ASUS unveils its powerful and compact ROG NUC 16
ASUS’ new ROG NUC delivers console-smashing compact gaming performance
ASUS has officially unveiled its ROG NUC 16, a new 3-litre mini gaming PC that can boast up to an Intel Ultra 9 290HX PLUS CPU and an Nvidia RTX 5080 (Laptop) GPU. This PC is significantly smaller than both the Sony PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Xbox Series X, but it can deliver substantially more gaming performance. This is compact PC gaming at its best.
While Nvidia has not released any new GPUs this year, this has not stopped ASUS from delivering boosted gaming performance. With its upgraded CPU, ASUS’ new model can deliver stronger performance in CPU-limited scenarios. Furthermore, ASUS’ upgraded cooling and power delivery system can also deliver boosted GPU performance.
Gen-Over-Gen improvements
In 3DMARK, ASUS’ new model can deliver notably higher performance levels. That said, 2.3% more graphics performance is a small upgrade. Note that the system appears to run slightly faster in its horizontal configuration. Well… marginally faster.
With its new QuietFlow cooling system, ASUS claims the ROG NUC 16 has a +12% increase in CPU and GPU thermal capacity. Additionally, their power adapter supports higher wattage and has a more compact design. Additionally, ASUS’ new system has new GPU options outside of Nvidia’s RTX 5080 (laptop) GPU, giving gamers more options.
ASUS states that this NUC’s cooling system should deliver noise levels of below 38 dBA at all times, even under sustained loads.
Other design improvements include the addition of a dedicated SSD heatsink, which can reportedly reduce SSD operating temperatures by 18.5%. The system also has a “G-Sensor” which can optimise the system’s cooling performance based on whether the console is positioned vertically or horizontally.
Unlike prior ROG NUC designs, the new ROG NUC 16 is available in Obsidian Black and Moonlight White, giving buyers more options. All models feature Thunderbolt 4 ports, DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 port. All models also feature WIFI 7, 2.5 Gb LAN, and four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps) ports on their rear. Note that the front of the device also features a 3.5mm audio jack, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (20 Gbps) port and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps) ports.
ASUS’ new ROG NUC 16 may not include all-new hardware, but it does deliver some notable generational leaps in performance. It is faster than its predecessor, runs cooler, and delivers more gaming power than any current-generation console.
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