This mini PC squeezes an RTX 4070 inside and offers very smooth gaming in a small form factor

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the ASUS ROG NUC 970 has caught my eye. Coming from someone who’s had his fair share of bulky gaming rigs, the compactness of this mini PC is nothing short of revolutionary.

In 2013, Intel introduced its Next Unit of Computing (NUC) series of mini PCs. Around ten years later, Intel struck a deal with ASUS, giving them full responsibility for NUC production. Since then, ASUS has manufactured various mini PC models, one of which is the recent gaming-oriented ROG NUC 970. Unlike other mini PCs available today, this device accommodates a potent NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-Series GPU (graphics card), designed to handle modern video games effectively.

Over the past two weeks, I’ve been frequently utilizing the ROG NUC 970 for gaming, performance testing, and daily work tasks. Here’s my take on this machine following extended usage.

ASUS ROG NUC 970: Price and specs

Pricing & specifications highlights

• There are currently two configurations for the ROG NUC. One is out now and sells for $2,199.00 MSRP. The other one launches soon and will sell for $1,629.00 MSRP.
• Additional configurations are on the way, but their specs and pricing have not been revealed yet. 
• All in all, these devices are on the pricey side compared to similarly configured gaming laptops, especially given that this mini PC requires additional accessories to be used. 
• Value rating: 3/5

From my analysis, it’s worth noting that the ASUS ROG NUC 970 is about to hit the market in two distinct configurations. The first, priced at $1,629.00 on B&H, will be available this year. Under its hood, you’ll find an Intel Core Ultra 7-155H processor paired with RTX 4060 graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. On the other hand, the more premium option, currently retailing for $2,199.00, boasts an Intel Core Ultra 9-185H processor, RTX 4070 graphics, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD.

On ASUS ROG’s website, it appears that at least two more models are being developed, but the details about their specifications and prices have not been disclosed at this time.

It’s undeniable that the ROG NUC 970 carries a hefty price tag. For comparison, a standard gaming laptop equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9, RTX 4070 L, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD usually retails between $2,200 to $2,600. However, unlike gaming laptops, this mini PC doesn’t include a built-in monitor, keyboard, or mouse, meaning you’ll need to purchase those items separately.

Due to the unique design of the ROG NUC 970, which incorporates laptop components like the RTX 40-Series graphics and an AI-enhanced CPU with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), it’s challenging to directly compare this ASUS device with mainstream prebuilt gaming desktops. While there are powerful desktop alternatives available for less than $2,000, offering a full RTX 4070 GPU, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, the ROG NUC 970 is comparatively pricey even in the gaming desktop market. Consequently, it’s more appropriate to evaluate its performance against high-end laptops instead of desktops.

The NUC 970 model comes with limited room for upgrades because of its compact design, which sets it apart from full-sized gaming towers. If you’re prepared to spend a little extra on a device that doesn’t require much space, this might be just what you need. However, if you prefer more upgrade options and are willing to sacrifice some space, there may be other alternatives worth considering.

At present, you can buy the ASUS ROC NUC 970 from a variety of leading merchants such as Walmart, Newegg, Amazon, B&H Photo, and directly from the ASUS ROG store.

Is ASUS ROG NUC 970 an AI PC or a Copilot+ PC?

If you’d like to know more, you can explore details about these AI devices in our Neural Processing Unit (NPU) guide, Copilot+ Computer guide, or our curated list of top AI-powered computers.

Recommended configuration

ASUS ROG NUC 970: Design and build

Build quality and design highlights

• ROG NUC 970 is on the larger side for a mini PC, but still takes up significantly less room than a gaming laptop or gaming desktop with similar specs. 
• A good range of ports makes it easier to connect various accessories and monitors. 
• The included stand makes it possible to arrange the mini PC upright or to lay it flat below the monitor. 
• Due to the small form factor, it’s harder to upgrade this mini PC than it is to upgrade a full-blown desktop. But it is easy to add more storage. 
• Design rating: 4/5

Regarding the ROG NUC 970, despite its impressive features, it is slightly larger than some mini PCs available today. Its sleek cuboid design doesn’t occupy much space and blends seamlessly into various environments without attracting undue attention. In essence, it maintains a low profile in any setting.

