The ASUS NUC 15 Pro serves as the most exceptional mini PC which ASUS launched in January 2025 since the company acquired the NUC brand from Intel after Intel stopped manufacturing NUC devices. The system operates well for content creation software development and local AI workloads because of its compact 0.48-liter chassis which houses an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and Intel Arc graphics and its capacity for hardware upgrades.
The system provides easy upgrades while maintaining military-grade strength which enables users to operate the product in compact spaces without performance restrictions. The ASUS NUC 15 Pro mini PC maintains its ability to expand and operate under tough conditions despite its 0.48-liter size. The aluminum chassis of the device meets MIL-STD-810H military-grade standards which consumer NUC systems typically do not possess. The enterprise and studio environments that require continuous operation need this level of durability as an essential requirement rather than an additional feature.
ASUS offers two chassis options: a Slim version and a taller Tall version, the latter supporting an additional 2.5-inch drive or a second LAN port. The device comes with a tool-less design which enables users to access the internal components without using a screwdriver to complete RAM and SSD upgrades that take less than one minute. The system provides users with an important benefit because they can upgrade their systems at any time, which differs from closed systems like the Mac mini that restrict upgrades after customers make their initial purchase.
The system provides dual DDR5 SO-DIMM slots which support 96GB of RAM and two M.2 slots that contain one PCIe Gen5 and one PCIe Gen4 interface to provide users with multiple options for enhancing their system performance and storage capacity. The NUC 15 Pro open architecture delivers a major benefit to users who require a powerful compact machine for their work in virtualization rendering local AI processing and systems that require long-term operation.
Core Ultra CPU – desktop-level performance for most tasks
The ASUS NUC 15 Pro uses the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor which belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2 of Meteor Lake Refresh. The chip contains 16 cores which include 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores and 2 low-power efficiency cores to handle multiple tasks while using its NPU to perform artificial intelligence computations on the device.
It achieves a Geekbench 6 score of 2,761 in single-core performance and 14,164 in multi-core performance which matches or outperforms several 13th and 14th Generation Core i7 desktop processors. This system demonstrates outstanding performance for a mini PC.
The system reaches 4,631 points in single-core performance and approximately 31,360 points in multi-core performance during PassMark assessments. The Apple M4 processor which has 10 cores achieves scores of about 4,586 in single-core performance and 24,048 in multi-core performance. The NUC 15 Pro provides equal single-core capabilities while delivering superior multi-core abilities which make it better for rendering and video editing and multi-threaded tasks.
The NUC 15 Pro PCIe Gen4 SSD achieves a score of 46,781 in PassMark Disk Mark tests. Its storage capabilities match those of Mac mini M4 systems yet it surpasses them by allowing users to upgrade their storage through PCIe Gen5 SSDs.
Its exceptional multi-threaded capabilities enable it to perform video editing and data analysis and virtualization tasks. The system maintains stable operation for extended durations because it utilizes efficient cooling and optimized TDP to prevent excessive heat and noise which makes it suitable for both professional settings and restricted work environments.
The system uses an integrated GPU which provides sufficient processing capacity for both creative work and eSports competitions. The NUC 15 Pro’s Intel Arc 140T integrated GPU delivers performance that competes with leading integrated graphics processing units which exist in the market today. The Alchemist architecture of the system, which operates like discrete Arc GPUs, contains 8 Xe cores and 8GB of shared VRAM. The system can process modern technologies by using XeSS, ray tracing and AV1 encoding/decoding.
The system achieves a score of 38,702 in Geekbench 6 (OpenCL) which surpasses entry-level discrete GPUs including the NVIDIA MX550 and almost matches the GTX 1650 Max-Q performance in specific video rendering tasks. The system can execute 4K video editing in both DaVinci Resolve and Premiere while maintaining quick export performance. The system enables eSports gaming at 60 frames per second in 1080p resolution for Valorant, CS2, and Genshin Impact.
The Intel Arc GPU provides optimal performance for AI inference tasks because it supports OpenVINO and Intel oneAPI-optimized software which benefits creators and AI/ML developers and technical users by providing more capabilities than Apple M-series iGPUs.
