The all-new TUF Gaming 16 laptop will utilize the older Raptor Lake Refresh chip paired with the latest RTX 50 series.
ASUS Unveils Newer TUF Gaming 16 Laptop Edition Bringing Back Raptor Lake-HX CPU; However, Powers the ExpertBook B5 Flip G2 With the Panther Lake
Every year ASUS upgrades its product lineups by reintroducing newer models in almost every hardware category. Since Computex is going on, it's obvious to see newer GPUs, motherboards, monitors, and laptop models rolling out. This year, ASUS did something different with one of its laptop series. Instead of adopting the latest Core Ultra Series 2 and 3 processors, ASUS went with the older Raptor Lake Refresh for its 2026 TUF Gaming 16 laptop.
The company deployed the Intel Core i7 14650HX in its latest TUF Gaming 16 edition, and paired it with the GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU. It's clear that many manufacturers consider the Raptor Lake/Refresh family ideal for laptops compared to Arrow Lake processors, while Panther Lake makes it a perfect solution for premium lightweight laptops. The new 2026 TUF Gaming 16 doesn't appear to bring any major improvements over the 2025 edition, as we see the same CPU-GPU combo, similar RAM and storage configuration, and the same design.
As per the PR, the newer edition will have dual SSD and RAM slots, offering up to 64 GB of DDR5 memory capacity. For cooling, it uses a 3-heat-pipe network coupled with dual 80-blade fans that keep the noise under 40 dBA. As for the design, the TUF Gaming 16 retains its classic TUF Gaming styling, an anti-fingerprint coating for the keyboard deck, and the tactile experience it's known for.
Then we have the newer ExpertBook B5 Flip G2 that actually brings a proper upgrade. It's powered by the latest Panther Lake, aka Intel Core 7 series 3 processor, which offers up to 18 TOPS of NPU performance and has an Intel Xe3-based built-in Arc graphics. ASUS didn't disclose the processor model, but considering the B5 Flip G2 is a lightweight portable laptop, it doesn't need a flagship CPU.
Through a versatile design that brings 360-degree convertibility for hybrid work and study, and a touch-enabled display, it's ready to improve your productivity at work. The laptop also offers a dual camera configuration that's convenient in a lot of scenarios. All of this is packed inside a military-grade chassis for superb durability.
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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