The ASUS ROG NUC is a small, gaming-focused mini PC with a unique chassis that can be oriented vertically or horizontally. It has several rear ports capable of supporting up to four 4K displays. Additionally, it allows for easy storage expansion with two M.2 slots or RAM upgrades.

Last year, Asus secured the rights to Intel’s Next Unit of Computing (NUC) line of compact mini PCs. Now, the company is developing its line of NUC devices. The debut model, the ROG NUC 970, is specially designed with gaming enthusiasts in mind. Despite its compact 2.5-litre form factor, it packs a punch with an Intel Core i7 processor and an Nvidia laptop GPU, all while maintaining a quiet and calm operation.

The ROG NUC 970 is priced higher than comparable mini PCs. However, this is attributable to its distinctive design, the inclusion of Asus’ Republic of Gamers (ROG) branding, and its integrated discrete GPU. Our review of the Asus ROG NUC 970 aims to help you determine whether the additional expenditure is justified and whether this model constitutes the best mini PC for your needs.

ASUS ROG NUC: Specs

ROG NUC: Price and Availability

The pricing outlined above for the Asus ROG NUC 970 pertains to the tested model. It features a Core i9-9700K, RTX 4070, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and Windows 11 Home. The NUC 970 model can be challenging to obtain and typically commands a higher price, with limited discounts available. Additionally, there are bare-bones configurations without RAM, SSD, and an operating system. However, depending on the region, purchasing these components separately and installing them individually may not yield significant savings.

In summary, the ROG NUC 970 is relatively expensive given its specifications, and one may encounter a comparable or even more powerful gaming laptop—or an expanded gaming desktop—at a more economical price. Aside from niche applications, I would consider the ROG to be a favorable purchase only if it were at least 30% more affordable. 

ROG NUC: Design

The ROG NUC 970 chassis features a 2.5-litre capacity (84.5 ounces), making it bigger than standard Intel NUCs but more compact than typical miniature gaming PCs. It can be placed flat on a surface using rubber feet or mounted vertically on a sturdy aluminum stand for versatile positioning.

The power supply is external, similar to a laptop, but the cable is long enough to hide the bulky brick under your desk. This convenient gaming device features an appealing LED backlight and a stylish side ROG logo that can be personalized with your own logo or discreetly concealed using the provided plastic inserts. It’s designed to give you a customizable and sleek gaming experience.

However, its small size complicates dust cleaning, and removing the motherboard and GPU is necessary to access the cooling system. 

ROG NUC: Ports

The NUC 970 design thoughtfully includes key ports that are easily accessible, such as dual USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headset jack, all conveniently located on the front.

Located at the rear, an extended array of connectivity options is available, including Thunderbolt 4, two additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two standard USB 2.0 Type-A ports, Ethernet, a power supply, and a Kensington lock. 

ASUS ROG NUC: Performance

Since the ROG NUC 970 features internals designed for laptops operating with laptop-level power and thermal profiles, it’s expected to deliver gaming performance comparable to that of a computer. This is a positive aspect, as the RTX 4070 is a highly capable GPU that provides excellent results.

For an immersive gaming experience, the NUC 970 really shines when paired with a 1440p monitor that supports variable refresh rates. Gaming at 4K resolution is feasible with less demanding titles while achieving higher frame rates necessitates reducing detail levels or reverting to 1080p resolution.

Although this compact PC was primarily engineered for gaming purposes, it also provides remarkable performance for professional tasks. I successfully maintained dozens of Chrome tabs concurrently, and multitasking on the ROG NUC 970 operated quite smoothly within Windows 11. Additionally, the device was not burdened with a significant amount of pre-installed software.

When gaming on the ROG NUC 970, you can enjoy around 100 fps at 1080p with all settings maxed in older titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Borderlands 3. For more demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2, you’ll still get a smooth experience with about 60 fps at medium settings. The ROG NUC 970 also handles 1440p comfortably, although our testing was conducted at 1080p and 4K, providing you with plenty of flexibility for various gaming experiences. 

The cooling system of the NUC 970 is notably robust, encompassing a larger area than that typically observed in 14-inch or 16-inch gaming laptops. It is comparable to the cooling configuration commonly found in an 18-inch device. Consequently, the NUC’s cooling system effectively prevents the RTX 4070 from overheating, even when the fans are not operating at maximum capacity. Keep in mind, though, that the 970 isn’t particularly quiet when gaming, but it’s more peaceful than most laptops on the market.

