Framework Desktop vs Mac Studio vs Intel NUC 13 Extreme. You Won't Believe Which Tiny PC Wins in 2025

• Framework Desktop (2025) is a 4.5-liter modular PC built around an AMD Ryzen AI Max CPU (8-core/16-thread Ryzen AI Max 385 or 16-core/32-thread Ryzen AI Max+ 395) with boost clocks around 5.0–5.1 GHz and a sustained 120W TDP.
• The Framework uses the Radeon 8060S iGPU with 40 RDNA3 compute units, up to 2.9 GHz, and up to 96 GB of shared memory for AI and compute tasks.
• RAM and storage: Framework soldered LPDDR5x-8000 RAM up to 128 GB (with up to 96 GB usable as VRAM) and two M.2 NVMe slots up to 8 TB each (total up to 16 TB).
• Framework emphasizes upgrade-friendly modularity by offering replaceable storage and front expansion panels, while the CPU/GPU/RAM are soldered on the mainboard for now, with potential future motherboard swaps.
• Mac Studio (M2 Ultra/Max) features a 24-core CPU (16 performance + 8 efficiency) with either a 60-core or 76-core GPU and 800 GB/s unified memory bandwidth, with RAM from 32 GB up to 128 GB (M2 Max) or 192 GB (M2 Ultra).
• The Mac Studio can drive up to six Apple Pro Display XDRs and runs macOS with integrated media engines, housed in a 3.7-inch-tall, 7.7-inch-square aluminum chassis.
• NUC 13 Extreme (Raptor Canyon) supports up to a Core i9-13900K (24 cores, 32 threads, 5.8 GHz turbo) and a desktop GPU up to an RTX 4090, cooled by a 750W+ PSU and multiple fans.
• RAM in the NUC: two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots up to 64 GB, up to three M.2 drives, with GPU upgradeable via PCIe, and dual LAN (10GbE + 2.5GbE).
• Form factor and dimensions: Framework is about 4.5L (roughly 9.7 × 20.6 × 22.6 cm); Mac Studio is 3.8L (7.7 × 7.7 × 9.5 cm); NUC 13 Extreme is 13–14 L (33.7 × 31.8 × 12.9 cm) and weighs ~7.4 kg with a GPU.
• Pricing and availability: Framework DIY base starts around $1,099 with higher tiers up to about $1,999; Mac Studio starts at $1,999 for M2 Max and $3,999 for M2 Ultra, with higher configurations; NUC 13 Extreme kit launched around $1,550–$1,700, with fully configured builds often $2,500–$3,500 or more depending on GPU.

The battle of the tiny titans is on: Framework Desktop, Apple Mac Studio (M2 generation), and Intel NUC 13 Extreme each pack huge performance into miniature packages. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll see how these three compact PCs stack up across specs, performance, modularity, design, ecosystem, price, expert opinions, and even future rumors. Which small form-factor powerhouse comes out on top? Read on to find out!

Overview

Framework Desktop (2025) – Modular Mini Marvel: Framework, known for its repairable laptops, has entered the desktop arena with a 4.5-liter mini PC designed to deliver “massive gaming capability, heavy-duty AI compute” in a quiet, compact box. It’s built around an unusual AMD “Ryzen™ AI Max” processor with a beefy integrated GPU, aiming to bridge the gap between mini PCs and full-sized desktops. Framework positions it as a do-it-yourself “big computer made mini”, targeting PC enthusiasts, gamers, and AI developers who crave performance and upgradability in a tiny footprint.

Apple Mac Studio (M2 Series) – Creatives’ Power Cube: Apple’s Mac Studio is a premium compact workstation that looks like two Mac Minis stacked together. With Apple Silicon (M2 Max or M2 Ultra chips) inside, it’s aimed at creative professionals, developers, and power users. Apple markets the Mac Studio as capable of tackling high-end media production and AI tasks “at warp speed,” essentially a pint-sized Mac Pro apple.com. The Mac Studio’s brand positioning leans on Apple’s ecosystem strengths – seamless macOS integration, specialized media engines, and silent efficiency – making it ideal for content creation, 3D rendering, and software development in a small, stylish package.

Intel NUC 13 Extreme (“Raptor Canyon”) – Mini PC, Major Power: Intel’s NUC 13 Extreme is a shoebox-sized gaming PC that stuffs desktop-class components into ~13–14 liters. Part of Intel’s Next Unit of Computing line (now continued by ASUS), this kit targets enthusiasts who want a no-compromise gaming/workstation rig with a smaller footprint than standard towers. The NUC 13 Extreme can house a 13th-gen Core i9 desktop CPU and even a full-length RTX 4090 GPU – delivering “huge PC performance within a compact form factor,” as one review noted. In essence, it’s aimed at gamers, VR users, and prosumers who need high-end performance and upgradeability, but in a form-factor that can sit on a desk or in a home theater. Despite Intel exiting the NUC business, the NUC 13 Extreme remains a top contender among mini desktops, with ASUS stepping in to support and develop future models pcworld.com.

Specs and Performance

When it comes to raw specs, these three machines take very different approaches to achieving high performance:

