Relying on unreliable technology is incredibly frustrating. After years of dealing with laptops that constantly failed me, I decided to find something better. My search led me to the ROG NUC 970 i9 mini PC – a powerful, compact system that excels in gaming, productivity, and beyond. It has transformed how I work and play, delivering seamless performance with every use.

Let me share my journey and why this mini PC is worth considering.

My Laptop Frustrations

I started with high-end gaming laptops, including the Alienware Area 51 and ROG Strix Scar 15. These machines initially performed well but didn’t last. The most painful experience was with my Alienware A51 Dark Side of the Moon, which developed keyboard problems exactly two years after the warranty expired.

That laptop was a dream come true—I had gone through a lot just to get it, even shipping it directly from Dell. For it to fail so soon after the warranty ended was a huge disappointment. Screen failures, keyboard issues, and constant repairs eventually made me realize laptops weren’t a long-term solution. After my last laptop failed, I knew I needed something more reliable.

I then got the ROG Strix Scar 15, which hasn’t given me any issues so far. However, the monitor felt too small for my needs. This limitation made me realize it was time to look for a more versatile and powerful option.

Discovering Mini PCs

Switching to mini PCs felt like a fresh start. My first was the Geekom AS6 Ryzen 9, which I also needed to order from the US and ship it here. It was a revelation—small, efficient, and surprisingly capable for its size. However, it lacked the NVIDIA GeForce Experience screen recording feature, which I plan to use for my gaming videos. That was the tipping point. I knew that if I was going to invest in another mini PC, it had to have NVIDIA graphics. I couldn’t settle for anything less.

Why I Chose the ROG NUC 970 i9

The ROG NUC 970 i9 mini PC stood out as the perfect solution. After comparing it to the ROG NUC 760 i7, the i9 model’s specs made it the clear winner.

• Processor: The Intel Core i9 with 8 performance cores and 16 efficiency cores handles multitasking effortlessly.
• RAM: With 32GB (expandable to 64GB), this PC easily manages demanding applications.
• Storage: The 1TB SSD, plus my upgraded Samsung 990 Pro 2TB SSD, provides ample space for games and media.
• Graphics: Equipped with the NVIDIA RTX 4070, it offers excellent performance for gaming and content creation.

The Buying Experience: From Research to Reality

Finding the ROG NUC 970 i9 wasn’t easy, especially since it’s a high-end, newly released PC. I didn’t keep my hopes up initially, knowing it might be hard to find. After calling three stores, only one had it in stock – specifically the i9 model. Even then, they had to pull it from their warehouse to bring it to the store.

To secure the unit, I made a 50% down payment via bank transfer and paid the remaining 50% upon pickup. With only two units available at the time, I felt fortunate to reserve one. I waited for their call to confirm it was ready and, once notified, headed straight to the store to pick it up. It felt like a major win after the effort I put into finding it.

Upgrading and Testing the ROG NUC

Upgrading the system was straightforward. The modular design made adding the Samsung 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD 990 PRO simple, and the advanced cooling system impressed me. Even during stress tests, the system ran quietly and stayed cool.

Connecting it to my ASUS TUF Gaming monitor, I tested its gaming capabilities with World of Warcraft. The results were stunning. Graphics looked vibrant and detailed, while gameplay was smooth and lag-free, even during demanding raids.

Is the ROG NUC 970 i9 Worth It?

Absolutely. The ROG NUC 970 i9 combines power, reliability, and a sleek design. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or multitasker, this mini PC handles it all effortlessly. It’s been roughly three months since I started using this machine, and so far, it has exceeded my expectations in every area. The Samsung 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD 990 PRO upgrade has improved performance, and the system’s advanced cooling keeps everything running smoothly – even during heavy use. The modular design made the upgrade process simple, and the unit stays quiet and cool under stress tests.

As I continue to use the ROG NUC 970 i9  with my ASUS TUF Gaming monitor, I’m confident in its performance. However, since I’ve only had it for a few months, I’ll be sure to update this review as needed. Based on my current experience, though, I can confidently say it’s been an exceptional investment. Whether for gaming, graphic design, or multitasking, it’s my ultimate tech upgrade.

Disclaimer: Not a Sponsored Post

Lastly, I want to emphasize that this post is not sponsored. I purchased the ROG NUC 970 i9 entirely with my own hard-earned money. My experience, opinions, and thoughts shared in this review are completely genuine and based on my personal use of the product.

I’m not being compensated by any brands or retailers, and this is simply my honest review after investing in a high-end system to meet my gaming and design needs. Everything shared here comes from my own experience and research, and I hope it helps anyone considering this purchase.

If you have any questions about the device or my experience, feel free to leave a comment below. I’ll do my best to answer them as thoroughly as I can!