ASUS NUC 16 vs Framework Desktop DIY Edition
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ASUS NUC 16
Core 7 350, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, EU power cord
Framework Desktop DIY Edition
DIY Edition, Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB LPDDR5X, no storage, no operating system
Amazon results may include other models. Verify the processor, memory, storage, and seller before buying.
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Storage |
1Is it fast for normal work?
ASUS NUC 16
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Processor configuration 6 cores / 6 threads
Intel specifies two performance cores and four low-power efficiency cores for the Core 7 350, with six total threads and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.8 GHz. This describes the processor, not measured NUC 16 performance.
Manufacturer processor specification · Intel Core 7 350
Intel -
Geekbench 6 single-core Not available
Framework Desktop DIY Edition
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Processor configuration Not available
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Geekbench 6 single-core 2876 points
Level1Techs measured 2,876 in Geekbench 6 single-core on Framework's 128GB review unit.
Geekbench 6 single-core · Ryzen AI Max+ 395; 128GB LPDDR5X; reviewer-installed storage and operating system
Level1Techs · 32:26
2Can it handle sustained work?
ASUS NUC 16
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Chassis power configuration 28 W cTDP
ASUS configures the Core 7 350 at 28 W in the NUC 16. Intel lists 15 W processor base power and 35 W maximum turbo power, but these ratings do not predict sustained application performance.
Manufacturer power-profile check · ASUS NUC 16 with Core 7 350
ASUS -
Geekbench 6 multi-core Not available
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Cinebench R23 multi-core Not available
Framework Desktop DIY Edition
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Chassis power configuration Not available
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Geekbench 6 multi-core 16987 points
Level1Techs measured 16,987 in Geekbench 6 multi-core on the same 128GB review unit.
Geekbench 6 multi-core · Ryzen AI Max+ 395; 128GB LPDDR5X; reviewer-installed storage and operating system
Level1Techs · 32:26 -
Cinebench R23 multi-core 35000 points
Salem Techsperts reported about 35,000 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core on its 128GB press sample.
Cinebench R23 multi-core · Ryzen AI Max+ 395; 128GB LPDDR5X; Windows 11 Pro; single run shown in the review
Salem Techsperts · 20:29
3Can it game?
ASUS NUC 16
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Integrated graphics 2 Xe cores
The Core 7 350 includes Intel Graphics with two Xe cores and a maximum dynamic frequency of 2.6 GHz. No independent gaming result for this exact NUC 16 configuration was available when checked.
Manufacturer graphics specification · Core 7 350 integrated graphics
Intel -
Cyberpunk 2077 on Bazzite Not available
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Cyberpunk 2077 on Windows Not available
Framework Desktop DIY Edition
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Integrated graphics Not available
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Cyberpunk 2077 on Bazzite 78.44 fps
Salem Techsperts measured a 78.44 FPS average in Cyberpunk 2077 on Bazzite at 1440p high with FSR 3 Balanced.
Cyberpunk 2077 built-in benchmark · 1440p high; FSR 3 Balanced; Bazzite; 128GB review sample
Salem Techsperts · 16:56 -
Cyberpunk 2077 on Windows 92.71 fps
The same reviewer measured a 92.71 FPS average after installing Windows 11 with the otherwise matching settings.
Cyberpunk 2077 built-in benchmark · 1440p high; FSR 3 Balanced; Windows 11; 128GB review sample
Salem Techsperts · 17:14
4Is it loud or hot?
ASUS NUC 16
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Exact-model measurements unavailable Not independently measured
ASUS does not publish operating noise or exact-chassis thermal measurements for this configuration, and the broad review search found no independent hands-on test of the Core 7 350 NUC 16. NUC 16 Pro results are not substituted.
Exact-model evidence check · RNUC16WCKC7094C2
ASUS -
Cyberpunk peak temperature Not available
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Fan behavior Not available
Framework Desktop DIY Edition
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Exact-model measurements unavailable Not available
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Cyberpunk peak temperature 60 C
Salem Techsperts reported that the APU stayed at or below 60 C during its 1440p Cyberpunk test.
Cyberpunk 2077 gaming · 1440p high; FSR 3 Balanced; Bazzite; reviewer-selected 120mm fan; reported ceiling rather than an instrumented average
Salem Techsperts · 17:05 -
Fan behavior Quiet in the reviewer's room
Salem Techsperts said its selected 120mm fan was often stopped or inaudible in lighter use and was difficult to hear during gaming. Noise was not measured with a sound meter.
Subjective fan-noise assessment · 128GB press sample; reviewer-selected fan; measurement distance and ambient floor not reported
Salem Techsperts · 18:35
5How much electricity does it use?
ASUS NUC 16
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Power adapter rating 90 W adapter
ASUS supplies a 90 W external adapter. That is the adapter capacity, not measured idle or load wall power.
Manufacturer electrical specification · 19 V DC, 4.74 A adapter
ASUS -
Cyberpunk system power Not available
Framework Desktop DIY Edition
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Power adapter rating Not available
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Cyberpunk system power 100 W
Salem Techsperts reported about 100 W of system power during its Bazzite Cyberpunk test, but did not fully document the measurement point.
Cyberpunk 2077 gaming · 1440p high; FSR 3 Balanced; Bazzite; 128GB review sample; wall-versus-telemetry method not specified
Salem Techsperts · 17:05
6Can I upgrade and connect everything?