• CPU Cores & Power: The Framework Desktop offers AMD’s latest mobile-derived silicon in two flavors: an 8-core/16-thread Ryzen AI Max 385 or a 16-core/32-thread Ryzen AI Max+ 395, both with boost clocks around 5.0–5.1 GHz. These chips (codenamed “Strix Halo”) are highly integrated APUs with a 120W TDP sustained (140W boost). In practice, the 16-core Framework CPU delivers multi-threaded performance comparable to high-end desktop CPUs, though it’s tuned for efficiency – Ars Technica notes that power limits keep the 16-core Ryzen from running as fast as a socketed desktop chip of similar core count. The Mac Studio’s M2 Ultra chip combines a 24-core CPU (16 performance + 8 efficiency cores) with a massive unified memory architecture. It doesn’t fit neatly into x86 TDP ratings, but its performance per watt is exceptional. In benchmarks, the 24-core M2 Ultra can score around 28,000 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core, rivaling a Core i9-13900K, while drawing far less power techradar.com. Single-core speeds (~3.7 GHz) are strong too, thanks to Apple’s efficient design. TechRadar lauded the Mac Studio’s “excellent workstation performance that is only beaten graphically by much larger PCs” techradar.com. In real-world use, this means lightning-fast photo/video rendering and code builds, all while staying whisper-quiet. The NUC 13 Extreme comes with desktop 13th-gen Intel Core options – up to a Core i9-13900K (24 cores, 32 threads, 5.8 GHz turbo). This 125W CPU (which can draw 200W+ under load) gives the NUC raw horsepower in line with top-tier gaming towers. In fact, it’s the highest TDP CPU ever put in a NUC. Thanks to the NUC’s beefy cooling, it can sustain high clocks reasonably well (with some fan noise). In CPU-bound tasks like software compiling or 3D rendering, the NUC’s Core i9 can slightly edge out the Mac’s M2 Ultra in peak throughput, but it will consume much more power doing so. Overall, all three systems are multi-core monsters – Framework’s 16 Zen cores and Apple’s 24 hybrid cores handle heavy multitasking with ease, while the NUC’s i9 delivers bursts of extreme performance when thermals allow.
• Graphics Performance: Here the philosophies diverge sharply. Framework Desktop has no discrete GPU, but its integrated Radeon is a revelation. The Radeon 8060S iGPU in the Ryzen 395 features 40 RDNA3 compute units (basically “40 GPU cores”) running up to ~2.9GHz – making it one of the most powerful integrated GPUs ever made. In fact, early testers found its gaming performance comparable to a mid-tier laptop graphics card. Wired reports that in 3DMark it lands about 32% behind a modern desktop GPU like Nvidia’s RTX 5060, and roughly on par with a mobile RTX 4060 discrete GPU. In real gaming, the Framework Desktop surprised reviewers by running Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p Ultra (no upscaling) and still averaging 84 FPS – a feat nearly unheard of for an iGPU. Less demanding titles or esports games easily hit high frame rates on this machine. Ars Technica sums it up well: the Radeon 8060S is “exceptionally good for an integrated GPU,” vastly outclassing older AMD APUs. That said, it’s still an iGPU: Ars notes even a ~$300 discrete graphics card will beat it in raw performance. For most gamers, the 8060S enables solid 1080p or 1440p gaming, but it can’t catch a high-end GPU in 4K or ray-traced workloads. Where the 8060S shines is compute – it has direct access to up to 96GB of shared memory, which is a boon for machine learning and rendering tasks that need lots of VRAM. The Mac Studio relies on Apple’s unified GPU architecture. The M2 Ultra’s integrated GPU comes in 60-core or 76-core configurations, with performance roughly akin to a mid-to-high range desktop card (estimates put the 76-core GPU around an RTX 3070/3080 in some workflows). In professional apps optimized for Metal (Apple’s graphics API), the Mac Studio’s GPU can excel – for instance, it can drive multiple 8K displays and churn through 3D animations or VR content fairly smoothly. However, for gaming, Apple’s GPU is less proven. There’s a limited library of AAA games on macOS, and even though Apple’s hardware could handle many games at high settings, software support is the bottleneck. Still, with new game-porting tools and titles like Resident Evil Village and No Man’s Sky making it to Mac, the Mac Studio can game at 1080p or 1440p decently. In summary, the Mac’s GPU is fantastic for creative pros (blazing through Final Cut Pro, Blender, etc.), but not the go-to for hardcore PC gamers due to OS limitations. The NUC 13 Extreme is in another league: it supports full-length discrete GPUs via a PCIe x16 slot (up to triple-slot, 12-inch cards). This means you can outfit it with anything from a modest RTX 3060 up to an enthusiast-class RTX 4090 (yes, some users have successfully installed a 4090 in this mini chassis). Out of the box, the barebone NUC actually has only the Intel UHD 770 iGPU (which is very weak for gaming), so a dedicated GPU is practically required to unlock its potential. With a high-end GPU, the NUC becomes a tiny gaming beast. It can easily push 4K resolution in modern games or handle VR and CAD workloads that neither the Framework nor Mac Studio could touch. Of course, this comes with much higher power draw and heat. In GPU benchmarks, a NUC 13 Extreme with an RTX 3080 Ti or 4080 will dwarf the integrated GPUs of the other systems – making it the best choice for heavy 3D gaming or GPU compute (e.g. CUDA-based AI training). The trade-off is power and noise: expect the NUC’s fans to audibly ramp up when the GPU is under full load, whereas the Mac Studio and Framework Desktop maintain quieter profiles in most scenarios.
• Memory (RAM): All three differ in memory tech and capacity. Framework Desktop uses blazing-fast LPDDR5x-8000 memory (256-bit bus) soldered directly to the mainboard. The base model comes with 32 GB, mid-tier with 64 GB, and a top configuration offers a whopping 128 GB RAM. Because this memory is unified with the GPU (like a console or Apple’s design), up to 96 GB can be allocated as VRAM for graphics/AI tasks on the 128 GB model. The downside: the RAM is not upgradeable (a contentious choice by Framework, necessitated by the need for very high memory bandwidth for the 8060S GPU). This is a desktop where you must choose your RAM upfront. Still, even 32 GB will cover general use and gaming; 64–128 GB targets power users (running local AI models, large datasets, or heavy multitasking). Mac Studio uses Apple’s unified memory, which is also non-user-upgradeable. The M2 Max config starts at 32 GB, and M2 Ultra configs start at 64 GB, with options up to 128 GB or 192 GB of unified RAM depending on model. This memory boasts 800 GB/s bandwidth on M2 Ultra (one of the reasons its GPU performance is strong in pro apps). All components – CPU, GPU, Neural Engine – share the pool, which can actually be an advantage: large video or 3D projects can reside entirely in unified memory, avoiding slow transfers. For most creative workflows, 64 GB is plenty, but the 128/192 GB option appeals to extreme cases (e.g. 8K video editing, massive scientific simulations). Again, you cannot add RAM later – what you buy is what you’re stuck with, so Apple users often err on the higher side (albeit at steep upgrade prices). Intel NUC 13 Extreme takes the traditional PC route: it has two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, supporting up to 64 GB of RAM (2×32 GB) at 4800–5600 MT/s. Users can install their own memory modules and can upgrade later by swapping DIMMs. While 64 GB is the official max, future higher-density SO-DIMMs might allow 96 GB if the BIOS supports it. For gaming and most tasks, 32 GB (2×16) is more than enough, but content creators or VM enthusiasts can go 64 GB. The NUC’s memory is not unified with the GPU – a discrete GPU will have its own VRAM (e.g. 8–24 GB on an RTX card). This means the NUC effectively can leverage both high-speed GDDR6 on the GPU and system RAM for CPU tasks, which is similar to standard desktop behavior.
• Storage and I/O: All three systems offer fast SSD storage options, but with different approaches: – The Framework Desktop has two M.2 NVMe slots (PCIe 4.0 x4 each), supporting up to 8 TB each. In total, you could have 16 TB of SSD storage internally. The DIY Edition lets you buy without SSDs or add your own, giving flexibility. It even includes heatspreaders for the M.2 slots to keep those drives cool in the tight chassis. In terms of ports, the Framework has a mix of fixed and modular I/O: On the back, you get 2× USB4 (Thunderbolt 3 equivalent), 2× DisplayPort 2.1, 1× HDMI 2.1, 2× USB-A 3.2, 1× 5Gb Ethernet, and audio jack. Uniquely, the front I/O uses Framework’s Expansion Card system, so you can choose two ports (USB-C, USB-A, SD reader, etc.) to slot into the front panel. This is less impactful than on laptops (since the desktop already has many rear ports), but it’s a nice customization – e.g. you can have a front USB-C and an SD card slot for photographers. Wireless is top-notch: an AMD RZ717 Wi-Fi 7 card and Bluetooth are included, so networking is cutting-edge if you prefer wireless. – The Mac Studio offers soldered internal storage (PCIe SSD on the board). Configurations range from 512 GB up to 8 TB at purchase. The SSDs are extremely fast (over 7,000 MB/s reads) techradar.com, benefiting 4K video editing and large file workflows. Officially, Apple doesn’t allow end-user upgrades (the modules are proprietary), so choose wisely upfront. Ports on Mac Studio (M2 Ultra model) are plentiful: 6× Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports (4 on back, 2 on front), 2× USB-A, 1× 10Gb Ethernet, 1× HDMI (2.1), SDXC card slot, and 3.5mm headphone jack. This is a very robust selection for a Mac, accommodating multiple pro displays and peripherals. Notably, the Mac Studio can drive up to six Apple Pro Display XDRs simultaneously, thanks to the powerful Thunderbolt/HDMI outputs techradar.com. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are built-in as well. The Mac’s I/O is fixed (no modularity), but covers most needs out-of-the-box, especially in an Apple-centric workflow. – The NUC 13 Extreme being a barebones kit, often requires you to install your own SSDs/RAM. It supports up to three M.2 drives: one on the Compute Element card and two on a separate carrier board (all PCIe 4.0 x4). This means you could load it with several SSDs (e.g. an OS drive plus two large game or data drives). Simply NUC cites up to 40 TB total storage potential, though that assumes future high-capacity drives simplynuc.com simplynuc.com. Realistically, today you might do 3×4TB for 12 TB. In terms of ports, the NUC 13 Extreme is rich: it includes 2× Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, 6× USB-A 3.2, 2× Ethernet ports (10GbE + 2.5GbE), plus HDMI 2.1 and audio, etc., courtesy of the Intel board design simplynuc.com. Dual LAN is a standout feature – great for home server or advanced networking use (the Mac and Framework each have only one LAN port at lower speeds). With a discrete GPU installed, you also gain whatever display outputs the card provides (e.g. 3–4 DisplayPort/HDMI from an NVIDIA card). This makes the NUC very flexible for multi-monitor setups. Overall connectivity is a strong point for the NUC Extreme – it’s essentially a full desktop’s worth of I/O in a mini chassis, including lots of legacy USB-A for peripherals.
• Thermals & Performance Scaling: The Framework Desktop relies on a single large 120 mm fan (user-selectable Noctua or Cooler Master) attached to a copper heatpipe heatsink. It’s a clever cooling solution for the integrated APU. Reviews indicate the Framework runs quietly under moderate loads and only ramps up under sustained heavy CPU+GPU use. The chassis volume (4.5L) and 120W chip mean it has to dissipate a lot of heat in a small area, but Framework’s design seems effective – Ars Technica noted it maintains good power efficiency and solid performance without overheating. Meanwhile, Apple’s Mac Studio has a famously robust cooling system: a large blower fan and extensive heatsinks taking advantage of the chip’s efficiency. The result is a machine that barely whispers even when exporting 8K video. Its 3.7-inch tall aluminum case vents hot air out the back, and the efficiency of M2 Ultra (roughly ~100W max for the chip) means less heat to handle. In fact, the Mac Studio’s fans are quieter than you’d expect for something so compact, thanks to the lower power draw versus equivalent x86 PCs. On the other hand, the Intel NUC 13 Extreme uses multiple fans (one on the CPU card and case fans) to cool the 150W+ combined CPU/GPU loads it can generate. Intel enlarged this NUC’s case specifically to improve airflow and acoustics. It’s not silent under load – you’ll hear it when the GPU and CPU are both stressed – but it’s much quieter and cooler than previous-gen NUCs due to the 14L airflow-optimized design. In short bursts, the NUC’s Core i9 can turbo very high, but sustained heavy workloads will warm the small case and throttle slightly to keep things stable. Still, it’s impressive that “with size comes power” – the NUC 13 Extreme can run a 13900K + RTX 3080 Ti combo without immediate thermal overload, something that would have been unthinkable in older mini PCs. Just don’t expect it to be as inaudible as the Mac Studio during those workloads.
• Benchmark Highlights: To put some numbers on it: In Geekbench 5, a Mac Studio (M2 Ultra 24-core) scores around 2,000 single-core and ~28,000 multi-core, comparable to a Core i9 desktop techradar.com. The Framework’s 16-core Ryzen might score on the order of ~20,000–25,000 in multi (a bit under Mac/Nuc in all-core due to power limit) – Framework hasn’t published Geekbench, but Cinebench R23 runs indicate it’s closer to a Ryzen 9 7950X at 120W. For graphics, Apple doesn’t run typical PC benchmarks, but in Blender GPU tests the M2 Ultra’s 76-core GPU was competitive with an RTX 3070, completing scenes in similar times techradar.com. The Framework’s Radeon 8060S, as Wired tested, outpaced the same chip in a laptop by 13% and reached ~84 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p Ultra. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, one can expect ~70+ FPS at high settings 1080p on the 8060S (extrapolating from similar iGPU data). The NUC 13 Extreme’s performance is entirely dependent on the GPU you install – with an RTX 4080, for example, you’d get 120+ FPS in the same games at 1440p ultra, far beyond the others. One more angle: AI and ML workloads – the Framework’s AMD chip has a built-in NPU (Neural Processing Unit) delivering 50 TOPS of AI performance. This hardware accelerator, combined with the large memory, means it can run certain AI inference tasks (like large language models or image recognition) very efficiently on the device. Apple’s M2 Ultra has the 32-core Neural Engine (~speculated 15.8 trillion ops per second), which accelerates CoreML tasks (e.g. transcribing speech, upscaling photos) seamlessly in macOS. Intel’s platform has no dedicated AI engine, but if you put e.g. an NVIDIA card in the NUC, you get access to CUDA cores and Tensor cores – for instance, a RTX 4090 can perform AI training/inference an order of magnitude faster than the others (at the cost of hundreds of watts of power). In sum, each “tiny PC” delivers outsized performance in different areas: the Mac Studio excels at balanced CPU/GPU throughput with media and AI specialization, the Framework Desktop punches above its weight in GPU compute and multitasking with superb efficiency, and the NUC 13 Extreme can outright dominate in gaming or GPU-heavy work if equipped with top-end cards, while also holding its own in CPU grunt.

