Asus Unveils Powerful ROG NUC Gaming Mini-PC with Intel Core Ultra Processors and RTX GPUs

Asus Unveils Powerful ROG NUC Gaming Mini-PC with Intel Core Ultra Processors and RTX GPUs
Image credit: ROG - Asus

Asus is set to release its first gaming mini-PC under the ROG NUC brand. This compact PC, weighing just 2.6 kg and housed in a 2.5-liter chassis measuring 270 x 180 x 50mm, promises powerful performance. It is available with either an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H or a Core Ultra 9 185H processor, each paired with a discrete GPU—an RTX 4060 for the Ultra 7 and an RTX 4070 for the Ultra 9.

After Intel exited the mini-PC market in July 2023, it licensed the NUC brand to Asus. Asus then announced an ROG version of the NUC in January 2024. Now, six months later, the first gaming mini-PC from Asus is ready for retail.

Both Asus ROG NUC models share the following specifications: 

• Memory: Upgradeable to (32GB x 2), they come with (8GB x 2) DDR5-5600 RAM.
• Storage: Each has a 512GB M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4, with three additional M.2 slots available.
• Connectivity: Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and 2.5G Intel LAN.
• Audio: Realtek/ALC256.
• I/O Ports: Front - 1x SD Card Reader, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack. Rear - 1x Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Type-C port (with DP2.1 and 12V fast charging), 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x DP1.4a port, 1x 2.5G RJ45 LAN, 1x DC in barrel jack port, 1x Kensington Lock slot.
• Power Supply: 330W power adapter.
• Prices: $1,629.00 for the Ultra 7 model and $2,199.00 for the Ultra 9 model.

The mini PC includes gaming features like ARGB lights on the ROG logo, can be placed on the top or side panel depending on how the mini-PC is oriented
Image credit: Asus

Being an ROG product, it includes gaming-specific features like ARGB lights on the ROG logo, which can be placed on the top or side panel depending on how the mini-PC is oriented. Users can also customize the logo, though details on this feature are not yet available.

The ROG NUC can support up to four 4K displays via HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB4 ports. However, utilizing an RTX 4070 for such a setup might challenge its capabilities in gaming.

The Asus website now lists these devices, although they are currently marked as 'Temporarily Out of Stock.' Interested buyers can request notifications for availability. Despite the high starting price, the inclusion of a discrete GPU sets this mini-PC apart from other designs that require an eGPU dock for superior graphics performance.