ASUS is making a bold move into the future of computing with a full-scale embrace of AI-powered mini PCs. At CES 2026, they showcased their commitment with the unveiling of two new compact desktops designed for business and professional users: the AMD-powered ExpertCenter PN55 and the Intel-based NUC 16 Pro. This announcement signals a significant shift in the PC landscape, and here's what you need to know.
The ExpertCenter PN55 (pictured) is the latest iteration of ASUS's Copilot+ mini-PC, building upon the foundation of last year's PN54. It's powered by AMD's cutting-edge Ryzen AI 400 'Gorgon Point' processors. You can choose from a range of options, starting with the Ryzen AI 5 430 and going up to the top-of-the-line Ryzen AI 9 HX 470. These processors operate in the 40–45W range and incorporate an XDNA 2 NPU, capable of delivering up to 55 TOPS (trillions of operations per second). This is specifically designed to boost Windows 11 Copilot features and handle local AI tasks with impressive speed.
Despite its remarkably small size—just 130 x 130 x 34 mm and weighing a mere 0.55 kg—the PN55 doesn't skimp on features. It supports DDR5-5600 memory, with ASUS configurations offering up to 32 GB (though the platform itself can support more). It also includes PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage up to 2 TB, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and even dual 2.5 GbE ports. The port selection is equally impressive, including USB4 with DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, dual DisplayPort 1.4, a convenient front-mounted Copilot button, and a fingerprint reader for added security. ASUS also emphasizes its durability, having subjected the PN55 to military-grade testing.
Alongside the PN55, ASUS also introduced the NUC 16 Pro (pictured), a more powerful system that's slightly larger at 0.7 liters. This model is built around Intel's latest Core Ultra processors, with the top-end configuration featuring a 65W Core Ultra X9 388H. The NUC 16 Pro boasts Intel's NPU 5, which can deliver up to 180 platform TOPS, making it ideal for more demanding local AI inference and automation tasks.
The NUC 16 Pro offers even greater flexibility in terms of memory and storage, supporting up to 128 GB of DDR5 (or 96 GB LPDDR5x on soldered models) and dual M.2 slots, including one PCIe Gen 5 slot. Connectivity is also top-of-the-line, with Wi-Fi 7, dual 2.5 GbE, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 2.1. It can also support up to four 4K displays. Like the PN55, the NUC 16 Pro has also passed MIL-STD-810H certification.
But here's where it gets interesting... The pricing and availability in Australia for both systems haven't been announced yet. However, with AMD's Ryzen AI 400 platform expected to launch in late January and Intel's Panther Lake systems following closely behind, ASUS is clearly positioning itself at the forefront of the AI PC revolution in 2026. This early move suggests a strong belief in the future of AI-driven computing.
And this is the part most people miss... The integration of NPUs in these mini-PCs is a game-changer. It means that AI tasks can be performed locally, leading to faster processing times, improved privacy, and reduced reliance on cloud services.
Controversy & Comment Hooks: What do you think about ASUS's aggressive move into AI-powered mini PCs? Do you believe this is the future of computing, or are there other factors that will influence the market? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
