It has now been about a year since Intel discontinued the NUC (Next Unit of Computing) PCs, handing over the reins to ASUS to continue the legacy of small-form-factor computing. Although it has already released a range of ASUS NUCs, it now is expanding the line with a more gaming focus in its Republic of Gamers brand slapped onto them. In it though you will be able to find some surprisingly strong hardware for the small gaming PC.
The SFF PC although a discrete standing computer, does utilize laptop hardware inside of it. It doesn’t have to comply with Nvidia’s SFF initiative considering the graphics card inside are the laptop versions and a lot easier to cool and fit in. That also applies to the Intel CPU you can find inside, with the NUC using the latest mobile processors. Both of these should give quite a bit of a boost in gaming performance, especially with the features available on the Nvidia hardware.
ROG NUC side 2, Source ASUS
ROG NUC rear, Source ASUS
ROG NUC top, Source ASUS
ROG NUC side, Source ASUS
ROG NUC specs
As Videocardz outlines, there are two models available initially to pick from. With the NUC 970 and NUC 760 for a choice of top end and a bit dialed back option in both CPU and GPU. But still, they are a lot more high-end compared to the other range of NUC released previously considering the graphics card inside.
| ROG NUC 970 | ROG NUC 760 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 185H (35-45W TDP, 5.1GHz, 16C/22T) | INtel Core Ultra 7 155H (28-45W, 4.8GHz, 16C/22T) |
| Graphics | Nvidia RTX 4070 8GB | Nvidia RTX 4060 8GB |
| Memory | Up to 64GB (2*32) DDR5 5600MHz SODIMM | Up to 64GB (2*32) DDR5 5600MHz SODIMM |
| Storage | 3x PCIe 4.0 SSD M.2 2280 | 3x PCIe 4.0 SSD M.2 2280 |
| IO Ports | Front: 2x USB 10Gbps, 1x Combo jack, 1x SD card 8.0 Rear: 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x DP 1.4a, 1x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB 10Gbps, 2x USB 2.0 | Front: 2x USB 10Gbps, 1x Combo jack, 1x SD card 8.0 Rear: 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x DP 1.4a, 1x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB 10Gbps, 2x USB 2.0 |
| LAN | 2.5 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps |
| WLAN and BT | Intel Killer WiFi 6E 2×2 & BT 5.3 | Intel Killer WiFi 6E 2×2 & BT 5.3 |
| Security | Kensington Lock slot | Kensington Lock slot |
| Adapter | 330W | 330W |
| Dimensions | 180 x 270 x 60mm, 2.6kg | 180 x 270 x 60mm, 2.6kg |
| MSRP | $2,199 | $1,629 |
With the new Core Ultra processors, there are integrated graphics with Intel Arc on board, but the Nvidia GPU is certainly the go-to with a lot of performance behind it. Especially with the ability to utilize DLSS 3, it should be able to push a lot more frames with its frame generation and high performance. Although might still be a bit behind the 4070 laptops as they have a bit more space for cooling.
The size is a bit more prominent and the images show off a few vents around the system so it should be able to keep up with the heat output of the processor or GPU. The specs for the 4070 and 4060 do range between 35-115W so there is a bit of power to utilize.
Additionally, the range of IO ports, DDR5 RAM, NVMe SSD slots, WiFi 6E, and toolless chassis does offer modern features and plenty of expandability. All in a PC case of just 2.5 liters it does have a good amount of potential to utilize and match up some laptop performance.
