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ASUS ROG NUC 16 Mini Gaming Desktop

Republic of Gamers

Processor:

Graphics Card:

Memory:

Storage:

Cosmetic Condition:

Functionality:

Specifications

  • Brand: ASUS
  • Model Name: ROG NUC 16
  • Year: 2026
  • All Matching Models: NUC16JNK, RNUC16JNK9X8ADA, RNUC16JNK7X589AU, RNUC16JNK9X389AU, RNUC16JNK9X289AU, RNUC16JNK9X8ADAU

The ASUS ROG NUC 16 (NUC16JNK) series is a family of compact 3-liter gaming mini desktops released in 2026. The flagship RTX 5080 version reached US stores in June 2026 at $3,799. That same month, ASUS added the limited-edition ROG NUC 16 Edition 20, a 20th-anniversary model with an RTX 5090, a see-through shell with gold accents, and a $5,999 price tag. Lower-priced RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 Ti versions followed later that summer, starting at $2,499. Every unit uses an Intel Core Ultra HX Plus processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series laptop graphics chip, DDR5 memory, and a fast NVMe SSD in a chassis about the size of a hardcover book. Because the series spans several configurations, your graphics chip, memory, storage, and edition determine what it's worth today. If you're thinking about selling it online, you can skip the marketplace listings, lowball offers, and strangers at your door: our trade-in service gives you a guaranteed price up front, a free prepaid shipping label, and fast payment. Select your configuration and condition in the tool above to see your instant cash offer.

How to identify your exact ROG NUC 16 configuration

Your offer depends mostly on which graphics chip your unit has and whether it's an Edition 20. You don't need to open the case. Use any of these methods to confirm your configuration:

Method 1: Check the label

  • Unplug the PC and lift it off its stand (or tip it on its side if it's lying flat)
  • Find the white sticker on the underside or back panel
  • Look for a model number that starts with RNUC16JNK or 1NUC16JNK
  • Take a photo of the sticker with your phone so you have it handy

Method 2: Ask Windows (easiest)

  • Press the Windows key + R at the same time
  • Type msinfo32 and press Enter
  • Check the System SKU line for the full model number
  • The Processor line shows Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus or Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
  • The Installed Physical Memory (RAM) line shows 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB

Method 3: Check the graphics chip

  • Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager
  • Click the arrow next to Display adapters
  • You'll see an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060, RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, or RTX 5090 Laptop GPU (RTX 5090 = Edition 20)
  • To check storage, open File Explorer, click This PC, and look at the size of the C: drive (about 930GB means 1TB; about 1.8TB means 2TB)

Reading the model number

  • The character right after JNK is the processor: 7 = Core Ultra 7, 9 = Core Ultra 9
  • The character after the X is the graphics chip: 5 = RTX 5060, 3 = RTX 5070 Ti, 2 = RTX 5080, 8 = RTX 5090 (Edition 20)
  • Example: RNUC16JNK9X289AU = Core Ultra 9 with RTX 5080
  • A model number ending in U is a US unit; one ending in W is a white unit sold outside the US

✅ Standard ROG NUC 16: the model number contains NUC16JNK, the chassis is solid black or solid white, and Windows shows an RTX 5060, RTX 5070 Ti, or RTX 5080.

✅ ROG NUC 16 Edition 20: the model number starts with RNUC16JNK9X8ADA, the shell is see-through with gold trim, and Windows shows an RTX 5090. Choose the Edition 20 option in the quote tool, because it's worth considerably more.

❌ This is not your device if: the model number does not contain NUC16JNK, or the processor is a Core Ultra 9 275HX, Core Ultra 7 255HX, Core Ultra 9 185H, or Core Ultra 7 155H. Still not sure? Our model finder guide walks you through it.

Factory configurations & model numbers

Every ROG NUC 16 shares the same chassis size, port layout, Wi-Fi, and cooling design. They differ in processor, graphics, memory, storage, color, and power adapter, and the Edition 20 adds its own anniversary design.

RTX 5060 entry models

  • RNUC16JNK7X589AU — Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus, RTX 5060 8GB, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Black ($2,499)
  • RNUC16JNK7X569AU — Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus, RTX 5060 8GB, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Black
  • Ships with a 280W power adapter

RTX 5070 Ti model

  • RNUC16JNK9X389AU — Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5070 Ti 12GB, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Black (≈ $3,117)
  • Ships with a 380W power adapter

RTX 5080 flagship models

  • RNUC16JNK9X289AU — Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5080 16GB, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Black ($3,799)
  • RNUC16JNK9X2AAAU — Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5080 16GB, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD, White (≈ $4,999)
  • 1NUC16JNK9X285A1 — Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5080 16GB, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, sold in Black or White under the same model number
  • All ship with a 380W power adapter

Edition 20 (limited edition)

