If you’re the kind of keeping up with the newest tech and gadgets or playing games on your laptop nonstop, you’ve probably heard about the new range of laptops Asus has released. So, the ASUS ROG FX503 is the test subject.
The ASUS FX503 is the third laptop in the group and is also a gaming laptop. You read it correctly; no mention of ROG was intended. Yes. The majority of people find this to be somewhat shocking.
It is a portable gaming laptop with a powerful processor and an above-average graphics processing unit (GPU) thanks to its 7th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 series graphics card. This laptop’s low price, high performance, and versatile set of features make it an excellent choice for students, freelancers, and other people on a tight budget.
You read it correctly; it’s the ASUS FX503! As far as I can tell, this is an ASUS gaming laptop, although it isn’t labeled as such by the company’s Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand. This new naming scheme was implemented since the ROG brand is intended to be a high-end product, whereas the FX503 is a budget gaming laptop.
A Gamer’s Notebook: The ASUS ROG FX503
Affordable and packed with useful features, this laptop is a steal. This laptop’s performance is unparalleled, making it ideal for gamers. This ROG Notebook has a powerful Intel Core i5 CPU, a dedicated graphics processing unit, 8GB of RAM, and a whopping 1TB of storage space. In addition to the standard features, it has the following optional extras.
Specs:
CPU | Intel Core i7-7700HQ @ 2.80GHz (6MB cache, TurboBoost up to 3.8GHz) |
RAM | 4GB DDR4 2400MHz |
GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 4GB GDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB M.2 SSD + 1TB 7200RPM HDD |
Display | 15.6″ LED backlit FHD (1920×1080) 60Hz Anti-Glare Panel with 45% NTSC |
Connectivity | Integrated 802.11 AC (2×2) Wi-Fi 3 x USB 3.0 port(s) Type A 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack 1 x HDMI, Support HDMI 2.0 1 x SD Card Reader |
Audio | Built-in Stereo 2W Speakers & Array Microphone ICEpower Technology 1 x Combo Audio Jack (Mic + Headphone) |
Power | 4 Cells 64 Whrs Polymer Battery, 180W Adapter |
Dimensions | 384 x 262 x 24 mm (WxDxH) |
Weight | 2.5kg |
Screen Size | 15.6″ |
Memory Type | DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 2400MHz |
Storage | 1256 GB |
Storage Type | SSD + HDD |
Estimated Minimum Battery Life | 4.5 Hours |
Estimated Maximum Battery Life | 4.8 Hours |
Pixel Density | 141.2 ppi |
Benchmark Quality Settings | Ultra Quality Settings |
Price | $ 499 |
Structure
It looks nothing like the other laptops in the ROG line, but its hefty build makes it clear that it’s meant for gamers. It’s a ROG series laptop, yet it looks like a TUF series laptop from the rear and the front. As compared to the ASUS FX503, this laptop offers a little boost thanks to its i5 CPU. In addition, it has a plastic chassis of acceptable quality for a gaming laptop.
Given that the FX503 is no longer marketed as a ROG product, the ROG logo has been replaced with the ASUS logo. The plastic used for the lid cover has been given a brushed texture to give it a more high-end appearance. The four slanted stripes on the lid cover make me think of a butterfly. Keep a microfiber cloth with you at all times if you don’t want to leave fingerprints on the surface since it is quite easy to do so.
Concerning the screen, the 15.6-inch model has a 60 Hz 1080p TN panel, and the 15.6-inch model has a 1060p 120 Hz TN panel, both of which are disappointing for a gaming laptop. You also get a game keyboard (WSAD highlighted) with customizable red backlighting that gives the laptop a distinct reddish gaming atmosphere.
Display with Anti-Glare Technology
The FX503 has a 15.6-inch IPS anti-glare display with 45% NTSC and Full HD resolution at 60 hertz. By the way, this laptop’s TN panel is only found in the most basic configuration. Because of the Vivobook S15’s NanoEdge display, which is unfortunately absent from this laptop’s large bezel, I find myself longing for that device. While I do notice a small blue tint to the screen, it is still adequate for gaming.
Ports
The number of ports available on this Windows 10 laptop is respectable. The power connector, LAN port, HDMI port, mini-DisplayPort, two USB 3.0 ports, and the 3.5mm headphone jack are all located on the left side of the device. The Kensington lock, a USB 3.0 connector, and a full-size SD card reader are all located on the laptop’s right side. The heat from the laptop is released via two vents located at the device’s rear.
