ASUS Expands NUC Line with AMD Power #
ASUS has officially released the ROG NUC 9, its first NUC mini-PC powered by an AMD processor, marking a pivotal shift from Intel exclusivity toward a multi-architecture NUC era. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, the compact machine targets high-performance gaming and workstation users. The system debuts at approximately $2,100 (¥14,999 RMB).
From Intel Legacy to ASUS Innovation #
This launch follows ASUS’s full acquisition of Intel’s NUC business, covering production and sales from the 10th to 13th generation platforms. However, the ROG NUC 9 represents an unexpected evolution — the first AMD-based NUC in history. ASUS’s move signals a strategic expansion of the NUC brand to embrace broader CPU ecosystems, balancing performance diversity and platform choice.
Ryzen 9 9955HX3D: Zen 5 Power in a Small Form Factor #
At its heart lies AMD’s flagship Ryzen 9 9955HX3D, built on the Zen 5 architecture with 16 cores and 32 threads. Equipped with a massive 128MB of 3D V-Cache, the chip delivers exceptional gaming frame rates and multi-threaded performance, rivaling the desktop-class Ryzen 9 9950X.
Paired with the RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, this configuration offers powerful 1440p and even some 4K gaming capabilities. Unlike Intel-based ROG NUCs, which feature multiple GPU variants, the AMD version currently offers a single high-end configuration.
Memory, Storage, and Connectivity #
The ROG NUC 9 ships with 32GB of DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM memory, expandable to 96GB. While it doesn’t reach the 6400 MT/s ceiling of some Intel versions, it remains robust for a mobile-class platform.
Storage options include two M.2 slots (PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 5) and a preinstalled 1TB NVMe SSD, offering flexible upgrades.
For connectivity, ASUS provides Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 2.5G Ethernet port, ensuring high-speed networking in any environment.
Compact Design, High-End Features #
Measuring just 282.4 × 187.7 × 56.5 mm, the ROG NUC 9 preserves the NUC series’ hallmark compactness. Inside, a dual-fan cooling system and side ventilation manage thermals effectively for sustained performance.
Port selection is extensive: front USB-A and USB-C, plus rear USB4, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 2.1 outputs supporting multi-monitor setups.
Pricing and Market Position #
Launched on JD.com at ¥14,999 RMB, with a suggested retail price of ¥15,999 RMB, the ROG NUC 9 positions itself as a premium small form factor gaming PC. It complements ASUS’s ROG Magic series while redefining what compact desktops can achieve.
A New Era for the NUC Brand #
The ROG NUC 9 is more than a product—it’s a strategic milestone. By integrating AMD’s high-performance CPUs with NVIDIA graphics under the NUC brand, ASUS demonstrates a break from Intel exclusivity and an ambition to broaden the platform’s appeal.
For users seeking desktop-level gaming performance in minimal space, this AMD-powered NUC delivers a balance of performance, power efficiency, and size.
Looking forward, as AMD and Intel architectures progress in parallel, the NUC brand may evolve from representing “tiny PCs” to embodying multi-architecture, high-performance desktop ecosystems.