  • RNUC16JNK9X8ADAU — Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5090 24GB, 64GB RAM, 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD, semi-transparent black with gold accents ($5,999, US)
  • International: RNUC16JNK9X8ADA6 (global), RNUC16JNK9X8ADA4 (Australia), RNUC16JNK9X8ADA2 (Europe)
  • Ships with a 380W power adapter

International standard model numbers

  • RNUC16JNK9X389A2 / RNUC16JNK9X389A2W — RTX 5070 Ti, 32GB, 1TB (Black / White)
  • RNUC16JNK9X28AA2 / RNUC16JNK9X28AA2W — RTX 5080, 32GB, 2TB (Black / White)
  • RNUC16JNK9X384A2 — RTX 5070 Ti, 32GB, 1TB
  • RNUC16JNK9X285A2 / 1NUC16JNK9X285A2 — RTX 5080, 32GB, 2TB
  • Other ASUS-listed codes: RNUC16JNK7X58AA6, RNUC16JNK7X564AU, RNUC16JNK9X484AU

Core hardware

Processor (CPU)

  • Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus — 20 cores (8 Performance + 12 Efficient), 20 threads, up to 5.3 GHz (RTX 5060 models only)
  • Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus — 24 cores (8 Performance + 16 Efficient), 24 threads, up to 5.5 GHz (RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and Edition 20)
  • Both run at up to 160W and include a built-in NPU for Windows AI features
  • Intel HM870 chipset

Graphics (GPU)

  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU — 8GB GDDR7
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU — 12GB GDDR7
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU — 16GB GDDR7
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU — 24GB GDDR7, up to 175W (Edition 20 only)
  • Supports ray tracing and DLSS AI upscaling
  • The GPU is built into the motherboard and cannot be swapped or upgraded

Memory (RAM)

  • 16GB — 2 × 8GB DDR5-5600 (RNUC16JNK7X569AU)
  • 32GB — 2 × 16GB DDR5-6400 CSO-DIMM (most standard models)
  • 64GB — 2 × 32GB DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM (white RNUC16JNK9X2AAAU) or 2 × 32GB DDR5-6400 CSO-DIMM (Edition 20)
  • Two removable memory slots — not soldered, upgradable to 128GB (2 × 64GB)
  • A dedicated fan cools the memory modules

Storage

  • Standard models: 1TB or 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
  • Edition 20: 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 5.0 SSD
  • Two M.2 2280 slots total: one PCIe Gen 4 x4 and one PCIe Gen 5 x4, with one slot left empty for a second SSD
  • Dedicated SSD heatsink to prevent heat-related slowdowns

Video output & audio

Video output

This is a desktop with no built-in screen, so you connect your own monitor or TV. Every configuration, including the Edition 20, has five video-capable ports on the back: two HDMI 2.1 (FRL), two DisplayPort 2.1, and one Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port with DisplayPort 2.1. That covers high-refresh gaming monitors, 4K TVs, and multi-monitor desks.

Audio

Realtek ALC3342 audio with a front 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack. ASUS does not list built-in speakers, so you'll use headphones, monitor speakers, or audio over HDMI/DisplayPort.

Ports & connectivity

The port layout is identical on every model in the series. Everyday plugs sit up front, while displays, networking, and power route out the back.

Front
  • 2× USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
  • 1× USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
  • 1× 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack
Rear
  • 1× Thunderbolt 4 Type-C (with DisplayPort 2.1 video output)
  • 4× USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
  • 2× HDMI 2.1 (FRL)
  • 2× DisplayPort 2.1
  • 1× RJ-45 Ethernet (Realtek RTL8125D, 2.5 Gigabit)
  • 1× DC power input (ASUS rectangular connector)
  • 1× Kensington security lock slot

What this PC does not have: no SD card reader, no Thunderbolt 5, no USB 2.0 ports, no optical (CD/DVD) drive, no built-in power supply (it uses an external power brick), and no USB-C charging input. The front USB-C port is for data only.

Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750x Bluetooth 5.4 2.5G Ethernet Windows 11 Home

Power, cooling & build

Power supply

External power adapter with a rectangular ASUS connector, sized to the graphics chip: 280W (20V, 14A) on RTX 5060 models and 380W (20V, 19A) on RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and Edition 20 models. A 280W adapter will not properly power the higher-end models, and standard USB-C chargers won't power any version.

Cooling

Three QuietCooling fans, including a dedicated 75 × 75 × 7.5mm fan just for the memory, paired with a unified vapor chamber that cools the CPU and GPU together, plus a separate SSD heatsink.

Chassis & colors

3-liter chassis with the ROG logo. Standard models come in solid Black or White. The Edition 20 uses a semi-transparent black shell with gold accents. Every model stands upright on the included stand or lies flat, so it fits on a desk, under a TV, or in an entertainment center.

Dimensions

11.12" × 7.46" × 2.22" (282.4 × 189.5 × 56.5 mm). The stand widens the footprint to about 4.64" (117.9 mm) when standing upright.

