Because some work needs NVIDIA's CUDA ecosystem and a real graphics chip, and integrated graphics cannot supply that. The ASUS NUC 15 Performance pairs an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU (an RTX 5060 Laptop version also exists) in a roughly 3-litre box with a 330W adapter. That makes it a compact machine for GPU rendering, CAD and visualisation, video encoding and CUDA-based AI tools, in a plainer chassis than its gaming sibling, the ROG NUC. At SourceIT the NUC 15 Performance Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5070 barebone is S$2,787.70 (listed 3 Nov 2026). The limits to know are 8GB of graphics memory on the RTX 5070 Laptop (as ASUS specifies it for the same platform in the ROG NUC 2025), and much higher power draw than a standard NUC.
What is inside?
| Item | ASUS NUC 15 Performance |
|---|---|
| Processor | Core Ultra 9 275HX or Core Ultra 7 255HX |
| Graphics | NVIDIA RTX 5070 Laptop GPU or RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (laptop GPUs, not desktop cards; TGP not published) |
| Memory | 2x DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM |
| Storage | 2x M.2 2280 (one PCIe Gen5 x4, one Gen4 x4) |
| Display outputs | 2x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 2x DP 2.1, 1x Thunderbolt 4: five in total |
| Other ports | 6x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 7, BT 5.2, Kensington lock |
| Power | 330W adapter; ENERGY STAR short idle 23.5W for model NUC15JNK |
| Size | 282 x 190 x 57 mm, 3.12 kg, about 3 L |
From the ASUS NUC 15 Performance tech spec page, Notebookcheck (Aug 2025) and the ENERGY STAR record for NUC15JNK, accessed 3 Nov 2026.
What does the RTX GPU actually do for a business?
- GPU rendering and visualisation. Renderers and 3D tools that use CUDA or OptiX run far faster on an RTX GPU than on integrated graphics.
- CAD and engineering viewports. Large assemblies and GPU-accelerated simulation benefit from dedicated graphics memory.
- Video work. NVIDIA's hardware encoders speed up exports and streaming, and the five outputs suit multi-screen edit or control desks.
- AI tools built for CUDA. Most AI software is developed on NVIDIA first. PyTorch, ComfyUI and local LLM tools run with fewer workarounds than on Intel graphics. NVIDIA rates the RTX 5070 Laptop at 798 "AI TOPS", although its laptop page doesn't state the precision, so don't compare that figure with Intel's INT8 numbers. See Are AI TOPS Becoming the Most Misleading PC Specification?
Integrated graphics are good enough until the software asks for CUDA. Then nothing else will do.
What are the limits?
- 8GB of graphics memory. ASUS lists the RTX 5070 Laptop with 8GB on this platform, which caps the size of AI models and scenes it can hold. DaVinci Resolve Studio's advanced AI features list at least 16GB of VRAM, which needs an RTX 5080 Laptop, available in the ROG NUC.
- Power and heat. ENERGY STAR lists 23.5W short idle and 93.7 kWh typical yearly energy for NUC15JNK, against 4.2W and 20.4 kWh for the NUC 15 Pro. Under load it draws far more; see The ASUS NUC Electricity Experiment.
- It is a barebone. SourceIT lists the RTX 5070 version as a barebone. Adding two G.SKILL 16GB DDR5-5600 SO-DIMMs (S$411.25 each) and Windows 11 Pro (S$230.00) brings it to S$3,840.20 before the SSD.
NUC 15 Performance or ROG NUC?
They share the NUC15JNK model code in ENERGY STAR's records, the same CPU family and similar GPUs. The ROG NUC (2025) with Core Ultra 9 275HX, RTX 5070, 32GB and 1TB is S$3,982.86 ready to use, but with Windows 11 Home rather than Pro, and in a gaming-styled chassis. The ROG NUC 16 adds RTX 5070 Ti and 5080 options. We compare them in ASUS ROG NUC vs NUC 15 Performance. If your work is AI inference on large models rather than graphics, a GB10 system may suit better; see ROG NUC vs ASUS GX10.
Buying in Singapore
- NUC 15 Performance Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5070 barebone: S$2,787.70
- ROG NUC (2025) Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5070, 32GB, 1TB, Windows 11 Home: S$3,982.86
- ROG NUC 16 Ultra 9 290HX RTX 5080, 32GB, 1TB, Windows 11 Home: S$5,650.03
Prices listed 3 Nov 2026. The RTX 5060 version of the NUC 15 Performance is not listed; ask us about availability. Browse the ASUS NUC collection. For a quotation, including fitted memory and storage, use Request for Quotation on the product page, call (65) 6978 3502, email Sales@sourceit.com.sg or use our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What GPU is in the ASUS NUC 15 Performance? An NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU or RTX 5060 Laptop GPU. These are laptop-class GPUs, not desktop graphics cards.
Is the NUC 15 Performance good for AI? For CUDA-based tools and models that fit in 8GB of graphics memory, yes. Larger models need more VRAM or a GB10 system.
How much power does it use? ENERGY STAR lists 23.5W short idle and 93.7 kWh typical annual energy, and it ships with a 330W adapter for load.
How many monitors can it drive? It has five display outputs: two HDMI 2.1, two DisplayPort 2.1 and one Thunderbolt 4.
How much is the NUC 15 Performance in Singapore? At SourceIT on 3 Nov 2026, the Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5070 barebone is S$2,787.70.
SourceIT Approved
Researched and verified by the SourceIT team for Singapore buyers.
