With the TUF Gaming GT502 Horizon, ASUS is launching a case with a trendy dual-chamber design that is not only visually impressive, but also has a lot to offer in terms of functionality. The division into two separate areas for the power supply unit and main components promises optimized cooling performance and more space for cable management.
Even at first glance, it is clear that this case is aimed at enthusiasts and gamers who value performance, modularity and individuality. Particularly exciting: ASUS offers the separately available Custom ARGB Lighting Kit, an expansion package that provides additional visual highlights – we will of course also take a closer look at this in the course of the test.
You can find out how the GT502 Horizon performs in terms of processing, cooling, ease of installation and design in our detailed test report.
Technical details
| Model: | ASUS TUF GT502 Horizon white |
| Case type: | Midi-Tower |
| Dimensions: | 285 x 450 x 446mm (WxHxD) |
| Weight: | 11.00 kg |
| Materials: | Steel, glass, plastic |
| Available colors: | Black / White |
| Front connections: | 1x USB-C 3.1 / 2x USB-A 3.0 / 1x 3.5mm jack |
| Expansion slots: | 8 |
| Hard disk slots: | 4x 2,5″ / 3,5″ |
| Form factors: | Mini-ITX (6.7″ x 6.7″) µATX (9.6″ x 9.6″) ATX (12″ x 9.6″) |
| Ventilation: | rear: 1x 120mm right: 3x 120mm / 2x 140mm top: 3x 120mm / 2x 140mm bottom: 3x 120mm |
| Radiators: | rear: 120mm right: up to 360mm top: up to 360mm |
| Max. CPU cooler height: | 163mm |
| Max. Graphics card length: | 400mm |
| Max. Power supply length: | 200mm |
| Price: | € 189.90 * |
Scope of delivery
The scope of delivery of the ASUS TUF Gaming GT502 Horizon shows right out of the box that ASUS places great value on user-friendliness and flexibility. The case comes with a comprehensive accessory package that contains all the basic components and tools you need to start building a clean and powerful gaming system right away.
In addition to the usual screws for the PSU, drives and mainboard (20x for PSU/3.5″ and 25x for 2.5″/mainboard), a practical standoff tool is also included to make mainboard installation much easier. For cable management, ASUS not only supplies classic cable ties, but also three Velcro cable ties that can be used to organize cables flexibly and reusably – a real plus point for tidy builds.
A special highlight is the supplied graphics card holder, which not only supports the weight of heavy GPUs, but also enables stable vertical mounting. The vertical GPU holder provided for this purpose is already included – however, a PCIe riser cable is required separately.
The accessories are supplemented by an ARGB controller adapter cable, which makes it easier to connect the RGB components to compatible mainboards, as well as a detailed instruction manual, which makes assembly much easier even for beginners.
Overall, the scope of delivery leaves a well thought-out impression and offers everything you need for a problem-free start – whether classic or with a view to an individual ARGB setup.
Exterior impression
The ASUS TUF Gaming GT502 Horizon has an exceptionally compact and symmetrical exterior – almost cube-shaped – which gives the case a modern, unique appearance. Even at first glance, it is clear that the focus here is not only on function, but also on the design and visibility of the installed hardware. Generous glass surfaces provide a clear view of the components.
Our test model is the white version, which is particularly eye-catching. The white looks clear, almost radiant, and emphasizes the clean lines of the housing. Particularly positive: The color concept is consistent throughout all visible components – from the metal frame to the inner panels – which gives the case an all-round high-quality and stylish look.
Front view
The front is divided into two sections: On the left-hand side is a fixed glass panel that provides a view of the interior. To the right is a solid plastic module that houses the front connections:
1× USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
2× USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
1× combined 3.5 mm audio connection
1× LED control button
1× power button
Also integrated into this module is the TUF Gaming logo in the lower area, discreetly kept in black. Above it, a striking TUF lettering rounds off the branding and elegantly reinforces the gaming aesthetic.
The left side panel is made almost entirely of tempered glass and can be removed without tools. The beveled edges and slightly offset lines effectively prevent the case from appearing bulky – quite the opposite: despite its cube shape, it appears modern, reduced and balanced in proportion. The feet are also particularly unobtrusive in the side profile – they are delicately designed and blend discreetly into the overall appearance.
ASUS has opted for functionality with style on the right-hand side panel: a large perforated cover ensures effective ventilation of the side chamber, behind which the power supply unit and drives are housed. Lettering such as “HDD”, “PSU” and the model branding are incorporated into the perforated surface – a visually interesting solution that skillfully combines ventilation and design.