This mini PC comes with a stand that holds it up vertically with a rubber grip. Something about this setup gives it a more edgy presence. Still, I like laying it flat beneath my gaming monitor to save more desk space. There are four rubber feet to help lift it off the desk and help the fans work efficiently. This small surface footprint makes it ideal for use with your TV in place of a console, since it won’t take up a lot of room on your TV stand. Pair it with the lap desk seen in my NerdyTec Couchmaster Cycon² review, and you’ll have a comfortable computer area on your couch. 

The AC adapter included with your mini PC has a substantial size, occupying a noticeable amount of space. Therefore, it’s crucial to find a stable location for it to prevent accidentally pulling the cable and potentially damaging the NUC 970, a costly device. This power cord ends in a barrel plug that fits into the back of the mini PC, close to most other ports.

Regarding this mini PC, it’s worth noting that it offers a variety of connectivity solutions, surpassing what you typically find on standard gaming laptops. To cater to your wireless requirements, it includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Positioned at the center backside is a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port. Adjacent to this, you’ll find two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports and two USB-A 2.0 ports. Two more USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports can be found on the front side. With all these wireless and USB connections at your disposal, you should have no trouble connecting your top PC gaming accessories. It would be great if it had at least one extra USB4 port, though.

For connecting TVs and gaming monitors, this mini PC provides a contemporary HDMI 2.1 port, enabling it to handle higher resolutions. Furthermore, there are two DisplayPort 1.4a ports available if you prefer that type of connection. In any case, having these options broadens your selection when choosing the best gaming monitors.

In total, the NUC 970 system can accommodate up to four screens simultaneously when utilizing HDMI, DisplayPorts, and Thunderbolt 4 ports. However, it is essential to note that the Thunderbolt 4 port’s support comes from the integrated graphics card within the CPU, not the powerful RTX 4070 GPU. Therefore, it would be best to avoid using this connection for high-performance gaming purposes.

Unlocking the ASUS ROG NUC 970 is fairly straightforward: All you need to do is flip a switch at the back of the device and gently tug the top part of the case towards you. It’ll slide off, providing access to the sleek ROG logo panel that emits the RGB light. Extra panels are included in the package, allowing for personalization of this lighting if you so choose.

1. To access the internal components, just remove the screw at the back of the device and gently push the top part of the metal casing towards you, ensuring not to stress the cable connecting the upper and lower metal sections. In the provided image, you’ll notice two empty NVMe slots, perfect for expanding your mini PC with additional SSD storage. Keep in mind that, as with most mini PCs, upgrading options are limited because of its compact size – a common characteristic of devices with a small form factor.

ASUS ROG NUC 970: Software and RGB

Software and RGB highlights

• The two most important programs for interacting with the ROG NUC 970 are MyASUS and the gaming-centric Armoury Crate. 
• MyASUS makes it easy to check system info, check for system updates, run system diagnostics, and get customer support. 
• Meanwhile, Armoury Crate works as a game launcher, digital shop, and as a means to check on the system’s gaming performance. 
• RGB lighting on the side of the NUC 970 can be customized within Armoury Crate as well. 
• Software rating: /5

When you buy any desktop, laptop, or mini PC like the ASUS NUC 970, it will typically come with pre-installed software. For instance, ASUS usually equips its general computers with MyASUS, and gaming devices receive Armoury Crate. Consequently, these two programs are featured on the NUC 970 as well.

While there is a bit of overlap between the two, they each offer a different focus. MyASUS is where I go to check for system updates, get system information, run system diagnostics, or reach out to customer support. Meanwhile, Armoury Crate covers my gaming needs including allowing me to view fan, GPU, and CPU performance. This program also functions as a game launcher, with the ability to view games in either a list or grid view. An update area allows me to check for gaming-specific updates as well. There’s also a digital game shop, but I’ve never used this as I prefer to stick to Steam, CDKeys, and GOG. 

