ASUS ROG NUC 16 vs GMKtec EVO-X3
Check current prices
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
ASUS ROG NUC 16
Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
GMKtec EVO-X3
Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB LPDDR5X, 2TB SSD, US plug
Amazon results may include other models. Verify the processor, memory, storage, and seller before buying.
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Storage |
1Is it fast for normal work?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
-
Cinebench 2024 single-core 136 points
ALKtech measured 136 points in Cinebench 2024 single-core on its ROG NUC 16 review unit.
Cinebench 2024 single-core · Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus; 32GB DDR5-6400; 2TB SSD; default Balance Enabled BIOS mode; Performance Armoury Crate mode
ALKtech · 12:40 -
7-Zip compression 156.204 GIPS
ALKtech measured 156.204 GIPS in the 7-Zip compression benchmark.
7-Zip compression benchmark · Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus; 32GB DDR5-6400; 2TB SSD; default system power settings
ALKtech · 12:33 -
Geekbench 6 single-core Not available
GMKtec EVO-X3
-
Cinebench 2024 single-core 114 points
ETA PRIME's 128GB review unit scored 114 in Cinebench 2024 single-core while the system was in Performance mode.
Cinebench 2024 single-core · Performance mode; Ryzen AI Max+ 395; 128GB LPDDR5X; 4TB SSD review configuration
ETA PRIME · 7:23 -
7-Zip compression Not available
-
Geekbench 6 single-core 3081 points
The same review unit scored 3,081 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
Geekbench 6 single-core · Performance mode; Ryzen AI Max+ 395; 128GB LPDDR5X; 4TB SSD review configuration
ETA PRIME · 7:52
2Can it handle sustained work?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
-
Cinebench 2024 multi-core 2010 points
ALKtech measured 2,010 points in Cinebench 2024 multi-core. This remains attributed evidence because it was not run on the MiniPCBench test bench.
Cinebench 2024 multi-core · Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus; 32GB DDR5-6400; 2TB SSD; default Balance Enabled BIOS mode; Performance Armoury Crate mode
ALKtech · 12:40 -
Cinebench R23 multi-core 35512 points
The same review unit scored 35,512 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core.
Cinebench R23 multi-core · Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus; 32GB DDR5-6400; 2TB SSD; default Balance Enabled BIOS mode; Performance Armoury Crate mode
ALKtech · 12:49 -
Geekbench 6 multi-core Not available
-
AIDA64 memory bandwidth Not available
-
AIDA64 memory latency Not available
GMKtec EVO-X3
-
Cinebench 2024 multi-core 1893 points
ETA PRIME's review unit scored 1,893 in Cinebench 2024 multi-core in Performance mode.
Cinebench 2024 multi-core · Performance mode; Ryzen AI Max+ 395; 128GB LPDDR5X; 4TB SSD review configuration
ETA PRIME · 7:23 -
Cinebench R23 multi-core Not available
-
Geekbench 6 multi-core 22314 points
The same review unit scored 22,314 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
Geekbench 6 multi-core · Performance mode; Ryzen AI Max+ 395; 128GB LPDDR5X; 4TB SSD review configuration
ETA PRIME · 7:52 -
AIDA64 memory bandwidth 118 GB/s
Level1Techs measured 118 GB/s of memory bandwidth on the exact 128GB/2TB configuration.
AIDA64 memory benchmark · 128GB LPDDR5X-8000; 2TB Crucial P310 SSD review unit
Level1Techs · 7:26 -
AIDA64 memory latency 143.8 ns
The same Level1Techs test measured 143.8 ns of memory latency.
AIDA64 memory benchmark · 128GB LPDDR5X-8000; 2TB Crucial P310 SSD review unit
Level1Techs · 7:26
3Can it game?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
-
Cyberpunk 2077 4K 43.28 fps
ALKtech measured 43.28 FPS average in Cyberpunk 2077 v2.31 at 4K using the Ray Tracing Low preset with DLSS and frame generation disabled.
Cyberpunk 2077 v2.31 built-in benchmark · 3840x2160; Ray Tracing Low; DLSS off; frame generation off
ALKtech · 13:36 -
Cyberpunk 2077 1440p 92.43 fps
At 1440p with the same Ray Tracing Low preset and no DLSS or frame generation, ALKtech measured 92.43 FPS average.
Cyberpunk 2077 v2.31 built-in benchmark · 2560x1440; Ray Tracing Low; DLSS off; frame generation off
ALKtech · 13:36 -
Shadow of the Tomb Raider 4K 49 fps
ALKtech measured 49 FPS average at 4K with maximum settings, Ultra ray tracing, and upscaling disabled.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider built-in benchmark · 3840x2160; maximum graphics; Ultra ray tracing; upscaling off
ALKtech · 14:23 -
3DMark Time Spy Not available
-
Cyberpunk 2077 Not available
-
Black Myth: Wukong Not available
GMKtec EVO-X3
-
Cyberpunk 2077 4K Not available
-
Cyberpunk 2077 1440p Not available
-
Shadow of the Tomb Raider 4K Not available
-
3DMark Time Spy 11388 points
ETA PRIME measured a 3DMark Time Spy score of 11,388 from the integrated Radeon 8060S.
