ASUS NUC 16 Pro NUC16GDKU5 Core Ultra 5 325 8GB 256GB barebone mini PC

Compact AI-ready barebone

The ASUS NUC 16 Pro NUC16GDKU5 is a new mini-PC barebone built around an Intel Core Ultra 5 325 processor with 16 cores and a 4.5 GHz maximum frequency. It ships with 8 GB of DDR5 7200 MT/s memory and a 256 GB PCIe 5.0 SSD. The integrated Intel Xe3 graphics and a dedicated AI Boost NPU deliver 57 TOPS for AI development and machine learning workloads in a 5.67 x 4.61 x 1.65 inch chassis.

Connectivity limits and thermal envelope

Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports with DisplayPort 2.1 support up to four displays, while Wi-Fi 7 BE211 and Bluetooth 6.0 handle wireless links. Two 2.5G LAN ports using Intel I226-V and I226-LM controllers provide wired throughput. The processor operates at up to 45 W TDP and is cooled by a dual-fan system inside the 144 x 117 x 42 mm case. fTPM 2.0 firmware secures the platform, and MIL-STD 810H certification confirms drop and environmental resistance.

Tool-free upgrades and common pitfalls

The toolless chassis opens without screws for memory and storage changes, supporting DDR5 7200 MT/s SO-DIMMs and PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSDs. Builders who need more than 8 GB of RAM or more than 256 GB of storage must source and install compatible modules themselves. The barebone includes no operating system, so a licence and installation media are required. Buyers who want a pre-configured, ready-to-run system should choose a finished mini PC instead.