ASUS ROG NUC: Drawbacks

The Asus ROG NUC 970 stands out among mini PCs thanks to its impressive internals and distinctive design. That said, it’s worth keeping in mind some of the downsides, such as its higher price and limited 4K gaming capabilities.

ROG NUC: Not suitable for 4K Gaming

The higher-specification variant of the ROG NUC 970, equipped with an NVIDIA RTX 4070 laptop GPU, ensures that there are no difficulties in executing modern titles at 1080p or 1440p resolutions with all settings set to maximum.

Given that the ROG NUC 970 features one of the most recent Nvidia laptop GPUs, you have the option to utilize upscaling technology, such as DLSS, to enhance frame rates marginally. In my professional assessment, this compact PC is well-suited for gaming at your workspace using a 1080p or 1440p monitor; however, it may not possess sufficient power for more demanding applications. Additionally, it can be connected to a high-quality 4K television in your living room. 

ROG NUC: High Price

Compared to a gaming laptop or assembling a custom PC, spending over $2,000 on the top-tier ROG NUC 970 might seem excessive to some. Nevertheless, you’re mainly paying for its portability and sleek design. The ROG NUC 970, weighing just 5.7 pounds and small enough to fit in a backpack, can easily accompany you wherever you go. When combined with a portable monitor, it could serve as the ideal compact gaming PC for mobile gaming.

The ROG branding and gamer-oriented design are additional factors contributing to the higher cost of this mini PC. I prefer its aesthetic on my desk compared to the Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT, which also features an RGB backlit panel. However, the lighting cannot be adjusted, and instead of a Minisforum or AtomMan logo, an anime-inspired graphic is displayed.

ASUS ROG NUC: Verdict

Similar to other compact PCs, the ROG NUC 970 may not be suitable for all users. However, if you are seeking a gaming-oriented mini PC that can be positioned vertically or horizontally while accommodating limited space, it could be a fitting choice.

Although the absence of a USB-C port at the front would have been preferable, the rear I/O significantly compensates for this, particularly if the device is intended for use with multiple monitors. Additionally, there is some degree of upgradability, allowing for the addition of extra storage or the replacement of its RAM.

The Dell XPS Desktop 8960 (priced from £2,249, reviewed at £2,859) appears to be a standard office computer, but it is a gaming PC concealed within. This utilitarian beige or black tower, reminiscent of ’90s office furniture, conceals advanced internal components, including the latest Intel Raptor Lake 13th Generation processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4000 series graphics cards. 

Our Dell XPS Desktop 8960 review unit arrived equipped with notably robust components. Although it may not be optimal for 4K enthusiasts, it is sufficiently strong to run the latest high-end PC games at 1080p with excellent performance.

While some may hesitate due to its ordinary packaging, I believe that the Dell XPS Desktop 8960 presents exceptional value as a gaming personal computer, offering a distinctive feature that differentiates it from other leading gaming PCs available on the market.

Dell XPS 8960: Specs & Configuration

Dell XPS 8960: Design

As illustrated in the photographs included in this Dell XPS Desktop 8960 review, this gaming personal computer does not possess the appearance typically associated with such devices. The straightforward rectangular tower case features a design reminiscent of the ’90s office park aesthetic, which may appeal to those who prefer a subdued appearance. I believe you will appreciate the quietness and unobtrusiveness of the XPS 8960 when it is situated on your desk.

It weighs between 19 and 25 pounds and measures approximately 16.8 x 14.6 x 6.8 inches, making it easy to incorporate into your existing setup. Its size is just over a foot tall and nearly a foot and a half deep. I also found it reasonably easy to move, as I shifted it between my bedroom desk and the large 4K TV in my living room. 

Every unit is equipped with two fans and a 125-watt air cooling system, but there’s an option to upgrade to liquid cooling for those building higher-end setups. A sturdy metal grille on the lower part of the front panel gently draws in air, helping to keep the internal components cool. As a result, you’ll notice a comfortable flow of warm air exiting through the rear and side exhausts, especially when you’re gaming or tackling intensive tasks.

Dell XPS 8960: Ports

Our Dell XPS Desktop 8960 review unit offers a variety of ports to suit your needs. You’ll find some arranged vertically on the front panel, making them easily accessible, while the rest are conveniently located at the back. At the front, there’s an SD card reader, a 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, another with PowerShare, and a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with PowerShare, providing you with versatile options for all your connectivity needs.

On the rear panel, a comprehensive array of six audio ports is available for configuring a 7.1 surround sound system, along with a DisplayPort 1.4 connector, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two legacy USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 2×2 port, and a Gigabit Ethernet port.

