ASUS ROG NUC (2025) Review: Desktop-Class Performance in a Miniature Frame

By Syed Mudassar | July 29, 2025

The boundaries between compact desktops and full-sized workstations continue to blur, and the ASUS ROG NUC (2025) is a prime example of this evolution. Built with top-tier components and cutting-edge I/O, this ultra-compact powerhouse offers serious computing muscle for creators, gamers, and professionals—all packed within a chassis just over 11 inches wide.

A New Generation of Compact Performance

At the heart of the ROG NUC 2025 lies Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX or Ultra 7 255HX processors, part of Intel's Series 2 lineup. These chips bring high core counts (up to 24 cores and 24 threads), boosted clock speeds up to 5.4GHz, and integrated AI Boost NPU to enhance machine learning tasks and parallel workloads. Paired with DDR5-6400MHz memory, the system supports up to 96GB of high-speed RAM using two CSODIMM slots.

Graphics performance is equally robust, with discrete options ranging from the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 to RTX 5080 Laptop GPUs. The top-tier RTX 5080 configuration includes 16GB of GDDR7 VRAM and supports up to 175W with Dynamic Boost, making the unit ideal for 3D rendering, video production, gaming, and AI modeling.

Visual Fidelity and Multi-Display Mastery

ASUS has packed serious display flexibility into this tiny form factor. Users can connect up to five 4K displays simultaneously or run a single 8K display via Thunderbolt 4. Thanks to a mix of 2x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 2x DisplayPort 2.1, and 1x Thunderbolt 4 (DP Alt Mode), the ROG NUC can seamlessly drive high-resolution monitors at refresh rates of up to 144Hz.

The DisplayPort 2.1 outputs also support UHBR20, enabling ultra-high bandwidth for future-ready visual workflows, whether it’s real-time 8K editing or multi-monitor stock trading dashboards.

Next-Gen Storage and Connectivity

Internally, the system houses two M.2 NVMe slots—one PCIe 5.0 and one PCIe 4.0—allowing blazing-fast SSD storage that can keep up with intense workloads. Connectivity is a strong suit, with Wi-Fi 7 via Intel Killer BE1750x, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 2.5G LAN port powered by the E3100G controller.

USB support is equally rich. The front panel includes two USB 10Gbps Type-A ports, one USB-C, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. On the rear, four more USB 10Gbps Type-A ports, Thunderbolt 4, and the aforementioned video outputs ensure excellent flexibility.

Designed for Purpose and Efficiency

With its sleek 282.4 x 187.7 x 56.5 mm chassis and a total weight of just over 3.1 kg, the ROG NUC is designed for vertical operation to maintain optimal thermal flow. It ships with a 330W power adapter and supports advanced thermal monitoring via BIOS or third-party software.

The inclusion of robust BIOS features—such as multiple boot options, TPM 2.0, password security, and USB recovery—caters to system integrators and IT professionals looking for a secure, customizable device with enterprise-level controls.

Built for Gamers, Creators, and AI Developers

Whether you're gaming in 4K, rendering high-res media, training an AI model, or multitasking with a wall of displays, the ROG NUC (2025) delivers. It balances high-end desktop capabilities with a clean, compact design that’s easy to deploy across desks, studios, and workstations.

Available with Windows 11 Home out of the box, it also supports Windows 11 Pro, IoT Enterprise, and Linux distros like Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and RedHat Enterprise Linux—providing a flexible foundation for varied deployment needs.

Final Thoughts

The ASUS ROG NUC (2025) doesn’t just shrink down a desktop—it reimagines it. With cutting-edge internals, next-gen connectivity, and an expertly engineered thermal design, it’s a statement product that proves performance and portability no longer need to be mutually exclusive.

If you’re ready to experience workstation-class computing in a form factor that fits anywhere, the ROG NUC 2025 is the machine to beat.