ASUS TUF Gaming F15 Gaming Laptop, 15.6” 144Hz FHD IPS-Type Display, Intel Core i5-11400H Processor, GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Home, FX506HEB-RS53

About This Product

Introduction

The world of gaming laptops is a fiercely competitive one, with manufacturers constantly pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and innovation. Among the many players in this arena, ASUS has consistently stood out for its commitment to quality and performance. One of their latest offerings, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15, has garnered attention for its blend of powerful hardware and a high-refresh-rate display. In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the ASUS TUF Gaming F15, exploring its key features, performance capabilities, design aesthetics, and overall value for gamers.

 Unboxing and First Impressions

The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 arrives in a well-packaged box that showcases the laptop’s prominent features. Upon unboxing, you’ll find the laptop itself, the power adapter, a user manual, and a warranty card. The packaging is sturdy and ensures the safety of the device during transit.

The first thing that strikes you when you lay eyes on the TUF Gaming F15 is its rugged and aggressive design. ASUS has embraced the TUF (The Ultimate Force) branding, and it’s evident in the laptop’s aesthetics. The laptop’s lid features the TUF logo, which is backlit and stands out against the matte black finish. The overall design language screams “gaming laptop” without being overly flashy. The laptop weighs approximately 5.1 pounds, making it portable enough to carry around while still feeling substantial.

 Display and Audio

2.1 Display

One of the standout features of the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is its 15.6-inch 144Hz FHD IPS-Type display. This display provides a visual feast for gamers, with a fast refresh rate that ensures smoother gameplay and reduced motion blur. The Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) delivers sharp and crisp visuals, making it ideal for both gaming and content consumption.

The IPS-Type panel ensures wide viewing angles, vibrant colors, and good contrast. Whether you’re engrossed in an intense gaming session or streaming your favorite movies, the display won’t disappoint. ASUS has also incorporated adaptive sync technology, which reduces screen tearing, further enhancing the gaming experience.

2.2 Audio

To complement the impressive display, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 features a dual-speaker system with DTS:X Ultra technology. The speakers are located on the sides of the laptop, producing clear and immersive sound. While the audio quality is good for a laptop, gamers who demand the best audio experience may still prefer using headphones or external speakers for a more immersive soundstage.

 Under the Hood – Performance

3.1 Processor

At the heart of the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is the Intel Core i5-11400H processor, which is part of Intel’s 11th-generation H-series lineup. This processor brings the power and performance needed for gaming and multitasking. With six cores and twelve threads, it can handle demanding tasks with ease.

The i5-11400H operates at a base clock speed of 2.7 GHz and can turbo boost up to 4.5 GHz, delivering swift and responsive performance. Whether you’re running the latest AAA titles, editing videos, or streaming gameplay, this processor won’t break a sweat. It strikes a good balance between performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks.

3.2 Graphics

The graphics department of the TUF Gaming F15 is handled by an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. While not a top-tier graphics card, the GTX 1650 is a solid choice for 1080p gaming. It can handle most modern games at medium to high settings, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. However, for gamers looking to max out settings on the most demanding titles, a more powerful GPU might be desired.

3.3 Memory and Storage

To complement the processor and GPU, the laptop comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which can be upgraded to a maximum of 32 GB. While 8GB is sufficient for gaming and most everyday tasks, power users may want to consider adding more RAM for smoother multitasking and content creation.

Storage-wise, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 offers a dual-storage solution. It comes equipped with a 512GB NVMe SSD that delivers lightning-fast load times and system responsiveness. Additionally, there’s an empty slot for a 2.5-inch SATA drive, allowing users to expand their storage capacity as needed.

 Gaming Performance

The real test of any gaming laptop is its performance in actual gameplay. The ASUS TUF Gaming F15, with its combination of the Intel Core i5-11400H processor and GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, manages to deliver a solid gaming experience. Let’s take a closer look at its gaming performance.

4.1 Game Benchmarks

We tested the TUF Gaming F15 with a range of popular AAA titles to gauge its gaming capabilities. Here are some benchmark results:

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: The laptop managed to run The Witcher 3 smoothly at high settings, maintaining an average frame rate of around 60 FPS. This demonstrates its ability to handle graphically demanding games.
• Cyberpunk 2077: On Cyberpunk 2077, a notoriously demanding title, the TUF Gaming F15 held up well at medium settings, delivering playable frame rates around 45 FPS.
• Apex Legends: For competitive gamers, smooth and fluid gameplay is essential. The laptop performed admirably in Apex Legends, consistently achieving frame rates above 100 FPS at medium settings.
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider: This game pushes graphics to the limit. The TUF Gaming F15 managed to run it at around 40 FPS on high settings, showcasing its gaming prowess.

It’s important to note that while the GTX 1650 is capable of running modern games, it might not offer the highest settings or frame rates for the most demanding titles. Gamers who prioritize cutting-edge graphics and ray tracing may want to consider a laptop with a more powerful GPU like the RTX series.

4.2 Cooling and Thermal Performance

ASUS has equipped the TUF Gaming F15 with an efficient cooling system that includes dual fans and heat sinks. During gaming sessions, the laptop maintains reasonable temperatures, and the fans, while audible, don’t produce an excessively loud noise. ASUS has also included a dedicated fan control feature, allowing users to adjust fan speeds according to their preferences.

