The ASUS NUC barebone is a ready-to-build mini PC kit. The ASUS NUC 16 Pro uses an Intel Core Ultra 5 335 processor, and the ASUS NUC 14 Essential uses an Intel N150 processor. The buyer installs their own memory, storage and operating system. The Thinvent Treo Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 5 125U is the closest alternative, because it is a mini PC with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor and it ships with memory, storage and an operating system already installed.
ASUS NUC Barebone vs Thinvent Treo Mini PC
| ASUS NUC 16 Pro Barebone | Thinvent Treo Mini PC, Intel Core Ultra 5 125U | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5 335 | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U |
| Cores | Not confirmed | 12 |
| RAM | Installed by buyer | 32 GB DDR5 |
| Storage | Installed by buyer | 2 TB SSD |
| Form Factor | Mini PC | Mini PC |
| Operating System | Installed by buyer | Windows 11 Pro |
| Dual LAN | Not confirmed | Yes (2 Ethernet ports) |
| Wireless | Not confirmed | No WiFi on this SKU |
The Treo SKU shown here is Thinvent Treo Mini PC, Intel Core Ultra 5 125U. The Treo line also includes Intel Core i5 and i7 models and AMD Ryzen 5 models, with Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 IoT Value, Ubuntu Linux, Thinux Embedded Linux, or no operating system as choices.
Key differences
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The Thinvent Treo uses the same Intel Core Ultra 5 family as the ASUS NUC 16 Pro. Its Core Ultra 5 125U has 12 cores and runs up to 4.3 GHz.
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The Thinvent Treo ships with 32 GB DDR5 RAM and a 2 TB SSD. The ASUS NUC barebone ships without memory or storage, so the buyer must add them.
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The Thinvent Treo ships with Windows 11 Pro installed. The buyer can also choose Ubuntu Linux, Thinux Embedded Linux, Windows 11 IoT Value, DOS, or no operating system.
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The Thinvent Treo has two Ethernet ports. We could not confirm the Ethernet port count of the ASUS NUC 16 Pro.
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The ASUS NUC barebone lets the buyer choose the memory, storage and operating system. The Thinvent Treo has these fixed at the configuration shown, so buyers who want full control over each component may prefer the barebone.
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The ASUS NUC 14 Essential uses an Intel N150 processor, a lower-power class than the Core Ultra 5 in the Thinvent Treo.
Which one should you choose?
Choose an ASUS NUC barebone if you want to select your own memory, storage and operating system. Choose the Thinvent Treo Mini PC if you want a mini PC with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, 32 GB RAM, a 2 TB SSD and a choice of operating systems ready to use.