The rear follows the typical structure of a dual-chamber case. It is mostly perforated to ensure good air circulation. At the bottom left is a small “ASUS CASE” sticker, above which is the power supply slot. At the bottom right are the eight horizontal expansion slots and three vertical slots with a sturdy clamp to hold them in place. There is space for a 120 mm fan in the upper area, above which are the typical cut-outs for the mainboard connections.
Top side
The top side is almost completely covered with a perforated area for exhaust air – ideal for installing radiators or additional fans. A special feature are the two woven transport straps, which not only remain true to the TUF military design, but are also practical: They are removable and hold up to 30 kilograms, making it much easier to move a fully assembled system.
The underside also demonstrates the functional claim of the housing: a large, removable dust filter protects against dirt and is easy to clean. The four rubberized feet ensure a secure, low-vibration stand on any surface.
Interior impression
A look inside the TUF Gaming GT502 Horizon quickly shows that ASUS is not just focusing on the exterior – the interior also makes it clear how well thought-out this case has been designed. The main chamber in particular impresses with its very clear structure and generous amount of space. Even larger components such as high-end graphics cards or powerful tower coolers can easily find their place without creating cramped conditions.
The open design ensures that even more complex cooling concepts can be easily implemented. Whether air cooling with several fans or extensive water cooling with radiators up to 360 mm – the interior offers numerous mounting options on the top, sides and front.
The focus on details is particularly positive: The rubberized cable grommets, which enable the transition to the rear chamber, are not only functional, but also underline the high-quality claim of the housing. They make it easier to lay cables neatly and contribute to visual organization and improved airflow – a clear sign that ASUS is focusing on quality rather than compromise.
The rear chamber of the TUF Gaming GT502 Horizon also leaves a neatly structured and well thought-out impression. ASUS consistently relies on modularity and flexibility here – particularly visible in the arrangement of the drive bays. Users can decide whether they want to use the available space for hard disks or fans. The corresponding brackets can be individually adjusted or completely removed as required – this accommodates both classic build concepts and modern, minimalist cooled systems.
The power supply unit is installed upright in this chamber, which not only saves space but also helps to separate the thermal zones. Striking: The screw connection is slightly offset inwards, which provides additional stability and makes the power supply unit installation pleasantly uncomplicated.
A particularly clever detail is the cross-mounted bracket in the upper area, on which fans or radiators can be mounted. This transverse axis provides an additional, effective cooling option for the rear chamber – ideal for supplying components such as drives or the power supply unit with fresh air or efficiently directing warm air to the outside.
All in all, the rear chamber proves that ASUS doesn’t do things by halves when it comes to the “invisible” part of the case – cleanly structured, functional and perfectly customizable.
Workmanship
From the very first contact with the case, it is clear that the TUF Gaming GT502 Horizon is a high-quality product that lives up to its premium claim. All components – from the steel chassis to the glass panels and plastic elements – appear stable, accurately fitting and well thought-out.
The precision with which the side panels snap into place and the reliability of the hinges and holding mechanisms are particularly striking – nothing wobbles or rattles. The edges are deburred, which makes handling during assembly pleasant and safe. The surface coating of the white version is also impressive with an even, scratch-resistant finish that not only enhances the appearance of the case, but is also resistant to fingerprints and minor knocks.
The integration of design elements such as the embossed TUF branding, the rubberized cable grommets and the stable vertical GPU holder show that ASUS has paid attention to durability, user-friendliness and aesthetics down to the last detail. In short, the workmanship is clearly above average for what you would expect in this price range.
Accessories
For all those who want to give their system an even more individual look, ASUS offers the TUF Gaming ARGB Lighting Kit*, a suitable accessory that is specifically tailored to the GT502 Horizon. The kit was developed to provide additional lighting accents and visually highlight the interior of the case – ideal for anyone who values a harmonious RGB aesthetic.
The Lighting Kit consists of two separately insertable light modules that can be placed in the housing very easily and without the use of tools – plug & play in the best sense of the word. The modules adhere magnetically to metal surfaces inside the housing, which is not only flexible but also absolutely reliable: Once attached, they sit securely and do not slip during transportation.
The Lighting Kit is controlled via ASUS Aura Sync, which allows the RGB lighting to be seamlessly integrated into the rest of the setup. The connection is conveniently made via a standard 3-pin ARGB header, as is common on modern motherboards.
