Mini-PC: Asus introduces NUC 16 Pro with RAM fan

At the CES tech trade show, Asus is showcasing the NUC 16 Pro mini-PC. It relies on Intel's brand-new mobile processor series Panther Lake, also known as Core Ultra 300. There are four processor variants in the NUC 16 Pro, which differ significantly in their memory configurations. The CPUs are soldered on all models.

The two top versions come with the 16-core Core Ultra X9 388H and Core Ultra X7 358H, respectively. The former clocks only 300 MHz higher (5.1 instead of 4.8 GHz). Both processors integrate Intel's largest graphics unit with 12 Xe cores. For these two mini-PCs, Asus solders up to 96 GB of RAM with high LPDDR5X-9600 speed to maximize transfer rates. The CPUs run with a maximum turbo power of 65 watts.

The third variant features the Core Ultra 7 356H. While it also has 16 CPU cores, it has a significantly weaker GPU with four Xe cores. It also runs at up to 65 watts. In the fourth NUC, Asus uses the eight-core Core Ultra 5 325 with up to 45 watts.

The latter two variants use SO-DIMM memory modules. As with CU-DIMMs for desktop PCs, the modules have a clock driver (CKD) that amplifies the signal to the memory chips. Asus does not specify clock frequencies here; however, based on Intel's specifications, DDR5-7200 and DDR5-6400 appear realistic.

Thanks to the module design, the two cheaper NUC variants have an advantage: they can optionally run with up to 128 instead of 96 GB of RAM.

Up to two fans

The cooling differs between the 65-watt and 45-watt configurations. In the more powerful mini-PCs, Asus incorporates a second radial fan on the underside, primarily intended for the RAM.

For the first time in a classic NUC, the motherboard is no longer 110 x 110 mm or 4 x 4 inches in size. Asus widens the board to 127 x 110 mm. Existing accessories such as third-party cases are therefore no longer always compatible. The standard case can still be opened tool-free. The mini-PC can be attached to the back of a monitor using a VESA mount.

For mass storage, there are two M.2 slots, one connected via PCI Express 5.0 and the other via 4.0 (each with four lanes). Additionally, a wireless card with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 is pre-installed.

Dual 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet

On the back, there are two Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C), USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s) Type A, HDMI 2.1, and 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet each. For businesses, there will be an option for Displayport 2.1 instead of HDMI 2.1. The front features three 10 Gbit/s USB ports, two of which are Type A and one is Type C. Power is supplied via an external DC power supply.

Asus has not yet commented on the prices and availability dates of the NUC 16 Pro.

heise medien is an official media partner of CES 2026.

(mma)