Asus ROG NUC: Intel Core Ultra and RTX 4070 in a Compact Gaming Powerhouse

At CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Asus unveiled its first gaming-focused NUC (Next Unit of Computing), the Asus ROG NUC, following Intel's departure from the NUC business. The ROG NUC represents a significant step in compact gaming hardware, offering two configurations with powerful components in a 2.5-liter chassis.

Jan 14, 2024 - 00:41
Jan 15, 2024 - 00:41
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Asus ROG NUC: Intel Core Ultra and RTX 4070 in a Compact Gaming Powerhouse

Configurations: High-Performance in Small Form Factor

The Asus ROG NUC is available in two configurations, catering to different performance needs:

  1. Intel Core Ultra 7 155H with Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU: This configuration is designed for gamers who need a balance between performance and compactness.

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  1. Core Ultra 9 185H with RTX 4070 Laptop GPU: For those seeking more power, this configuration offers higher performance, suitable for more demanding gaming and content creation tasks.

Both configurations use mobile components, ensuring they fit into the small 2.5-liter chassis without compromising performance.

Memory and Storage: Room for Upgrades

The Asus ROG NUC is designed with future upgrades in mind. It features two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, supporting up to 64GB of RAM (32GB per slot). For storage, there are three M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 SSD slots, providing ample and fast storage options that are also upgradeable.

Connectivity and Ports: Comprehensive and Versatile

The ROG NUC boasts a comprehensive range of connectivity options:

  • Front Ports: Includes an SD card reader (UHS-1), two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • Rear Ports: Features a Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) port, additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet jack, an HDMI 2.1 port, and two DisplayPort 1.4 ports.
  • Wireless Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6E with a Killer WiFi 6E AX1690i card, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections.

Design and Form Factor: Maximizing Desk Space

The Asus ROG NUC comes with a vertical stand, an efficient design choice that minimizes desk space usage. For those who prefer a different orientation, the NUC also has prominent rubberized feet on one side, allowing it to be placed horizontally without compromising stability or cooling.

Conclusion: Asus ROG NUC's Impact on the Gaming Market

The introduction of the Asus ROG NUC at CES 2024 marks a new era in compact gaming systems. With its two high-performance configurations, extensive connectivity options, and thoughtful design considerations for space-saving and future upgrades, the Asus ROG NUC is poised to appeal to a wide range of gamers and content creators who require powerful computing in a small footprint. As gaming hardware continues to evolve, the ROG NUC stands out as a testament to Asus's innovation and commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology in compact form factors.