Modularity and Upgradeability

One of the biggest differentiators is how modular or upgrade-friendly each system is:

• Framework Desktop: Coming from a company devoted to right-to-repair, the Framework Desktop puts a spin on desktop modularity. The internal layout uses a custom 4.5L case, but importantly, the mainboard follows the Mini-ITX form factor and the PSU is a standard FlexATX unit (400W, 80+ Gold). That means many core components are standard or at least standard-shaped. It has normal PC fan headers, M.2 slots, and even a PCIe x4 slot on the board (though not exposed in the default case). The idea is that, in the future, you could swap the entire mainboard for a newer one (just as Framework has done with its laptops). The company hints that you “may be able to pick and choose from future upgrades” – essentially remaining in Framework’s ecosystem for a new CPU/GPU combo down the line pcworld.com. However, unlike a typical DIY desktop, you cannot upgrade the CPU, GPU, or RAM separately – they are all soldered on the board techmeme.com. This design decision, driven by technical needs, has drawn some criticism from Framework’s fans who expected fully socketed parts. Framework did attempt to use the new modular LGA CAMM memory format but ran into signal integrity issues, so soldered LPDDR5x was the only way to achieve 8000 MT/s speeds. On the bright side, just about everything else is upgradeable: storage (easy to add/replace M.2 SSDs), the Wi-Fi/BT module (likely replaceable if a new standard comes), the cooling fan (you can choose your own 120mm fan), and even the decorative front tiles can be swapped/3D-printed for personalization. The Framework Desktop is also extremely easy to assemble: it ships mostly built, with clear instructions for inserting RAM/SSD, and Framework’s use of pop-open panels and a single screwdriver is as user-friendly as their laptops. PCWorld called it “the easiest PC you’ve ever built”, highlighting the thoughtful design for DIY enthusiasts. In summary, Framework prioritized modular form (standard board, PSU, etc.) and long-term upgradability via board swaps, but at the cost of short-term part-by-part upgrades. If you’re comfortable doing a board replacement in a few years to get a “Framework Desktop 2.0” core, this machine will serve you well. If you demand interchangeable GPUs or DIMMs today, you’ll be disappointed.
• Apple Mac Studio: In stark contrast, the Mac Studio is essentially not user-upgradeable internally. Apple’s philosophy is a closed appliance: the RAM is unified on the chip, the SSD is a proprietary module (and while technically removable, Apple doesn’t support end-user upgrades or swaps between units without a restore process). There are no PCIe slots, no way to add more internal storage beyond that one slot, and certainly no way to change the GPU or CPU – they’re all baked into the M2 SoC. The only “upgrade” Apple allows at purchase time is configuring higher memory or storage (or opting for the higher-chip M2 Ultra over M2 Max). So, once you have your Mac Studio, upgrades rely on external expansion: Thunderbolt 4 ports support high-speed external SSDs, eGPUs are not supported on Apple Silicon, but you can attach specialty accelerators or capture cards via Thunderbolt enclosures. Apple does make using multiple devices seamless – you could offload tasks to another Mac via clustering, for instance – but the box itself is fixed. On reparability, Mac Studio scores better than past Apple gear; teardown experts found it relatively straightforward to open the chassis, and the fan can be cleaned, etc., but replacing parts like the power supply or ports would require going through Apple’s service channels. In short, the Mac Studio is for those who don’t intend to tinker inside. It’s a “buy and use for years” device – solid and reliable, but not customizable. This is acceptable to many in the target audience (who just want a stable workstation), but it’s the polar opposite of the Framework ethos.
• Intel NUC 13 Extreme: The NUC Extreme series has always tried to balance compact size with some upgradeability, and the 13 Extreme is the most upgrade-friendly yet. The design uses an Intel Compute Element card, which is essentially a mini motherboard with the CPU soldered on. That card slots into a baseboard that provides the PCIe slot and other I/O. Practically, users cannot swap the CPU (since it’s soldered to the element), but Intel has in the past offered upgrade paths by selling newer Compute Elements that you could slot into the same chassis. With Intel’s exit from the business, it’s unclear if future socket-compatible Element cards will come, but ASUS has taken over NUC development and might offer something similar for 14th-gen and beyond pcworld.com. Regardless, within this generation, the NUC 13 Extreme lets you upgrade the RAM (standard DDR5 SO-DIMMs), upgrade the storage (M.2 slots as mentioned), and crucially, upgrade the discrete GPU. The ability to use any standard dual- or triple-slot graphics card (within 313 mm length) is a huge plus. This means the NUC can evolve with your needs – today you might run a midrange GPU and later swap in something more powerful. The internal 750W PSU is strong enough for most GPUs up to an RTX 4080/4090 class. Additionally, things like fans are standard and can be replaced; the case itself, while custom, could be modded due to its screw-together PC-like construction. It’s worth noting that the NUC’s chassis, while bigger than the others, still has tight clearances – so working inside is a bit fiddly, but not harder than building in other SFF cases. Overall, the NUC 13 Extreme scores high on upgradeability: memory, storage, and GPU are all user-changeable, and even the wireless card is replaceable on the Compute Element (though it already comes with Wi-Fi 6E). The only non-upgradeable part is the CPU (and motherboard chipset), which is a common compromise in small form factors (same as many gaming laptops). For DIY enthusiasts, the NUC offers a lot of freedom in a compact box – you can essentially treat it like a mini-ITX build; however, you are constrained to Intel’s provided motherboard/CPU combo for that generation.

