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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 and Ryzen 5 220 systems with Radeon RX 9060 XT, GeForce RTX 5060, and GeForce RTX 5050 graphics, plus an Intel-based T500MV model with a GeForce RTX 5060 Ti.
This is confirmed Japan-market launch information—not evidence that all seven systems are available in the United States or elsewhere. Exact model numbers, prices, memory, storage, and power-supply specifications should be checked against the individual regional product listing before purchase.
The seven new T500 configurations
ASUS describes the announcement as four Ryzen 7 configurations, one Intel configuration, and two Ryzen 5 configurations. ITmedia summarizes the graphics split as three Radeon RX 9060 XT systems, three RTX 5050 or RTX 5060 systems, and one RTX 5060 Ti system.
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The available announcement material does not expose every SKU name and price clearly enough to reproduce a reliable seven-row retail matrix. The verified configuration groups are:
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- 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 | Processor | Graphics | What is established |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMD | Ryzen 7 260 | Radeon RX 9060 XT | Ryzen 7 260 is listed as an 8-core, 16-thread processor; ASUS identifies 16GB graphics memory for the relevant TM500MH model. |
| AMD | Ryzen 7 260 | GeForce RTX 5060 | One of the announced Ryzen 7/RTX configurations; exact SKU and price require Japanese product-page verification. |
| AMD | Ryzen 5 220 | Radeon RX 9060 XT | Ryzen 5 220 is listed as a 6-core, 12-thread processor; exact memory, storage, PSU, SKU, and price require verification. |
| AMD | Ryzen 5 220 | GeForce RTX 5050 | Positioned as the lower-cost gaming option in the announced range; exact SKU and price require verification. |
| Intel T500MV | Intel processor named in the release as Core 7 240H | GeForce RTX 5060 Ti | The announcement uses “Core 7 240H,” but an indexed T500MV specification PDF exposes Core i7-13620H and Core i5-13420H naming. Confirm the exact processor on the SKU page. |
The release confirms seven configurations in total, but it should not be used as a substitute for a SKU-level specification sheet. Memory, SSD capacity, power-supply rating, display outputs, wireless hardware, warranty, and pricing can vary by country and model.
ASUS Japan’s announcement provides the launch information, while the T500MV specification PDF provides additional model-specific context.
What the 15-liter design means
The T500’s approximately 15-liter chassis is its central selling point. At about 155mm wide according to ASUS Japan, 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 system still contains a discrete desktop graphics card, a conventional desktop enclosure, dedicated cooling, and model-dependent upgrade restrictions. “15L” describes volume, not a guaranteed level of modularity or performance.
The global TM500 page lists DDR5 support, PCIe 4.0 storage, two M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11, and Armoury Crate. It also lists support for up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 memory, although Japanese SKU specifications should take priority over the global family page.
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- 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
Expected gaming performance
Without independent testing of these seven additions, the graphics hierarchy should be treated as an expectation rather than a benchmark result:
- GeForce RTX 5060 Ti: expected to be the fastest announced T500 configuration.
- Radeon RX 9060 XT: a strong midrange alternative, with 16GB of graphics memory identified for the relevant ASUS model.
- GeForce RTX 5060: the mainstream NVIDIA option.
- GeForce RTX 5050: the entry-level choice in this announced expansion.
The processor also matters. Ryzen 7 260’s additional cores and threads make it the more sensible choice for streaming, editing, multitasking, and other CPU-heavy work. Ryzen 5 220 may be the better value when the system will primarily be used for gaming and the price difference is substantial.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsAn earlier Wired review of a different T500 configuration exceeded 60 frames per second in Helldivers 2 and 90fps in Marvel Rivals at 1440p. Those results describe the reviewed configuration, not these seven 2026 additions, and should not be presented as predictions for every model.
Upgradeability: useful, but limited
ASUS says the TM500 supports memory, SSD, and graphics-card upgrades. In practical terms, that means:
- Memory: potentially replaceable or expandable, but third-party modules are not guaranteed to work. Match the exact system’s memory type, capacity, speed, and physical format.
