrangement, port selection, storage, warranty, and upgrade documentation.
Quick Recap
Before buying: a SKU checklist
- Confirm the exact Japanese model number; T500, T500MV, TM500, and TM500MH are not interchangeable labels.
- Verify the processor, especially on the Intel configuration because “Core 7 240H” conflicts with names exposed in the indexed T500MV PDF.
- Check installed RAM, memory format, SSD capacity, and whether either M.2 slot is free.
- Check PSU wattage, GPU power connectors, graphics-card clearance, and warranty rules before planning an upgrade.
- Confirm rear and front USB speeds, display outputs, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and regional support.
- Confirm Japanese pricing and stock; the February 26 launch date does not establish availability in the United States or other markets.
- Treat Game Pass and other bundled promotions as region- and eligibility-dependent.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