3DMark Time Spy · Performance mode; Radeon 8060S; 128GB/4TB review unit
ETA PRIME · 9:13 -
Cyberpunk 2077 74 fps
The review showed about 74 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p high with FSR 2.1 set to Quality.
Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay · 1440p high; FSR 2.1 Quality; Performance mode; 128GB/4TB review unit
ETA PRIME · 10:54 -
Black Myth: Wukong 83 fps
ETA PRIME reported about 83 FPS in Black Myth: Wukong at 1440p high with FSR set to 90 percent.
Black Myth: Wukong gameplay · 1440p high; FSR 90%; Performance mode; 128GB/4TB review unit
ETA PRIME · 11:35
4Is it loud or hot?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
-
Gaming CPU package temperature 82.5 °C
During a roughly nine-minute F1 23 run, ALKtech recorded an 82.5°C average CPU package temperature and a 104°C maximum in a 30°C room.
F1 23, Singapore Circuit, five laps · 4K Ultra High; TAA; 16x anisotropic filtering; DLSS off; 30°C ambient; maximum 104°C
ALKtech · 14:36 -
Gaming GPU temperature 76.3 °C
The same run produced a 76.3°C average GPU temperature and a 79.3°C maximum.
F1 23, Singapore Circuit, five laps · 4K Ultra High; TAA; 16x anisotropic filtering; DLSS off; 30°C ambient; maximum 79.3°C
ALKtech · 14:36 -
Gaming noise 51.9 dBA
ALKtech measured 51.9 dBA during a typical gaming workload, but the room already measured 48.7 dBA, so the result is strongly limited by the high noise floor.
Typical gaming workload · 48.7 dBA ambient noise floor; meter position not stated
ALKtech · 14:36 -
Average APU gaming temperature Not available
-
Maximum observed APU temperature Not available
-
High-load fan character Not available
GMKtec EVO-X3
-
Gaming CPU package temperature Not available
-
Gaming GPU temperature Not available
-
Gaming noise Not available
-
Average APU gaming temperature 66 C
ETA PRIME reported an average APU temperature of 66 C during gaming in Performance mode.
AAA gaming · Performance mode; automatic fan control; 128GB/4TB review unit
ETA PRIME · 12:41 -
Maximum observed APU temperature 83 C
The same reviewer reported an 83 C maximum across the tests shown in the review.
Review benchmark and gaming suite · Performance mode; automatic fan control; 128GB/4TB review unit
ETA PRIME · 12:41 -
High-load fan character Audible above about 100 W
Level1Techs described the exact 128GB/2TB unit as effectively inaudible in lighter use. Above roughly 100 W, its fans became audible but had a smooth whooshing character without high-pitched whine.
Subjective fan-noise assessment · Exact 128GB/2TB review configuration; measurement distance and room floor not reported
Level1Techs · 20:18
5How much electricity does it use?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
-
Gaming CPU package power 46.9 W
ALKtech's HWiNFO64 sensor log reported 46.9 W average CPU package power during the F1 23 run. This is component power, not whole-system wall power.
F1 23, Singapore Circuit, five laps · 4K Ultra High; DLSS off; HWiNFO64 CPU package sensor; 72 W maximum
ALKtech · 14:36 -
Gaming GPU power 173 W
The same HWiNFO64 log reported 173.0 W average GPU power and a 173.7 W maximum. This is GPU sensor power, not wall power.
F1 23, Singapore Circuit, five laps · 4K Ultra High; DLSS off; HWiNFO64 GPU power sensor; 173.7 W maximum
ALKtech · 14:36 -
Idle wall power Not available
-
4K video wall power Not available
-
AAA gaming wall power Not available
GMKtec EVO-X3
-
Gaming CPU package power Not available
-
Gaming GPU power Not available
-
Idle wall power 11 W
ETA PRIME measured 11 W at the wall while the EVO-X3 was idle.
Windows idle · Performance mode; 128GB/4TB review unit; wall measurement
ETA PRIME · 12:41 -
4K video wall power 18 W
The same review measured 18 W at the wall during 4K video playback.
4K video playback · Performance mode; 128GB/4TB review unit; wall measurement
ETA PRIME · 12:41 -
AAA gaming wall power 147 W
ETA PRIME reported an average of 147 W at the wall while playing AAA games.
AAA gaming · Performance mode; 128GB/4TB review unit; wall measurement
ETA PRIME · 12:41
6Can I upgrade and connect everything?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
-
Memory is upgradeable Yes
-
Storage is upgradeable Yes
-
Thunderbolt is present Yes
-
Tool-less service access 2x memory and 2x M.2 slots
The two memory slots and two M.2 storage slots are user-accessible. The primary storage position supports PCIe 5.0 x4 and the second supports PCIe 4.0 x4.