To sum up, it’s your choice whether or not to utilize Armoury Crate; you’re certainly not obligated to do so. Fortunately, there are numerous PC game launchers available, such as Steam, Epic Game Store, and NVIDIA GeForce Experience, among others.

You might have noticed from pictures that RGB lighting shows up on top of the NUC 970 in the form of the ROG logo. By default, this is set to a constant red. However, going into the Aura Sync tab of Armoury Crate allows me to choose specific effects or colors. Some color choices are determined by the effect in place. For instance, the Smart effect changes RGB color based on the heat of the device. This RGB lighting can also be turned off completely if desired. 

On some other gaming devices, the RGB is more vivid compared to this one. This reduced vibrancy can be attributed to a semi-transparent black-ish-gray film covering the ROG symbol, which somewhat dulls the colors. Despite this, it’s beneficial because it keeps the bright, colorful lighting from becoming overly distracting during gameplay, which I find quite useful. In fact, nothing is more annoying to me than gaming devices that feature flashing, color-changing lights aimed at my face when I need to concentrate on a game.

In essence, MyASUS and Armoury Crate are user-friendly with essential tools and functions for managing your mini PC. While the interfaces could benefit from a sleeker design, they’re intuitive once you spend a few moments exploring them.

ASUS ROG NUC 970: Performance and thermals

Performance & thermals highlights

• Powerful performance for gaming and everyday workloads. 
• It doesn’t get overly hot even when the CPU is stressed for long periods. 
• The fans kick on pretty quickly, and wouldn’t be a problem if it wasn’t for the whining whistle that accompanies them. 
• Performance rating: 4.5/5

To truly gauge the gaming prowess of the ROG NUC 970’s RTX 4070, I initially ensured my system was up-to-date with Windows and installed the latest NVIDIA drivers for optimal performance. Once restarted, it was time to dive into some high-quality gameplay. In all, I spent several hours apiece on Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider at a resolution of 1440p. Generally, these games ran rather smoothly, with frame rates varying from about 70 to over 90 frames per second, contingent on graphical settings. However, I did notice occasional hiccups and screen splitting during my gaming sessions.

Following some experimentation, I found a more precise measurement of performance by launching the benchmark in Cyberpunk 2077 while testing various graphic settings. Initially, I activated DLSS Super Resolution (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and opted for the High graphics setting without ray tracing. The device showed an impressive average of 100.82 frames per second (FPS), but there were moments of roughness. Next, I increased the settings by choosing Ray Tracing: Low, which resulted in an average of 93.17 FPS for the NUC 970. After that, I raised the bar even higher to Ray Tracing: Ultra, experiencing more frequent choppiness, but the device still delivered a decent 74.78 FPS average.

I decided to test the limits of the ROG NUC 970 by maxing out its graphics settings, specifically setting Ray Tracing to Ultra and activating Ray Reconstruction and Path Tracing. The gameplay became choppy with significant screen tearing as a result, but remarkably, it averaged 34.86 FPS. This demonstrates that the ROG NUC 970 is an incredibly powerful gaming machine capable of managing high graphics settings in today’s games.

In addition to using it primarily for gaming, I also subjected the ASUS ROG NUC 970 to my standard battery of benchmark tests common on both laptops and desktops. Combined, these evaluations offer valuable insights into the CPU, GPU, system performance, and SSD speed of this device. To put it simply, it’s an efficient machine that handles daily tasks and creative applications quite capably.

Initially, I conducted Geekbench 6, a test that assesses a computer’s central processing unit (CPU) efficiency. The mini PC, with its AI-enhanced Intel Ultra 9 185H processor, yielded a single-core score of 2,280 and a multicore score of 13,028. While these scores aren’t the highest we’ve recorded from this CPU, they certainly aren’t poor either.

