In 2023, Intel halted the development of new small form factor NUC systems, leading Asus to take over and advance the platform with updated designs and hardware components. Asus is now gearing up to launch its first gaming-focused NUC under the ROG brand, featuring up to an RTX 4070 mobile GPU.
Under a non-exclusive agreement with Intel, Asus is evolving the original line of mini PCs by merging them with the ROG gaming product family. The new ROG NUC PCs are described as ultra-small yet powerful systems, catering to gamers, enthusiasts, and creators. They feature Intel Core Ultra 9 or Core Ultra 7 mobile CPUs, along with GeForce RTX 4070 or RTX 4060 discrete graphics processors. The memory configuration includes 16GB DDR5, expandable up to 64GB. Storage options include a 512GB M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 SSD, with three additional empty M.2 slots for further expansion.
Connectivity options on the ROG NUC include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a 2.5G LAN connection. The mini PCs also offer various ports for peripherals, including an SD Express card reader, USB ports, HDMI port, and DisplayPort 1.4a ports for monitors. The ROG NUCs support the ROG Raikiri Pro controller for console-like gaming, as well as Aura Sync RGB technology for customization.
While emphasizing the gaming capabilities of the Intel Core Ultra 9/7 hybrid architecture for Windows 11 x64, Asus also highlights the potential for serious computing power for AI professionals and researchers in fields like LLM. The GPUs in the ROG NUCs include specialized Tensor Cores for accelerating machine learning algorithms. However, a minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended for a satisfactory chatbot experience without depending on cloud resources.
The ROG NUC line is expected to come with a high price tag due to the cutting-edge components used in the systems. The Core Ultra 7 model is priced at $1,630, while the Core Ultra 9 model costs $2,200. These systems are not currently available for purchase on Asus’s e-store.
In summary, Asus has taken over the development of small form factor NUC systems from Intel and is set to launch its first gaming-focused NUC under the ROG brand. The ROG NUC PCs feature powerful components, including Intel Core Ultra CPUs and GeForce RTX GPUs, catering to gamers, enthusiasts, and creators. The systems offer high-speed connectivity options, expandable memory, and ample storage, making them suitable for various applications. Additionally, the ROG NUC line supports advanced gaming peripherals and customization options, but comes with a premium price tag.
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