With the acquisition of Intel’s NUC (Next Unit of Computing) division officially completed in October 2023, ASUS has now fully embraced the challenge of continuing the legacy of powerful, ultra-compact PCs. The ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ is a prime example of this new chapter, representing a big step forward for the NUC brand under its new management.
THE HARDWARE: SO SMALL AND CAPABLE
The Asus NUC 15 Pro+ is a compact mini PC that manages to combine high-end performance with an impressively small footprint. Measuring just 144 by 112 by 42 millimetres and weighing only 600 grams, it is a desktop you can hold in the palm of your hand, yet it doesn’t compromise on power. The design is sleek and understated, with an aluminium chassis that not only looks professional but also offers durability. Asus has also thought about practicality, giving the NUC 15 Pro+ a clever tool-free design that makes upgrading RAM or storage straightforward. A spring-loaded hinged lever allows users to access the internals in seconds, a welcome feature for those who like to tinker or plan on expanding their setup over time.
Inside, the system can be configured with Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors, up to the Core Ultra 9 285H. These new chips, with configurable TDP up to 65 watts, bring significant generational improvements, particularly when it comes to handling AI-driven workloads. Thanks to a dedicated neural processing unit capable of delivering up to 99 TOPS, Asus claims the new NUC achieves up to 18 per cent better performance compared to its predecessor. Graphics are handled by integrated Intel Arc, which provides surprising power in such a small machine, and for the best performance, users will need to install dual-channel memory.
Speaking of memory, the NUC 15 Pro+ supports up to 96 gigabytes of DDR5 running at 6400 MHz across two SO-DIMM slots. Storage is similarly flexible, with one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot for ultra-fast NVMe drives (when paired with Core Ultra CPUs) and a secondary PCIe 4.0 slot, together supporting up to 8 terabytes of storage. For creative professionals or power users working with large files, this level of bandwidth and storage expansion is particularly appealing.
Connectivity is one of the areas where the Asus NUC 15 Pro+ really shines. It supports up to four 4K displays simultaneously via dual HDMI 2.1 outputs and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, both of which also carry DisplayPort 2.1 and USB4 functionality. Around the compact chassis, users also get a good mix of front and rear USB ports, including USB-C Gen 2×2 and multiple USB-A Gen 2 connectors. Networking is equally modern, with 2.5 gigabit Ethernet provided alongside Intel’s Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. This latest-generation wireless connectivity promises up to 2.4 times faster throughput than Wi-Fi 6 and dramatically reduces latency, making it ideal for both professional and home use.
PERFORMANCE AND USER EXPERIENCE
Despite its size and power, cooling has been carefully engineered to minimise noise levels. Asus has refined the thermal design so that the system runs whisper-quiet, with fan noise reduced by around 1.2 times compared to earlier models. It also incorporates some smart touches, such as proximity sensors that dim the lights or put the system into standby when you leave and wake it when you return, along with power syncing when paired with compatible Asus monitors.
The NUC 15 Pro+ is not just aimed at home users or enthusiasts but also at businesses. Selected models support Intel vPro, allowing for remote management and advanced security features, which makes deployment in enterprise environments far easier. The system is also built with sustainability in mind, using eco-conscious materials and packaging, and it passes military-grade MIL-STD-810H testing standards for durability. These assurances suggest it will hold up well under demanding use, whether in offices, studios, or labs.
What you get as a user is a remarkably compact, near-silent computer that’s capable of just about anything you choose to throw at it. Whether it’s desktop productivity work, streaming media to a TV, or even some reasonably high-end processing work like video editing. If you need something that ticks all these boxes and you’re space-poor, then a NUC really should be on your shopping list.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
It is worth noting that while the hardware platform is strong, many versions of the Asus NUC 15 Pro+ ship as barebones kits, requiring buyers to supply their own RAM, storage, and operating system. Fully configured models, such as those with 16 GB of memory and a 1 TB SSD, are priced at around AUD $1,899, which places them firmly in the premium category. However, for that investment, you are getting one of the most capable and compact mini PCs available today.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the Asus NUC 15 Pro+ represents the pinnacle of small form factor computing. It combines top-end Intel hardware with excellent connectivity, quiet cooling, and a host of enterprise features in a package that looks as good on a home desk as it does in a corporate deployment. Aside from gaming (I have a very expensive rig for that), the NUC 15 Pro+ did everything I needed it to and more. For anyone seeking desktop-class performance in a device that barely takes up more room than a paperback novel, this mini PC is a standout choice.
