ASUS ROG NUC 16 vs GMKtec K13
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ASUS ROG NUC 16
Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
GMKtec K13
Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB LPDDR5X, 1TB SSD
Amazon results may include other models. Verify the processor, memory, storage, and seller before buying.
| Memory | ||
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| Storage |
1Is it fast for normal work?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
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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 -
Speedometer Not available
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4K media playback Not available
GMKtec K13
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Cinebench 2024 single-core Not available
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7-Zip compression Not available
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Speedometer 32.5 points
Lon.TV measured 32.5 in the browser-based Speedometer test on the exact 16GB/1TB configuration.
BrowserBench Speedometer · High Performance BIOS profile; Windows 11 Pro; Core Ultra 7 256V; 16GB LPDDR5X; 1TB SSD
Lon.TV · 7:15 -
4K media playback 4K60 playback checked
Lon.TV observed a few dropped frames when a 4K60 YouTube video started, then uninterrupted playback afterward.
YouTube 4K60 playback · High Performance BIOS profile; exact 16GB/1TB review unit
Lon.TV · 7:04
2Can it handle sustained work?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
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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 -
Time Spy stress-test stability Not available
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4K editing behavior Not available
GMKtec K13
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Cinebench 2024 multi-core Not available
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Cinebench R23 multi-core Not available
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Time Spy stress-test stability 99.6 %
Lon.TV's exact review unit passed the 3DMark Time Spy stress test at 99.6 percent, with the CPU reaching about 60 C.
3DMark Time Spy stress test · High Performance BIOS profile; exact 16GB/1TB review unit
Lon.TV · 10:19 -
4K editing behavior Simple 4K60 timeline checked
A simple 4K60 DaVinci Resolve timeline played transitions without reported dropped frames, while Lon.TV cautioned that heavier effects were slower on the integrated GPU.
DaVinci Resolve timeline playback · 4K60 project; exact 16GB/1TB review unit
Lon.TV · 7:28
3Can it game?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
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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
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Forza Horizon 5 Not available
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Counter-Strike 2 Not available
GMKtec K13
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Cyberpunk 2077 4K Not available
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Cyberpunk 2077 1440p Not available
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Shadow of the Tomb Raider 4K Not available
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3DMark Time Spy 4375 points
Lon.TV measured 4,375 in 3DMark Time Spy on the exact K13 configuration.
3DMark Time Spy · High Performance BIOS profile; Intel Arc 140V; exact 16GB/1TB review unit
Lon.TV · 9:51 -
Forza Horizon 5 89 fps
ETA PRIME reported an 89 FPS average in Forza Horizon 5 at native 1080p high without XeSS upscaling.
Forza Horizon 5 gameplay · 1920x1080; High preset; native rendering; exact 16GB/1TB configuration
ETA PRIME · 6:52 -
Counter-Strike 2 110 fps
Team Pandory observed more than 110 FPS in Counter-Strike 2 at 1080p low on its exact 16GB/1TB unit.
Counter-Strike 2 gameplay · 1920x1080; Low settings; result reported as over 110 FPS
Team Pandory · 6:19
4Is it loud or hot?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
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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 -
Balanced-mode idle temperature Not available
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Combined stress temperature Not available
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Fan character Not available
GMKtec K13
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Gaming CPU package temperature Not available
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Gaming GPU temperature Not available
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Gaming noise Not available
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Balanced-mode idle temperature 38 C
Team Pandory measured 38 C at idle in the Balanced profile and described the machine as whisper quiet.
Windows idle · Balanced BIOS profile; exact 16GB/1TB review unit
Team Pandory · 9:41 -
Combined stress temperature 80 C
After about five minutes of combined CPU and GPU stress, Team Pandory observed the CPU settle near 80 C. The fan was louder than in normal use, but the reviewer framed this as a worst-case load.
Combined CPU and GPU stress test · Approximately five minutes; exact 16GB/1TB review unit
Team Pandory · 10:20 -
Fan character Audible under load
Lon.TV also found the fan audible under load but not offensively loud, and said it did not run unnecessarily during light use. Neither review supplied a calibrated sound-pressure measurement.
Subjective fan-noise assessment · High Performance BIOS profile; measurement distance and room floor not reported
Lon.TV · 10:37
5How much electricity does it use?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
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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 -
Balanced-mode idle wall power Not available
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Balanced-mode gaming wall power Not available
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Combined stress wall power Not available
GMKtec K13
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Gaming CPU package power Not available
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Gaming GPU power Not available
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Balanced-mode idle wall power 6 W
Team Pandory measured just over 6 W at the wall while the exact review unit was idle in Balanced mode.
Windows idle · Balanced BIOS profile; wall measurement; result reported as just over 6 W
Team Pandory · 9:41 -
Balanced-mode gaming wall power 36 W
The same review measured about 36 W at the wall while gaming in Balanced mode.
Game workload · Balanced BIOS profile; wall measurement; exact 16GB/1TB review unit
Team Pandory · 9:54 -
Combined stress wall power 48 W
Team Pandory measured about 48 W at the wall during its combined CPU and GPU stress test.
