ASUS NUC 16 vs ASUS ROG NUC 16

Black ASUS NUC 16 mini PC viewed from the front
Black ASUS ROG NUC 16 gaming mini PC standing vertically with its RGB logo illuminated
VS

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ASUS NUC 16

Core 7 350, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, EU power cord

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ASUS ROG NUC 16

Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD

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Amazon results may include other models. Verify the processor, memory, storage, and seller before buying.

iThese are manufacturer-sourced specifications, not MiniPCBench test results. Confirm the exact processor, memory, storage, price, and availability before buying.
Memory
Storage

1Is it fast for normal work?

ASUS NUC 16

  • Processor configuration 6 cores / 6 threads
  • Cinebench 2024 single-core Not available
  • 7-Zip compression Not available

ASUS ROG NUC 16

  • Processor configuration Not available
  • Cinebench 2024 single-core 136 points
  • 7-Zip compression 156.204 GIPS

2Can it handle sustained work?

ASUS NUC 16

  • Chassis power configuration 28 W cTDP
  • Cinebench 2024 multi-core Not available
  • Cinebench R23 multi-core Not available

ASUS ROG NUC 16

  • Chassis power configuration Not available
  • Cinebench 2024 multi-core 2010 points
  • Cinebench R23 multi-core 35512 points

3Can it game?

ASUS NUC 16

  • Integrated graphics 2 Xe cores
  • Cyberpunk 2077 4K Not available
  • Cyberpunk 2077 1440p Not available
  • Shadow of the Tomb Raider 4K Not available

ASUS ROG NUC 16

  • Integrated graphics Not available
  • Cyberpunk 2077 4K 43.28 fps
  • Cyberpunk 2077 1440p 92.43 fps
  • Shadow of the Tomb Raider 4K 49 fps

4Is it loud or hot?

ASUS NUC 16

  • Exact-model measurements unavailable Not independently measured
  • Gaming CPU package temperature Not available
  • Gaming GPU temperature Not available
  • Gaming noise Not available

ASUS ROG NUC 16

  • Exact-model measurements unavailable Not available
  • Gaming CPU package temperature 82.5 °C
  • Gaming GPU temperature 76.3 °C
  • Gaming noise 51.9 dBA

5How much electricity does it use?

ASUS NUC 16

  • Power adapter rating 90 W adapter
  • Gaming CPU package power Not available
  • Gaming GPU power Not available

ASUS ROG NUC 16

  • Power adapter rating Not available
  • Gaming CPU package power 46.9 W
  • Gaming GPU power 173 W

6Can I upgrade and connect everything?

ASUS NUC 16

  • Memory is upgradeable Yes
  • Storage is upgradeable Yes
  • Thunderbolt is present Yes
  • Single memory and storage slots 1 memory slot / 1 storage slot
  • Display support Up to 3 displays
  • Tool-less service access Not available

ASUS ROG NUC 16

  • Memory is upgradeable Yes
  • Storage is upgradeable Yes
  • Thunderbolt is present Yes
  • Single memory and storage slots Not available
  • Display support Not available
  • Tool-less service access 2x memory and 2x M.2 slots

7Is it good value?

ASUS NUC 16

  • US price unavailable US MSRP unavailable
  • US list price Not available

ASUS ROG NUC 16

  • US price unavailable Not available
  • US list price $3,799

8Will it be dependable?

ASUS NUC 16

  • Limited warranty 3 years
  • Review-unit disclosure Not available

ASUS ROG NUC 16

  • Limited warranty 3 years
  • Review-unit disclosure Loan unit

References

  1. ASUS. ASUS NUC 16 technical specifications. Product page. Accessed .

    Configuration: ASUS NUC 16 family with Core 7 350, Core 5 320, or Core 3 304 and regional preconfigured options

    Disclosure: Manufacturer family specifications.

  2. Geizhals. ASUS NUC 16 RNUC16WCKC7094C2 product record. Product page. . Accessed .

    Configuration: RNUC16WCKC7094C2 / 90AS00T1-M000V0: Core 7 350, 32GB DDR5-5600, 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, Windows 11 Pro, EU power cord

    Disclosure: Regional retailer and price-comparison configuration record; not used as benchmark evidence.

  3. Intel. Intel Core 7 processor 350 specifications. Product page. Accessed .

    Configuration: Intel Core 7 processor 350

  4. ASUS. Warranty Information for NUC Products. Product page. Accessed .

    Configuration: ASUS NUC products purchased from authorized distributors

  5. ASUS. ASUS ROG NUC 16 technical specifications. Product page. Accessed .

    Configuration: RNUC16JNK9X289AU: Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD

  6. ASUS. Warranty Information for NUC Products. Product page. Accessed .

    Configuration: ASUS NUC products purchased from authorized distributors

  7. ALKtech. Is this the most powerful mini gaming PC yet? ASUS ROG NUC 16 Unboxing & Review. Video review. . Accessed .

    Configuration: Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, 32GB DDR5-6400, 2TB SSD

    Disclosure: ALKtech states that ASUS Singapore supplied the review unit on loan. The accompanying article contains Amazon affiliate links.

Value for money

No value comparison is available. It requires eligible test scores and at least four current price observations in seven days.

Specification differences

Differences supported by the listed manufacturer specifications

Higher listed specifications for ASUS NUC 16

  • Uses a smaller 0.71 liter enclosure

Higher listed specifications for ASUS ROG NUC 16

  • Supports 64 GB more memory
  • Provides 2 storage slots versus 1

Verified specifications

Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status

Processor

SpecificationNUC 16ROG NUC 16
CPUIntel Core 7 350Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
Cores / threads6 / 624 / 24
Processor default TDP15 WNot disclosed
Integrated graphicsIntel Graphics, 2 Xe coresNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU with 16GB GDDR7

Memory and storage

SpecificationNUC 16ROG NUC 16
Memory typeDDR5-5600 SO-DIMMDDR5-6400 CSODIMM
Maximum memory64 GB128 GB
Upgradeable memoryYesYes
Storage slots12

Connectivity

SpecificationNUC 16ROG NUC 16
EthernetDual Intel I226-V 2.5GbE2.5GbE
WirelessIntel Wi-Fi 7 BE211 + Bluetooth 6.0Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
USB4YesYes
ThunderboltYesYes

Size and price

SpecificationNUC 16ROG NUC 16
Enclosure volume0.71 liters3.02 liters
List priceNot published$3,799
Product classEveryday business desktopsCompact high-end gaming