To delve deeper into the CPU’s capabilities, I initiated Cinebench R24 and executed the CPU rendering test. In this test, the Ultra 9 achieved a single-core score of 108 and a multicore score of 1,077. Remarkably, these scores surpassed all previously recorded Ultra 9 185H benchmark results, placing it slightly above the performance of our Alienware m16 R2 (2024) gaming laptop’s scores in this specific test.

The ROG NUC 970 is a solid device that can handle daily tasks and creative programs very well.

Because the CPU on this device is equipped with an NPU that enhances AI performance, I conducted Procyon tests to assess the NPU’s capabilities. As these chips are fairly new, there aren’t many comparable NPU laptops and computers available for comparison. Out of the 10 NPU devices we’ve tested at Windows Central, the ASUS ROG NUC 970 scored second-highest in the Windows ML Float32 CPU benchmark, indicating that its NPU-integrated processor performs well when compared to similar CPUs. However, I couldn’t run the Intel OpenVINO Float 16 NPU test because it consistently failed, regardless of the settings I adjusted, so those benchmark results were not included in this analysis.

As a researcher exploring the capabilities of this mini PC, I had high expectations for its performance in 3DMark’s GPU benchmarks due to its smooth handling of games. My assumptions proved accurate, as it scored an impressive 11,779 points in Time Spy, placing it slightly below the Lenovo Legion 7 G6 and above the Legion Pro 5i (Gen 9). It’s important to mention that this score is lower than the Razer Blade 14 (2024)’s RTX 4070 L score of 12,678, but the gap isn’t substantial. Nevertheless, it’s a promising start. To evaluate ray tracing performance, I ran Solar Bay and was pleased to see the RTX 4070 L earn a high score of 55,734, outperforming the Alienware m16 R2 gaming laptop in this area by a notable margin.

Delighted with these outcomes, I resorted to Crossmark to evaluate the overall system performance. To my surprise, the results fell short of my expectations, with a score of merely 1,698. This put the NUC 970 significantly behind several gaming laptops and desktops that exhibited similar performance in CPU and GPU tests.

In conclusion, I examined the performance of an SSD using CrystalDiskMark. The reading speed of an SSD generally determines how swiftly a game loads, whereas its writing speed indicates how quickly it saves data. Hence, this factor is crucial for gaming performance. Remarkably, the ROG NUC 970 SSD achieved a remarkable read speed of 6,995 MB/s, surpassing the latest Razer Blade 18 (2024), Alienware m16 R2, and even the Alienware x16 R2. Nevertheless, it also recorded a relatively slower write speed of 2,582 MB/s. Since read speed is more critical in gaming, this isn’t a significant concern, but it’s worth noting.

Thermals and fan noises

After completing the performance test, I proceeded to utilize Cinebench and run benchmark tests for approximately 20 minutes, which puts significant strain on the CPU. Subsequently, I employed a thermal camera to gather temperature readings from the device.

It’s not surprising that the device’s hottest spot was found on its rear side, close to where the power cable connects into the mini PC. The heat there peaked at 122 degrees Fahrenheit (F) or approximately 50 degrees Celsius (C). Despite the bottom of the NUC 970 staying relatively cool due to the fans, the rear area still reached 108 degrees F (~42 degrees C).

During this thermal test, I used a sound level meter to gauge decibel levels based on what I heard from my seated position. The ROG NUC 970 never exceeded 45dB, which isn’t particularly loud; however, it was far from enjoyable. A persistent high-pitched whine emanated from the compact device as soon as I initiated CPU stress testing, and persisted until the computer completed its tasks. This noise is also noticeable during gaming sessions. While you might not pick up on it with speakers blasting music or game sounds, it can be quite bothersome in quiet environments.

ASUS ROG NUC 970: Competition

Few mini PCs cater specifically to gaming, and it’s common to find they come equipped with a moderate integrated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), not the high-performance discrete type often desired for gaming. However, there are some alternatives that share many characteristics with a gaming mini PC.

