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| Asus TUF Gaming desktop continues to be available with AMD and Intel СPUs. |
CES 2026 is in full swing, and while flashy reveals like the next-gen ROG Zephyrus laptops grab headlines, some of the most compelling news comes for gamers watching their wallets. Asus has quietly unveiled a significant update to its value-focused TUF Gaming T500 desktop, now reborn as the TUF Gaming TM500. This isn't just a name change—it marks a strategic shift to AMD's latest silicon, promising serious performance per dollar for the new year.
For the full breakdown on specs and design, you can explore the official lineup on the Asus website.
From T500 to TM500: The AMD Advantage
The original TUF Gaming T500, still a current deal on platforms like Amazon, established itself as a robust, no-frills gaming rig. For its 2026 successor, Asus is pivoting the TM500 model to team red. The star of the show is the option for a Ryzen 7 260 APU from AMD's Hawk Point series, leveraging efficient Zen 4 cores. This move positions the TM500 as a potentially more potent and power-efficient base system compared to the Intel-powered T500 variant, which will continue with configurations up to a Core i5-13420H.
Desktop-Class Power in a Budget Chassis
Where the TM500 (and its Intel sibling) truly aim to punch above their weight class is in graphics. Asus confirms both desktops will be configurable with either a Radeon RX 9060 XT or a GeForce RTX 5060 Ti. Bringing these desktop-class GPUs into the TUF lineup is a major statement, suggesting Asus is targeting smooth, high-settings 1440p gaming for the budget segment.
Supporting this hardware is a solid foundation: up to 64 GB of DDR5-5200 memory, PCIe Gen 4 storage for blisteringly fast load times, and a comprehensive cooling solution to ensure sustained performance during marathon sessions. Rounding out the build is a reliable 330 W 80 Plus Platinum certified power supply and a practical selection of ports on the front and rear for all your peripherals.
The Bottom Line for Budget-Conscious Gamers
The TUF Gaming TM500 shapes up to be a calculated refresh. By embracing AMD's Hawk Point APUs and offering a clear path to powerful modern GPUs, Asus is strengthening the value proposition of its TUF gaming desktop line. While we await crucial final details on price and availability, the spec sheet alone signals a compelling option for builders looking for a pre-configured system that doesn’t cut critical corners.
For those ready to explore current deals, the previous TUF Gaming T500 model is available on Amazon. Stay tuned for updates as Asus releases more information on these promising 2026 towers.