Combined CPU and GPU stress test · Approximately five minutes; wall measurement; exact 16GB/1TB review unit
Team Pandory · 10:20
6Can I upgrade and connect everything?
ASUS ROG 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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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 -
USB4 is present Not available
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Dual-storage access Not available
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5GbE and dual USB4 Not available
GMKtec K13
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Memory is upgradeable No
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Thunderbolt is present Not available
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Tool-less service access Not available
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USB4 is present Yes
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Dual-storage access 2x M.2; fixed memory
Team Pandory confirmed quick access to both M.2 slots. GMKtec rates the primary slot at PCIe 4.0 x4 and the secondary at PCIe 4.0 x2; the on-package memory cannot be replaced.
Hands-on expansion check · Exact 16GB/1TB review unit
Team Pandory · 10:38 -
5GbE and dual USB4 5GbE + 2x USB4
Lon.TV saturated the 5GbE interface in a local network transfer and confirmed both 40Gbps USB4 ports worked with Thunderbolt devices. GMKtec also specifies USB-C power input and display output on both ports.
Network and peripheral checks · Exact 16GB/1TB review unit
Lon.TV · 2:29
7Is it good value?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
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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
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Verified Amazon configuration Not available
GMKtec K13
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US list price Not available
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Manufacturer price $739.99
GMKtec listed the exact US 16GB/1TB configuration at $739.99 when checked, reduced from a $949.99 compare-at price.
Manufacturer retail-price check · K13-1-34S; 16GB LPDDR5X; 1TB SSD; US variant
GMKtec -
Verified Amazon configuration B0GFSZ63YB
Amazon ASIN B0GFSZ63YB was active for the exact K13 16GB/1TB configuration from seller GMKtec-Shop when checked.
Exact retailer-variant check · K13 16+1TB; seller GMKtec-Shop
GMKtec
8Will it be dependable?
ASUS ROG NUC 16
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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 -
Windows image check Not available
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Ubuntu compatibility Not available
GMKtec K13
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Limited warranty 1 year
GMKtec states a one-year warranty and a seven-day return period for direct purchases. No long-term failure-rate data was found for this 2026 model.
Manufacturer warranty-policy check · GMKtec direct store
GMKtec -
Review-unit disclosure Not available
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Windows image check Clean scans; unwanted AI app
Lon.TV reported no malware after several checks, but criticized a preinstalled Chinese-language Cherry AI assistant as unwanted software. Team Pandory independently reported clean Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes scans while raising the same bundled-app concern.
Fresh-install malware and bundled-software check · Exact 16GB/1TB review units
Lon.TV · 5:34 -
Ubuntu compatibility Core devices worked
Lon.TV reported working video, audio, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet with a current Ubuntu release on the exact machine.
Ubuntu live-system compatibility check · Ubuntu version not named; exact 16GB/1TB review unit
Lon.TV · 11:01
References
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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
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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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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.
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GMKtec. GMKtec K13 Mini PC Intel Core Ultra 7 256V. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: K13-1-34S: Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB LPDDR5X-8533, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, US variant
Disclosure: Manufacturer product specifications, variant identity, direct price, availability, warranty, and return-policy claims.
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Lon.TV. GMKTec K13 Mini PC Review : 5 Gig Ethernet & Intel Meteor Lake Chipset. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB LPDDR5X, 1TB SSD
Disclosure: GMKtec provided the unit free of charge. The reviewer said no other compensation was received and GMKtec did not review or approve the video. The description contains compensated affiliate links.
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Team Pandory. This Intel Mini PC Beats 780M… Seriously [GMKtec NucBox K13 Review]. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB LPDDR5X, 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Disclosure: Product provided for review; the channel states no payment was received. The description contains affiliate links.
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ETA PRIME. Intel FINALLY Fixed Mini PC Gaming! GMKtec K13 First Look. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB LPDDR5X, 1TB SSD
Disclosure: The video contains an unrelated URCDKeys sponsorship. The description links the exact 16GB/1TB K13 through an Amazon affiliate URL but does not state how the review unit was obtained.
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
- Supports 112 GB more memory
Higher listed specifications for GMKtec K13
- Uses a smaller 0.6 liter enclosure
- Has a manufacturer list price about $2,849 lower
Verified specifications
Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status
Processor
| Specification | ROG NUC 16 | K13 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus | Intel Core Ultra 7 256V |
| Cores / threads | 24 / 24 | 8 / 8 |
| Processor default TDP | Not disclosed | 17 W |
| Integrated graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU with 16GB GDDR7 | Intel Arc 140V, 8 Xe cores |
Memory and storage
| Specification | ROG NUC 16 | K13 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | DDR5-6400 CSODIMM | LPDDR5X-8533 on-package |
| Maximum memory | 128 GB | 16 GB |
| Upgradeable memory | Yes | No |
| Storage slots | 2 | 2 |
Connectivity
| Specification | ROG NUC 16 | K13 |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | 2.5GbE | 5GbE |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2 |
| USB4 | Yes | Yes |
| Thunderbolt | Yes | No |
Size and price
| Specification | ROG NUC 16 | K13 |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure volume | 3.02 liters | 0.6 liters |
| List price | $3,799 | $950 |
| Product class | Compact high-end gaming | Compact low-power gaming |