ASUS ROG NUC 16 adds RTX 5060 model for $2,499

ASUS introduces a more affordable entry point into its ROG NUC 16 lineup, targeting budget-conscious gamers who want a compact desktop without the flagship price tag. This new configuration lowers the barrier to entry by $1,300 compared to the high-end RTX 5080 model, making the 3-liter chassis accessible to a wider audience. Buyers looking for a space-saving gaming rig can now access Blackwell graphics performance at a significantly reduced cost.

New configuration lowers entry price by $1,300

The system pairs an Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus processor with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU. This specific CPU variant features 20 cores and 20 threads, combining eight Performance cores with 12 Efficient cores to handle multitasking and gaming loads. The mobile GPU, based on the Blackwell architecture, provides 3,328 CUDA cores and 8GB of GDDR7 memory for modern graphics workloads.

Specifications

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU
• Memory: 32GB DDR5-6400
• Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
• Chassis: 3 liters

ASUS equips this configuration with 32GB of DDR5-6400 memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for storage. The motherboard includes two memory slots, allowing users to upgrade the system to a maximum of 128GB of RAM as needed. The compact 3-liter chassis supports both vertical and horizontal orientations, giving users flexibility in how they integrate the unit into their desk setup.

The cooling solution utilizes a three-fan system with a vapor chamber covering both the CPU and GPU to manage heat output. ASUS claims the system maintains operating noise levels below 38 dBA during sustained workloads, which is critical for a quiet home gaming environment. We have been tracking ROG NUC 16 closely — see our earlier coverage on ASUS ROG NUC 16 Edition 20.

ASUS has not confirmed the specific graphics power limit for this RTX 5060 configuration, leaving the exact wattage details unverified. The system is listed for 2499 USD (around $2,499) and shipping is scheduled to begin on August 1 in the United States. This lower-priced model completes the current tiered offering for the ROG NUC 16 line.