The ultimate buyer’s guide to the ASUS NUC mini PC range

Mini PCs are revolutionizing the global personal computer market and that’s no surprise. Putting laptop parts in a tiny form factor means that mini PCs are attractive for anyone looking for a powerful machine that’s so small it can fit almost anywhere and versatile enough to connect to more than a dozen peripherals.

The Next Unit of Computing (NUC) was launched in 2013 by Intel and ASUS took over a decade later. ASUS is uniquely positioned, given its pedigree, and its one-of-a-kind partnership with Intel, which started almost 36 years ago.

Nearly twenty years ago, ASUS and Intel collaborated on the Netbook, developing a blueprint for modern laptops and demonstrating their commitment to innovation in mobile computing.

The mini PC market has been largely ignored by many big players, while a plethora of much smaller challengers compete for market share. None has the expertise and decades of experience to match ASUS and its NUCs offering.

Broadly, there are four categories of NUCs within the ASUS family

• ROG NUC flagship high-performance systems: For gamers, content creators, and power users who demand desktop-level performance in a compact form factor. Experience immersive gaming, seamless video editing, and lightning-fast processing, all without sacrificing precious desk space.
• NUC Performance Series: The sweet spot for professionals and enthusiasts who need a balance of power and portability. Ideal for demanding tasks like video conferencing, graphic design, and running complex applications. MIL-STD-810H robustness standards ensure this NUC can handle the rigors of daily use.
• NUC 15 (Pro, Pro+): Designed for modern businesses, the Pro and Pro+ models offer advanced AI capabilities and seamless integration with vPro. Boost productivity with intelligent features, enhanced security, and exceptional energy efficiency – all in a package smaller than your lunchbox.
• NUC 14 AI & Essentials entry: Perfect for everyday office tasks, digital signage, and embedded applications where space is at a premium. Get reliable performance, essential connectivity, and ASUS's renowned support, all at an accessible price point.

The ASUS advantage

Intel has one of the widest portfolios of desktop and mobile AI CPUs, capable of matching the needs of every business and ASUS was the first to deliver a Copilot+ PC, using Intel’s most advanced mobile CPUs - the Core Ultra 9 (Series 2).

This new generation of processors allowed ASUS to craft a range of ultra-quiet NUCs that use advanced proprietary cooling techniques, honed over several decades.

Peace of Mind As Standard

All ASUS NUCs share a common DNA: a 36-month warranty across 50 countries, a worldwide network of partners built over nearly four decades, 24x7 priority access to hardware and software experts and an exclusive MyASUS app that allows NUC owners to keep in touch with customer service.

But there’s more, all NUCs are designed to be customer-serviced. Some have toolless chassis while others only require removing a few screws to access the key components. Unlike many rivals, NUCs RAM and SSD can be fully upgraded or replaced!

I cannot stress enough how important that is for frontline technicians: being able to pry open the device without the risk of slicing your thumb open or the fear of invalidating the warranty is a major advantage.

Another area where ASUS is leading the way is connectivity. Even on its entry-level Essentials range, one can find Wi-Fi 6E tech, wired 2.5G LAN plus another 10 connectors including the newer 8K-compatible HDMI 2.1 one.

Users will be able to connect at least three 4K monitors, fast external storage devices and peripherals, all without the need for adaptors.

The versatility of the NUC means that it can be used in almost any use case:

• Retail: From interactive kiosks or digital signage to point-of-sale systems with stunning visuals
• Logistics: Versatile, powerful units capable of handling a wide variety of business platforms
• IoT: Rugged computing to handle tasks efficiently at the edge with incredible resilience
• Traditional business-oriented roles: Reliable computing capabilities for front desk and back office scenarios.

How to choose the perfect NUC for your business

Selecting the right NUC will depend on five considerations

• Performance needs: The CPU is the main determinant of performance and NUCs offer everything from entry-level N-series all the way to the Core Ultra 9 (Series 2).
• GPU requirement: Some resource-hungry workloads will require a dedicated GPU, either because it is a requirement (think creative applications) or to perform adequately (e.g. playing at high resolutions).
• AI acceleration: More and more applications have integrated AI capabilities and need more recent CPUs with a dedicated NPU in order to work optimally.
• Form factor/environment: NUC vary immensely in size and form factor depending on use cases. Some are tall and designed to fit in backpacks to carry around while others are compact and equipped with VESA mounts to be placed behind monitors. The environment also plays an important role, especially for edge use cases as rugged, hardened NUCs are available.
• Budget range: Lastly, consider your long-term needs and factor in potential upgrades. Investing in a slightly more powerful NUC upfront can save you money in the long run. Remember that you won’t be able to upgrade your processor.

Mini PCs are the future of personal computers and ASUS is at the forefront of this quiet revolution. The days of the tower casing are numbered as more businesses embrace the versatility, no-nonsense approach and size advantage of this new breed of devices.

NUCs elevate Mini PCs as a category thanks to their breadth (and depth) of offering. This goes beyond the hardware and encompasses services and support. Redefining versatility and innovation is what ASUS stands for and the NUC is a perfect example of that.

• ROG NUC flagship high-performance systems: For gamers, content creators, and power users who demand desktop-level performance in a compact form factor. Experience immersive gaming, seamless video editing, and lightning-fast processing, all without sacrificing precious desk space.
• NUC Performance Series: The sweet spot for professionals and enthusiasts who need a balance of power and portability. Ideal for demanding tasks like video conferencing, graphic design, and running complex applications. MIL-STD-810H robustness standards ensure this NUC can handle the rigors of daily use.
• NUC 15 (Pro, Pro+): Designed for modern businesses, the Pro and Pro+ models offer advanced AI capabilities and seamless integration with vPro. Boost productivity with intelligent features, enhanced security, and exceptional energy efficiency – all in a package smaller than your lunchbox.
• NUC 14 AI & Essentials entry: Perfect for everyday office tasks, digital signage, and embedded applications where space is at a premium. Get reliable performance, essential connectivity, and ASUS's renowned support, all at an accessible price point.

• Explore the ASUS NUC range now and discover the future of personal computing