ASUS ExpertCenter D5 D500SE small form factor desktop: specs and who it suits

The ASUS ExpertCenter D5 (model D500SE-AH704) is a compact business desktop. ASUS designed it for small businesses that want dependable performance, expandability and a tidy workspace. At about 9 litres, it takes much less room than a traditional tower.

Processor, memory and storage

The processor is a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700 with 30MB of cache, 16 cores and speeds up to 5.2GHz, on an Intel B760 chipset. Core counts at this level suit multitasking, office suites with many open windows and light creative work. The computer has 16GB of DDR4 memory, which ASUS says can expand up to 64GB, and a 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD. NVMe storage typically starts up and opens files much faster than a hard disk.

Small form factor

ASUS gives the case a volume of 9 litres and a weight of 11.02 lb (about 5 kg). The listing's dimension entry is less clear, so rely on ASUS's own figure. Small cases are easy to place on or under a desk, and they save space in shared offices. The trade-off is less room for large add-in cards and upgrades than a full tower provides.

Expansion

The listing details the available slots: one PCIe 4.0 x16, two PCIe 3.0 x1, one M.2 connector for Wi-Fi, two M.2 connectors for storage, and two DDR4 U-DIMM memory slots. A PCIe x16 slot is the one used for a graphics card. Check the case and power supply details before choosing a card, as small form factor machines often limit card size and power.

Ports

The front has a headphone jack, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, a 2-in-1 SD/MMC card reader and a smart card reader. The rear has headphone out, line-in, microphone in, gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 1.4, a VGA port, two PS/2 ports and four USB 2.0 Type-A. The VGA and PS/2 ports suit older monitors and peripherals, which some offices still use. An 8x DVD writer is also included.

Wireless, security and software

Connectivity includes dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3. For security, ASUS lists a TPM 2.0 chip and a Kensington Security Slot, which accepts a cable lock to tether the machine to a desk. The machine runs Windows 11 Pro, which ASUS recommends for business. Pro editions add business features such as domain join and BitLocker drive encryption.

Who it suits

It suits small offices, reception desks and home offices that need a capable, space-saving PC with legacy ports and a card reader. It is less suited to demanding gaming or workstation tasks, where a larger case and stronger graphics are typically needed.

What to check before you buy

• Display connections: it offers HDMI 1.4 and VGA, so check your monitor's inputs and the resolutions HDMI 1.4 supports.
• Space: confirm the case fits your desk or shelf, and leave room for airflow.
• Upgrades: check the manual for memory, storage and card limits.
• Software: confirm that your business applications work with Windows 11 Pro.
• Peripherals: the listing doesn't mention a monitor, keyboard or mouse, so check the box contents.
• Support: read ASUS's warranty and business support terms.

The short version

• A 9-litre small form factor desktop, model D500SE-AH704.
• Intel Core i7-13700 (16 cores, up to 5.2GHz), 16GB DDR4 and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.
• Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, gigabit Ethernet, TPM 2.0 and Kensington lock slot.
• Wide port selection, including VGA, PS/2, a card reader and a smart card reader.
• Ships with Windows 11 Pro and an 8x DVD writer.

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