ASUS has officially unveiled the new ROG NUC 9 mini PC, a significant release marking the brand's first venture with an AMD-powered NUC product. This introduction signifies a pivotal transition from an Intel-dominated lineup to embracing a multi-architecture approach. Equipped with AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processors alongside NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPUs, this machine targets the high-performance gaming and compact desktop computing market, debuting at approximately $2,100 (around Rs. 14,999).

This launch is concurrent with ASUS's complete takeover of Intel's NUC operations. Previously, ASUS finalized a deal with Intel to oversee the production and distribution of the NUC series for the 10th through 13th generation processor platforms, ensuring continuous updates for forthcoming models. However, the introduction of the ROG NUC 9 marks a historic moment—the first utilization of an AMD platform within the NUC series. This development reflects ASUS's ambition to broaden its product range across various processor ecosystems following the NUC brand acquisition.

The ROG NUC 9 harnesses AMD's cutting-edge Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor, a flagship mobile chip featuring Zen 5 architecture with a 16-core, 32-thread configuration and an integrated 3D V-Cache extending up to 128MB. This setup is particularly optimized for enhancing gaming frame rates and handling multi-threaded workloads efficiently. The processor delivers performance akin to the desktop Ryzen 9 9950X, excelling in multi-core tasks and gaming scenarios alike. Graphically, it's powered by the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU—a singular model choice that adequately supports 1440p gaming and some 4K gaming demands. This contrasts with Intel-based ROG NUCs that offer a broader GPU selection, including RTX 5060, 5070, and 5080 models.

In terms of memory, the ROG NUC 9 comes standard with 32GB of DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM, expandable up to 96GB. While slightly lower than the 6400 MT/s supported by some Intel models, it remains impressive for a mobile platform. Storage options include two M.2 slots (supporting PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 5 respectively), with a 1TB solid-state drive provided as standard, permitting flexible user upgrades. Connectivity is robust, with support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 2.5G wired network port, catering to both high-speed wireless and wired connections.

Design-wise, the ROG NUC 9 exudes a compact elegance, measuring just 282.4 x 187.7 x 56.5 mm, consistent with the NUC series' portable aesthetic. The dual-fan internal cooling system, complemented by side airflow vents, ensures that the high-performance components function optimally even within a compact footprint. The device offers front-facing USB Type-A and Type-C ports, while the rear features USB4, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 2.1 outputs, enabling seamless multi-display support.

Price-wise, the ROG NUC 9 is available on Jingdong for an initial price of RMB 14,999, with a suggested retail price of RMB 15,999, positioning it as a top-tier portable gaming console alongside the broader ROG NUC lineup and other mini gaming PCs.

The launch of the ROG NUC 9 broadens ASUS’s NUC offerings and underscores a strategic shift towards achieving a performance equilibrium beyond the traditional Intel ecosystem through leveraging AMD and NVIDIA technologies. For users desiring desktop-level gaming prowess within a space-constrained form factor, the ROG NUC 9 stands as an ideal solution, balancing power, efficiency, and compactness. As AMD and Intel platforms advance simultaneously, the NUC brand may evolve, redefining its identity from "small PCs" to a multi-architecture, high-performance, integrative desktop system.