In summary, Framework Desktop is modular in the big-picture sense (future board swaps, customizable I/O panels) but not for incremental GPU/RAM upgrades; Mac Studio is a closed book – what you buy is what you keep, aside from plugging things in externally; NUC 13 Extreme is closest to a regular desktop – you can open it, swap RAM, drop in a new GPU, add SSDs, etc. – making it the most upgrade-friendly internally (even if its ecosystem future is now tied to ASUS). Enthusiasts who love to tweak hardware will gravitate to the NUC or Framework. Those who prefer a maintenance-free experience might opt for the Mac.

Form Factor and Design

Despite all being “mini” desktops, these three devices have distinct physical designs and size differences:

• Framework Desktop: With a volume of 4.5 liters and dimensions of about 9.7 × 20.6 × 22.6 cm (HxWxD), the Framework Desktop is impressively small – closer to a console or a NAS box in size. It’s meant to sit on a desk vertically (it resembles a small shoebox tower). The case is black with a mesh front comprised of a grid of removable tiles. These front Tiles are a fun aspect of the design: they snap into a grid, allowing for custom colors or patterns – a bit of personalization rare in desktops. (Framework even hinted at community-made tile designs, from wood finishes to LED matrix tiles). Unlike flashy gaming PCs, the Framework Desktop has a somewhat understated look – no glass panels or standard RGB lighting (unless you count an optional ARGB fan). In fact, a reviewer noted they’d “gladly take the light-hearted tile system… over another dose of overdone RGB lighting” in small gaming PCs. The build materials include a mix of aluminum and 30% post-consumer recycled plastic for the shell. Some critics felt the plastic panels felt a bit cheap, but they help keep weight down (the unit weighs ~3.1 kg). The internal layout is clever: a single 120mm top-blower fan and the FlexATX PSU tucked in. Cooling air flows through side and top vents. It’s compact but serviceable – remove two screws and the top and side panels come off for access. One nitpick from Wired was that reassembling those panels can be fiddly, but overall it’s a solid design for how much hardware is inside. The Framework Desktop’s aesthetic could be described as modern minimalist meets DIY chic. It will look at home next to a monitor without drawing too much attention – unless you customize the front to make it pop!
• Apple Mac Studio: The Mac Studio’s design is quintessential Apple: a 7.7 × 7.7 inch aluminum square footprint, with 3.7 inch height (19.7 × 19.7 × 9.5 cm). That works out to about 3.8 liters in volume. It’s the smallest of the three by volume, though not by weight (it’s densely packed at ~2.7–3.6 kg depending on configuration). The exterior is a seamless aluminum unibody with rounded edges – basically a big sibling of the Mac Mini. It has a grid of tiny vent holes on the bottom and back. The design is very sleek and subtle – there are no visible lights or embellishments. Many appreciate that it just looks like a minimalist silver box, blending into studio environments. The thermal design pulls cool air in from the bottom perimeter and exhausts warm air out the back vent; you’ll never see the fans, only hear a gentle whisper when they kick up. Apple’s philosophy is function hidden in form – the Studio is extremely rigid, well-built, and uses its metal case as a heat spreader. Placed on a desk, it’s about the size of a short bread loaf – one can easily set it beneath a monitor or on an audio interface rack. It’s also portable in the sense that you could move it between workplaces in a backpack (some on-the-go editors do that). There’s no user-visible upgradability or clear side panels – it’s not meant to be opened casually. The visual design emphasis is on simplicity and premium feel, which is consistent with Apple’s pro products. It does have an internal speaker (mono) for basic sound, showing Apple considered even the smallest details of a self-contained experience techradar.com. In summary, the Mac Studio’s form factor is remarkably compact and quiet for the performance it delivers – about 3.5× smaller than an equivalent PC like the NUC 13 Extreme according to one comparison. It’s a triumph of industrial design, albeit a completely closed one.
• Intel NUC 13 Extreme: This unit is nicknamed “Raptor Canyon” for a reason – it’s larger and more rugged-looking than past NUCs. Dimensions are roughly 33.7 × 31.8 × 12.9 cm (D×H×W) when vertical, which is about 13.9 liters. Many SFF PC enthusiasts would consider that small mid-tower size rather than “mini,” but compared to standard ATX desktops it’s still much more compact. The NUC can actually be oriented either vertically (like a mini tower) or horizontally (console-style) – it comes with a stand for vertical use. The design is a black steel and plastic chassis with mesh air intakes on the sides. Intel moved to a mesh front and side panel design to maximize airflow. It’s not trying to be a fashion piece; instead it looks utilitarian, even a bit aggressive with angular vents. Some versions of Intel’s NUC Extreme have had skull logos or LED lighting (like the older Skull Canyon NUCs), but the Raptor Canyon is relatively subdued – it has an RGB-lit skull on the front by default, but that can be turned off. The case is definitely focused on function: optimal airflow, room for big components, and easy access. For example, the side panels pop off to reveal the GPU bay on one side and the Compute Element on the other. Enthusiasts have praised how much easier the NUC 13 is to work with than earlier models – the extra volume (double the NUC 11’s) makes routing cables and cooling much less cramped. At ~7.4 kg fully built with a GPU, it’s heftier than the Framework or Mac, but still luggable if needed. Aesthetically, it resembles other small-form-factor gaming PCs like the Corsair One or MSI Trident series, but with Intel/ASUS’s own flair. It won’t win awards for being slim or cute, yet it’s impressive that it fits a whole high-end desktop inside. If the Mac Studio is a silent silver cube and the Framework is a LEGO-like mini tower, the NUC is a dense little black brick with a bit of gamer DNA. On a desk, it occupies more space, and you’ll likely stand it on the floor or a side table if your workspace is tight. Keep in mind the NUC also needs clearance for airflow – one side feeds the GPU cooler, the other the CPU, and hot air exhausts mostly out the top and back. In summary, the NUC 13 Extreme’s form factor prioritizes performance over beauty – it’s the largest and most ventilated of the trio, but still far smaller than a standard ATX tower, delivering a unique balance of power and size for those who don’t mind a boxy black utilitarian look.

