I BOUGHT ASUS TUF DASH F15

The Asus TUF Dash F15 is currently only available in a handful of configurations, but when the Nvidia Ampere GPU shortage finally ends, there will be more. As a processor, you can choose one of the Intel Tiger Lake chips: Core i5-11300H (up to 4.4 GHz), the Core i7-11370H (up to 4.8 GHz) and Core i7-11375H (up to 5 GHz). Available graphics cards for laptop include Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop and GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop. Unfortunately, the names of these video cards are not fully indicated on the Asus website, and the TDP levels set by the manufacturer are also not mentioned. If it were not for the reviews on the Internet, buyers would only have to guess about the level of performance that awaits them upon purchase.

There are three different displays available for the model: one with a 2K resolution of 2560 x 1440 and a refresh rate of 165 Hz, and two with FHD (1920 x 1080) with a refresh rate of 240 and 144 Hz, respectively. According to the specs on Asus' website, the 144Hz display has a poor color gamut, so we strongly advise against choosing it. The amount of RAM can be up to 16 GB; in all configurations, part of it is soldered on the motherboard. Factory capacity of NVMe SSD can be up to 1TB.

We've got an Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516P configuration with a Core i7-11370H, RTX 3070 Laptop, 240Hz display, 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD for review. The cost of a laptop in this configuration is a little over 2,000 euros - a bit too much for a representative of a budget gaming line. However, the increased price had a positive effect on the quality of the case materials compared to the previous models.

Design and features

Many modern gaming laptops are produced in a deliberately discreet style, which allows them to perfectly fit not only in the home, but also in the business environment in the office. In the case of the Asus Dash F15, the manufacturer clearly chose a radically different approach, because the appearance of this model screams about its gaming affiliation: sharp edges and aggressive curves complement the huge TUF logo on the display lid.

However, it is worth noting that the predecessor's design was even more pretentious, because there is still some progress. The laptop came to our review in a dark color Eclipse Gray, but it is also available in a bright version of Moonlight White, which will be on sale later. Having a hard time imagining a gaming laptop in white? Take a look at the ROG Zephyrus G15.

The quality of materials and workmanship of the case has increased significantly compared to its predecessor. The lid, for example, is now metal instead of plastic. All the parts fit tightly to each other, we did not find any irregularities or defects, but nevertheless, the manufacturer should work a little on the strength of the structure.

Another advantage of the new TUF Dash F15 is its compactness: the thickness of the case is 19.9 mm, and the weight is only 2 kg. With such parameters, this model not only looks attractive against the background of competitors, but also automatically becomes a candidate for a place in our TOP-10 thin gaming laptops rating.

The hinges securely hold the screen in position, so it practically does not vibrate when shaken. However, the opening angle is rather limited, in contrast to the recently tested Zephyrus G15. The base of the case is quite strong, but the lid is more flexible and easier to deform.

Ports

The Asus TUF Dash F15 has a fairly modern set of ports. Unlike the older Zephyrus G15, there is Thunderbolt 4 (USB 4.0, Display Port 1.4a, Power Delivery 100 W, Type-C connector). In addition, the model has an HDMI 2.0 video output, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, an audio jack, Ethernet and a Kensington lock slot.

Most of the connectors are located on the left side, so the laptop is more suitable for right-handers - cables and devices connected to the left may interfere with the use of the mouse. Another drawback of the model is the complete absence of a card reader and a webcam. Given the capabilities of manufacturers and the development of modern technology, we have absolutely no idea what prevented Asus from installing these two simple components.