Intel's NUCs Live On… as an Excessive Asus Mini Gaming PC

At a glance:

• Asus introduces the ROG NUC 16, the latest iteration of Intel's NUC concept now under Asus branding
• Features Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX CPU, up to RTX 5080 laptop GPU, and up to 128GB RAM, starting at $4,420
• Available in black (launching this month) and white ("Moonlight" version, June) with unique vertical/horizontal stand design

The Evolution of NUCs

Intel's NUCs, short for "Next Unit of Computing," were designed to offer pint-sized PCs with desktop-level customizability inside a premium chassis. However, a combination of limited customization options and expensive pricing ultimately doomed previous models like the Intel NUC 9 Extreme ("Ghost Canyon"). In 2023, Intel handed off the NUC design to Asus, which has since transformed the concept into the ROG NUC line. These specialized mini PCs have particularly appealed to gamers with limited desk space who still want powerful performance in a compact form factor.

Power in a Small Package

The ROG NUC 16 represents the most powerful and console-like iteration of the NUCs Asus has produced to date. While maintaining the same basic shell as its predecessor, the NUC 15, this new model incorporates Intel's refreshed Arrow Lake CPU in the form of the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX. It can be configured with up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 laptop GPU (not the desktop version which consumes 360W of power) and supports up to 128GB of RAM. The device includes multiple HDMI and USB ports, though notably features only one Thunderbolt 4 port on the rear panel.

Pricing and Availability

Asus has not yet revealed U.S. pricing details, but the ROG NUC 16 will start at 29,999 Chinese yuan, approximately $4,420. The new "Moonlight" white version costs even more, at around $4,490 in U.S. dollars. The black version is slated for release this month, while the white version won't arrive until June. Asus has not provided precise launch dates for either version. For comparison, the previous ROG NUC 15 currently starts at $3,400 with a lower-end Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX CPU, an RTX 5060 GPU, and 16GB of RAM. The higher-end version with the RTX 5080 and 16GB of RAM costs approximately $5,300.

Performance Considerations

While the ROG NUC 16 promises improved performance over its predecessor with the same RTX 5080 GPU, actual benchmarks show only a modest 3% uplift according to 3DMark's "Time Spy" test. This suggests that while the new Core Ultra 9 290HX CPU provides some improvement, the gains may not be as substantial as one might expect. The actual performance benefit will likely vary depending on the specific games being played and their optimization for the new hardware.

Market Challenges

The ongoing RAM price increases, often referred to as the "RAM apocalypse," have driven up costs across consumer electronics. Gaming devices, which typically require more memory and storage than average lightweight devices, are particularly affected by these price hikes. Despite its appealing specifications on paper, the ROG NUC 16 faces challenges in the current market. Asus has yet to fully specify all available GPU configurations on its store page, leaving potential customers with incomplete information about their options.

Innovative Design Features

One notable improvement in the ROG NUC 16 is its updated stand, which allows users to prop up the PC either vertically or horizontally. When positioned horizontally, the stand acts as a cradle that keeps the computer slightly elevated above the desk. Asus claims that this horizontal position may actually provide better performance than the vertical orientation, adding an interesting dimension to the user experience beyond just aesthetics.

Expanding the ROG Lineup

Alongside the ROG NUC 16, Asus is also reviving the ROG Strix Scar 18 gaming laptop for 2026. This laptop has been upgraded with the same Intel Core Ultra 290HX CPU and now features a full 4K, 240Hz mini LED display. The 2025 model introduced a toolless access panel that made RAM and SSD upgrades easier than ever. According to an Asus spokesperson, the ROG Strix Scar 18 won't be available until Q2 or Q3 of this year, with pricing details to be shared closer to release. As with all gaming hardware in 2026, consumers should not expect significant price reductions compared to the 2025 model.