ASUS has broken tradition with its latest ROG NUC 9 Mini, marking the first-ever AMD-based system in the NUC lineup. This compact powerhouse combines AMD’s flagship mobile processor with NVIDIA’s RTX 5070, delivering desktop-class gaming in a chassis that fits in your palm.
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What Makes the ROG NUC 9 Mini Special?
The star of the show is AMD’s Ryzen 9 9955HX3D, featuring 16 Zen 5 cores and 3D V-Cache technology, making it one of the fastest mobile gaming CPUs available today. ASUS has paired this with NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU, creating a formidable gaming machine that challenges traditional desktop setups.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D (16-core/32-thread, Zen 5) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU |
| Memory | 32GB DDR5-5600 (upgradeable to 96GB) |
| Storage | 1TB (2x M.2 slots: Gen 4 + Gen 5) |
| Price | ~$2,100 (14,999 CNY) |
Performance That Packs a Punch
What’s impressive is the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D’s 128MB of L3 cache, specifically designed to boost gaming performance. While the Intel-based ROG NUC systems support up to an RTX 5080 GPU, the AMD variant focuses on balanced performance at a more accessible price point.
The system offers excellent upgradeability with memory expandable up to 96 GB and dual M.2 storage slots, giving enthusiasts room to grow as their needs evolve.
The Trade-Off: Performance vs. Options
There’s a small catch—the memory runs at DDR5-5600, slightly slower than Intel systems, which offer 6400 MT/s. However, for most gaming scenarios, this difference is negligible compared to the CPU’s raw power.
Currently, the ROG NUC 9 has launched in China, though global availability typically follows ASUS’s regional releases. For gamers seeking ultimate portable gaming power, this AMD-powered mini PC represents a compelling alternative to bulkier desktop setups.
Should You Consider It?
If you’re hunting for a compact gaming solution that doesn’t compromise on performance, the ROG NUC 9 Mini deserves serious attention. Its combination of AMD’s latest X3D technology, NVIDIA’s RTX 5070, and excellent upgrade potential makes it a strong contender in the mini PC market.
For more details on specifications and availability, check out the official ASUS ROG NUC page.
Bottom Line: ASUS’s first AMD-powered NUC delivers exceptional gaming performance in an impossibly small package—perfect for space-conscious gamers who refuse to compromise on power.
