ASUS Unveils ROG NUC 16 Edition 20, a Mini PC with RTX 5090

ROG’s 20th Anniversary Model

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the ROG brand, ASUS has unveiled the mini gaming PC ROG NUC 16 Edition 20. This model serves as an upgraded version of the recently announced base model, the “ROG NUC 16,” with its most significant enhancement being the inclusion of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 mobile version (GDDR7 24GB) as the GPU.

High-End GPU and Advanced Cooling Design

The featured GPU, the RTX 5090 mobile version, may not match the performance of its desktop counterpart, but it stands as the top-tier option among mobile chips. The GPU alone consumes up to 175W of power, which is paired with the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX CPU that can draw up to 125W.

To manage this level of power consumption, ASUS has incorporated a vapor chamber and three fans into the chassis, providing a remarkable heat dissipation capacity of up to 300W. Achieving such thermal efficiency within a compact 282×190×57mm case is impressive and noteworthy.

Detailed Specifications

The Edition 20 shares most of its baseline specifications with the standard model but introduces a new tricolor design of black, red, and gold (as opposed to the standard model’s black, gold, and white). The case itself utilizes a semi-transparent material, allowing a glimpse of the internal components for added visual appeal.

Memory and Storage

The device supports DDR5-5600 SODIMM memory, with a maximum of 64GB. By using CSO-DIMM, it can operate at DDR-6400 speeds, and users can expand the memory up to 128GB if they supply their own modules. Storage options include two M.2 2280 slots, one supporting PCIe 5.0 and the other PCIe 4.0.

Rich Array of Ports

The rear panel offers the following ports:

• Thunderbolt 4 × 1
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C × 1
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A × 6
• HDMI 2.1 × 2
• DisplayPort 2.1 × 2
• 3.5mm Audio Jack × 1
• 2.5GbE LAN (RTL8125D) × 1
• DC Power Input × 1

With one Thunderbolt 4 port, two HDMI 2.1, and two DisplayPort 2.1 outputs, the device can support up to four monitors simultaneously. The six USB Type-A ports also provide ample connectivity options, catering to gamers who use multiple peripherals.

Connectivity and Power

For wireless communication, the device features Intel Killer WiFi 7 BE1750 and supports Bluetooth 5.4. The use of a Killer-branded network chip is expected to optimize latency during gaming sessions.

The power supply unit is a 380W external DC power adapter. With the included detachable base, the PC can be positioned vertically. The operating system comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home Edition.

Comparison with the Standard Model

The standard ROG NUC 16 model supports GPUs up to the RTX 5080 mobile version and is expected to retail for approximately $3,800 (around ¥570,000) in the U.S. market. While the price of the Edition 20 has not yet been announced, it is anticipated to exceed $4,000 (around ¥600,000), given its superior RTX 5090 GPU.

The trend of packing desktop-level graphics power into console-sized cases has become increasingly prominent in the mini PC market. As handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck gain popularity, there is a parallel rise in demand for compact, high-performance gaming setups that take up minimal space.

Future Developments

ASUS has positioned the Edition 20 as a flagship product to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ROG brand. The semi-transparent chassis design further enhances its appeal as a special commemorative item. More details about pricing and availability are expected to be announced in the near future.

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