ASUS has officially unveiled the 2025 edition of its ROG NUC, a compact 3-liter mini-PC that packs high-end gaming hardware into a chassis smaller than a PlayStation 5. This latest iteration features Intel’s Arrow Lake-HX Core Ultra 9 processors and NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, aiming to deliver desktop-level performance in a portable form factor.​
Powerful Hardware in a Compact Design
The 2025 ROG NUC is equipped with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor, boasting 24 cores (8 Performance and 16 Efficiency cores) and a maximum turbo frequency of 5.5 GHz. This processor supports up to 96GB of DDR5-6400 memory, providing ample bandwidth for demanding applications and multitasking. On the graphics front, the system incorporates NVIDIA’s RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, built on the Blackwell architecture. This GPU features 7,680 CUDA cores, 16GB of GDDR7 memory on a 256-bit interface, and supports DLSS 4 for enhanced gaming performance and visuals.​
Advanced Cooling Solutions
To manage the heat generated by its powerful components, the ROG NUC 2025 utilizes a triple-fan cooling system coupled with dual vapor chambers. This setup is designed to handle up to 135W of thermal output from the CPU, ensuring stable performance during intensive tasks. The chassis also includes dedicated heatsinks for memory and SSD components, contributing to efficient thermal management.
Connectivity and Expandability
Despite its small size, the ROG NUC 2025 offers a comprehensive array of connectivity options. The front panel includes dual USB 3.2 Type-A ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The rear panel features four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two HDMI 2.1 FRL ports, two DisplayPort 2.1 connectors, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and a 2.5Gb Ethernet port. For wireless connectivity, the system supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.​
Design and Build Quality
The ROG NUC 2025 measures 282.4mm x 187.7mm x 56.5mm and weighs approximately 3.12 kg. Its compact design includes a toolless chassis, allowing for easy upgrades and maintenance. The system’s aesthetic features integrated ventilation with perforated ROG logos that serve as air intakes, and an RGB-illuminated ROG logo on the side panel adds a touch of flair.​
Availability and Pricing
ASUS has announced that the ROG NUC 2025 will be available in the first quarter of 2025. While the company has not disclosed pricing details, the high-end specifications suggest that the system will be positioned at a premium price point .​
With its powerful hardware, advanced cooling solutions, and compact design, the ASUS ROG NUC 2025 aims to redefine the capabilities of mini-PCs, offering a compelling option for gamers and professionals seeking high performance in a small form factor.
