Asus NUC 16 Pro Debuts in Europe: Arc B390 Mini PC Hits $2,700

Sofía García · 2026-07-04

The mini PC market just got a major shake-up. Asus has officially launched the NUC 16 Pro in Europe, and it's turning heads with its powerful Arc B390 graphics and a price tag that reaches around $2,700 after taxes. That's a lot of machine in a tiny box. For professionals who need serious computing power without the bulk of a full tower, this new release is worth a close look. Let's break down what makes this mini PC stand out and whether it's the right fit for your workflow. ### What Is the Asus NUC 16 Pro? The Asus NUC 16 Pro is a compact desktop computer designed for demanding tasks like content creation, data analysis, and even light gaming. It packs Intel's latest processors alongside Intel Arc B390 discrete graphics, which is a big deal for a system this small. Mini PCs have come a long way. They used to be underpowered machines meant only for basic office work. Now, they compete with full-sized desktops in raw performance. The NUC 16 Pro is a perfect example of that evolution. ### Key Specs and Pricing Here are the highlights you need to know: - **Processor:** Intel Core Ultra 9 (16 cores, up to 5.1 GHz) - **Graphics:** Intel Arc B390 with 12 GB of dedicated VRAM - **RAM:** Up to 64 GB of DDR5 memory - **Storage:** Dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots (up to 4 TB total) - **Ports:** Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB-A, Ethernet 2.5 GbE - **Price:** Starts around $2,100, topping out at $2,700 with tax That pricing puts it in the same league as a high-end laptop or a custom-built desktop. But remember, you're getting everything in a chassis that's barely bigger than a hardcover book. ### Who Should Buy This Mini PC? This isn't for everyone. If you just need a computer for email and web browsing, you can spend a lot less. But if you're a video editor, 3D designer, or software developer who works with large datasets, the NUC 16 Pro could be a game-changer. Think about it: you can have this on your desk without sacrificing space. It runs quietly, uses less power than a tower, and still delivers workstation-level performance. For remote workers or people with cramped home offices, that's a huge win. > "The Asus NUC 16 Pro proves that big power really does come in small packages. It's built for professionals who refuse to compromise on performance just to save desk space." ### How It Compares to Other Mini PCs Compared to older NUC models, this one is a massive leap forward. The previous generation topped out with integrated graphics, which meant you couldn't do much gaming or GPU-heavy work. The Arc B390 changes everything. Other mini PCs like the Apple Mac Mini or Intel's own NUC 13 Pro are solid options, but they don't offer discrete graphics at this level. The Mac Mini with M2 Pro comes close, but it's more expensive for comparable specs and lacks the upgradeability of the NUC. ### Final Thoughts The Asus NUC 16 Pro is a premium product for a premium audience. It's not cheap, but it delivers exactly what it promises: top-tier performance in a compact form factor. If you're a professional who values both power and space efficiency, this mini PC deserves your attention. Just keep in mind that you'll need to add your own RAM and storage, which can push the total cost even higher. But for those who want the best, the NUC 16 Pro is a serious contender. [Note: This article is based on initial reports. Pricing and availability may vary by region.]