Ecosystem and Software Compatibility

The operating systems and software ecosystems each device supports can strongly influence the user experience and suitability:

• Framework Desktop (Windows/Linux): Being a x86-64 PC at heart, the Framework Desktop can run Windows 11, various Linux distributions, or even other OSes like BSD. Windows 11 Pro is the typical choice for gamers and general users – all the latest Windows features and DirectX 12 support are available, and the AMD drivers for the Ryzen AI chips include support for its Radeon GPU and NPU. One benefit of Framework’s design is that it uses standard AMD platforms, so driver support is mainstream (no exotic or proprietary components beyond the new CPU itself). This means you get features like Resizable-BAR, ray-tracing support in the GPU, etc., with regular updates from AMD. Linux compatibility is explicitly a focus for Framework – they have community and documentation for running Ubuntu, Fedora, etc., on their devices frame.work. Early reports indicate Linux kernel support for the Ryzen AI 3000 series is available or in progress (likely requiring a modern kernel for full AMD GPU support). The Framework Desktop could make an excellent Linux mini-workstation or home server, given its open approach. Framework also doesn’t lock down firmware – expect a configurable BIOS and options for secure boot toggling, custom OS installs, etc. In terms of ecosystem, Framework doesn’t have a proprietary software suite – instead, they foster a community ecosystem. Users share expansion card designs, 3D-printable tile files, and tips on the Framework forums. There’s a sense of transparency: full repair guides and part availability through Framework’s Marketplace. This openness extends to OS – no bloatware or vendor lock, you install what you need. One potential software limitation: the AMD Radeon 8060S GPU is powerful, but its driver may not support macOS or virtualization of macOS (in case anyone wondered – Hackintoshing an Apple Silicon equivalent is not feasible). For AI and ML enthusiasts, the Framework can leverage common libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch) with acceleration via its NPU (if frameworks support it) or the GPU’s ROCm support (AMD’s GPU compute stack, though on Windows AI workloads might mostly use DirectML). Overall, the Framework Desktop slots into the standard PC ecosystem – Steam for games, Adobe or Blender for creative work (with optimizations for AMD GPUs improving), and full flexibility to dual-boot or tweak.
• Apple Mac Studio (macOS): The Mac Studio runs macOS exclusively (Apple Silicon no longer supports Boot Camp for Windows). This makes it a dream for users of Apple’s software ecosystem: you get Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, the full suite of macOS apps, and tight integration with iCloud, iPhone/iPad, etc. Creative professionals often favor macOS for its stability and the optimized pro apps. For instance, video editors using Final Cut or colorists using DaVinci Resolve on Mac will find the Mac Studio exceptionally smooth – the combination of Apple’s Metal API and the media engines (hardware encoders/decoders for ProRes, H.264, HEVC, etc.) allows real-time playback and fast exports that rival or beat much more power-hungry PCs. Similarly, photographers using Adobe Lightroom or designers in Adobe Illustrator get a very snappy experience, though some Adobe apps still run in Rosetta (emulation) if not Apple Silicon native. Generally, most major software has been optimized for M1/M2 chips now, so macOS compatibility is strong. Where macOS falls short is gaming and certain niche apps. DirectX-based games don’t run natively; however, Apple’s recent “Game Porting Toolkit” (which translates DirectX 12 to Metal) is enabling more Windows games to be played on Apple Silicon, and a few high-profile games have native Mac versions. Still, if gaming is a priority, Mac is the least suitable of these three – you’d be limited to Mac-friendly titles or using cloud gaming/Parallels for Windows games (with performance overhead). On the AI side, macOS does include Core ML and the Neural Engine can accelerate ML tasks that developers code for it. There are even community efforts to get Stable Diffusion and LLMs running efficiently on Mac using the Neural Engine and GPU (with mixed success; the 96 GB unified memory on a top Mac Studio is a boon for loading large models though). Another ecosystem aspect: the Mac Studio benefits from Apple’s continuity features – Universal Control (seamlessly using an iPad as second screen/input), AirDrop, Sidecar, etc. If you’re in the Apple world (iPhone, iPad, MacBook), the Mac Studio fits in effortlessly, e.g. you can answer calls or messages from it, use an iPad as a drawing tablet, etc. Conversely, if you rely on Windows-only software or specific Linux tools, the Mac might be limiting. While virtualization is possible (running ARM Windows 11 in a VM, or Docker containers via multipass), you can’t run x86 OSes at full speed on Apple Silicon – it has to emulate, which is slow. In summary, the Mac Studio’s software compatibility is excellent for macOS-native applications (especially in creative industries) and poor for Windows games or x86-only software. Its ecosystem strengths are in cross-device integration and specialized productivity software.
• Intel NUC 13 Extreme (Windows/Linux): The NUC is effectively a Windows PC by default, and it fully supports Windows 11 (including all features like DirectStorage, ReBAR, etc.). Intel provides drivers for the NUC’s components (LAN, Thunderbolt, etc.), and if you install an NVIDIA or AMD GPU, you’d use those standard drivers. Gaming-wise, the NUC is as good as any desktop – it runs the entire library of Windows games, VR platforms, etc., depending on your GPU capability. There’s no vendor lock or special OS considerations; it’s one of the most versatile in software. Many NUC buyers also use them for Linux – either as powerful home servers or workstation PCs. The NUC 13 Extreme should have solid Linux support: Intel is generally good with open-source drivers (especially for the Thunderbolt and LAN), and NVIDIA’s drivers on Linux will work for the GPU (with the typical proprietary driver install). Some niche features like Thunderbolt networking or certain sensor readings might need kernel updates, but overall a modern Linux distro can run fine on a NUC. The presence of dual LAN ports even makes it interesting for pfSense or server applications (though using a 13900K for a router is overkill!). Ecosystem-wise, Intel’s NUC doesn’t have a unified “platform” experience like Apple – it’s more about compatibility with the broad PC ecosystem. One could use the NUC in an enterprise setting (vPro might be supported on some CPU variants, and Asus as the new steward is targeting commercial uses as well). In a home environment, the NUC can be a gaming hub, a media center (it has the horsepower to manage 4K HDR streams and multiple hard drives if attached), or a development machine for any OS. Since it’s essentially standard hardware, you can also experiment: running Hackintosh (i.e. macOS) on it might be possible for x86 macOS, but Apple’s move to ARM means the latest macOS won’t run on x86 NUCs officially. Still, Windows and Linux dual-boot is straightforward on the NUC Extreme. Another consideration is drivers/BIOS support going forward: with ASUS now handling NUC support, owners should watch for BIOS updates from ASUS’s NUC Business Unit. It’s expected that ASUS will honor support for 13th-gen NUCs and possibly offer future upgrade boards, but it’s a slight uncertainty. In general though, the NUC is as future-proof in software as any DIY PC – you’re not going to be walled off from any software platform (except macOS) with this machine. It’s a safe choice if you prize maximum compatibility and the ability to run basically any x86 software or OS.

To sum up, Framework Desktop and NUC Extreme offer the flexibility of the PC ecosystem (Windows or Linux, tons of gaming and development tools, easy modifiability), whereas Mac Studio offers the polish and integration of macOS (amazing for certain pro workflows, less so for gaming or custom upgrades). Your choice may hinge as much on which software ecosystem you live in as on the hardware itself.

Pricing and Availability

Each of these systems occupies a different price bracket, and availability can vary by region:

