Asus ROG NUC 970: Compact Gaming Powerhouse Review
Asus ROG NUC 970: A Compact Gaming Powerhouse with a High Price Tag
The Asus ROG NUC 970 is a unique, compact gaming desktop that packs a punch in a small package. With its sleek design and impressive specs, it’s designed to deliver top-notch gaming performance and productivity. But does it live up to its promise? Let’s dive in and find out.
Design and Build Quality
The NUC 970’s design is one of its standout features. Its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces, and its sleek design ensures it looks great on any desk. The build quality is also top-notch, with a sturdy metal chassis and a removable side panel that makes it easy to upgrade or install additional components.
Performance
The NUC 970’s performance is where it really shines. With its Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, it’s capable of handling demanding games and applications with ease. In our testing, it delivered smooth frame rates in popular games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3.
Cooling System
The NUC 970’s cooling system is also impressive, with a clever design that keeps the system running cool even during intense gaming sessions. However, the fans can get a bit loud during heavy use, which may be a drawback for some users.
Ports and Connectivity
The NUC 970 has a generous selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, dual DisplayPort, and a gaggle of USB-A ports. It also features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless connectivity.
Setup and Software
The NUC 970’s setup process is relatively straightforward, although it may require some technical expertise to get everything up and running smoothly. The system comes with Windows 11 pre-installed, and Asus provides a range of software tools to help you optimize your system for gaming and productivity.
Price and Availability
The NUC 970 is available now, priced at $2,199 / £2,199 / AU$4,299. While it’s a premium product, its price is a bit steep considering the competition.
Should You Buy the Asus ROG NUC 970?
The Asus ROG NUC 970 is a great product, but it’s not without its flaws. While it delivers impressive performance and has a unique design, its high price tag and limited upgrade options may make it less appealing to some users. If you’re looking for a compact gaming desktop with top-notch performance, the NUC 970 is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re on a budget or prefer a more traditional desktop setup, you may want to look elsewhere.
Buy It If…
- You’re looking for a compact gaming desktop with top-notch performance
- You want a unique design that sets your system apart
- You’re willing to pay a premium for a high-end gaming experience
Don’t Buy It If…
- You’re on a tight budget
- You prefer a more traditional desktop setup
- You’re not interested in paying a premium for a high-end gaming experience
Also Consider
- The HP Omen Obelisk: A compact gaming desktop with a similar design and price tag
- The Acer Predator Orion 5000: A more affordable gaming desktop with similar specs
- The MSI Trident X: A compact gaming laptop with similar specs and a lower price tag
How I Tested the ROG NUC 970
I ran the Asus ROG NUC 970 through a comprehensive array of benchmarks, including synthetic gaming and productivity tests, as well as real-world gaming tests. I also used the system for a week, including using it in the living room connected to a TV for casual couch gaming and media playback.
Conclusion
The Asus ROG NUC 970 is a unique and impressive gaming desktop that delivers top-notch performance in a compact package. While its high price tag and limited upgrade options may be a drawback for some users, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a premium gaming experience.
