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| The ExpertCenter PN55 (pictured) looks very similar to the PN54. |
LAS VEGAS — CES 2026 has brought its usual wave of next-generation tech, and for professionals and power users seeking a compact yet mighty desktop solution, Asus has a compelling new entry. The company has formally unveiled the ExpertCenter PN55, a direct refresh of last year’s popular PN54 mini PC, now armed with the latest AMD Ryzen AI 400 series processors.
At the heart of the new PN55 is the promise of significant AI and graphical prowess. The top-tier configuration will feature an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX processor, paired with the powerful integrated Radeon 890M graphics. This combination aims to handle demanding productivity workloads, multimedia editing, and even some respectable gaming, all within a chassis barely larger than a paperback book.
It’s important to contextualize the leap forward. The Ryzen AI 400 series processors are based on AMD’s "Strix Point" architecture, representing an evolution rather than a revolution. This suggests users of last year's model, like the PN54 barebone kit with a Ryzen AI 7 350 (currently $660.99 on Amazon), may not find a dramatic raw CPU performance uplift. However, the true generational jump lies elsewhere.
Asus is heavily emphasizing the advanced XDNA 2 Neural Processing Unit (NPU) inside these chips. Capable of a notable 55 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second) of AI performance, this dedicated hardware accelerates modern AI-powered tasks like noise suppression in video calls, real-time language translation, and local AI model processing, freeing up the CPU and GPU for other duties.
Beyond the silicon, the PN55 impresses with its pro-grade expandability and connectivity. It supports up to a massive 96GB of DDR5 RAM running at 5600MHz. Where it truly shines for a desktop replacement is its remarkably comprehensive port selection, belying its tiny footprint:
- High-Speed Data & Charging: Three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, one USB 2.0 Type-C, and a flagship USB4 port for Thunderbolt-like capabilities.
- Multi-Display Powerhouse: Two DisplayPort 1.4 outputs, one HDMI 2.1 port, and support for driving up to four independent 4K displays simultaneously—a boon for financial analysts, content creators, and multi-taskers.
- Network-Focused: Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports for lightning-fast wired networking, link aggregation, or segmenting traffic, complemented by cutting-edge WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity.
For those considering an upgrade from an older system, the value proposition of previous-generation mini PCs remains strong, offering a balance of performance and cost.
Design-wise, the PN55 retains the understated, professional aesthetic of its predecessor, a compact black box designed to disappear under a monitor. Asus notes this design keeps it even more svelte than some contemporary competitors, like an Intel Panther Lake-powered NUC 16 Pro.
Asus has not yet announced official pricing or specific availability dates for the ExpertCenter PN55, but details are expected to follow shortly after CES. Based on its spec sheet, the PN55 is positioning itself as a premier choice for the modern hybrid workspace, packing workstation-level connectivity and next-gen AI acceleration into a truly minimal form factor.
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| Main highlights of the mini PC |