When it comes to gaming laptops, ASUS has long been a name synonymous with high performance and cutting-edge features. Yet, the Asus Rog Fx503 manages to carve out its own niche by offering a blend of affordability and performance, without the premium ROG branding. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly gaming machine, this detailed review will explore why the FX503 might just be the laptop you’re looking for.
Unboxing the Asus Rog Fx503
The Asus Rog Fx503 arrives in a standard box, much like other ASUS laptops. Inside, you’ll find the laptop itself, the power adapter, and some essential documentation. Depending on your retailer, you might also receive additional freebies like a backpack or a cleaning kit, adding value to your purchase right out of the box.
The Asus Rog Fx503 is a budget-friendly gaming laptop designed for portability and performance. It features a sleek design and is equipped with powerful hardware suitable for casual gaming and general use.
Specifications
- Processor Options: Up to Intel Core i7-7700HQ (7th generation)
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 or GTX 1060, with varying memory configurations
- RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4
- Storage: Configurable with up to 1000GB SSD and 2000GB HDD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Pro
- Battery: 64Wh, 4-cell battery for extended usage
- Weight: Approximately 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)
- Dimensions: 384 x 262 x 24 mm (15.12″ x 10.31″ x 0.94″)
Design and Build Quality
Sleek and Functional
Although the FX503 doesn’t carry the ROG moniker, it still boasts a striking design. The lid features a brushed plastic texture and a distinctive butterfly-like pattern with four slanting streaks. While the design is visually appealing, it’s also a magnet for fingerprints. Keeping a microfiber cloth handy can help maintain its pristine look.
The laptop’s build is sturdy, and the lid opens smoothly with one hand, thanks to its well-engineered hinge and a weighted base. On the left side, you’ll find a comprehensive set of ports: a charging port, LAN port, HDMI port, two USB ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The right side offers a Kensington lock, an additional USB port, and a full-sized SD card reader. While the absence of a USB-C Thunderbolt port is noticeable, it’s understandable given the laptop’s price point.
Ventilation and Accessibility
The bottom of the FX503 features an extensive ventilation system and a quick-access panel for upgrading storage and RAM. This thoughtful design makes it easy for users to perform upgrades without having to open the entire back panel. Additionally, the laptop includes down-firing speakers located on both sides, ensuring decent audio output.
Connectivity
The FX503 includes a variety of ports, such as:
- USB Ports: 3 x USB Type-A (3.2 Gen 1)
- Video Output: HDMI and VGA
- Card Reader: Supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Networking: Ethernet LAN and Wi-Fi 802.11ac
- Audio: 3.5 mm combo headphone/mic jack
Notably, it lacks a USB Type-C port, which is becoming standard in many laptops.
Display: Clarity Meets Affordability
Immersive Visuals
The FX503 is equipped with a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS anti-glare display, offering a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. The screen provides decent color reproduction with 45% NTSC coverage. However, the display’s bezel is somewhat thick, which might detract from the immersive experience provided by more modern laptops with slimmer bezels.
The panel’s slight bluish tint is noticeable but does not significantly impact the gaming experience. For those seeking a vibrant and clear display, the FX503’s screen performs adequately for gaming and general use.
Keyboard and Touchpad: Comfort and Usability
Backlit Keyboard
The FX503 features a backlit keyboard with red illumination and a key travel distance of 1.8mm. While the typing experience is generally positive, the arrow key layout might take some getting used to. Additionally, the power button, located above the keyboard, requires a firm press to activate, which might be inconvenient for some users.
Responsive Touchpad
The touchpad on the FX503 is equipped with Windows Precision drivers, providing accurate and responsive input. The sensitivity is adjustable, allowing users to tailor the touchpad’s performance to their preferences. Although many gamers prefer an external mouse, the touchpad is sufficient for non-gaming tasks.
Performance and Gaming Capabilities
Powerful Graphics and Processing
Our review unit of the FX503 features an Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 with 4GB VRAM. This setup delivers solid performance for a range of AAA titles, including F1 2017 and FIFA 18, with minimal lag at high settings. The additional 4GB of VRAM compared to other models in this price range enhances the gaming experience.
Storage and Speed
The combination of a 128GB SATA SSD and a 1TB HDD offers a balanced mix of speed and storage capacity. The SSD serves as the boot drive, ensuring quick start-up and shutdown times. While the SSD’s performance is standard for its category, the 7200RPM HDD provides satisfactory read and write speeds for larger files and applications.
Battery Life and Efficiency
Decent Longevity
For a gaming laptop, the FX503’s battery life is commendable. Users can expect up to 5.5 hours of use with medium brightness during tasks like web browsing and document editing. However, for gaming sessions, it’s advisable to keep the laptop plugged in to ensure optimal performance.
Pricing and Variants
The Asus Rog Fx503 is available in several variants, catering to different needs and budgets:
| Model | Screen | Processor | RAM | Graphics | Storage | Price (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FX503VD | 15.6″ Full HD TN Panel | Intel Core i5-7300HQ | 4GB | NVIDIA GTX 1050 (4GB VRAM) | 1TB 5400RPM HDD | 3,599 |
| FX503VD | 15.6″ Full HD IPS Anti-Glare 60Hz Panel | Intel Core i7-7700HQ | 4GB | NVIDIA GTX 1050 (4GB VRAM) | 1TB 7200RPM HDD | 3,999 |
| FX503VD | 15.6″ Full HD IPS Anti-Glare 60Hz Panel | Intel Core i7-7700HQ | 4GB | NVIDIA GTX 1050 (4GB VRAM) | 128GB SATA SSD + 1TB 7200RPM HDD | 4,299 |
| FX503VM | 15.6″ Full HD IPS Anti-Glare 60Hz Panel | Intel Core i7-7700HQ | 8GB | NVIDIA GTX 1050 (6GB VRAM) | 256GB SATA SSD + 1TB FireCuda SSHD | 5,799 |
For those seeking the best balance of performance and value, the RM4,299 model, which includes an SSD, is highly recommended. Upgrading the RAM to 8GB will further enhance performance, making this an excellent choice for gamers on a budget.
FAQs
- What are the main differences between the ASUS FX503 variants?
- The variants differ primarily in screen type (TN vs. IPS), processor (i5 vs. i7), RAM capacity, and storage configurations.
- Is the ASUS FX503 good for gaming?
- Yes, the ASUS FX503 provides decent gaming performance, especially in higher variants with better GPUs and more RAM.
- Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on the ASUS FX503?
- Yes, the RAM and storage are upgradeable, with easy access provided for modifications.
- Does the ASUS FX503 have a USB-C port?
- No, the ASUS FX503 does not include a USB-C port, which may limit its future-proofing.
- How is the battery life on the ASUS FX503?
- The ASUS FX503 offers good battery life, typically around 6 to 7 hours for general use.
Conclusion
The Asus Rog Fx503 stands out as a surprisingly robust gaming laptop that delivers on both aesthetics and performance. With its sleek design, competent hardware, and reasonable price, it represents a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers. While the lack of a USB-C Thunderbolt port and the 4GB RAM in base models are notable downsides, the overall package is impressive for its price range.
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Easy access to storage and RAM
- Sufficient performance for gaming
Cons:
- No USB-C Thunderbolt port
- Non-traditional keyboard layout
- Base model comes with only 4GB RAM
By focusing on these strengths and addressing the few drawbacks, the Asus Rog Fx503 offers an appealing option for those looking to enjoy gaming without breaking the bank.
