ASUS Launches NUC 16 PRO Featuring Intel Core Ultra X7 358H Priced at $1600

The ASUS NUC 16 PRO mini PC is set to launch in multiple configurations, promising high-end performance; however, potential buyers should be prepared for premium pricing, especially for models equipped with the Ultra X7 and X9 processors.

ASUS Unveils the Ultra X7 358H-Powered NUC 16 Pro Mini PC Starting at $1600 in China

In a competitive market where Ryzen AI Max-based mini PCs are already exceeding $1500, ASUS’s latest offering aligns with this trend. The increasing prices are largely attributed to ongoing RAM and SSD shortages affecting various systems. The newly announced NUC 16 PRO mini PC, slated for 2026, incorporates these challenges while showcasing innovations based on the latest Panther Lake chips.

An image showcasing the ASUS NUC 16 Pro with an Intel Core Ultra X9 Series 3 processor, Intel Arc B390 GPU, support for WiFi 7, dual LAN, dual SSD, and Quad 4K displays, featuring a robust design with tool-less 2.0 chassis and dual-fan cooling system, optimized for AI

The NUC 16 Pro comes equipped with top-tier components, including the flagship Intel Core Ultra X9 388H processor, designed for maximum performance across various tasks through its integrated CPU, NPU, and GPU capabilities. There is also an option featuring the Core Ultra X7 358H processor, which, like its higher-end counterpart, boasts 16 cores but operates at lower clock speeds. Both configurations include the Intel Arc B390 integrated GPU with 12 Xe3 cores, facilitating smooth graphics rendering.

According to sources such as @realVictor_M, the Ultra X7 358H model launched in China is characterized by 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, carrying a price tag of 10, 999 Yuan (approximately $1600).This positions it as one of the most premium iGPU mini PCs from ASUS. However, it competes closely with other high-performance devices, including Zen 5-based mini PCs like Strix Point and Strix Halo, while more basic configurations will be available at lower price points.

The image shows an ASUS NUC 16 Pro mini PC advertisement with specifications including 'Ultra X7 358H', '180 TOPs 算力', '65W' — Image Credit: @realVictor_M

For budget-conscious consumers, ASUS also introduced a Barebone Mini PC version of the NUC 16 Pro featuring the Core Ultra 7 356H, available for $999 through Newegg. This model, while based on the same 16-core Panther Lake technology, includes a less powerful solution with slower, 4 Xe3-based integrated graphics, which explains its lower price. Its AI processing capacity for the Ultra X7 358H configuration is notably impressive, offering up to 180 TOPS of performance through its CPU, GPU, and NPU synergy. The flagship variant aims for similar performance benchmarks, although it is likely to remain under $2000, positioning it as an attractive option for users requiring robust computational power.

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