• Framework Desktop: Pricing starts around $1,099 for the base configuration (which includes the AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 8-core, 32GB RAM, and no OS or storage) techmeme.com. The mid-tier with the 16-core Ryzen 395 and 64GB RAM is roughly $1,599, and the top 16-core with 128GB RAM is about $1,999 – as indicated by reviewers and Framework’s site (for example, Wired tested a ~$2,000 configuration with 64GB) wired.com. Keep in mind these prices are for the core system only (Framework calls it the DIY Edition, which typically requires you to add your own SSD, OS, and possibly your own fan). Framework does offer add-ons (like storage or a choice of CPU cooler) on their online store. Compared to traditional desktops, the Framework Desktop’s value lies in its integration and unique features (NPU, etc.), not pure price-to-performance. For instance, $1,100 for an 8-core iGPU system is a bit higher than a DIY build of similar spec, but you’re paying for the ultra-compact form factor and Framework’s design. Availability: As of 2025, Framework Desktop is a new product and is sold through Framework’s website (with regional storefronts for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific). It’s available for pre-order in some regions with an expected ship date in late 2025 for initial batches. Framework has historically had batch-based orders – meaning if you order now, there might be a lead time of a few weeks to months. By now, it should be in regular production. There is no vast retail presence (don’t expect to see it on Amazon or in Best Buy yet), so purchasing direct from Frame.work is the way. The product page on Framework’s site lists all configuration options and prices, and they often offer customization like extra expansion cards or different front Tile packs. Warranty and support are through Framework; they’ve been praised for being customer-friendly in that regard (e.g., shipping replacement parts quickly if something is faulty).
• Apple Mac Studio: Apple’s pricing is premium as expected. The base Mac Studio (M2 Max, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD) starts at $1,999 USD. The step-up M2 Ultra model (64GB RAM, 1TB SSD) starts at $3,999 USD. From there, Apple’s configure-to-order options let you max it out: increasing unified memory to 128GB or 192GB can add hundreds to thousands of dollars, and upping storage to the max 8TB adds a hefty fee as well. A fully loaded M2 Ultra Mac Studio could approach $7,000+. For many users, the sweet spot is the base M2 Ultra at $3999 or a mildly upgraded M2 Max in the $2k–$3k range, depending on needs. It’s worth noting Apple’s pricing in other countries: e.g. in the UK it started at £2,099 for M2 Max, and in Europe or Australia prices are higher (VAT, etc. make the base Ultra around €4,699 or AU$6,599). Availability: Mac Studios are widely available through Apple’s own stores, Apple’s online store, and authorized resellers. Since it’s not a limited release, you can often find stock or demo units in Apple retail stores. Big electronics retailers and e-commerce sites (Amazon, B&H, Adorama) also carry Mac Studios. Apple typically keeps the Mac Studio updated every 1–2 years; as of mid-2025 we might see an M3 Ultra version either already launched or on the horizon. If buying, one should check if a new model is imminent (to avoid early obsolescence). That said, Apple also tends to discount previous models when new ones come (or they appear in Apple’s refurbished store for less). Another aspect is bundled software and services: with a Mac, you get macOS (free updates) and apps like iMovie, GarageBand, Pages, etc., included. Professional apps are separate purchases. AppleCare+ can be bought for extended warranty. Essentially, budget not just for the hardware but possibly for adapters (if you need more ports) and Apple’s high-end displays or accessories if you want the “full Apple setup”. The Mac Studio itself, however, should work with any standard monitor, keyboard, and mouse (just remember only USB-C or HDMI for monitor – no VGA/DP without adapters).
• Intel NUC 13 Extreme: The pricing for the NUC can be a bit complex because it’s often sold as a barebones kit. For the NUC 13 Extreme Kit with Core i9-13900K, the launch price was around $1,550–$1,700 (barebone, no RAM/SSD/GPU) when Intel released it. There’s also an i7-13700K kit that was a few hundred less. However, many retailers and integrators offer pre-configured systems. For example, you might find a NUC 13 Extreme with 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and an RTX 3070 or 3080 GPU included for something like $2,500–$3,500 depending on GPU. One Amazon listing showed a fully built NUC 13 Extreme with an RTX 3060 Ti for about $3,399. If you self-build, consider the costs: the kit + your chosen GPU + RAM + SSD + OS. A realistic build: $1,600 (i9 kit) + $500 (RTX 4070) + $150 (32GB RAM) + $200 (1TB high-end SSD) + $100 Windows license = ~$2,550 total. That would be a very powerful PC in a 13L chassis. If you went all-out with an RTX 4090 ($1,600 alone), you could push beyond $4k total. In any case, the NUC 13 Extreme occupies the high-end enthusiast price segment. It can be a decent value versus a Mac Studio if you need the GPU power – e.g. a $3k NUC build could outperform a $4k Mac Studio in many tasks (except perhaps media encoding where Apple shines). Availability: Intel’s NUC 13 Extreme kits are available through specialty retailers like Simply NUC, AKLTG, and major online sellers (Amazon, Newegg). As of late 2023, Intel announced they were stopping direct investment in NUCs, but they handed the product line to ASUS. So the NUC 13 is still being sold (possibly rebranded as “ASUS NUC 13 Extreme” in some listings) and will receive support. You might see some stock shortages as the transition happens, but generally, it’s in stock at many outlets given its niche status. ASUS is even launching similar models (there’s mention of an ASUS ROG NUC with newer chips in the works) which might coexist. One thing to watch: pricing could fluctuate if remaining Intel-made stock clears out. Also, because it’s a highly customizable system, the price you pay is heavily dependent on configuration. When budgeting, remember to include all components (the kit alone won’t run without adding memory, storage, and GPU).

Product Links: For more details or to purchase, you can visit the official product pages and reputable retailers:

• Framework Desktop: Available for order on Framework’s website. (Framework often provides direct links to configuration and spec details on their site.)
• Apple Mac Studio: Check Apple’s [Mac Studio page】 for configurations or visit an Apple Store. Retailers like B&H and Amazon also list Mac Studios, often at standard Apple pricing.
• Intel NUC 13 Extreme: See Intel’s support page or Simply NUC’s product page for Raptor Canyon simplynuc.com. ASUS’s NUC Business Unit page may also have info on continued models pcworld.com. Retailers like Newegg and Amazon list the NUC 13 Extreme Kit under model “NUC13RNGi9”. Make sure to note whether a listing is barebones or includes components.

When comparing costs, factor in not just the base price but also any extras needed (e.g., adding your own SSD and Windows license for Framework/NUC, or Thunderbolt dock for Mac if you need extra connectivity). Also consider the longevity of investment: Mac Studio might hold higher resale in a few years; the NUC/Framework could be upgraded or parted out. Each of these “tiny PCs” has a different value proposition, so the “winner” on price depends on your use case – Framework offers unique capabilities at a mid-range cost, Mac Studio commands a premium but delivers turnkey pro power, and NUC can scale from expensive to ultra-expensive but also ultra-performant with the right GPU.

Expert Commentary and Industry Opinions

Tech experts and early reviewers have weighed in on these machines, often comparing them directly. Here are some highlights and quotes that shed light on each system’s reception:

