ASUS is preparing another ROG NUC mini PC, revealed through a China giveaway listing that names a “new ROG NUC” as the prize. The image shows a compact unit that closely matches the current design, pointing to a hardware refresh rather than a full redesign.
The current ROG NUC already pushes this category far beyond typical mini PCs. It pairs Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processors with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, bringing performance close to high-end gaming laptops but in a much smaller footprint. Memory reaches DDR5-6400 speeds, and the platform supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. It can also drive up to five 4K displays at once, which is uncommon for a device of this size.
Cooling is a key part of this design, with compact systems increasingly adopting advanced layouts similar to the Thermalright AI Hydronous R1. The existing model includes a triple-fan layout inside the compact chassis, allowing it to maintain high performance under sustained load. Many mini PCs reduce GPU power or rely on integrated graphics, but this approach keeps full gaming hardware inside.
The teaser suggests ASUS will keep the same external design and update the internal hardware. Based on Intel’s roadmap, the most likely change is a move to Arrow Lake Refresh HX processors such as Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus, following earlier developments covered in Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus. These chips bring higher CPU performance while staying within the same power class.
A shift to a different platform appears unlikely. ASUS already offers lower-power mini PCs based on other architectures, while the ROG NUC series focuses on high-performance HX processors paired with dedicated GeForce GPUs. Keeping that direction allows ASUS to maintain strong gaming performance in a compact enclosure.
Compared to other compact PCs, many models either limit GPU power or move to integrated graphics to control heat, a trend visible in systems such as the GMKtec EVO T2 mini PC. The ROG NUC takes a different route by keeping a full mobile GPU inside, which delivers higher performance but limits upgrade flexibility compared to traditional desktops.
ASUS has not confirmed specifications, pricing, or launch timing. The teaser only indicates that a refreshed model is on the way, with more details expected in the coming months.
ROG Mini PC Comparison
| Feature | ROG GR70 Mini PC (2026) | ROG NUC 2025 | ROG NUC 14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H / Ultra 7 155H |
| GPU | RTX 5070 Laptop GPU | RTX 5080 Laptop GPU | RTX 4070 / 4060 Laptop GPU |
| Performance Class | High-end gaming | Flagship compact gaming | Mid-range gaming |
| Memory | DDR5-5600 (up to 96GB) | DDR5-6400 (up to 96GB) | DDR5-5600 (up to 64GB) |
| Storage | PCIe Gen4 SSD | PCIe Gen4 SSD | PCIe Gen4 SSD |
| Cooling | Advanced air cooling | Triple-fan cooling | Compact cooling layout |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth |
| Display Support | Multi-display | Up to 5× 4K displays | Multi-display |
| Size Class | Compact desktop | Ultra-compact gaming | Small form factor |
| Focus | Balanced gaming + CPU power | Maximum performance in small size | Entry to mid-tier gaming |
Source: Asus Global
