Asus has quietly launched a new, more affordable configuration of its 14-inch TUF Gaming A14, pairing an AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 APU with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060. Priced at CNY 13,999 (~$2,008) in China, a launch discount brings it down to CNY 10,699 (~$1,534), positioning it as a compelling mid-range option between last year's models and the recently announced Strix Halo variant.
Asus has expanded its TUF Gaming A14 lineup with a new configuration that balances performance and price, targeting gamers who want capable 14-inch portability without the premium cost of its top-tier models. The new TUF Gaming A14 FA401GM pairs an AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 processor with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics card, a combination that fills a strategic gap in Asus's current 14-inch gaming portfolio.
This release follows closely on the heels of Asus's more attention-grabbing Ryzen AI Max+ 392 APU and Radeon 8060S iGPU configuration (FA401EA), which pairs the chip with 64 GB of RAM. While that model targets users who need maximum integrated graphics performance and substantial memory, the FA401GM takes a more conventional approach, using a dedicated NVIDIA GPU to handle gaming workloads. This makes it a more direct successor to last year's models in terms of architecture and expected performance profile.
What's New: The FA401GM Configuration
The core of the FA401GM is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 processor. This is a mobile APU from AMD's latest generation, part of the "Gorgon Point" family. It features a combination of Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores, providing a mix of high-performance and efficiency-optimized processing units. The integrated Radeon graphics on this APU are capable for lighter tasks, but the real gaming muscle comes from the discrete GPU.
Paired with it is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 for laptops. This is a mid-range GPU from NVIDIA's latest mobile series, designed to handle modern games at 1080p and 1440p resolutions with respectable frame rates, especially with the help of DLSS 3.5 and ray tracing features. The combination should offer a significant performance uplift over last year's TUF Gaming A14 models, which typically featured RTX 4050 or RTX 4060 GPUs.
The base configuration for the FA401GM includes 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB NVMe SSD. This is a generous amount of memory for a gaming laptop, ensuring smooth multitasking and future-proofing for demanding games and applications. The 1 TB SSD provides ample storage for a sizable game library and general files.
Pricing and Market Positioning
Asus China has priced the TUF Gaming A14 FA401GM at CNY 13,999 (approximately $2,008 USD) at its standard retail price. However, the company is offering a launch discount, bringing the price down to CNY 10,699 ($1,534) for the Moonlight Silver variant and CNY 10,999 ($1,577) for the Eclipse Grey variant.
This pricing strategy is crucial for understanding the FA401GM's place in the market. Let's compare it to recent predecessors:
- Last Year's Model (FA401KM/FA401WV): Started at CNY 9,499 (~$1,362). The new FA401GM, even at its discounted price, represents a price increase of roughly $170-$215 over last year's starting price.
- The Premium Strix Halo Variant (FA401EA): While exact pricing for the Ryzen AI Max+ 392 model isn't detailed in the initial report, its configuration (64 GB RAM, powerful iGPU) suggests it will command a significantly higher price, likely well above $2,000.
The FA401GM is therefore positioned as a mid-range upgrade. It's more expensive than last year's entry-level models but offers substantially better performance with the RTX 5060. It's also more affordable than the top-tier Strix Halo variant, making it the sensible choice for most gamers who want a balance of price, performance, and portability in a 14-inch form factor.
When this model launches in other markets like the US and Europe, we can expect a similar pricing strategy. A $100 to $200 uplift over the previous generation's starting price is a reasonable expectation, placing the FA401GM in the $1,500 to $1,700 range for its base configuration.
How It Compares to the Broader TUF A14 Lineup
Asus is now offering a clear three-tier structure for the TUF Gaming A14:
- Previous Generation (FA401KM/FA401WV): Still available, likely at discounted prices. Best for budget-conscious buyers who don't need the latest performance. Features RTX 4050/4060 GPUs.
- New Mid-Range (FA401GM): The subject of this article. Features the Ryzen AI 9 465 and RTX 5060. Targets the mainstream gamer who wants a tangible performance jump and the latest features without paying for the absolute top-tier hardware.
- High-Performance (FA401EA): Features the Ryzen AI Max+ 392 APU and its powerful Radeon 8060S iGPU, paired with 64 GB of RAM. Targets users who prioritize integrated graphics performance for creative workloads or want a unique, high-memory configuration. This is the most specialized and likely most expensive model.
The FA401GM is the most balanced option for pure gaming. The RTX 5060 is a known quantity (or will be, as it's a new release) for gaming performance, whereas the integrated graphics on the Ryzen AI Max+ 392, while powerful for an iGPU, are still not on par with a dedicated mid-range discrete GPU for demanding 3D gaming.
Who Is This For?
The TUF Gaming A14 FA401GM is ideal for:
- Mainstream Gamers: Those who play a variety of modern titles and want smooth performance at 1080p or 1440p without breaking the bank. The RTX 5060 should handle this well.
- Students and Professionals: The 14-inch form factor is highly portable, and the 32 GB of RAM is excellent for multitasking, coding, or creative applications alongside gaming.
- Buyers Seeking a Future-Proof Mid-Ranger: With 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD, this configuration is well-equipped for the next few years of software and game requirements.
It may be less suitable for:
- Budget Buyers: Those with a strict budget under $1,300 will find better value in discounted previous-generation models.
- Enthusiasts Seeking Maximum Performance: Gamers who want the highest possible frame rates in 4K or with all ray tracing settings maxed out should look at larger 16-inch or 17-inch laptops with RTX 5070 or higher GPUs.
- Users Needing Extreme Integrated Graphics: If your workload heavily relies on GPU compute without a discrete GPU (e.g., certain AI tasks, video encoding), the Ryzen AI Max+ 392 model might be more appropriate.
Availability and Next Steps
The TUF Gaming A14 FA401GM is currently available in China. Asus has not yet announced a specific launch date for other regions, but based on the company's typical rollout patterns, it should reach markets like North America, Europe, and Japan in the coming weeks or months.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on specifications, pricing, and availability in your region, it's best to check the official Asus product page or trusted retailers like Amazon. As more details emerge, we will update our coverage with specific performance benchmarks and in-depth reviews.
Source: Asus China via Lonely City Hardware.
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