Asus has officially started selling one of its new NUC 16 Pro mini PC configurations, giving buyers an early way to jump into Intel’s next-generation Panther Lake platform without waiting for the top-end model. First introduced at CES 2026, the NUC 16 Pro lineup is designed for users who want big PC performance in a compact mini desktop, with flexible upgrade options for memory and storage.
Right now, the version available to purchase is a mid-tier configuration powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H. This NUC 16 Pro model is listed for $999 and ships as a barebones system, meaning you’ll need to add your own RAM and SSD to complete the build. For many buyers, that’s a plus: it lets you choose the exact memory and storage setup you want, whether you’re building a productivity-focused workstation or a compact home PC.
One of the biggest selling points is upgrade headroom. The NUC 16 Pro includes two SODIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM, which is a strong ceiling for a mini PC in this class. Storage expansion is also a highlight. You get two M.2 slots with support for up to 16TB total capacity. Asus goes a step further by offering a faster slot for advanced drives: one M.2 slot supports a 2280 PCIe Gen 5×4 SSD, while the second supports a 2242 PCIe Gen 4×4 drive. That mix makes it easy to pair a blazing-fast primary drive with a secondary SSD for bulk storage.
On the graphics side, it’s worth knowing what you’re getting with this specific processor. The Core Ultra 7 356H does not include the performance-oriented Arc B390 integrated GPU found in higher-tier options. Instead, it relies on Intel Graphics with 4 Xe3 cores. Even so, it’s positioned to deliver respectable integrated graphics results, with performance in the range of AMD’s Radeon 760M for light gaming and GPU-accelerated creative tasks.
For users who want more graphics power, the connectivity makes the NUC 16 Pro especially interesting. It includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, enabling external GPU (eGPU) support for those who want to turn this mini PC into a more capable gaming or creator machine when docked.
Beyond Thunderbolt, Asus packs in a generous port selection that suits both home office setups and multi-display workstations:
4 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
2 Thunderbolt 4 ports
2 2.5G Ethernet ports
2 HDMI 2.1 ports
1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port
Practical design choices round out the package. The NUC 16 Pro features a toolless chassis for easier upgrades and maintenance, along with a dual-fan cooling system aimed at keeping performance consistent in a small form factor.
Asus has also confirmed that the NUC 16 Pro family will scale up to a higher-end Intel Core Ultra X9 388H option from the Panther Lake lineup, though that top configuration isn’t available to buy yet. For now, the Core Ultra 7 356H model offers a solid entry point for anyone looking for a premium mini PC with modern ports, fast SSD support, and a strong upgrade path.
