ASUS has officially launched its first Republic of Gamers (ROG) NUC, marking a significant entry into the high-performance mini-PC market. This compact powerhouse combines Intel's latest Core Ultra processors with NVIDIA's RTX 4000 series graphics in a remarkably small 2.5-liter chassis.
The ASUS ROG NUC embodies high-performance gaming in a compact design, reflecting its significant entry into the mini-PC market |
Key Features and Specifications
- Processor Options: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H or Core Ultra 9 185H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 or RTX 4070
- Memory: Up to 64GB DDR5-5600 RAM
- Storage: Support for up to three PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 SSDs
- Dimensions: 270 x 180 x 50mm (2.5L chassis)
- Weight: 2.6 kg
The compact ASUS ROG NUC features powerful processor and graphics options as detailed in its specifications |
Performance in a Tiny Package
Despite its compact size, the ROG NUC doesn't compromise on performance. The inclusion of discrete GPUs sets it apart from many mini-PCs that rely on integrated graphics or external GPU solutions. This makes the ROG NUC a viable option for gamers and content creators who need powerful graphics capabilities in a space-saving design.
Highlighting both compact design and powerful gaming capabilities, the ASUS ROG NUC stands out in the mini-PC market |
Connectivity and Expansion
The ROG NUC offers impressive connectivity options:
- Multiple display support (up to four 4K displays)
- HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, and Thunderbolt 4
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
- 2.5Gbps LAN port
- Various USB ports including USB-A 10Gbps and USB 2.0
Gaming Aesthetics
True to the ROG brand, the NUC features gaming-oriented design elements:
- ARGB lighting on the ROG logo
- Option to create custom logos (details pending)
- Compact yet eye-catching design
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS ROG NUC starts at $1,629, reflecting its high-end components and compact form factor. While this price point may be steep for some, it's important to consider the inclusion of discrete graphics and top-tier processors in such a small package.
As of now, the devices are listed as Temporarily Out of Stock on the ASUS website, with no specific release date announced. Interested buyers can sign up for notifications when the products become available.
The Future of NUC
This launch represents ASUS's first major move since acquiring the NUC brand from Intel in July 2023. It demonstrates the company's commitment to continuing and evolving the NUC line, particularly for gaming and high-performance applications.
While the ROG NUC's price may limit its appeal to a niche market, it showcases the potential for powerful computing in incredibly small form factors. As technology advances, we may see more accessible price points for such compact, high-performance systems in the future.