ASUS NUC Intel Core Ultra 7 155H Mini PC Volatility and Data Security Guide

Understanding System Volatility

ASUS NUC products utilize both volatile and non-volatile (NV) components. Volatile components lose all stored data immediately upon the removal of power, while non-volatile components retain data even when the system is powered off. Understanding these characteristics is essential for maintaining data security and ensuring proper hardware handling.

Power State Information

The system operates under various ACPI power states, which dictate how data is managed and retained:

• S0 (Working State): The system is fully operational, and dynamic RAM is maintained.
• Modern Standby (S0iX): A low-power idle state that allows for instant-on capabilities while maintaining network connectivity.
• S4 (Hibernate): The system context is saved to a non-volatile storage file, and dynamic RAM is not maintained.
• S5 (Soft Off): The system is shut down; no data remains in cache or memory, and a full boot is required upon restart.

Unsupported states include S1 (low-latency sleep) and S3 (suspend to RAM), where system context is maintained.

Data Security and Remedial Actions

To ensure data is cleared from the system, specific actions must be taken depending on the component:

• Memory (DDR4/DDR5): Primary power loss, such as unplugging the power cord and removing the battery, will destroy all user data.
• CMOS: Removing the onboard coin-cell battery will erase CMOS counter values, date, and time information.
• SSD/eMMC: Data can be cleared by physically removing the storage module or by using software-based deletion methods.
• TPM: Security information can be cleared via BIOS settings or by using specific jumpers on the motherboard.
• SOC Cache/Frame Buffer: Removing power from the board effectively clears volatile data from these components.

Always ensure that power is completely disconnected before attempting to clear volatile memory or performing hardware maintenance to prevent potential data recovery or hardware damage.