- Storage: the family has two M.2 slots, but a second slot may already be occupied. Check the factory configuration and service documentation before buying an SSD.
- Graphics: a GPU replacement may be possible, but clearance, power connectors, PSU capacity, firmware support, and cooling all impose limits.
- CPU and motherboard: do not assume a standard upgrade path. The fixed platform and custom internal layout can make CPU replacement or a motherboard swap impractical.
- Case migration: moving the system into a standard case may be difficult because of proprietary or semi-custom cooling and motherboard arrangements.
Wired found GPU replacement relatively straightforward on the earlier model but questioned the long-term flexibility of the fixed CPU and internal platform. The T500 is therefore more upgradeable than a typical sealed mini-PC, but less open than a standard ATX or microATX build.
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- 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.
Cooling, noise, and connectivity
ASUS lists custom heatsinks, copper heatpipes, and a 90mm cooling fan. The company presents the design as suitable for sustained workloads while acknowledging that fan noise can become more noticeable under heavy loads.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Independent testing of an earlier T500 found it relatively quiet but warm under load, with the single 90mm rear fan and restricted intake area contributing to the limitation. That experience should not be transferred directly to every new Ryzen, Intel, Radeon, or GeForce configuration. BIOS settings, fan curves, GPU power, and firmware can all change the result.
The global product page lists USB, DisplayPort, HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. However, the earlier review found four rear USB-A ports limited to USB 2.0, three faster front USB ports, and one front USB-C port. Buyers using several external drives, capture devices, controllers, or audio peripherals may need a powered USB 3.x hub. Verify port speeds and display outputs for the exact SKU, and connect displays to the discrete GPU outputs when appropriate.
Which configuration makes sense?
- Choose the RTX 5060 Ti model if maximum expected gaming performance within the announced range is the priority, provided its price, PSU, and thermals are acceptable.
- Choose an RX 9060 XT model if the announced 16GB graphics-memory capacity is valuable for the games and resolutions you use.
- Choose RTX 5060 for a mainstream 1080p or 1440p gaming system, especially if it is meaningfully cheaper than the RTX 5060 Ti model.
- Choose RTX 5050 when purchase cost matters most and your target games do not require additional GPU headroom.
- Choose Ryzen 7 260 for streaming, creation work, multitasking, or longer-term CPU headroom.
- Choose Ryzen 5 220 when gaming is the main workload and the saving can be directed toward a better GPU, monitor, or storage.
Before buying, confirm the exact SKU, local availability, memory and SSD configuration, PSU rating, port layout, warranty terms, and upgrade documentation. The Japanese launch does not establish US, European, or worldwide availability, and the two-month Xbox Game Pass offer shown on the global ASUS page is subject to regional eligibility and redemption terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.T500 versus the alternatives
The T500 is most compelling for buyers who want a ready-to-use compact gaming PC, a single-vendor warranty, and no assembly work. A custom Mini-ITX or microATX build offers greater control over the CPU, motherboard, cooling, power supply, case, and future upgrades, but requires compatibility planning and assembly.
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- 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
A larger prebuilt tower usually gives up desk space in exchange for better airflow and easier component replacement. A gaming laptop is more portable and includes its own display, keyboard, and battery, but is generally less serviceable and may deliver less sustained performance at comparable headline specifications.
Do not compare these alternatives by chassis volume alone. Compare the GPU, PSU, cooling design, upgrade access, port speeds, warranty, and local price.
Bottom line
ASUS’s seven-model Japan expansion makes the 15-liter TUF Gaming T500 more flexible than the earlier lineup. Its strongest reasons to buy are compact size, discrete graphics, and a potentially useful RAM, SSD, and GPU upgrade path. Its compromises are equally important: restricted cooling, limited high-speed I/O on earlier models, uncertain long-term platform flexibility, and SKU-by-SKU differences in components and availability.
The right choice depends less on the T500 name than on the exact configuration. Verify the local product page before treating any advertised CPU, memory, storage, PSU, price, or upgrade option as applicable to the machine you intend to purchase.
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