- ASUS adopts an AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 processor for its first NUC.
- This new generation of mini PC offers RDNA 3.5 graphics and advanced AI capabilities.
- The device has been spotted under the codename NUC14LNS.
- It could mark the beginning of a new era in the mini PC market, traditionally dominated by Intel.
ASUS seems to be making a mark in the mini PC market when designing what could be its first NUC equipped with an AMD processor. Until recently, these compact systems, officially known as Next Unit of Computing (NUC), were developed exclusively by Intel. However, following the acquisition of the line by ASUS, the company has begun to diversify its gaming options. hardware, now including a AMD-powered variant.
A new direction with the Ryzen AI Max Plus 395
The device, so far identified by the code name NUC14LNS, will incorporate the AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 processor. This chip is characterized by having 16 high performance cores based on Zen 5 architecture, 80 MB cache memory and a memory bandwidth of 256 GB / s. In addition, it includes an integrated graphics unit based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture that has 40 processing units, as well as an XDNA 2 NPU designed specifically for computing tasks. Artificial Intelligence with a processing capacity of 50 TOPS.
The potential of AMD's Strix Point APUs
The heart of the NUC, the Ryzen AI Max Plus 395, is part of the Strix Point APUs, a line that AMD has developed with scenarios that combine energy efficiency and high performance in mind. This processor not only promises to handle conventional tasks with ease, but is also emerging as an ideal option for applications based on artificial intelligence, which represents an added attraction in a market increasingly dominated by these technologies.
The design of the equipment also includes an advanced integrated graphics system. which highlights AMD's efforts to offer competitive solutions in terms of processing and visual experience. RDNA3.5 architecture, combined with the latest generation NPU, enables exciting possibilities for both productivity and entertainment in a compact form factor.
Competition for Intel Lunar Lake chips?
Interestingly, this would not be the only model planned under that nomenclature. Recent reports indicate that ASUS is also working on a version of the device named as NUC 14 Pro AI+, but with technology based on Intel Lunar Lake processors. This suggests that the company is looking to cater to different consumer segments simultaneously, employing technologies from both industry giants: Intel and AMD.
Although these devices are not expected to retain the "NUC" prefix in their official name due to Intel's intellectual property rights, the truth is that ASUS is betting on diversifying its product portfolio in a direction that few imagined a few years ago.
The path to commercialization
It is known that the device has already undergone testing in several regions, including certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This indicates that the project is in a advanced stage of development, although its absence during CES 2025 suggests that ASUS is still fine-tuning details before its commercial launch.
The mini PC market is undergoing a transformation, and ASUS is looking to position itself as a relevant player by integrating cutting-edge technologies into a compact format. Although it is not clear whether these units will be ready for mass marketing in the short term, it is clear that the brand has big plans for this segment.
The Ryzen AI Max Plus 395's focus and the advanced capabilities it integrates underscore AMD's efforts to establish itself as a serious alternative to Intel, not only in the PC realm. portable and desktop PCs, but now also in ultra-compact devices. ASUS, for its part, seems more than ready to lead this transition towards a new generation of mini PCs with high technological standards.
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