Manufacturer upgradeability check · RNUC16JNK9X289AU
ASUS -
Expansion paths Not available
-
Wireless adapter Not available
GMKtec EVO-X3
-
Memory is upgradeable No
-
Storage is upgradeable Yes
-
Thunderbolt is present No
-
Tool-less service access Not available
-
Expansion paths 2x M.2 plus OCuLink
GMKtec provides two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 2280 storage slots and a PCIe 4.0 x4 OCuLink port. The company warns that OCuLink is not hot-pluggable.
Manufacturer expansion check · EVO-X3 chassis
GMKtec -
Wireless adapter Wi-Fi 7, 160 MHz maximum
Level1Techs identified the MediaTek RZ717 Wi-Fi 7 adapter and noted that it is limited to 160 MHz channels rather than 320 MHz.
Hardware identification · Exact 128GB/2TB review configuration
Level1Techs · 6:20
7Is it good value?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
-
US list price $3,799
ASUS lists RNUC16JNK9X289AU at $3,799 before temporary discounts in the United States.
Manufacturer retail-price check · Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
ASUS -
Manufacturer price Not available
GMKtec EVO-X3
-
US list price Not available
-
Manufacturer price $3,799.99
GMKtec listed the exact US 128GB/2TB configuration for $3,799.99 when checked, against a $4,100 compare-at price.
Manufacturer retail-price check · EVO-X3-2-75S: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB RAM, 2TB SSD, US plug
GMKtec
8Will it be dependable?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
-
Limited warranty 3 years
ASUS states that its NUC products purchased from authorized distributors carry a three-year limited warranty covering hardware included in the box.
Manufacturer warranty-policy check · ASUS NUC products purchased from authorized distributors
ASUS -
Review-unit disclosure Loan unit
ALKtech disclosed that ASUS Singapore supplied its ROG NUC 16 review unit as a loan and that its article contains affiliate links.
Source-disclosure check
ALKtech · 16:41 -
Hardware warranty Not available
-
Factory fan curve Not available
GMKtec EVO-X3
-
Limited warranty Not available
-
Review-unit disclosure Not available
-
Hardware warranty 1 year
GMKtec lists a one-year warranty for the EVO-X3 and a seven-day return window on the product page.
Manufacturer warranty-policy check
GMKtec -
Factory fan curve Full speed at 95 C by default
Level1Techs found that the default BIOS fan curve did not command full fan speed until 95 C and recommended a more aggressive curve for sustained high-power operation.
BIOS fan-curve inspection · Exact 128GB/2TB review configuration
Level1Techs · 19:57
References
-
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
-
ASUS. Warranty Information for NUC Products. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: ASUS NUC products purchased from authorized distributors
-
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.
-
GMKtec. GMKtec EVO-X3 AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 AI Mini PC. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: EVO-X3-2-75S: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S, 128GB LPDDR5X-8000, 2TB SSD, US plug
Disclosure: Manufacturer product specifications, availability, and pricing.
-
GMKtec. GMKtec EVO-X3 warranty and return terms. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: EVO-X3 product-page warranty and return terms
Disclosure: Manufacturer warranty and return statement.
-
ETA PRIME. GMKtec EVO X3 First Look: The Mini PC That Replaces Your Desktop. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S, 128GB LPDDR5X, 4TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro
Disclosure: The description contains Amazon affiliate links and identifies an unrelated URCKeys sponsor; it does not state how the EVO-X3 review unit was obtained.
-
Level1Techs. Checking Out The GMKTec X3 Strix Halo: More Strix Halo Shenanigans!. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S, 128GB LPDDR5X-8000, 2TB Crucial P310 SSD
Disclosure: No product-supply, sponsorship, or affiliate disclosure for this unit was found in the video description.
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 ROG NUC 16
- Has a manufacturer list price about $301 lower
Higher listed specifications for GMKtec EVO-X3
Verified specifications
Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status
Processor
| Specification | ROG NUC 16 | EVO-X3 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus | AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 |
| Cores / threads | 24 / 24 | 16 / 32 |
| Processor default TDP | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Integrated graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU with 16GB GDDR7 | AMD Radeon 8060S integrated graphics, 40 compute units |
Memory and storage
| Specification | ROG NUC 16 | EVO-X3 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | DDR5-6400 CSODIMM | LPDDR5X-8000 onboard |
| Maximum memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Upgradeable memory | Yes | No |
| Storage slots | 2 | 2 |
Connectivity
| Specification | ROG NUC 16 | EVO-X3 |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | 2.5GbE | 2.5GbE |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7 (MediaTek RZ717) + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| USB4 | Yes | Yes |
| Thunderbolt | Yes | No |
Size and price
| Specification | ROG NUC 16 | EVO-X3 |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure volume | 3.02 liters | Not published |
| List price | $3,799 | $4,100 |
| Product class | Compact high-end gaming | Large local AI models |