The decision to investigate the Asus ROG NUC won't be made on value. After all, this compact mini system is never going to compete with the best gaming PCs for cooling, upgradeability, or price-performance ratios. It's playing in a slightly different arena, one that purveyors of gaming laptops are more likely to spectate.
Mini PCs are rapidly growing in popularity, and it's got nothing to do with the Steam Machine. These rigs are seeing upticks everywhere, from productivity to creative workflows, and now gaming. Those who don't want to dedicate a filing cabinet's worth of space to a loud, hot, finnicky tower are turning to something a little more versatile, already configured with everything you need, but ultimately more expensive for the privilege.
