Introduction: Is the ASUS ROG FX503 (GTX 1060) Still Worth It?
The ASUS ROG FX503 (GTX 1060) was a popular mid-range gaming laptop when it launched in 2017. It packed an Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor and NVIDIA GTX 1060 GPU, making it a solid choice for gamers at the time. But in 2025, technology has evolved rapidly—so, is this laptop still worth using?
This review takes an in-depth look at its design, gaming performance, display, and battery life to determine whether it’s still a viable gaming laptop or if you should upgrade to a newer model.
Design & Build Quality: A Classic Gaming Aesthetic
At first glance, the ASUS ROG FX503 has a traditional gaming laptop design with a black, brushed-metal finish. It’s sturdy but not the slimmest or lightest laptop by today’s standards.
Key Design Features:
✅ Weight & Portability: Weighs 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) – not ideal for travel.
✅ Keyboard: Red backlit, decent key travel but no RGB customization.
✅ Ports & Connectivity: Includes USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet, but lacks USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, making it less future-proof.
Overall, while the design still looks decent, it feels outdated compared to modern thin-and-light gaming laptops like the ASUS ROG Zephyrus series.
Performance & Gaming: Can It Still Handle Modern Games?
The ASUS ROG FX503 (GTX 1060) was a powerhouse in its prime, handling games like GTA V, The Witcher 3, and Overwatch smoothly. But how does it perform in 2025?
According to Notebookcheck, the GTX 1060 still performs well in older games and esports titles, but it struggles with modern AAA games that require more VRAM and advanced rendering techniques.
| Game | Settings | Average FPS |
| GTA V | High | 60-70 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Low | 25-30 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | Medium | 40-50 FPS |
| Valorant | High | 120+ FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Low | 30-40 FPS |
Pros & Cons of Gaming Performance:
✅ Older games still run well at high settings.
✅ Esports titles like Valorant, CS:GO, and League of Legends perform smoothly.
❌ Modern AAA games struggle, requiring low settings for playable FPS.
❌ No Ray Tracing or DLSS support, making future games harder to run.
A benchmark test from Tom’s Hardware shows that the GTX 1060 was competitive in 2017, but newer GPUs like the RTX 3050 or RTX 4060 offer significantly better performance with DLSS and Ray Tracing.
For casual and esports gamers, this laptop is still usable. But if you want to play demanding AAA titles, an upgrade is necessary.
Display & Audio: Does It Hold Up in 2025?
The FX503 comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD (1080p) display. Some versions have a 120Hz refresh rate, but the color accuracy and brightness are average by today’s standards.
Display Pros & Cons:
✅ 120Hz refresh rate (on some models) for smoother gaming.
✅ Decent sharpness for 1080p gaming.
❌ TN Panel (not IPS) – Colors and viewing angles are not great.
❌ Low brightness (~250 nits), making outdoor use difficult.
Audio Quality:
The built-in speakers are loud but lack bass, making them less immersive for gaming. A good gaming headset is recommended.
While the display was solid in 2017, today’s gaming laptops offer better IPS displays, higher refresh rates (144Hz+), and improved color accuracy.
Battery Life & Cooling: Is It Practical for Everyday Use?
One of the biggest weaknesses of the ASUS ROG FX503 is its battery life.
Battery Performance:
- Light Use (Browsing, Office Work) – 3 to 4 hours
- Gaming – 1 to 1.5 hours
- Streaming (YouTube, Netflix) – 2 to 3 hours
For a gaming laptop, short battery life is expected, but compared to newer models with better efficiency, the FX503 falls behind.
Cooling System:
The laptop features dual-fan cooling, but under heavy gaming, the laptop gets hot (80-90°C for CPU and GPU) and the fans get very loud.
If you still use this laptop, a cooling pad is recommended.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy or Upgrade?
The ASUS ROG FX503 (GTX 1060) was a great budget gaming laptop in 2017, but in 2025, it is outdated for modern gaming.
Who Should Keep It?
✔ Casual gamers playing older or esports games (Valorant, CS:GO, Fortnite, etc.)
✔ Budget users who don’t mind low settings for AAA games
✔ People using it for basic work or entertainment
Who Should Upgrade?
❌ If you want better performance for new AAA games
❌ If you need better battery life and portability
❌ If you want modern features like USB-C, Ray Tracing, and DLSS
If you are looking for a replacement, consider ASUS TUF Gaming, Lenovo Legion 5, or ROG Zephyrus with an RTX 3050 or better for a more future-proof experience.
Looking for a GPU upgrade? Check out this detailed comparison of the RX 7800 XT vs. RTX 4070 to find the best gaming GPU in 2025: Read here
FAQs: Common Questions About the ASUS ROG FX503 (GTX 1060)
1. Can the ASUS ROG FX503 (GTX 1060) run Cyberpunk 2077?
Yes, but only on low settings, averaging 25-30 FPS.
2. Can I upgrade the ASUS ROG FX503?
Yes, you can upgrade RAM (up to 32GB) and storage (M.2 SSD and HDD), but CPU and GPU are non-upgradable.
3. Is the ASUS ROG FX503 still good in 2025?
For basic gaming and work, yes. But for modern AAA games, it’s outdated.
4. What is a good alternative to the ASUS ROG FX503?
A good replacement would be the ASUS TUF Gaming F15, Lenovo Legion 5, or Acer Predator Helios 300 with RTX 3050 or higher.
