ASRock is preparing to expand its compact PC lineup with two new mini PCs built for modern performance and local AI workloads: the ASRock NUC Ultra 300 and the ASRock NUCS Ultra 300. Despite their small footprints, both models target users who want a space-saving desktop that can still handle demanding multitasking, fast storage, and AI-accelerated applications.
The two systems are closely related, but they differ in size and ports. The NUCS Ultra 300 is the slimmer option at 117.5 x 110 x 38 mm, while the NUC Ultra 300 is slightly taller at 49 mm. That size difference may be small on paper, but it can matter when you’re trying to fit a mini PC behind a monitor, inside a tight workspace, or into a compact home lab setup.
Connectivity is another key distinction. The ASRock NUC Ultra 300 leans into high-speed expansion and wired networking with one Thunderbolt 4 port, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and dual Ethernet ports rated up to 2.5Gbps each. The NUCS Ultra 300 keeps four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports as well, but trims Ethernet down to a single port. Display outputs also differ, with the NUCS Ultra 300 specifically listed as offering HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1, making it appealing for users who care about modern display standards and high-refresh or high-resolution monitor setups.
On the performance and upgrade side, ASRock says both mini PCs will support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory running at up to 7,200MHz. Storage expandability is also strong for machines in this size class, with support for two M.2 SSDs. One M.2 slot can use PCIe 5.0 x4 lanes, while the second uses PCIe 4.0 x4 lanes. In everyday use, that PCIe 5.0 advantage may not always be dramatic, but it’s a notable spec for buyers who want the fastest possible NVMe storage on a compact system.
While full detailed specifications haven’t been released yet, one major point is confirmed: the NUC Ultra 300 Box series will be offered with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors. ASRock is promoting up to 180 TOPS of AI performance, a figure that reflects combined compute capability across the CPU, integrated GPU, and NPU rather than the NPU alone. The goal is clear: these mini PCs are designed to run AI features locally, accelerating compatible models and workloads without relying exclusively on cloud processing.
Pricing and release timing haven’t been announced so far, but with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips and an emphasis on AI acceleration, the ASRock NUC Ultra 300 and NUCS Ultra 300 are shaping up to be compelling options for buyers looking for a modern, compact desktop for productivity, development, light workstation work, or AI-enabled applications.
