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The Asus ROG NUC is a Steam Machine for the big kids, with their big wallets
The Asus ROG NUC is presented as a compact but powerful gaming PC that can function much like a premium Steam Machine for a living-room setup. The review finds its small size, strong performance and comparatively accessible internals appealing, but argues that its high price limits its appeal to buyers with substantial budgets.
The system combines an Intel Core Ultra processor with Nvidia RTX laptop graphics, with configurations including RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 options; the higher-end model is designed to handle demanding games despite its roughly 2.5-litre chassis. Its tool-less case is intended to make upgrades and maintenance easier, while Windows provides access beyond Steam, though buyers pay a significant premium for the miniature form factor and pre-built convenience.
In short
- Powerful miniature gaming PC, but very expensive.
- Strong living-room alternative to a conventional desktop.
- Compact design offers some upgradeability.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The ROG NUC offers a rare mix of compact size, strong gaming performance and easy access for upgrades, making it attractive for a living room where a full-sized PC may not fit. Its pre-built convenience and access to Windows games and other apps may justify the premium for buyers who value space and simplicity.
The case against
The high price makes the system difficult to recommend when a larger PC or console can deliver better value, especially for buyers who do not need such a small case. Laptop graphics and a premium for pre-built convenience may also limit its appeal to enthusiasts who would rather spend the money on stronger components or assemble a system themselves.
Explained simply
Steam Machines are small, living-room-oriented gaming computers designed as an alternative to traditional large desktop towers. They are meant to connect to televisions and provide a gaming experience comparable to dedicated gaming consoles.
The Asus ROG NUC is a newly launched compact gaming computer that operates in the same space as Steam Machines. It combines powerful modern processors from Intel and graphics processors from Nvidia into a chassis about the size of a shoebox, with different configurations available offering varying levels of gaming performance.
The device's appeal lies in its compact form, strong gaming capability and straightforward internal design that allows users to upgrade components themselves. However, this combination of features comes at a significant cost, with the system priced considerably higher than a traditional desktop PC offering equivalent gaming performance, restricting its market primarily to buyers with substantial budgets.
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