• Framework Desktop: Reviewers have been pleasantly surprised by Framework’s first desktop. Ars Technica’s Andrew Cunningham dubbed it “a mash-up of a regular desktop PC and the Mac Studio” in terms of concept. In their review, they praised the Framework Desktop’s “solid all-round performance and good power efficiency”, noting that the custom AMD chip delivers excellent results without guzzling electricity. The Radeon 8060S iGPU earned special mention for being “exceptionally good for an integrated GPU”, providing much better performance than previous laptop APUs and even making discrete entry-level GPUs look unnecessary. Another positive point was the large pool of RAM accessible to the GPU, which “could be good for machine learning and AI workloads” – reinforcing Framework’s claims that this desktop can handle tasks like local AI inference that other small PCs simply can’t. PCWorld’s Mark Hachman called it “a powerful AI PC, made with love,” highlighting how it straddles the line between an enthusiast gaming rig and an AI workstation thanks to the AMD “Strix Halo” chip (Ryzen AI) inside. He also noted the build experience is incredibly user-friendly, aligning with Framework’s DIY ethos. On the critical side, reviewers did point out the philosophical conflict of having soldered RAM in a Framework product, with Ars’ review bluntly listing “Soldered RAM in a desktop system” under “The ugly”. Some felt this decision, while technically justified, runs counter to Framework’s upgradeable mantra. There was also acknowledgment that the 16-core CPU can’t match a desktop 16-core at full throttle due to power limits, and that a mid-range $300–$400 GPU will still outperform the vaunted 8060S graphics. Wired’s review gave the Framework Desktop a 7/10, praising it as “an awesome middle ground between the compact nature of a mini-PC and the performance and upgradability of a true small-form-factor PC.”. Wired’s reviewer, Luke Larsen, loved the concept but cautioned that it’s “perhaps the most niche product [Framework] has launched” – it appeals to a specific cross-section of users who care about both size and modularity/AI, which might be a niche of a niche. Overall, expert opinion on Framework Desktop is that it’s innovative and well-executed for a first-gen, successfully delivering on performance promises, but it also raises questions about how future-proof the platform will be (depending on AMD’s support for these specialized chips).
• Apple Mac Studio: The Mac Studio has been out since 2022 (M1 Ultra) with the M2 generation in 2023, and it’s garnered acclaim as a game changer for creative pros. TechRadar gave it high marks, especially noting design and performance were 5/5-level: “compact, quiet, subtle” design and “excellent workstation performance” techradar.com. They emphasized that graphically, only much larger PCs with big discrete GPUs could beat it techradar.com. Many outlets highlighted how the Mac Studio essentially outclassed Apple’s older Intel-based Mac Pro in most tasks at a fraction of the price, which was a huge win for Apple Silicon. Jason Snell of Six Colors said the M2 Ultra Studio “shreds through photo and video work” and that having that power on your desk in such a small form is a “professional dream” (paraphrasing). The Verge’s review (for M1 Ultra model) famously described the Mac Studio as “a Mac Pro mini that many have been waiting for,” noting that the only real downsides were the lack of internal expandability and that some software (at the time) hadn’t optimized for the new chips yet. Now in 2025, that optimization gap has closed. One expert comment about noise: reviewers were impressed that even under load, the Studio remained “virtually silent,” which cannot be said of similarly powerful PCs. There were a few criticisms: the Mac Studio is expensive, especially the Ultra models – some felt that if you don’t explicitly need the top-tier CPU/GPU, the Mac Mini with M2 Pro or M2 Max MacBook Pro might be better values. Also, the closed nature was pointed out – Linus Tech Tips did a teardown and while appreciating the engineering, lamented that simple things like upgrading the SSD weren’t allowed by Apple’s software locks. Nonetheless, industry opinions for Mac Studio in its target market (video, audio, 3D, software dev) are overwhelmingly positive, often using phrases like “a powerhouse that just works”. It’s also been noted by Mac-focused outlets that the Mac Studio has extended longevity – with no moving parts aside from the fan and no user-upgradeable bits, it’s likely to either work as-is for many years or until you replace it with a newer model; Apple will support it with macOS updates probably a good 7+ years. So the expert consensus: Mac Studio is a little box with huge performance and polish, ideal for professionals – but you pay the Apple tax and you live in Apple’s walled garden.
• Intel NUC 13 Extreme: Enthusiast reviewers have admired what Intel achieved here. HotHardware called the NUC 13 Extreme “Intel’s most advanced and powerful SFF PC yet”, praising the fact that it can legitimately handle an i9-13900K and high-end GPU without imploding hothardware.com. Many noted the significant improvements over prior NUC Extremes: the much larger case solving earlier thermal throttling issues, and the inclusion of features like 10Gb Ethernet and triple M.2 slots making it a no-compromise mini desktop. Tom’s Hardware and OC3D both highlighted that yes, the NUC 13 is bigger than previous NUCs, but that allowed it to become quieter and cooler under load while massively boosting performance potential. In testing, a common refrain is that the NUC 13 Extreme performs exactly like a full-tower with the same parts – which is a big compliment – with one site saying “there is nothing to hold you back from peak PC performance… Raptor Canyon is mini, modular, and mind-blowing” simplynuc.com simplynuc.com. The ability to support an RTX 4090 was frequently brought up as a sort of jaw-dropping metric: a tiny PC handling a card that usually lives in giant gaming rigs. ServeTheHome tested it for workstation tasks and found it capable for content creation and even server duty (though they humorously noted it’s overkill for homelab use unless you need the horsepower). On the flip side, some industry observers were concerned about Intel discontinuing the NUC line – The Verge reported “Intel will no longer be making its cute small form-factor PCs”, which initially cast uncertainty on support. However, with ASUS stepping in, PC Gamer wrote that the NUC is “in good hands” with Asus, quoting ASUS execs who are planning custom NUCs for various markets (commercial, AI, even gaming ROG NUCs) pcgamer.com. This suggests a positive future, but it’s still a new development. In any case, current NUC 13 Extreme owners seem very happy – on forums like r/NUC, users share success stories of building mini gaming beasts and appreciate the “no-compromise” approach Intel took. Some criticisms include the price (it’s not a budget PC by any means) and the fact that at ~14L it’s edging out of what some consider “NUC” territory (NUC originally meant super tiny; this is more small-form-factor PC). But most accept that the size was necessary. ETA Prime on YouTube showed off gaming on the NUC 13 Extreme and noted you could even emulation or high-end VR on it with ease, given the specs. So the expert take: NUC 13 Extreme blew past expectations for SFF performance, validating the concept of a modular compute element + GPU in a slightly larger mini-PC. It’s basically a DIY mini gaming PC sold by Intel/ASUS. Provided that ASUS continues the lineage, experts are keen to see possibly a “NUC 14 Extreme” with newer CPUs or a more efficient design (there are rumors ASUS might use laptop CPUs with desktop GPUs to balance thermals). For now, though, Raptor Canyon is the tiny PC to beat if raw power is the goal – albeit at a high cost and with some minor trade-offs in noise and size.

In conclusion, industry opinions often mirror what a potential buyer might feel: the Framework Desktop is applauded for innovation and filling a niche (small, modular, AI-ready PC) but acknowledged as a 1st-gen niche product with some quirks; the Mac Studio is celebrated as a quiet creative powerhouse, criticized only for cost and closed design; and the NUC Extreme is respected as a feat of engineering that gives hardcore PC performance in a small package, with price and uncertainty about Intel’s commitment being the only reservations.

As one Reddit user succinctly put it after these comparisons: “It’s a great time to be a SFF PC enthusiast – whether you prefer Windows, macOS, or tinkering with hardware, there’s a tiny PC that can scratch your itch.” Each of these systems has won its share of fans in 2025.

Upcoming Models and Rumors

Looking ahead, what can we expect for the future of each line? Here are the credible rumors and confirmed info about upcoming models:

