Description
If you take a quick look at the specs, you might mistake the Asus ROG NUC for a high-powered gaming laptop rather than a compact gaming PC. Sporting an Intel Core 9 Ultra processor and a mobile-class RTX 4070, this system delivers top-notch performance without the constraints of battery life. The result is exceptional performance, especially at 1080p, in a compact chassis that can fit virtually anywhere in your home. If space was a concern that kept you from owning a desktop gaming PC, the Asus ROG NUC could be the ideal solution – provided your wallet can handle it.
Purchasing Guide
The Asus ROG NUC is currently available for purchase on Asus’ website, starting at $1,629. This base configuration includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, RTX 4060 GPU, and 16GB of RAM. For a more premium model like the one reviewed here, priced at $2,199, you get an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU, and 32GB of RAM.
What is a NUC?
A NUC, or Next Unit of Computing, refers to mini PCs equipped with Ultrabook-class hardware. These compact systems are designed to offer laptop-like functionality in extremely small form factors. When Asus acquired Intel’s NUC product line in 2023, they introduced a range of new mini PCs at CES 2024, including the Asus ROG NUC that combines a mini PC with a powerful GPU like the RTX 4070, resulting in a slightly larger size compared to other NUC models.
Asus ROG NUC – Design and Features
The Asus ROG NUC impresses with its diminutive size, standing just 10.6 inches tall and 2.36 inches thick. It can be positioned vertically or horizontally, with a sturdy metal stand that gives it a floating appearance when standing upright. The front panel includes a prominent ROG logo, along with USB-A ports, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader. The rear offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including USB-A and USB-C ports, an ethernet port, HDMI output, and DisplayPort connectors. The innovative power supply design contributes to the compact nature of the ROG NUC.
Performance
Due to its compact size, the Asus ROG NUC is powered by mobile-class hardware rather than full desktop components to manage thermals efficiently. The Intel Core Ultra 9 processor paired with the RTX 4070 GPU ensures smooth gaming performance at 1080p resolution. While it may struggle in CPU-intensive tasks compared to larger gaming laptops, the ROG NUC remains a solid option for living room gaming and media consumption.
In gaming tests, the Asus ROG NUC consistently delivered over 60 fps in most titles at maximum settings, showcasing its capabilities even in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077. The system maintained cool temperatures and quiet operation throughout testing, thanks to its optimized hardware configuration.
Despite its premium price tag, the Asus ROG NUC offers a unique blend of compact design, impressive performance, and quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for gamers looking to integrate a powerful PC into their entertainment setup.
Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra