ASUS has refreshed its entire gaming laptop lineup with the newly launched NVIDIA RTX 5060 GPUs for laptops. Alongside updates to popular models like the Zephyrus, Strix, and TUF series, the brand also introduced a brand new, budget-friendly 18-inch TUF A18, catering to users seeking large-screen gaming on a tighter budget.
This article explores the updates ASUS has made, details on cooling improvements, hardware configurations, and why the TUF A18 might be the most exciting release in this wave of RTX 5060-equipped laptops.
ASUS Laptops Refreshed with NVIDIA RTX 5060
ASUS has incorporated the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 GPU across a wide array of gaming laptops, including:
- Zephyrus G14 and G16 (portable yet powerful)
- ROG Strix G16 and G18 (high-end gaming machines)
- TUF series (budget-friendly performance)
Interestingly, ASUS has not compromised on thermal solutions for the RTX 5060 versions. For instance, the ROG Strix G16 and G18 feature the same vapor chamber cooling found in their higher-end RTX 5080 counterparts, offering superior cooling even at a lower GPU tier.
This means users opting for the 5060 variant are likely to enjoy better thermal performance due to the oversized cooling system.
Zephyrus G14 Cooling Differences
The Zephyrus G14 adapts its cooling design based on GPU configuration. Models with RTX 5070 Ti or RTX 5080 feature a thicker heat sink and larger fans, adding some bulk to the chassis. In contrast, the RTX 5060 version is thinner and lighter, making it an ideal portable option for gamers who don’t need top-tier performance but still value solid gaming capability.
Introducing the ASUS TUF A18 – A Budget 18-Inch Gaming Laptop
One of the most notable announcements at Computex 2025 is the all-new ASUS TUF A18, an affordable 18-inch gaming laptop designed to offer premium screen real estate without the premium price tag.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS (Zen 4 “Hawk Point” architecture, rebranded as Ryzen 7 260)
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 5060 or 5070, both running at 100W
- Display Options:
- 2560×1600 @ 240Hz
- 1920×1200 @ 144Hz (with G-Sync)
- Battery: 90Wh for extended usage
- Ports: Ample I/O with most ports on the left side for better usability
The TUF A18 weighs around 500 grams less than most 18-inch gaming laptops, possibly due to its cooling system being optimized for the 5070 GPU. The cooling solution remains robust, and the build quality — although primarily plastic — features a metal lid with subtle branding.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Support for two DDR5 RAM sticks
- Two PCIe Gen 4 M.2 SSD slots
- A replaceable Wi-Fi card
TUF A14 and A16 Also Get RTX 5060 Upgrades
ASUS has also refreshed the TUF A14 and TUF A16 models:
- The TUF A14 now includes RTX 5060 graphics along with AMD’s latest Zen 5 processors, offering a compact and powerful solution for gamers on the move.
- The TUF A16 carries similar specs in a 16-inch form factor, providing users with more screen space and performance without bulk.
Thunderbolt 5 eGPU: ASUS XG Station 3
ASUS showcased the XG Station 3, one of the first Thunderbolt 5 eGPU docks. With Thunderbolt 5 offering greater bandwidth, this could potentially bring external GPU gaming closer to real-world viability. The design features no external shroud, possibly to accommodate larger modern GPUs, and offers improved cooling potential.
Note: As of now, Thunderbolt 5 eGPU docks remain rare, but ASUS seems to be leading the charge in bringing them to consumers.
Final Thoughts
ASUS has made significant strides in democratizing gaming laptop performance by offering RTX 5060-equipped models across all price points and sizes. Whether you’re looking for an ultraportable 14-inch gaming machine, a mainstream 16-inch laptop, or a budget-friendly 18-inch powerhouse, ASUS now has an option tailored to your needs.
Their clever use of shared cooling hardware in premium and mid-tier models means you’re not sacrificing thermal efficiency by choosing a more affordable configuration.
You can explore more about ASUS’s gaming laptops and their latest launches on the official ASUS website.
Tags:
Asus RTX 5060 laptops, Asus TUF A18, Computex 2025 laptops, gaming laptops 2025, Zephyrus G14 RTX 5060, budget 18-inch gaming laptop, ROG Strix G16 RTX 5060, Thunderbolt 5 eGPU, Asus TUF A14 specs, Asus TUF A16 refresh
Hashtags:
#AsusLaptops #RTX5060 #TUFSeries #GamingLaptops #Computex2025 #ZephyrusG14 #StrixG16 #TUF18inch #AMD8845HS #Thunderbolt5 #eGPU
Disclaimer:
Product specifications, availability, and performance may vary by region. Always verify details from the official ASUS website or trusted resellers before making any purchase decisions. This article is for informational purposes only and reflects the features and observations made during Computex 2025.
