With the NUC 16 Pro, the dream of a fanless gaming mini PC is finally within reach. Recently unveiled at CES 2026, the Core Ultra X9 388H model featuring the new Intel Arc B390 integrated graphics is a beast. This Xe3-based iGPU delivers a massive leap in performance, reportedly doubling the frame rates of previous generations and rivaling discrete entry-level cards by hitting over 80 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p high settings. Passive cooling remains a significant challenge, as most fanless NUC chassis are rated for a 40W TDP, whereas the Core Ultra X9 388H can surge to 65W, and even 80W under heavy loads.
Source: Digital Foundry via TechPowerUp and Tom's Hardware
