Asus ROG NUC 2025: Compact gaming mini-PC with RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080

Asus has unveiled the ROG NUC 2025, a powerful second-generation gaming mini-PC equipped with Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 graphics cards. The new model combines a compact design with high performance, making it appealing to both gamers and professionals, according to ITHome.

Specifications

The ROG NUC 2025 comes in two configurations, differing in GPU and price:

• RTX 5070 Ti Version:
• Price: ¥18,399.
• GPU power consumption: not specified.
• RTX 5080 Version:
• Price: ¥24,399.
• GPU power consumption: 175W.

Both models include:

• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9-275HX (Arrow Lake-HX, 24 cores: 8 performance + 16 efficiency, up to 5.4 GHz, 76 MB cache, up to 160W TDP).
• RAM: 32 GB DDR5-6400 (expandable up to 96 GB).
• Storage: 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD (upgradeable to 2 TB).
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti or RTX 5080 Laptop GPU (16 GB GDDR7).

The RTX 5080, with 7680 CUDA cores, delivers performance close to the desktop RTX 4070 Ti, while the RTX 5070 Ti is likely comparable to the RTX 4070.

Design and Cooling

The ROG NUC 2025 retains a compact form factor:

• Dimensions: 282.4 × 187.7 × 56.5 mm (3-liter volume).
• Weight: 3.12 kg.

Enhanced cooling system includes:

• Three fans for efficient heat dissipation.
• Dual vapor chamber heatsinks.
• Dedicated heatsinks for SSD and RAM.

A single-screw chassis makes component access and upgrades easy. The case supports RGB lighting and features a slanted front panel for improved aesthetics and airflow.

Connectivity and Features

The mini-PC offers modern connectivity options:

• Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet.
• Ports:
• Front: 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x 3.5mm audio, 1x SD card reader (UHS-I).
• Rear: 1x Thunderbolt 4 (Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1), 4x USB-A 3.2 (10 Gbps), 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 2.4, 1x RJ45 LAN, 1x DC-in, 1x Kensington Lock.
• Video Output: Supports up to four 4K displays.
• Audio: Realtek ALC3251.

The ROG BIOS enables overclocking, performance monitoring, and preset selection through the Armory Crate app. DLSS 4 with Multi-Frame Generation is supported for FPS boosts.

Price and Availability

• RTX 5070 Ti Version: ~$2,335.
• RTX 5080 Version: ~$3,335 (with 2 TB SSD option for $3,400).

Sales began in China in late April 2025. Global availability is expected in Q3 2025, though prices in Europe and the US may be higher due to taxes and logistics. By comparison, the previous ROG NUC (2024) with RTX 4070 started at $1,399.

Pros and Challenges

• Pros:
• Compact 3-liter chassis with high-end components.
• Support for Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 4, and four 4K displays.
• Upgrade flexibility (RAM up to 96 GB, SSD up to 2 TB).
• Efficient cooling for laptop-grade components.
• Challenges:
• High price: $2,000–$3,400 is comparable to gaming laptops offering similar performance.
• GPU limitations: No RTX 5090 due to thermal constraints.
• Intel-only: No AMD variants, which may deter Ryzen enthusiasts.

Who Is This PC For?

The ROG NUC 2025 is ideal for:

• Gamers seeking a compact console-like setup with 4K gaming power.
• Professionals working with graphics, video, or AI, thanks to DLSS 4 and the NPU in the Core Ultra 9.
• Users who prefer desktop-class performance without a bulky case.

However, for those prioritizing portability, a gaming laptop with RTX 5080 may be more practical.