The NUC 15 Pro enables users to create a small semi-professional video editing environment which functions as a creative workstation while delivering better energy efficiency and space saving and cost effectiveness than mid-range desktop systems.
The system provides complete connection options which range from Thunderbolt 4 to Wi-Fi 7.
The ASUS NUC 15 Pro demonstrates that mini PCs face challenges with connectivity because it provides complete port access which enables both professional work and advanced content production.
The front includes two USB-A 3.2 Gen2 ports and one USB-C Gen2x2 port together with a combo audio jack which allows users to connect devices without delay. The rear of the system contains an advanced configuration that supports 2 x HDMI 2.1 (4K@60Hz) and 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB4 with DisplayPort 2.1) together with 2.5GbE LAN and extra USB-A ports and USB 2.0 ports for connecting older devices.
The system supports four 4K displays to work at the same time which provides great support for stock trading and multi-window programming and monitoring systems and multi-layer media production work. The NUC 15 Pro system offers future-proofing capabilities through its combination of Wi-Fi 7 technology and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.
People who need different kinds of flexibility should look at NUC 15 Pro as their main choice while Mac mini M4 provides a complete ecosystem solution. People who want to buy a premium mini PC must decide between ASUS NUC 15 Pro and Mac mini M4 at this specific market segment. The two devices offer compact designs with strong performance capabilities, yet their design approaches and user experiences create major operational differences between them.
The Mac mini M4 system which runs on Apple’s M4 SoC provides superior single-core performance because its built-in applications work better within macOS than any other operating system. The system requires users to select from available configurations because it does not provide options to enhance RAM or storage capacity after they make their initial purchase.
The ASUS NUC 15 Pro provides multiple options to users because it supports 96GB RAM and PCIe Gen5 SSDs and Windows 11 and Linux operating systems. IT professionals and developers and creators can use the system for complete control because they have the option to choose components that match their financial needs and conduct system upkeep work and build their system over time.
Both systems provide competitive performance because the Mac mini M4 performs better in single-core tasks and thermal management while the NUC 15 Pro delivers superior multitasking capabilities and GPU support and customization options and better economic value through self-built systems.
Conclusion
The ASUS NUC 15 Pro combines strong performance with simple upgrade options and a small footprint to become an ideal mini PC solution that meets the needs of professionals who require a powerful system that will remain effective for future use.
ASUS NUC 15 Pro Slim Barebones Mini PC with Intel Series 2 Core 7 240H, up to 96GB DDR5 RAM, Dual Storage Design, Thunderbolt™ 4, Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 5.4, Toolless Chassis Access, VESA Mount Included:
ASUS NUC 15 Pro AI Business Mini PC (Intel Ultra 7-255H, Intel Arc 140T, 32GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe SSD, 2 Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Toolless Chassis Access, RJ-45, 2 HDMI, Win 11 Pro):
ASUS NUC 15 Pro, for Intel NUC 15 Pro Mini PC, DDR5 5600 32GB RAM&1TB PCIe4 SSD, Ultra 7-240H Processor(16C/16T/24M Cache,Up to 5.1GHz) Type C 3.2, 8K, WiFi7, Win11 Pro for Business, Home, Office:
ASUS NUC 15 Pro Tall Barebones Mini PC with Intel Series 2 Core Ultra 7 255H, up to 96GB DDR5 RAM, Dual Storage, Thunderbolt™ 4, Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 5.4, Toolless Chassis Access, VESA Mount Included:
ASUS NUC 15 Pro AI Business Mini PC (Intel Ultra 7-255H, Intel Arc 140T, 32GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe SSD, 2 Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Toolless Chassis Access, RJ-45, 2 HDMI, Win 11 Pro):
ASUS NUC 15 Pro Small PC, Intel Series 2 Core Ultra 7 255H, 64GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Intel Arc 140T GPU, 8K/Quad 4K HDR, Win 11 Pro, Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 7, BT5.4, for AI Workloads & Video Editing:
Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.