Dell XPS 8960: Upgradability

Located in the upper-right corner of the rear panel, there is a single screw. Upon removal, it facilitates the straightforward detachment of the side panel (on the right side when viewed from the rear) to access the interior.

The inside of the casing feels cosy and well-organised. My substantial hands encountered difficulty manoeuvring freely within the constrained corners; however, I was generally able to successfully replace components and organise the wiring efficiently without significant trouble. If you, similar to me, are of considerable size, you may find it challenging to access and manipulate parts within the enclosure.

Dell XPS 8960: Performance

Clearly, with a 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and 32GB of RAM installed, our XPS 8960 review unit demonstrates excellent capability in managing daily operational tasks. Throughout the week of continuous usage as my primary workstation, I observed no indications of performance deficiencies, even when concurrently operating over 30 tabs across various browsers, alongside multiple applications and download processes running in the background.

When the XPS 8960 was subjected to our comprehensive non-gaming performance evaluations, the results demonstrated a consistent pattern. Although it does not quite attain the benchmark scores of a more expensive and sophisticated gaming desktop, such as the Aurora R15, the XPS 8960 remains a highly competitive option at a significantly lower cost.

Our review unit of the XPS 8960 scored an impressive 19,134 in the Geekbench 5.4 multi-core CPU benchmark, placing it just slightly behind the Aurora R15 and Origin Chronos V3 in raw CPU performance.

Dell XPS 8960: Gaming Performance

Our review unit features several enhancements over the entry-level model, incorporating an Intel Core i7-13700K processor and 32GB of RAM alongside an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU. During setup in a relatively small and poorly ventilated bedroom, I spent several hours playing Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p resolution with all settings set to their maximum values. The experience was delightful. Notably, the XPS 8960 consistently maintained smooth gameplay at a rate of over 90 frames per second, without any discernible performance issues or frame drops.

Currently, at 1080p with Nvidia’s improved DLSS 3 upscaling, the performance remains impressive. I was particularly pleased that the RTX 4080 in our review unit managed the new Raytracing Overdrive mode in Cyberpunk seamlessly. This feature enables path-traced lighting, resulting in more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. 

As depicted in the charts within this review, the XPS 8960 does not quite attain the performance levels of some recent high-end gaming personal computers we have evaluated, such as the Alienware Aurora R15. Nevertheless, this expectation stems from the fact that the R15 we examined is both more expensive than the XPS 8960 and equipped with more advanced components, including a 13th-generation Core i9 processor and a more capable RTX 4090 graphics processing unit.

The recently evaluated Origin Chronos V3 gaming desktop is comparable to the XPS 8960 in terms of game framerates, despite its approximately $1,000 higher price point. Naturally, the Chronos V3 additionally provides increased storage capacity and is housed within a considerably smaller and more visually striking case compared to the XPS 8960.

However, if your primary concern is performance rather than an eye-catching case or distinctive design, the Dell XPS Desktop 8960 is capable of providing exceptional gaming capabilities at a competitive price.

Dell XPS 8960: Verdict

The Dell XPS Desktop 8960 represents the latest and most advanced XPS desktop model, offering sufficient performance to run top-tier PC games with stable frame rates in a design that would not look out of place in an attic or a back office.

I’ve always appreciated how Dell offers gaming PCs that echo the sleek style of the XPS design. It is also gratifying to observe the impressive performance of the XPS 8960, which benefits from the synergistic combination of Raptor Lake processors and Nvidia’s 40-series GPUs, as well as the remarkable capabilities of DLSS 3. The fact that I was able to engage with Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p for extended periods, with settings maximised on our review unit, while scarcely hearing more than a whisper from the fans, underscores the remarkable power of contemporary gaming PCs, provided one has the means to acquire the latest and most advanced technology.

While larger or more extravagant gaming PCs are available on the market, the Dell XPS Desktop 8960 is the optimal choice for those seeking exceptional performance within a modestly designed package.

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The Alienware Aurora R16 is considered one of the premier Aurora PCs offered by the company. Unlike the Alienware Aurora R15, which boasts an ultra-futuristic design that marks it as a gaming PC, the Aurora R16 showcases a more understated Legend 3.0 design. With a few minor exceptions, this Alienware desktop fits well within an office setting.

The Aurora R16’s price can vary depending on your chosen configuration. That said, the entry-level model is reasonably priced, making it a fantastic choice for newcomers to PC gaming. Regardless of which configuration you select, you will receive one of the best gaming PCs, capable of running the latest PC games.

