The new ASUS NUC 16 Pro is our fastest, smartest, and most secure commercial Mini PC yet. Powered by up to Intel Core Ultra X9 Series 3 Processor, it delivers up to 180 Platform TOPS to handle next-generation workloads in machine learning and data analytics. Its LPDDR5x memory is up to 33% faster than the previous generation for greater efficiency. With Dual 2.5G LAN ports, Intel Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and a tool-less chassis for instant upgrades, the NUC 16 Pro ensures easy management and minimal downtime. Built with dTPM security and tested to U.S. MIL-STD-810H military standards, it sets a new benchmark for compact, secure, and AI-ready computing.
With a slightly larger 5x4 chassis size, the ASUS NUC 16 Pro can focus on providing more cooling, dual M.2 slots, and dual LAN ports for higher and more sustained performance. The new ASUS NUC 16 Pro features a Dual-Fan cooling design, a dedicated DIMM fan (65W model), three heat pipes, and fin arrays on each side.
We've discussed this before, but one reason to trust ASUS NUC products is because we put each NUC through a comprehensive testing process to test and back it with a 3 year warranty. This process involves system temperature and humidity testing, drop testing, and vibration testing. We also take a representative sample size of units and put them through simulation testing at 40C for 90 days to reach over a 50K hours MTBF. This leads to a low return rate of just 1%. For more information about the testing process and how we ensure outstanding durability and performance, please visit https://www.asus.com/content/nuc-quality-test/
Key Features:
- AI-Accelerated Hybrid Performance - Unleash next-gen AI workloads with Intel Core Ultra X9, 12 Xe GPU cores, and NPU 5. Hybrid XPU architecture delivers up to 180 Platform TOPS, optimized for real-time Edge AI inference and machine learning tasks.
- Next-Gen Speed & Efficiency - Up to 96 GB LPDDR5x 9600 MT/s, delivering up to 20% faster performance with 50% less power. Dual-fan thermal design ensures maximum CPU performance in a compact chassis.
- Hyper-Connected Workspace - Intel Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 enable low-latency wireless. Dual 2.5G LAN ensures network redundancy, Zero Trust security, and high throughput for enterprise and Edge AI workloads.
- Enterprise Security & Management - Supports Intel vPro (select SKUs) and fTPM for hardware-based security. ASUS Control Center & Edge Suite enable centralized management, remote monitoring, and asset reporting.
- Optimized Form Factor & Expansion - Compact 5x4 form factor (144x117x42mm) with Tool-less Chassis 2.0 allows upgrades to dual M.2 SSDs (Gen5/Gen4). Maximizes thermal headroom while maintaining flexibility and performance.
- Industrial Readiness & Long-Term Value - Durable, modular design supports harsh environments and long-term deployment. Rich internal I/O (RS-232, PCIe x1) enables POS, IoT, and industrial automation expansion.
Key Specs:
- Configuration choices - The ASUS NUC 16 Pro will be available in a complete Mini-PC package (with memory, storage, and OS) and barebone kits where you will need to supply memory, storage, and OS
- CPU - Processor options start from the top at the Intel Core Ultra X9, and move down to the Intel Core Ultra 5. The Intel Core Ultra 7 and Core Ultra 5 will be available with vPro models.
- GPU - Graphics options featuring the Intel Arc B390 will be available with Intel Arc 12Xe cores (up to 65W) and Intel Arc 4Xe cores (Up to 65W)
- Memory - The Core Ultra X9 will feature soldered Dual Channel LPDDR5x 9600 MT/s memory up to 96GB, while other models will feature Dual Channel DDR5-7200 CSO-DIMM (Up to 128GB)
- Storage - 2 x M.2 2280 key M slots (1x PCIe x4 Gen5, 1X PCIe x4 Gen4) support, 128GB~8TB NVMe SSDs
- I/O Ports - 2x USB-C TBT4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x1 Type-C (10Gbps), 4x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (10Gbps), 2x HDMI or 2x DP 2.1*
- Networking and Wireless - WiFi 7 & BT6, 2x 2.5Gbps LAN
- Display Output - Up to Quad display including Dual HDMI or Dual DP 2.1 ports, plus Dual TBT4 w/ DP 2.1
- Audio - Up to 7.1 multi-channel (or 8-channel) digital audio on HDMI and DP Type-C ports
- Internal Headers** - 2x USB 2.0 headers, 1x 2230 M.2 slot, 1x PCIe x1 Gen 2 connector, 1x Serial port header
- Expansion I/O Accessory*** - 1x VGA Exp. (Lid-based), 1x RS232 Exp. (Lid-based)
- OS Choices (Mini-PC) - Windows 11 Home 64-bit, Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
- OS Support (Barebones Kit) - Windows 11 Home 64-bit, Windows 11 Pro 64-bit; Windows 11 IoT Enterprise 64-bit; Windows 11 Pro Education 64-bit; Ubuntu 24.04 LTS 64-bit; RedHat Enterprise Linux 10.0 64-bit
*HDMI supports CEC and persistent display, while DisplayPort supports headless operation and virtual display
**Barebones Kit / board only
***Not available until Q2
The ASUS NUC 16 Pro is expected to be available late Q1 - Early Q2, though actual availability may vary by SKU.
Here are a few images from our CES booth:
Let us know what you think about this new version of the ASUS NUC Pro in the comments below.
96GB of RAM? So it's $20,000?
Great, want one!
any plan for Wildcat Lake variant for very cost effictive mini PC solution?
Nothing to share about that. I see some news about that platform, but nothing has been shared with me internally to say one way or the other. For these ASUS NUC models, they are all listed from the Intel Core Ultra 5 and higher.
It will be very interesting to compare it with the Nuc 15 pro. I am currently reviewing this model with a U5 225H processor. And I know what this processor is capable of in combination with ARC 130T.
any word on availability?
It's mentioned in there, but late Q1 - early Q2 is our current target.
If I were to buy one, are these like just hardware or do they include an OS with all the drivers installed out of the box?
They will be available in both types of models. I don't have a full breakdown on which hardware will be included with the complete Mini PC (e.g. with memory, storage and OS), or the Barebone kit (no memory, storage, or OS), but you'll be able to purchase it in either configuration.
Thanks, is that for global availability or just US? Also any word on what the lowest spec SKU will start at?
I would expect US availability to be around global availability, but that different barebone kits sometimes are configured a bit later.
To your second question, pricing information isn't available at this time, but if you're just asking the specs, I would follow what I posted above.
However, if you go to our global product page, you'll usually find a download link for our spec datasheet (sometimes this doesn't show on mobile + plus the document isn't available yet). This will be a better way to see this. I'll ask our team when the datasheet will be available.
I hope it costs under 1600.
5x4 nope… stick with the 4x4 that’s been around for a decade at this point. Any increase in size just dilutes the meaning of NUC
5x4 yes, high TDP no
Ok atleast this doesn't have co pilot button,plus one to that