At the CES 2024 technology fair in Las Vegas, Asus unveiled the ROG NUC—a gaming-leaning, compact nettop that follows the classic NUC concept. Reports from Neowin noted the reveal, underscoring Asus’s push to blend compact form with high-end gaming capability.
NUCs trace their origins to Intel, which developed a line of small, cube-like computers. In mid-2023, Intel signaled plans to wind down the brand, prompting industry observers to wonder about the future of the tiny PC category. Yet a later agreement between Asus and Intel ensured continued production of NUC devices, paving the way for renewed competition in this niche.
The Asus ROG NUC maintains the familiar “mini PC on a stand” silhouette but amplifies it with the distinctive visual language of the Republic of Gamers lineup. Its design is intentionally bold, signaling a product built for gamers who want desktop-grade performance without sacrificing the convenience of a compact chassis.
Two configurations are planned for the ROG NUC. The first pairs an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, while the second offers an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor alongside the same RTX 4060 GPU. In both variants, memory is upgradeable, with support for up to 32 GB of RAM and the option to install an M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 solid-state drive. This flexibility allows users to tailor performance for demanding games or other heavy workloads.
Functionality is designed for versatility: the ROG NUC can be mounted horizontally or vertically using the included stand. The front panel hosts an SD card reader, two USB-A ports, and audio jacks for quick access to peripherals and media. The rear panel is equipped with a Thunderbolt 4 port, four USB-A ports, an HDMI output, two DisplayPort outputs, and a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, delivering robust connectivity for gaming, streaming, and content creation alike.
Presently, there is no official information on the launch date or pricing for the Asus ROG NUC. Industry watchers expect more details to emerge as production schedules firm up and retailer plans are announced. Until then, the market remains attentive to how Asus positions this system within the broader ecosystem of compact gaming PCs and how it stacks up against rivals in similar form factors.
In a broader trend, the industry has seen portable or highly compact gaming machines taking cues from handheld designs while delivering desktop-grade performance. The ROG NUC is part of this evolution, offering a balance between space savings, power, and expandability. For consumers who prefer a minimalist desk without sacrificing gaming prowess, this device could represent a compelling option. Citations: Neowin report on the CES 2024 reveal; ongoing industry commentary on the future of NUCs and compact gaming PCs [Citation: Neowin, CES 2024 coverage].