Aurora R16: Price

The Alienware Aurora R16 is available officially from Dell’s website at a starting price of $2,349.

This base variant includes Intel Core Ultra 7 265F, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage.

Our reviewed unit features several significant modifications, which have increased its price to $3,999. It features Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and 2TB of SSD Storage.

Aurora R16: Specs

Aurora R16: Design

In adopting the new Legend 3.0 design, the Alienware Aurora R16 transitions from the ostentatious aesthetics of its predecessors to showcase a significantly more subdued appearance. Absent the RGB light strip located on the left panel, the hexagonal side vents, and the subtle Alienware logo-shaped power button, one might easily misidentify the Aurora R16 as a conventional desktop rather than a dedicated gaming machine.

Our unit features an all-black case with dimensions of 18 x 16.5 x 7.7 inches, allowing it to take up minimal desk space, significantly less than some of its bulkier predecessors. Although it weighs 33.8 pounds, I found it easy to reposition on the desk as needed. I prefer a compact and understated workspace, which makes the Aurora R16 especially attractive to me.

Aurora R16: Upgradibility

Accessing the rig’s interior is straightforward once the Kensington lock on the back has been removed. The interior closely resembles that of the Aurora R15, for better or worse. Although cable clutter is minimal since most cables are routed behind the motherboard, keeping the space looking tidy, it complicates modifications to suit your preferences.

Although I found it easy to navigate the rig’s interior with my large hands, specific components are challenging to shift due to the layout. While removing RAM is straightforward, changing the GPU proves cumbersome as it necessitates removing brackets and relocating components. These challenges stem from Alienware’s use of a proprietary motherboard, which limits upgrade possibilities. However, as I mentioned, this design results in a very organised interior.

Aurora R16: Gaming Performance

Our unit, equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, as well as 64GB of RAM, delivers an impressive level of power that one would expect from a £3,999 PC. We tested this PC by playing a variety of games, including Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5), Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Far Cry 6. Additionally, we compared the FPS achieved in 1080p and 4K settings with those of other gaming PCs.

In Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5), our unit demonstrates its power, achieving an average FPS of 200 at 1080p resolution. At 4K resolution, it attains an average of 135 FPS. We are competing against our predecessor, the Alienware Aurora R15, which falls short against our Aurora R16 in every match. While the Vengeance i7500 and Omen 35L provide each other with tough competition, both equipped with the same graphics card (RTX 4090), the Omen 35L finds it difficult to outpace the Vengeance. They both outperform our reviewed unit (Alienware Aurora 16) by a small margin. 

In the video game Cyberpunk 2077, the Alienware Aurora attains a performance of 115 FPS at a resolution of 1080p and 80 FPS at a 4K resolution. Cyberpunk is regarded as one of the most poorly optimized games for PCs, consistently posing a tough challenge to computers. The rankings of PCs remain unchanged; both the Omen 35L and the Vengeance i7500 are achieving similar FPS in both 4K and 1080p. They both surpass our reviewed unit (Alienware Aurora 16) by a slight margin. 

In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, our Aurora R16 averages 125 FPS 125 in 4k resolution and 185 FPS at 1080p. The rankings of PCs remain the same; both the Omen 35L and the Vengeance i7500 achieve similar FPS in both 4K and 1080p. They both slightly outperform our reviewed unit (Alienware Aurora R16). While the Alienware Aurora R15 ranks last, it has nearly 60 fewer frames per second than the Aurora R16.

Aurora R16: Verdict

The Alienware Aurora R16 represents a significant enhancement to the Aurora series of gaming PCs. Its stylish and compact chassis stands out as the most prominent difference from earlier models, ensuring it complements any workspace beautifully. Moreover, it offers configurations with high-performance components, providing ample power under the hood.

A key feature is Alienware’s innovative cooling technology, which enables the system to run quietly and stay cool, even during long and intense gaming sessions.

Though the Aurora R16 can come equipped with high-end parts, its base model, priced at $1,749, provides excellent value as a mid-range system, significantly cheaper than many other PCs that share similar specs.

As I previously mentioned, if you’re new to PC gaming, the Aurora R16 is an excellent entry point. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable choice, the $1,399 Dell XPS 8960 is another impressive gaming desktop that moves away from the standard gaming look.

If you’re looking for a dependable gaming desktop that boasts an appealing design, strong performance, and quiet operation, consider the Alienware Aurora R16.