Get ready for a tech revolution! ASUS is diving headfirst into the world of AI-powered mini PCs, and their latest releases are set to shake up the market.
At CES 2026, ASUS unveiled two cutting-edge mini-PCs, targeting professionals and businesses with their innovative features. But here's where it gets controversial... one is powered by AMD, and the other by Intel.
First up, let's talk about the AMD-powered ExpertCenter PN55, a sleek and powerful mini-PC. It's an upgrade from the PN54, featuring AMD's new Ryzen AI 400 'Gorgon Point' processors. With options ranging from the Ryzen AI 5 430 to the top-of-the-line Ryzen AI 9 HX 470, these processors pack a punch! Despite its compact size (130 x 130 x 34 mm) and lightweight design (0.55 kg), the PN55 is a beast. It supports speedy DDR5-5600 memory, up to 32 GB, and offers PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage of up to 2 TB. Plus, it boasts Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and dual 2.5 GbE connectivity. And don't forget the front-mounted Copilot button and fingerprint reader for added convenience and security. ASUS even claims it has passed military-grade durability tests!
Now, let's shift our focus to the Intel-based NUC 16 Pro. This 0.7-liter powerhouse is based on Intel's Core Ultra processors, with the top-tier model boasting a 65W Core Ultra X9 388H. It's designed for heavy-duty local AI inference and automation tasks, thanks to Intel's NPU 5, which can deliver up to 180 platform TOPS. The NUC 16 Pro offers even more memory and storage flexibility, supporting up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM (or 96 GB LPDDR5x on soldered models) and dual M.2 slots. It also features modern connectivity options like Wi-Fi 7, dual 2.5 GbE, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 2.1, allowing for seamless multi-display setups. And just like the PN55, it's MIL-STD-810H certified.
Both of these mini-PCs are set to make a splash in the Australian market, but pricing and availability details are still under wraps. With AMD's Ryzen AI 400 platform and Intel's Panther Lake systems expected to hit stores soon, ASUS is making an early move in the 2026 AI PC race.
So, which team are you on - Team AMD or Team Intel? And what do you think about these mini-PCs? Are they the future of computing, or just a passing fad? Let's discuss in the comments!
