ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ Review: 2025’s Productivity Mini PC Champion

The ASUS NUC 15 Pro+, equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H and Wi-Fi 7, delivers robust AI performance and seamless connectivity, redefining the mini PC landscape. While its gaming capabilities for heavy titles are limited, it excels in office work, entertainment, and light creative tasks, making it an ideal choice for business and creative users.

1. Core Specifications

• Chip: Intel Core Ultra 9 285H (3nm process, 16 cores, 24 threads, up to 5.5GHz)
• Memory: Supports up to 96GB DDR5-6400
• Storage: Supports up to 8TB PCIe 5.0 SSD
• Price: Starting at ~$999 (barebones, excluding memory/storage)

2. Review Insights

The ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ marks a significant evolution since Intel handed over its NUC business to ASUS. Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor on a 3nm process, it features a 16-core (6 performance cores + 8 efficiency cores + 2 low-power cores) 24-thread design with a max turbo frequency of 5.5GHz. Its integrated Intel Arc GPU supports up to 99 TOPS of AI compute power. This mini PC shines in performance, design, expandability, and versatility across various use cases.

Performance Testing

According to initial reviews from Chiphell and Bilibili, the NUC 15 Pro+ excels in multitasking and professional software execution. Geekbench 6 scores show a single-core performance of ~2800 and multi-core performance of ~14000, a 20% improvement over the NUC 14 Pro+. In Cinebench R23, it achieves a multi-core score of 22000 and a single-core score of ~1900, rivaling mid-to-high-end laptops. Its enhanced NPU boosts AI performance, with generative AI models (e.g., Stable Diffusion) generating images ~30% faster, with latency under 1 second.

The Intel Arc GPU handles 1080p lightweight games like League of Legends and CS:GO smoothly, maintaining 60–80 FPS, but requires reduced settings for AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077. Cooling is impressive, with a 0.48-liter compact design and efficient air-cooling system keeping CPU temperatures at ~85°C after 30 minutes of full load, with noise levels below 40 dB, ideal for quiet office environments.

Classic Design

The NUC 15 Pro+ retains the iconic NUC compact design, with a 0.48-liter volume and weight under 1 kg, making it highly portable and desk-friendly. Its metal-and-plastic chassis with a matte finish exudes premium quality. A tool-less disassembly design simplifies memory and storage upgrades, with a compact internal layout for easy maintenance. The front features two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack, while the rear includes Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and a 2.5G Ethernet port, supporting quad 4K display output for multi-monitor setups.

Cooling and Noise

ASUS optimized the fan design and cooling module, maintaining CPU temperatures at ~85°C during high loads (e.g., 30 minutes of Cinebench R24) with noise levels below 40 dB. Compared to the Mac mini M2, the NUC 15 Pro+ offers superior cooling efficiency under heavy workloads.

Expandability

Expandability is a standout feature. It supports up to 96GB DDR5 memory and 8TB PCIe 5.0 SSD, meeting professional demands for large storage and high-speed access. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure fast connectivity, with Wi-Fi 7 download speeds reaching 46Gbps, ideal for large file transfers. The Thunderbolt 4 port enables external GPU or dock connections, unlocking further performance potential.

Use Cases

The NUC 15 Pro+ suits various scenarios, including professional content creation (video editing, 3D modeling), home server setups, light gaming, and high-end office tasks. Its compact size and low power consumption (15W idle, ~120W full load) make it perfect for space-constrained environments compared to traditional desktops.

✅ Pros

• Core Ultra 9 285H delivers robust performance with 99 TOPS AI compute power
• Supports 96GB DDR5 memory and 8TB PCIe 5.0 SSD for excellent expandability
• Wi-Fi 7 and quad 4K display output cater to multi-monitor office and entertainment needs

❌ Cons

• Integrated GPU struggles with AAA games at high settings
• High starting price, with a premium entry barrier
• Barebones configuration excludes memory/storage, requiring additional purchases

3. Popular Review Videos

YouTube Top Reviews

Robtech: Focus on NUC 15 Pro+ Performance Testing and Real-World Applications

• Overview: The ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ features the Intel Lunar Lake Core Ultra 9 285H processor and ARC 140T integrated GPU, with Wi-Fi 7 and upgradable RAM, ideal for gaming, content creation, and office tasks. The video evaluates performance and design through benchmarks and practical use.
• Pros: 12% single-core performance boost for high-performance tasks; enhanced ARC 140T GPU for gaming and creation; compact, durable design with a 3-year warranty; versatile ports including Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C.
• Cons: High CPU temperatures under load; noisy in performance mode; lacks 3.5mm audio jack and SD card reader; limited multi-core gains and higher power consumption than predecessors.
• Recommendation: Suited for budget-conscious users willing to tolerate some noise and heat, especially gamers, creators, and office users prioritizing single-core performance and portability. Not ideal for those needing high expandability or silent operation.

Bilibili Top Reviews

SpotoTsui: Product Unboxing and Performance Review

• Overview: The ASUS NUC 15 Pro+, powered by the Intel 285H processor (3nm), is a compact mini PC for office work, light creation, and home entertainment. The video tests CPU, GPU, AI performance, and cooling, emphasizing efficiency and portability.
• Pros: Strong performance for multitasking; enhanced AI capabilities for emerging apps; excellent cooling for stable long-term use; compact and portable for space-limited setups.
• Cons: High price with lower value compared to competitors; limited upgrade potential.
• Recommendation: Ideal for office users, light creators, and mini PC enthusiasts needing stable performance and portability with a flexible budget. Not suited for cost-conscious users or those requiring extensive expandability.

boss_zhang: In-Depth Review, 99 TOPS Performance Powerhouse

• Overview: The ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ with Intel Ultra 9 processor delivers 99 TOPS AI compute power, a high-performance mini PC. The video showcases its office, creation, and AI task performance through unboxing, benchmarks, and cooling analysis.
• Pros: Robust Ultra 9 performance with 99 TOPS for complex tasks; optimized for AI applications; efficient cooling for stable high loads; compact for constrained spaces.
• Cons: Premium price with lower value than some competitors; limited upgrade options.
• Recommendation: Perfect for professional users like AI developers, creators, and high-end office workers with ample budgets seeking performance and portability. Not for budget-limited or highly expandable needs.

JustBuyDY: Stylish White ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ Overview

• Overview: A sleek white mini PC with the Intel 285H processor, suited for office, entertainment, and light creation. The video highlights its design, performance, and portability through unboxing and quick tests, emphasizing aesthetics and efficiency.
• Pros: Balanced performance for daily tasks; quiet and effective cooling; compact and portable; stylish white design for desktop aesthetics.
• Cons: High price with modest value; limited port selection and expandability.
• Recommendation: Ideal for professionals, students, and home users prioritizing aesthetics and portability for office, media, and light creation. Not for budget-conscious or professional users needing extensive expandability.

4. Buying Advice

The ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ is perfect for users seeking a high-performance mini PC, particularly for video editing, 3D modeling, AI development, and multi-monitor office setups. Budget-conscious buyers can opt for the high-end configuration (32GB RAM + 1TB SSD) at ~$1300 for better value. For tighter budgets, the base NUC 15 Pro model at ~$700 (requiring separate memory/storage purchases) is a viable alternative. Compared to the Mac mini, the NUC 15 Pro+ offers superior expandability and AI compute power, ideal for users prioritizing flexibility.

• Tags:
• Hardware
• Mini PC
• Review