ASUS is a brand that is probably best known for their gaming hardware and accessories, computer components and laptops, but did you know that they also offer desktop computers that are purpose-built for productivity use at home and in the office?
In conjunction with the launch of the ASUS ExpertBook PM3 laptop, they have also launched the compact productivity laptop ASUS ExpertCenter P500SV. We were given the opportunity to test this computer in our office for a while, and here are our thoughts on it.
Design and Specifications
Model Name ASUS ExpertCenter P500 SV
Processor Intel Core i7-13620H
Graphics Chip Intel Arc
RAM 16GB DDR5
Internal Capacity 512GB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
Camera None
Audio None
I/O Ports 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack
2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C
1x 2-in-1 SD/MMC card reader
Operating System Microsoft Windows 11
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth 5.4
Price Intel Core 7 240H, 16GB, 512GB – RM4099
Intel Core 5 210H, 16GB, 512GB – RM3599
Starting with the specifications of this laptop, the model sent to us comes in the configuration of the Intel Core i7-13620H processor chip with 16GB of DDR5 memory. In terms of storage, this computer comes with 512GB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage. The latest model offered in the local market will come with a choice of Intel Core 7 240H and Intel Core 5 210H CPUs with the same amount of memory and storage.
Yes, you read that right, because this desktop computer houses an Intel processing chip that should be used for laptops. This is also not a new phenomenon, especially when there are many other compact computers that use such configurations.
In terms of computer design, the ASUS ExpertCenter P500SV comes with a classic office desktop computer design, but with some differences in the interior that use laptop components, and this allows this computer to come with a smaller design.
The advantage of this desktop computer comes in its ability to be opened and upgraded several components easily. The side panel of the ExpertCenter P500SV can be opened by turning the back screw by hand, which will give users access to the components inside.
Users can quickly and easily change memory and storage components, and this computer even supports the installation of two SSD storage up to 4TB and DDR5 memory configurations up to 64GB if needed.
The cooling system that cools the CPU components is also similar to what is used in a laptop, but is enlarged, to allow it to cool the components more efficiently.
In terms of plug options, the ASUS ExpertCenter P500SV is equipped with two USB Type-A plugs, one USB Type-C plug, a 3.5mm audio jack plug along with an SD card reader on the front. On the back, there are four USB Type-A plugs, one HDMI 1.4 plug, one DisplayPort 1.4 plug, 7.1 audio plugs and an RJ45 internet plug for wired internet connections.
In terms of wireless connections, this computer comes with support for WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 wireless connections.
User Experience
Honestly, there are few desktop computers on the market that are more compact than what ASUS offers through this ExpertCenter P500SV computer. But it can still be said to be a fairly small desktop computer if your desk space is not too large and you only want to use a computer for office or home tasks.
Although this computer uses specifications that are usually shown on a laptop, in my opinion, it is sufficient for daily productivity tasks such as editing documents, photos, and so on.
The cooling system design used in the ExpertCenter P500SV computer also means that this computer operates very quietly, and will not disturb the user's concentration when they are working.
This desktop computer also comes with its own wired keyboard and mouse, but if you are more used to using a wireless keyboard and mouse, you can also pair it with this computer very easily. Apart from that, this desktop computer also comes with support for WiFi 6 wireless internet connection to reduce cable clutter on your desk.
Previously, I also said that another advantage of this computer is that you can increase the capacity of these two components if you or your company needs them to be upgraded.
This can be done quickly and easily and only requires a screwdriver to access the SSD storage area, and not the other parts. Perhaps the power supply if it needs to be replaced.
If I were to comment on the DIY process of repairing or upgrading this computer, ASUS has documented the steps to follow well. However, when we reassembled the front frame of this desktop, our advice is to make sure that the frame holes are aligned with the plugs on the computer unit.
We found that it was easy to misalign, and when not properly installed, the computer's power button could not be pressed to turn it on. Another criticism would be related to the keyboard and mouse accessories offered as well, which in my opinion are quite low quality.
Benchmark Scores
Here are the benchmark scores for the ASUS ExpertCenter P500SV computer:
PCMark10
CrystalDiskMark
What's In The Box
Here's what you'll get when you buy an ASUS ExpertCenter P500SV desktop computer:
1x ASUS ExpertCenter P500SV
1x user manual
1x power cable
1x wired keyboard
1x wired mouse
Cover
The ASUS ExpertCenter P500SV model we were sent for review came with the 13th generation Intel Core processor, but the latest model that has been released, as recently reported, comes with the latest generation Intel Core 200 processor.
This review is written with the specifications we were sent, and in my opinion, as a desktop computer used for general office productivity purposes. The latest model comes with a starting price of RM3599 for the model with the Intel Core 5 210-H CPU and RM4099 for the model with the Intel Core 7 240H CPU.
Companies looking to buy a desktop computer that has good performance and is easy to repair and upgrade themselves can make the ASUS ExpertCenter P500SV one of their choices.
Pros:
Good office productivity performance
Computer is easy to repair and upgrade
Affordable price for companies
Cons:
Accessories offering that seem to be of poor quality