A USB-C 3.1 Thunderbolt connector would be a nice addition to this laptop, but at this price, we can’t really complain.
Touchpad and Keyboard
This laptop features a red-backlit keyboard with a 1.8mm travel distance. It’s a nice keyboard to type on, but the layout, especially the arrow keys, is confusing to me at the moment. Sometimes, when I’m not paying close enough attention to the keyboard, I accidentally hit the incorrect arrow key. The power button is loose and has a lengthy stroke; I often fail to switch on my laptop because I didn’t push it all the way to the bottom.
The keyboard is great and would satisfy even the pickiest of gamers. The buttons have a nice feel to them. As an added convenience, the buttons may be lit to make them easier to use in dim conditions. ASUS has also made the WASD keys stand out so that they are easier to locate and illuminate. You may get more precise input via the keyboard’s tactile signals.
When it comes to gaming laptops, everyone knows that a solid keyboard and touchpad are a must-have. The Asus FX503 is a great gaming laptop that won’t let you down. It boasts a high-quality, full-sized QWERTY keyboard with a brushed metallic finish, as well as a sizable, conveniently located touchpad.
The WASD keys are illuminated by LED for a more satisfying gaming experience. The keyboard is responsive to keystrokes and provides a pleasant typing experience. The N-key rollover support guarantees that every keypress will be recorded, so you won’t lose any ground in the game.
Assisting with performance
Despite the Intel i5 processor at the core of the laptop, the rog fx503’s reliability is commensurate. There is no doubt that it shines in the daily operations of the company. This laptop is responsive, quick, and even maintains the same performance as some laptops powered by the latest Intel processors.
I would recommend this laptop to anyone who wants to multitask, browse heavy websites, or play a lot of games. Regardless of what you put in front of it, this laptop will easily handle it. It means you will have no problems watching your favorite shows in FullHD while you open 30 tabs in Chrome without any problems.
Power Retention
After being put through the Battery Killer test system, the battery in the ASUS ROG FX503 died in only 1 hour and 4 minutes.
A full charge might be depleted in less time than it takes to watch a single episode of Game of Thrones, as is the case with many gaming laptops. This isn’t great, but it’s not terrible, either, especially compared to the performance of most gaming laptops.
Graphics
Our review unit is unique in that it comes pre-loaded with 8 GB of RAM and a GTX 1060. Even though the base model of the FX503 has 4GB of RAM, I strongly suggest you increase it.
The GTX 1050 graphics hardware on this laptop makes playing AAA games like F1 2017 and FIFA 18 a pleasure. In both F1 2017 and FIFA 18, playing at maximum settings causes hardly any latency at all. Having a lot of video memory (VRAM) is one of the many reasons why I appreciate this laptop so much. A majority of competing gaming laptops in this price range only have a GTX 1050 with 2GB VRAM; however, the FX503 includes 4GB VRAM, resulting in a superior gaming experience. When using the laptop for intensive tasks like gaming or video editing, you may toggle the cooling fan on and off with the Fn + F5 combination.
This combination of 128GB SATA SSD and 1TB HDD is fantastic. As the 128GB SSD is the default boot disk, starting and shutting down the machine takes very little time. Remember that 128GB isn’t enough space for your program, particularly Adobe applications, and put it on the hard drive instead.
In Conclusion
If you’re a gamer looking for a cheap laptop with plenty of features, this is your best bet for just $499. I will be discussing this machine in depth, including its features and specifications. Where can I get it, and what is the procedure to do so?
It’s the greatest laptop you can get for the money if you’re a gamer. Nothing in our world is flawless, but what makes it special are its own qualities.
The features of this ASUS ROG STRIX ii GL704GM laptop are rather good. However, it’s not the ideal option for playing games. While the GL704 GM is comparable, the GL704GW and GL704GV are much superior.
The STRIX ii series GL704GW and GL704GV, which are larger versions of this laptop, are a better buy. So, if you’re considering purchasing a ROG Strix ii GL704GM and Asus 2-in-1 q535, they’re the better option.
However, although holding steady on several performance metrics, the FX503’s GTX 1050 shortcomings are readily apparent. The interior efficiency, though, is not at all disappointing. It doesn’t do a great job of convincing you to purchase it instead of other similar goods in the ASUS ROG FX503 series.