Another nice detail: the modules are available in white and black, so that they blend harmoniously into the overall look – regardless of which version of the GT502 you choose.
Overall, the TUF Gaming ARGB Lighting Kit is a worthwhile addition for RGB fans who value ease of use, compatibility and design.
Mounting
The assembly of our test system in the TUF Gaming GT502 Horizon went smoothly and was pleasantly structured – just as you would expect from a high-quality case in this class. The already positively emphasized combination of generous space, clear interior layout and high-quality workmanship was clearly noticeable.
All components could be installed easily and without hurdles. The graphics card and CPU cooler in particular could be inserted without any fiddly contortions, which is a real relief, especially with larger components. Radiator and fan installation also went smoothly thanks to the well-placed mounting rails and the well thought-out arrangement of the screw points.
Another plus point was the cable management: the aforementioned rubberized cable grommets and the generous depth of the rear chamber make it much easier to lay cables neatly. There is also plenty of space for several cable harnesses and modular power supply units – with enough air to prevent any negative impact on the airflow.
Particularly pleasing: The separately tested TUF Gaming ARGB Lighting Kit was also very easy to integrate, as announced. Thanks to the magnetic attachment and the standardized 3-pin ARGB connection, the kit was installed in just a few minutes and synchronized with the rest of the system via Aura Sync. The result is impressive RGB illumination that significantly enhances the look of the case – the white version in particular has a high-contrast, modern look.
Even smaller details such as the tool-free side panels or the sturdy carrying straps showed their practical benefits in the test. These are not just gimmicks, but real advantages in everyday use, especially if the computer is frequently moved or transported.
Practical test
On paper, the ASUS TUF Gaming GT502 Horizon scores with a variety of cooling options – from several fan positions to generous radiator surfaces and a well thought-out dual-chamber layout. But how well does the ventilation work in practice? This is exactly what we wanted to find out as part of an everyday test.
For this purpose, we measured the system temperatures in idle mode and under load during gaming – in other words, exactly under the conditions that are relevant for most users in everyday life. The case remained in its standard configuration: a 360 mm radiator in the lid provides the main cooling for the CPU, while three additional fans in the base area supply fresh air. The setup is complemented by a 120 mm fan in the rear, which reliably dissipates the warm air.
This fan configuration enables an efficient and even airflow through both chambers of the case. As a result, we were able to determine stable temperatures both in idle mode and under load:
CPU temperature at idle: [48] °C
CPU temperature under load: [57] °C
GPU temperature at idle: [36] °C
GPU temperature under load: [76] °C
The measured values show that both the CPU and the GPU were able to work without critical heat peaks. Thanks to the sophisticated airflow, the entire system remains constantly and reliably cool even under prolonged load, which is a clear advantage for everyday use – especially when gaming.
The result was consistently positive: Both the CPU and the GPU were well supplied with fresh air during operation. The temperatures remained stable in both scenarios and there were no critical heat peaks or excessive fluctuations – even after longer gaming sessions. The open design and the targeted airflow through the dual chambers in particular ensure that the heat does not build up and the hardware can work efficiently.
Noise levels also remained pleasantly low – provided that high-quality fans are used. Although the case’s insulation is not primarily designed to reduce noise, the well thought-out air routing and solid materials mean that there is no annoying fan roar or vibrations.
Overall, the GT502 Horizon is very powerful in everyday use and performs its task as a cooling platform for gaming systems absolutely reliably – both for classic air cooling and for AIO or custom water cooling.
Conclusion
Overall, the GT502 Horizon proves to be very powerful in everyday use and fulfills its task as a cooling platform for gaming systems absolutely reliably – both for classic air cooling and for AIO or custom water cooling.
With the TUF Gaming GT502 Horizon, ASUS delivers a convincing case that scores not only with its looks, but above all with its sophisticated design, high build quality and excellent suitability for everyday use. The combination of dual-chamber layout, generous space, modular interior structure and numerous cooling options makes the case an ideal platform for high-performance gaming systems.
We particularly liked the rubberized cable grommets, the tool-free handling, the transport strap system and the option to further enhance the system’s appearance with the TUF Gaming ARGB Lighting Kit. The case also impressed us in the practical test with stable temperatures and efficient airflow – clear proof that the features promised on paper actually work.
VORTEILE
- High-quality workmanship
- Possibility of customization with Lightning Kit
- Numerous cooling options
NACHTEILE
- Riser cable for vertical mounting of the GPU must be purchased separately
Fazit
A well-made double-chamber housing with plenty of space for cooling.
