ASUS is once again shrinking the gaming desktop. Its Republic of Gamers division has announced the ROG NUC 2025, a surprisingly small computer that is anything but underpowered. With a volume under three liters, it still manages to include an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor from Series 2 and NVIDIA’s hardcore RTX 5080 Laptop GPU.
The svelte PC supports up to 96GB of DDR5 memory and offers the kind of specs that used to require a full tower case. ASUS says rendering performance can be up to four times faster than previous versions. While that figure is likely based on ideal scenarios, this is still one of the most capable compact consumer PCs ever created.
Buyers can choose between the Core Ultra 9 275HX and Core Ultra 7 255HX. These 24-core chips hit speeds up to 5.4GHz and include an integrated neural processing unit. That NPU offloads AI tasks, allowing the CPU and GPU to focus on gaming or productivity without interference.
Graphics options include the RTX 5060, 5070, 5070 Ti, and 5080. These GPUs support the latest DLSS 4 features including frame generation, ray reconstruction, and resolution scaling. ASUS is also promoting compatibility with NVIDIA’s new NIM platform, which gives developers a way to run AI microservices locally.
ASUS has equipped the ROG NUC 2025 with its triple-fan QuietFlow cooling system and a dual vapor chamber design. According to the company, it should stay cool and quiet even under heavy workloads, although that remains to be seen in real-world use.
The machine includes modern features such as WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. It also offers a generous mix of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, and several USB 3.2 connections. The compact system is designed to stand vertically and has a tool-free, modular layout that makes upgrading storage and memory relatively simple.
Physically, the unit measures just 282.4 by 187.7 by 56.5 millimeters. The built-in stand allows it to sit upright, and ASUS Aura Sync lighting lets users personalize the look to match their gaming setup.
Creative professionals should appreciate that ASUS is bundling a three-month trial of Adobe Creative Cloud with select configurations. It is a small perk, but one that could help justify the investment for those who also need to edit videos or create digital content.
Sadly, pricing and availability are not yet revealed. However, based on the specs, this will likely be one of the more expensive mini PCs on the market. Still, for those who need serious performance in a small footprint, the ROG NUC 2025 could be worth a closer look.
