The Asus ROG NUC 16 is a mini PC built for gaming, with support for up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus Arrow Lake processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 mobile graphics, and 128GB of user-replaceable DDR5-5600 memory.While those are pretty powerful specs for a compact desktop computer, this year’s model is a pretty modest spec bump compared with last year’s ROG NUC 15. There are really only a few small differences between models, and Asus is only promising “up to 2.3% better 3DMark performance,” which is probably why you often see companies compare their new hardware with 4-year-old systems that you’re ready to upgrade rather than last year’s model.That said, while nobody should throw out a ROG NUC 15 to replace it with the ROG NUC 16, there are a few upgrades here.For one thing, the previous-gen model was available with up to a Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, while the new version tops out at a 290HX chip with slightly higher maximum CPU speeds. And for another, Asus says it’s upgraded the cooling system with three fans that provide 12% more thermal coverage for better cooling and quieter operation.The company has also updated the base with a new removable stand that replaces the old screw-on stand, making it easier to switch between vertical or horizontal placement of the little computer.The computer’s chassis features a toolless design – you can loosen a screw with your fingers to open the case and replace memory or storage. There are two SODIMM slots for memory, an M.2 2280 slot with support for PCIe Gen 5 x4 storage, and another with PCIe Gen 4 x4 support.Ports include:1 x Thunderbolt 41 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C6 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A2 x HDMI 2.12 x DisplayPort 2.11 x 3.5mm audio1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet 1 x DC power inputThe computer also features Intel Killer BE1750x wireless with support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 and comes with a 380W power adapter.The ROG NUC 16 measures 282.4 x 189.5 x 56.5mm (11.1″ x 7.5″ x 2.2″) and has an internal volume of 3 liters.Asus hasn’t announced pricing for the new model yet, but the company expects to begin selling a RUG NUC 16 Black Edition by the end of May, while a model with a “moonlight white” case will launch in June, 2026.press release