Innovative Reverse-Opening U-Design Chinese Micro Desktop with Expandable PCIe Ports

Asus Unveils the First-Ever Gaming Desktop PC - The ROG NUC with Core Ultra 9 Processors and RTX Letech RTX 4070 Graphics, Available From $1,629

Asus is launching its first gaming mini-PC with the ROG NUC. This tiny PC weighs just 2.6 kg and comes in a 2.5-liter chassis that measures 270 x 180 x 50mm. Even though it has a diminutive form factor, you won’t miss out on performance as it comes with either an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H or a Core Ultra 9 185H. Both models also have a discrete GPU — an RTX 4060 for the Ultra 7 and RTX 4070 for the Ultra 9.

Intel left the mini-PC business in July 2023, licensing itsNUC brand to Asus and allowing it to continue the line of tiny computers. Asus teased anROG version of the NUC in January 2024, and after six months, it’s finally ready to release a retail version of its first gaming mini-PC.

These are the specifications of the two Asus ROG NUC models:

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Model #	RNUC14SRKU7168AUI	RNUC14SRKU9189AUI
Processor	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H	Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
Graphics Card	RTX 4060	RTX 4070
Memory [Upgradeable to (32GB x 2)]	(8GB x 2) DDR5-5600	(8GB x 2) DDR5-5600
Storage [3x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 slots available]	1x 512GB M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4	512GB M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4
Wireless	Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3	Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
LAN	2.5G Intel LAN	2.5G Intel LAN
Audio	Realtek/ALC256	Realtek/ALC256
Front I/O Ports	1x SD Card Reader, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack	1x SD Card Reader, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Rear I/O Ports	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	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	330W power adapter
Price	$1,629.00	$2,199.00

Since this is also an ROG product, you get gaming-specific features, like ARGB lights on the ROG logo at the top or side panel (depending on how you orient the mini-PC). Asus even says that you have the option to create your own logo, although there’s no indication yet of how to do that.

LATEST VIDEOS FROM tomshardware Tom’s Hardware

Although the ROG NUC is a tiny computer, it can accommodate up to four 4K displays via the HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB4 ports. However, we wouldn’t recommend that configuration for gaming as an RTX 4070 might be a little bit hard-pressed to deliver that many pixels.

You can now see both devices on theAsus website , but they’re marked as ‘Temporarily Out of Stock.’ Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a tiny gaming PC, you can ask Asus to notify you when they become available. You should also prepare your wallet if you want this device with its high starting price. It does come with a discrete GPU, though, unlike other mini-PC designs, where you need an eGPU dock to enjoy high-quality graphics.

Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors

By submitting your information you agree to theTerms & Conditions andPrivacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Driver Error

Innovative Reverse-Opening U-Design Chinese Micro Desktop with Expandable PCIe Ports

Asus Unveils the First-Ever Gaming Desktop PC - The ROG NUC with Core Ultra 9 Processors and RTX Letech RTX 4070 Graphics, Available From $1,629

Stay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom’s Hardware Newsletter