Weight

≈ 6.9–7.1 lb (3.12–3.2 kg), not counting the external power adapter.

In the box

The PC, vertical stand, AC adapter, and power cord, plus safety and warranty paperwork. No keyboard, mouse, or monitor was included.

Frequently asked questions

01 How do I find out which ROG NUC 16 configuration I have?
The fastest way is to read the model number on the white sticker under or behind the unit. It starts with RNUC16JNK or 1NUC16JNK, and you can match it to the configuration list on this page. If the sticker is hard to read, turn on the PC, press the Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. The System SKU line shows the same number. To double-check the graphics chip, right-click Start, open Device Manager, and expand Display adapters. For a picture-by-picture walkthrough, visit our guide to finding your device's model.
02 How do I tell the Edition 20 from a standard ROG NUC 16, or from older ROG NUC models?
The Edition 20 is easy to spot: it has a see-through shell with gold accents, an RTX 5090, and a model number starting with RNUC16JNK9X8ADA. Standard ROG NUC 16 units are solid black or solid white and top out at an RTX 5080. Older models can look similar, though. The 2025 ROG NUC uses a Core Ultra 9 275HX or Core Ultra 7 255HX processor and does not have "NUC16JNK" in its model number. The original 2024 ROG NUC is smaller (2.5 liters), uses a Core Ultra 7 155H or Core Ultra 9 185H with RTX 4060 or 4070 graphics, and has a front SD card reader. Checking the processor in msinfo32 is the quickest way to tell them apart.
03 Can I sell a ROG NUC 16 that is damaged, upgraded, or missing parts?
Yes. We buy units in every condition, from like-new to not powering on. Scratches, dents, scuffed Edition 20 panels, noisy fans, or a missing stand will lower the offer but won't disqualify it. Just choose the condition that best matches your unit in the tool above. If you added memory or a second SSD, leave the parts installed and tell us about the upgrade through our custom quote request so we can price the extras. Please include the original power adapter. RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and Edition 20 units need the 380W adapter to be tested at full power, and a smaller 280W adapter isn't a substitute.
04 What's the easiest way to sell my ROG NUC 16 online, and what affects its value?
Many people don't realize they can skip marketplace listings and sell a gaming PC through a trade-in service. With Gadget Salvation, you pick your configuration and condition, get an instant cash offer, print a free prepaid shipping label, and get paid once our team checks your PC. There are no listing fees, no haggling, and no risk of buyer scams. See the full process on our how it works page. The graphics chip matters most. The RTX 5090 Edition 20 is the most valuable, followed by RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5060 units. After that, the Core Ultra 9 processor, 64GB of memory, and a 2TB SSD each add value. Sending the original power adapter, power cord, and stand, keeping the case clean and scratch-free, and including the original box (especially for the limited-run Edition 20) all help you get the top offer. New to selling electronics? Our first-time seller guide covers the basics, and businesses with several units can use our bulk selling program.
05 How do I wipe my data, and how fast will I get paid?
Before shipping, back up your files and game saves to an external drive or cloud storage. Then sign out of your Microsoft account, Steam, and other game launchers, and turn off Find my device under Settings → Privacy & security. If the PC was issued by an employer, ask your IT team to release it from Intune, Autopilot, or any other device management first. You don't need to remove the SSDs: our technicians securely erase every drive we receive, as explained in our data erasure protocols. Pack the PC snugly using our shipping instructions and the free, insured label we provide. Once it arrives and passes inspection, payment is approved within two business days through PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or a mailed check.
06What's the trade-in value of my ASUS ROG NUC 16 Mini Gaming Desktop?
The calculator at the top of this page gives you the current cash offer in a few seconds — no sign-up, no haggling and no waiting on an appraisal. Pick the configuration that matches your ASUS ROG NUC 16 Mini Gaming Desktop, then tell us its cosmetic condition and whether everything still works. The quote updates as you answer, and the amount you accept is what we pay, provided the device arrives as described. If something is wrong with it — a cracked screen, a tired battery, a laptop that will not power on — say so in the calculator; we still buy most faulty devices, the offer simply adjusts. Offers track the resale market, so it is worth checking again if you are not ready to sell today.
07Where can I sell my ASUS ROG NUC 16 Mini Gaming Desktop?
You can list it yourself on eBay, Swappa, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, but then you are writing the listing, answering lowball offers, packing and shipping it, and carrying the risk of a chargeback or a return weeks later. Gadget Salvation buys your ASUS ROG NUC 16 Mini Gaming Desktop outright. Accept the quote above, print the prepaid insured UPS label we email you, and drop the parcel off. There are no listing fees and no selling fees, so nothing is deducted from the amount you accepted. Our technicians test the device on arrival and payment goes out within two business days by PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Cash App or check. We have been buying devices straight from their owners since 2008, and every one is data-wiped before resale.