Keyboard and Input

5.1 Keyboard

The laptop features a full-sized chiclet keyboard with RGB backlighting. The key travel is decent, providing a tactile feel while typing. ASUS has incorporated its Overstroke technology, which ensures faster key actuation. While it’s primarily designed for gaming, it’s still comfortable for typing tasks and productivity.

Customization options for the RGB backlighting are available through the ASUS Armoury Crate software, allowing users to personalize the lighting effects to their liking. Additionally, the keyboard includes a dedicated numeric keypad, a handy feature for those who frequently work with numbers.

5.2 Touchpad

The touchpad on the TUF Gaming F15 is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures. However, most gamers will likely opt for an external gaming mouse for precise aiming and control during gameplay. For productivity tasks, the touchpad performs admirably.

 Connectivity and Ports

The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 comes equipped with a decent selection of ports and connectivity options. On the left side, you’ll find a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port with DisplayPort support, an HDMI 2.0b port, an RJ-45 LAN port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The right side houses two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports and a Kensington lock slot.

The inclusion of a USB Type-C port is a nice touch, as it provides versatility for connecting to external displays and peripherals. The HDMI 2.0b port supports 4K output at 60Hz, making it suitable for gaming on larger screens or connecting to a 4K TV.

For wireless connectivity, the laptop features Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring fast and stable connections for online gaming and everyday tasks.

Battery Life

Gaming laptops are notorious for their relatively short battery life, and the TUF Gaming F15 is no exception. With its 48Whr battery, you can expect around 4 to 5 hours of usage for everyday tasks such as web browsing and office work. However, when gaming or running intensive applications, the battery life drops significantly, lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours.

For extended gaming sessions or heavy workloads, it’s advisable to have the laptop plugged in to ensure consistent performance. Fortunately, the included power adapter is compact and easy to carry.

 Software and User Experience

The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 runs on Windows 10, but it’s eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11, which offers several enhancements for gaming and productivity. ASUS has included its Armoury Crate software, which allows users to customize various settings, including system performance, RGB lighting, and fan profiles. It’s a user-friendly utility that adds value to the overall gaming experience.

In terms of bloatware, ASUS keeps it to a minimum, offering a relatively clean software experience compared to some other manufacturers.

 Price and Value Proposition

The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 falls into the mid-range gaming laptop category, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers who still want solid performance. As of the time of this review, the laptop’s price-to-performance ratio is commendable, offering a good balance between hardware capabilities and affordability.

While there are laptops with more powerful components available, they often come at a higher price point. The TUF Gaming F15 manages to strike a sweet spot for gamers looking to enjoy modern titles without breaking the bank.

Pros:

1. Solid Gaming Performance: The Intel Core i5-11400H processor and GTX 1650 GPU offer good gaming performance for the price, capable of running modern games at respectable frame rates.
2. High Refresh Rate Display: The 144Hz FHD IPS-Type display provides smooth and responsive gameplay, reducing motion blur and enhancing the gaming experience.
3. Rugged Design: The laptop’s aggressive design and build quality give it a durable and gamer-friendly aesthetic.
4. Customizable RGB Keyboard: The RGB-backlit keyboard with ASUS’s Overstroke technology offers customization options and comfortable typing for both gaming and productivity.
5. Dual-Storage Solution: The combination of a fast NVMe SSD and an empty slot for a 2.5-inch SATA drive allows for ample storage and quick load times.
6. Decent Connectivity: The laptop features a good selection of ports, including USB Type-C, HDMI 2.0b, and Wi-Fi 6 for versatile connectivity options.
7. Relatively Affordable: The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 offers competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.

Cons:

1. Moderate GPU: While the GTX 1650 is capable of gaming, it may struggle with the highest settings in the most demanding titles, limiting its longevity as gaming requirements evolve.
2. Average Battery Life: The laptop’s battery life is relatively short, especially when gaming, necessitating frequent charging during extended use.
3. Slightly Heavy: At around 5.1 pounds, the laptop may be slightly heavier than some competitors in its class, impacting portability.
4. Lack of Ray Tracing: The GTX 1650 lacks ray tracing capabilities, which is a feature found in more powerful GPUs for enhanced graphics in supported games.
5. Potential for Fan Noise: While the cooling system is efficient, the fans can become audible during gaming sessions, which may be a concern for some users.
6. Limited RAM: The base model comes with 8GB of RAM, which may be insufficient for heavy multitasking or content creation tasks, requiring an additional investment in RAM.

In summary, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 offers a compelling package with strong gaming performance and a high-refresh-rate display at an affordable price point. However, it does come with some trade-offs, such as a mid-range GPU and relatively short battery life, which potential buyers should consider based on their gaming and productivity needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is a well-rounded gaming laptop that offers a compelling blend of performance, design, and affordability. Its Intel Core i5-11400H processor and GTX 1650 GPU provide ample power for gaming and productivity tasks, and the 144Hz FHD display ensures a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

The laptop’s rugged design, customizable RGB keyboard, and robust connectivity options make it a solid choice for gamers on a budget. However, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations, such as its relatively modest battery life and mid-range GPU, which may not satisfy gamers with the highest performance demands.

Ultimately, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize value for money and are willing to make some compromises in exchange for a more affordable gaming laptop. It’s a testament to ASUS’s commitment to delivering quality gaming experiences to a wide range of consumers.