ROG NUC sneak peek: Intel's NUC mini PC series live on, and in a good way
We've been fans of the original NUC series and we're glad it's back.
Note: This feature was first published on 10 January 2024.
When ASUS announced last year that it was picking up Intel’s NUC range after the latter decided to exit that business, I heaved a big sigh of relief. We’ve reviewed quite a few NUC mini PCs and it goes without saying that I’ve always been a huge fan of the series – great industrial designs that manage to pack firepower into a small chassis.
At CES 2024, I managed to have a look at the first ROG NUC mini gaming PC at ASUS’ booth.
For those out of the loop, NUC (Next Unit of Compute) is synonymous with compact desktop PCs and DIY computer kits that are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. And the ROG NUC, initially known as Scorpion Canyon, is faithful to this ethos. Depending on your preference, it can be equipped with either an Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9 processor, and an NVIDIA RTX 4060 or 4070 GPU.
The ROG NUC still touts Intel’s tool-less chassis design, allowing for easy upgrades and maintenance, achievable in less than ten minutes – once you get the hang on it.
In terms of connectivity, ASUS hasn't skimped. The ROG NUC comes with the following ports:
- HDMI 2.1 port
- DisplayPort 1.4
- Thunderbolt 4/USB-C Type-C port
- USB 2.0 port
- 2.5G LAN port
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Support for both Windows 11 and Linux OSes.
ASUS has also engineered this model for optimal compatibility with their ROG Raikiri Pro controller, and coupled with the ROG Armory Crate app to allow for customised RGB lighting schemes.
This isn't just a one-off for ASUS and the Taiwanese company has hinted at more mini PC products on the horizon. This bodes well since ASUS hasn't churned out any small form factor system in years, and the last was the ASUS ROG GR8 II in 2017.
Details on pricing and availability for the ROG NUC are still under wraps, but I’m expecting them to be announced shortly. I’m excited.
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