If you’re seeking a compact gaming device that operates on Windows 11, I recommend checking out my reviews for the ASUS ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. These devices have emerged as formidable rivals to the Steam Deck, but they can also function like standard computers when connected to a monitor using a docking station (such as the JSAUX 6-in-1 Multifunctional Docking Station). Essentially, they serve as miniature gaming laptops, equipped with a screen and an AMD Z1 Extreme processor that outperforms most mini PCs in terms of gameplay. The standard ROG Ally (Z1 non-Extreme) retails for $499.99 at Walmart, the ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme) sells for $649.99 at Walmart, and the ROG Ally X can be purchased for $799.99 at Best Buy.

If you want to consider the biggest Windows 11 gaming handheld outside of ASUS, then you’ll want to look at my Lenovo Legion Go review. This device has a relatively massive 8.8-inch display compared to the normal 7-inch display size of other PC gaming handhelds. It also has a built-in kickstand, which makes it easier to prop up with a keyboard and mouse in front of it. While it does have the same processor as the Ally and Ally X, it doesn’t support VRR, which makes games play less smoothly than on ASUS’ devices. The Legion Go sells for $670.00 at Walmart.

If gaming handhelds aren’t your thing, and you specifically want a compact gaming rig, then I suggest you consider my ROG G22CH review. This is a powerful gaming tower packed within a smaller frame than usual to save space. There are several different configurations to choose from, ranging from RTX 30-Series to RTX 40-Series GPUs. The G22CH with Intel Core i5-3400F, RTX 3060, a mouse, and a keyboard is selling for $1,410.05 at Walmart. Meanwhile, a G22CH with an i9-14900KF and RTX 4070 sells for $2,499.99 at Best Buy. 

Lenovo introduces a new mini PC dubbed the Yoga Portal, which boasts a full RTX 4070 graphics card (unlike laptop versions) and a potent Intel Core i7-14700 processor, making it more powerful than the ROG NUC 970. At present, this device is exclusively available in China for approximately $2,500 after conversion. While we hope to see it accessible globally someday, its availability beyond China remains uncertain for now.

ASUS ROG NUC 970: Scorecard

ASUS ROG NUC 970: Should you buy it?

✅ You should buy this if…

• You’re limited on space but want a powerful gaming PC: The ROG NUC hardly takes up any desk space, since it’s relatively small and can either be stood up vertically or laid down beneath a monitor. 
• You need a gaming PC that offers a lot of connections: It might use laptop components, but it offers far more ports than a typical gaming laptop does. You’ll be able to connect several devices and up to four monitors to the NUC 970. 
• You want to connect a small gaming PC to your TV rather than a gaming console: With its compact frame, the NUC 970 is notably smaller than the Xbox Series X, Series S, and PlayStation 5 (although it costs a lot more). You can connect it to your TV and play your PC games from your couch without taking up a lot of room. 

❌ You should not buy this if…

• You specifically want a gaming computer that doesn’t have laptop components: In order to fit everything inside of the ROG NUC 970, it utilizes the laptop version of the RTX 4070 as well as a CPU that’s meant for laptops. This means it’s not as powerful as a full-blown gaming desktop, but it’s still very impressive.
• You don’t want to spend this much for a gaming computer: There are plenty of gaming laptops and gaming desktops on the market right now that don’t cost as much as the NUC 970. If you aren’t pressed for space, then one of these larger options might serve you better. 

The ASUS ROG NUC 970 is an exceptional mini PC boasting strong performance and a versatile array of ports, but its high price tag makes it more of a specialized item. Despite my fondness for it, I would only suggest it under specific circumstances – namely, if you have extremely limited space and require a compact gaming system with minimal alternatives available in the market. However, there are both laptop and desktop options out there that won’t break the bank as much as this one does.

If the thought of a compact gaming PC piques your interest, the NUC 970 is worth a closer look. With its ability to support up to four monitors, it offers a spacious gaming setup without requiring a bulky tower computer. It also serves as an excellent alternative to traditional game consoles, allowing you to connect it to your TV and enjoy your favorite PC games from the comfort of your couch.

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2024-08-18 14:10