WithNvidia’sannouncement of RTX 50-series GPUs for desktops and laptops, a new generation of computers is on the way andASUShas kickstarted the lineup with its2025 ROG NUC. The new NUC or Next Unit of Computing is powered by up to the RTX 5080 laptop GPU and the second generation of Intel’s Core Ultra processors.
It brings the latest connectivity options, all packed into acompact mini-PCthat, on paper, packs incredible performance suitable for demanding use cases like gaming or heavy productivity. There are some design changes compared to the now previous generationNUC 970, which is also a powerful mini-PC, and currently available for purchase.
ROG NUC (2025): Specifications and Features
Measuring just 282.4x187.7x56.5mm with a volume of just three liters, theROG NUC (2025)is definitely larger than its predecessor but still small enough to fit in your backpack or your entertainment unit. It still retains the sharp edges and the majority of I/O on the back. At the front are some USB Type-A and a Type-C port. The left side has the ROG text which doubles as ventilation holes, while the right side carries the ROG logo that lights up based on the different game states.
On the inside is theIntel Core Ultra 9 (Series 2) ARL-HXprocessor that can boost up to 5.5 GHz. The graphics are handled byup to an RTX 5080 laptop GPUwith16GB GDDR7 VRAM, but currently, ASUS has not listed any other variant of the NUC on its website. It comes with16GB DDR5RAM clocked at 6400 MHz but can accommodate up to 96 GB. For storage, it packs a1 TBPCIe 4.0 M.2 drive with space for a total of 2 TB.
The CPU and GPU are cooled by a combination of three fans and a dual vapor chamber for silent operation. The ventilation on the side acts as intake and the warm air is exhausted out the back. The ROG Bios allows for easy access to overclocking settings, comprehensive manual tuning, real-time performance monitoring, as well as presets for specific games.
For connectivity, there are two USB 3.2 10Gbps Type-A ports and one USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port at the front. At the back is where the main I/O is including one Thunderbolt 4 Type-C w/ DisplayPort 2.1, four USB 3.2 10Gbps Type-A ports, two HDMI 2.1 FRL, two DisplayPort 2.1, one RJ45 port, and a DC power connection. Wireless options include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
ROG NUC (2025): Price and Availability
For now, ASUS has not shared pricing or a release date for the ROG NUC (2025) but more information can be expected in the coming weeks. It should be noted that the top-tier RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 desktop GPUs are launching on January 30 while the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 will arrive in February. The laptop GPUs should follow a similar timeline.
ASUS ROG NUC 970
The ASUS ROG NUC 970 is a high-performance, small form factor PC, or mini-PC, that comes with powerful components in a 2.5 liter chassis. Out of the box, it features up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H with a 65W TDP and up to an Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU with 140W TDP. There is a base model as well, with a Core Ultra 7 155H and an RTX 4060. Both models come with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB storage, both of which can be upgraded in the future.
Currently, the ROG NUC 970 powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, RTX 4060 GPU, 16 GB DDR5 RAM, and 1 TB PCIe G4x4 NVMe storage isavailable via Amazon for $1300. There is also a more powerful variant with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H and the RTX 4070available at Micro Center for $1900.