ASUS NUC 16
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Memory is upgradeable Yes
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Thunderbolt is present Yes
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Single memory and storage slots 1 memory slot / 1 storage slot
The chassis has one CSO-DIMM-compatible memory slot, populated by a 32GB DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM in this SKU, and one M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 storage slot occupied by the 1TB SSD.
Configuration and expansion check · RNUC16WCKC7094C2
Geizhals -
Display support Up to 3 displays
ASUS provides two HDMI 2.1 TMDS outputs and one Thunderbolt 4 port with DisplayPort 2.1; Intel specifies support for up to three displays from the processor.
Manufacturer display-support check · Core 7 350 NUC 16
ASUS -
Standard parts and expansion Not available
Framework Desktop DIY Edition
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Memory is upgradeable No
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Thunderbolt is present No
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Single memory and storage slots Not available
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Display support Not available
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Standard parts and expansion 2x M.2; standard board, PSU, and fan formats
Framework uses a standard Mini-ITX board footprint, FlexATX power supply, 120mm CPU fan mount, two M.2 2280 slots, and two front Expansion Card bays. The CPU and memory remain soldered.
Manufacturer expansion check · Framework Desktop DIY Edition
Framework
7Is it good value?
ASUS NUC 16
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US price unavailable US MSRP unavailable
The exact 32GB/1TB configuration is a European-market SKU, and ASUS does not publish a US MSRP for it. The catalog does not convert European retailer pricing into a US list price.
Regional configuration and price check · RNUC16WCKC7094C2 / 90AS00T1-M000V0
Geizhals -
Current DIY system price Not available
Framework Desktop DIY Edition
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US price unavailable Not available
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Current DIY system price $3,449 before required build selections
Framework listed the Max+ 395 with 128GB of fixed memory for $3,449 when checked. That selection includes no storage or operating system; a fan, power cable, and 21 front tiles must also be selected or supplied by the buyer.
Manufacturer configurator price check · Max+ 395 - 128GB system selection; no storage; no OS
Framework
8Will it be dependable?
ASUS NUC 16
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Limited warranty 3 years
ASUS states that NUC products purchased from authorized distributors include a three-year limited warranty covering the hardware supplied in the box.
Manufacturer warranty-policy check
ASUS -
Replaceable components Not available
Framework Desktop DIY Edition
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Limited warranty 1 year included
Framework includes a one-year limited warranty with the DIY configuration and offers a paid three-year option in its configurator.
Manufacturer warranty check · US DIY configuration
Framework -
Replaceable components Modular except CPU and memory
Salem Techsperts found the internal components clearly labeled and the storage, fan, power supply, case parts, and mainboard accessible, while emphasizing that the processor and memory cannot be replaced separately from the board.
Hands-on teardown · 128GB press sample
Salem Techsperts · 3:57
References
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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.
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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.
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Intel. Intel Core 7 processor 350 specifications. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: Intel Core 7 processor 350
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ASUS. Warranty Information for NUC Products. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: ASUS NUC products purchased from authorized distributors
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Framework. Framework Desktop. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Framework Desktop with Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and 128GB LPDDR5X-8000
Disclosure: Manufacturer product overview and specifications.
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Framework. Configure Framework Desktop DIY Edition (AMD Ryzen AI Max 300 Series). Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: Max+ 395 - 128GB; no primary storage; no secondary storage; no operating system
Disclosure: Manufacturer configuration options, current price, availability, and warranty selection.
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Level1Techs. Framework Desktop Tested: 128gb AI Max+ for Gaming, AI and More. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S, 128GB LPDDR5X, reviewer-installed storage and operating systems
Disclosure: The reviewer says Framework sent the early sample. No product-specific sponsorship or affiliate disclosure was found in the description.
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Salem Techsperts. Framework Desktop Teardown and Review: A Powerful, Efficient, AI Gaming PC That's Worth Every Penny. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S, 128GB LPDDR5X, reviewer-installed storage, Bazzite and Windows 11 Pro
Disclosure: The description states Framework supplied the press kit; the reviewer says the sample had to be returned and Framework did not pay for the review. The description links an Amazon storefront.
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 Framework Desktop DIY Edition
- Supports 64 GB more memory
- Provides 2 storage slots versus 1
Verified specifications
Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status
Processor
| Specification | NUC 16 | Desktop DIY Edition |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core 7 350 | AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 |
| Cores / threads | 6 / 6 | 16 / 32 |
| Processor default TDP | 15 W | Not disclosed |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Graphics, 2 Xe cores | AMD Radeon 8060S integrated graphics, 40 compute units up to 2.9GHz |
Memory and storage
| Specification | NUC 16 | Desktop DIY Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM | LPDDR5X-8000 onboard |
| Maximum memory | 64 GB | 128 GB |
| Upgradeable memory | Yes | No |
| Storage slots | 1 | 2 |
Connectivity
| Specification | NUC 16 | Desktop DIY Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | Dual Intel I226-V 2.5GbE | 5GbE |
| Wireless | Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE211 + Bluetooth 6.0 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| USB4 | Yes | Yes |
| Thunderbolt | Yes | No |
Size and price
| Specification | NUC 16 | Desktop DIY Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure volume | 0.71 liters | 4.5 liters |
| List price | Not published | $3,449 |
| Product class | Everyday business desktops | Repairable local-AI workstation |