Gaming PCs have been getting smaller for years, but ASUS just dropped something that makes you question what’s actually possible in a compact form factor. The ROG NUC (2025) NUC15JNK looks innocent enough sitting on your desk, yet it packs more power than gaming rigs twice its size.
Of course, all that performance comes at a price that might make your wallet cry. Starting at $2,599 and climbing to $3,199 for the fully loaded version, this little powerhouse costs significantly more than last year’s model, which started around $1,799 for similar configurations.
Designer: ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers)
The design changes are immediately noticeable if you’re familiar with the previous generation. ASUS ditched the softer, more understated look for something with sharper edges and more aggressive styling. The new translucent accent panel lights up with AURA Sync RGB, making it actually worth showing off.
That said, the most practical improvement might be the tool-less chassis design. Unlike the 2024 model, which required some disassembly for upgrades, you can now pop this thing open without hunting for screwdrivers. It’s a simple change that makes maintenance and component swaps infinitely easier.
The performance leap is where things get interesting. The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor brings better efficiency and AI acceleration compared to last year’s chips. However, the real star is the RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, a massive upgrade from the previous generation’s RTX 4070.
This graphics card enables genuine 4K gaming with ray tracing in a chassis barely larger than a toaster oven. The system can drive up to five 4K displays simultaneously, which opens up possibilities for both gaming setups and professional workstations that need serious screen real estate.
Thermal management required serious engineering to handle all that extra power. ASUS implemented triple-fan cooling with dual vapor chambers, replacing the dual-fan setup from before. The result is remarkably quiet operation despite the increased heat output, though sustained loads will still make it audible.
The 32GB DDR5-6400 RAM and 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD provide plenty of headroom for demanding applications. WiFi 7 and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity ensure future compatibility, though these premium features definitely contribute to the elevated pricing that puts it in luxury territory.
That pricing creates an interesting dilemma for potential buyers. You’re paying premium laptop prices for a desktop that can’t leave your desk. The value proposition really depends on how much you prioritize having cutting-edge performance in the smallest possible package over traditional considerations.
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