ASUS has unveiled its new NUC 16 mini PCs featuring energy-efficient Intel Core 3 processors, offering a compelling alternative to similar AMD models.
This small machine from ASUS is the version with the most limited specifications of the ASUS NUC 16 Pro unveiled a few weeks ago. This hardware marks the debut of the new Intel Wildcat Lake processors, specifically the Intel Core 7 350, Core 5 320, and Core 3 304 models. For graphics, it integrates the new Intel Xe3 iGPU cores with next-generation Xe3 cores, a top-tier competitor to high-end integrated AMD GPUs—something Intel hadn’t achieved in quite some time.
Intel’s new processors offer high performance with very low power consumption. If you’re looking for something compact with good performance for office or multimedia use, this could be an interesting option.
ASUS NUC 16 Specifications
These NUCs are powered by the new Intel Core 3 Series (Wildcat Lake) processors, manufactured using the advanced Intel 18A process node. We have versions with the Core 7 350 and Core 5 320, featuring 6 cores and 6 threads: 2 powerful Cougar Cove cores and 4 efficient Darkmont (LP-E) cores. The most basic option, the Core 3 304, features 5 cores and 5 threads (1 P-core and 4 LP-E cores). For graphics, we have Intel Xe3 technology and an NPU for local AI tasks. Power consumption for all models is configurable at 10/15/35 W.
For RAM, we have up to 64 GB of DDR5 SODIMM reaching 6400 MT/s in Single Channel. For storage, there are two slots for high-speed 2280 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDs up to 4 TB.
Other notable features
In terms of connectivity, there is an M.2 adapter for connecting the desired module and two 2.5G RJ45 ports. For ports, there are two USB-A 3.2, one USB-C 3.2 Gen2, two USB-A 2.0, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and two HDMI 2.1 video outputs. We also have a full-featured USB4 (Thunderbolt 4) port supporting up to 40 Gbps for connecting an external GPU. In total, we can connect up to three displays at once.
The operating system is Windows 11 Pro or Windows 365, but Linux can be installed. The dimensions are 144 x 117 x 42 mm, and it features VESA mounting. The DC power adapter is not included in the box and is optional, but any compatible USB-C PD charger can be used.
Price and availability
- The new ASUS NUC 16 Mini PC will be available on Amazon at a lower price than the Pro version.
- There are other more affordable mini PC alternatives available.