• Framework Desktop Future: Framework has not officially announced a “Desktop 2.0” yet, but there are some logical possibilities. The current Framework Desktop uses AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 Series (a.k.a “Strix Halo”) processors – this is a new category for AMD, essentially beefy laptop chips with big AI and GPU capabilities. AMD’s roadmap suggests successors to these chips (perhaps a Ryzen AI 500 series in a year or two, possibly based on Zen 5+ or Zen 6 cores). Since the Framework mainboard is the heart of the system, an upgrade path would likely involve Framework selling a new mainboard with whatever next-gen AMD APU is available, which you could drop into the same chassis. Framework has demonstrated this model with their laptops (you can buy a newer mainboard and swap it in), so it stands to reason that if AMD delivers a pin-compatible or size-compatible next-gen Strix Halo, Framework will make an upgrade board available. Another angle is that Framework might explore an Intel version of the Desktop if Intel comes out with a compelling NUC-style board or an SoC with strong integrated graphics. However, given Intel’s current shifts and the fact that “Ryzen AI” is kind of the star of this product, an Intel variant seems less likely near-term. Rumors: There’s chatter on Framework’s forums about possibly a variant that could take a discrete GPU (maybe a larger 8L Framework Desktop in the future?), especially since Framework is also releasing a Laptop 16 with a modular GPU. If the Laptop 16’s modular graphics card (using the PCIe interface in a module) is successful, one could imagine a Framework Desktop with a GPU slot later on – but this is speculative. For now, the safest expectation is a refresh with newer AMD silicon. Perhaps an “Ryzen AI Max 3+ 495” or something down the road with more cores or RDNA4 GPU. Another upcoming change could be adoption of CAMM memory once it’s mature, which would allow user-upgradeable RAM in a small form factor (Framework tried this but the tech wasn’t ready). So, if in a year or two AMD supports CAMM or standard DDR5, Framework might remove the soldered-RAM limitation, which would be welcomed by the community. Timing-wise, since the product was just launched in late 2025, a refresh might not come until late 2026 or 2027, depending on AMD’s cycle. Lastly, Framework might expand availability to more countries as the Desktop gains traction – so if you’re outside the initial launch regions, keep an eye on their announcements. In summary, no concrete leaks of a “Framework Desktop 2”, but future-proofing is in the DNA, and Framework will likely offer upgrade components as they become feasible. As one journalist quipped, Framework is one big CPU/GPU upgrade away from making this mini-PC an enduring platform – so the concept is that today’s unit could evolve with you if Framework follows through.
• Apple Mac Studio (Next Generation): Apple usually updates its Mac chips on a roughly annual cadence. The M3 generation is on the horizon (using 3nm process). By late 2024 or 2025, we expect a Mac Studio with M3 Max and M3 Ultra. In fact, Apple’s own site has inadvertently mentioned configurations like “M3 Ultra with 32‑core CPU, 80‑core GPU” and even “M4 Max with 40‑core GPU” in the tech specs, which suggests Apple has plans for at least two more generations in the Studio form factor. The rumor mill (via Mark Gurman of Bloomberg and others) indicates that an M3 Ultra could double the M3 Max (which itself might have 12 CPU / 38 GPU cores), leading to around 24 CPU cores (perhaps all high-performance cores this time) and 76–80 GPU cores, along with up to 256 GB unified memory. This M3 Ultra Mac Studio might launch in 2025 if Apple aligns it with the Mac Pro update cycle. Some rumors even suggest that Apple might skip an update if the Mac Pro (with M2 Ultra) needs differentiation, but given the Mac Studio’s popularity, an update is more likely than not. Looking further out, M4 Max/Ultra could be in 2026 or 2027 with even more cores (the mention of 16-core CPU/40-core GPU for M4 Max in Apple’s spec hints that M4 Max might be a moderate bump over M3 Max). Aside from chips, other updates could include Thunderbolt 5 ports – Thunderbolt 5 was announced to offer higher bandwidth and more daisy-chaining, and Apple will surely adopt it in upcoming Macs (the Apple site copy referencing Thunderbolt 5 connectivity might have been forward-looking marketing). There’s also the possibility of Wi-Fi 7 in future models, bigger SSD options (16TB was mentioned on Apple’s configure page for M3 Ultra Studio), and maybe new color options (though historically pro Macs are just silver). Design-wise, the next Mac Studios will likely look the same externally – Apple tends to keep chassis for several generations (the Mac Mini’s shape hasn’t changed in a decade, the MacBook Pros carry designs for 5+ years, etc.). So don’t expect a radical redesign, just internal upgrades. Longer-term rumors: Apple’s roadmap includes even more powerful “Extreme” chips (which would’ve been dual Ultras – though an M1 Extreme was canceled for Mac Pro). If Apple ever revives that idea, a dual-Die M3 Extreme could theoretically appear, but that would probably be reserved for a Mac Pro, not the Studio (thermal and segmentation reasons). As for pricing, Apple has been holding the line – so new models likely slot in at the same $1999 and $3999 starting points, possibly pushing older M2 models into lower price tiers/refurbs. To sum up: Mac Studio isn’t going anywhere – it fills an important niche. Expect regular chip refreshes (M3, M4, etc.), incremental port improvements (TB5), and maybe increased max specs (more RAM, storage) as technology allows. No credible rumor suggests a major shake-up like a redesign or cancellation – if anything, Apple might streamline the Mac Pro and lean even more on Mac Studio for high-end users.
• Intel/ASUS NUC Series: After Intel’s shock announcement of stepping back, many thought the NUC line’s future was murky. But ASUS came to the rescue by taking a non-exclusive license to produce NUCs pcworld.com. What this means is ASUS (and potentially other partners) can continue developing small form factor PCs using NUC branding or similar designs. Indeed, ASUS formed a new “NUC BU” (NUC Business Unit). So what’s next? There are already hints: ASUS ROG NUC – PC Gamer reported that ROG-branded NUCs are “under consideration” and that ASUS is interested in gaming applications for NUC. In October 2023, ASUS execs mentioned custom NUC solutions for industrial and commercial use, but also that Meteor Lake (14th-gen Core) could find its way into a NUC form factor. In fact, a recent leak suggested an ASUS “ROG NUC 2024” that might use an Arrow Lake laptop CPU paired with a mobile RTX 5080 GPU. This sounds more like an “NUC Enthusiast” direction (similar to how Intel had a Serpent Canyon with mobile CPU+GPU). If that comes true, we’d see a smaller NUC focused on good efficiency (mobile chips) but still gaming-capable. For the Extreme line specifically (the one that houses a desktop CPU + discrete desktop GPU), ASUS could potentially release a “NUC 14 Extreme” or “NUC 15 Extreme” depending on timing, using Intel’s 14th Gen (though 14th gen desktop is only a minor refresh of 13th). It might be more likely they wait for 15th Gen Arrow Lake for a big jump. Alternatively, since Arrow Lake desktop is rumored to slip, ASUS might experiment with an AMD-based NUC Extreme (imagine a NUC with a Ryzen 9 7950X3D or similar – no solid rumor on that, but not impossible since ASUS isn’t wedded to Intel-only). According to ASUS’s agreement, they can also innovate, possibly introducing different form factors – PC Gamer mentioned they could design NUCs with custom I/O for various industries pcgamer.com. Concretely, in early 2024 ASUS launched some products under “ASUS NUC” branding – for example, NUC 12/13 Pro kit rebrands, and there’s an ASUS NUC 14 Pro with a Core i7-155H (a mobile chip) listed on some sites. This shows ASUS is moving forward. For Extreme, the rumor mill is relatively quiet, but given the popularity of Raptor Canyon among enthusiasts, ASUS likely has a follow-up planned. Keep an eye on events like Computex 2025, where Asus might unveil new compact desktops. Another upcoming competitor model to mention: Corsair Voyager “a1600” was a laptop, but Corsair has shown a Corsair One SFF desktop and a new Corsair AI Series One workstation that target the same mini-PC-with-128GB-RAM crowd. The Verge pointed out that Corsair’s tiny AI workstation uses the same 128GB RAM and similar concept as Framework (with a high-core-count AMD CPU), offering another option in this space. So the NUC/mini-PC arena is heating up with others too. In summary, NUC 13 Extreme is the last Intel-made Extreme, but ASUS’s stewardship means future NUC Extremes or ROG mini PCs are very much in the pipeline. Expect newer CPUs (Intel 14th or 15th gen, or possibly AMD equivalents) and possibly refined designs (maybe even smaller if cooling allows). Price-wise, no indication that these will get cheaper – if anything, a custom ASUS ROG NUC could be pricey (the rumored one with RTX 5080 mobile sounds expensive). For those invested now, the good news is ASUS will provide warranty support and likely BIOS updates going forward pcworld.com. So the ecosystem will continue. There’s also talk of Intel’s Meteor Lake (which has a strong AI engine on chip) being utilized in mini form – perhaps a NUC 14 Pro series with those. Overall, the rumor vibe is “NUC is dead, long live NUC (with ASUS flair)” – we’ll see evolutionary updates rather than the line disappearing.

In conclusion, the mini PC landscape in late 2025 and beyond looks exciting. Framework Desktop will bank on iterative improvements in modular APUs and possibly more user-upgradeable memory in future versions. Apple will keep pushing the envelope on integrated performance per watt, with M3/M4 series making the Mac Studio even more potent (and perhaps blurring lines with the Mac Pro). And NUC/ASUS will explore new combinations of CPUs/GPUs to deliver desktop-class power in small sizes – we might even see hybrid approaches like desktop GPU + mobile CPU to balance power, as hinted.

For consumers, this means more choices: smaller, faster PCs are coming. As one tech outlet joked, you won’t believe how much more power will be crammed into even tinier boxes by 2025’s end! The race is on, and each of the systems we’ve discussed today is poised to get even better with their next iterations. Keep an eye on official announcements from Framework (via their blog), Apple events (WWDC or spring events for Mac updates), and ASUS’s ROG/NUC division in the coming months. The tiny PC showdown will only get more intense – great news for those of us who love powerful PCs that don’t dominate our desks.

Sources:

• Official Framework Desktop product page and specs
• Ars Technica (via Reddit TL;DR) – performance and design impressions
• Wired review of Framework Desktop – gaming benchmarks & quote
• TechRadar review of Mac Studio (M2 Ultra) – specs, size, performance quotes techradar.com
• Apple (Tech Specs) – confirmation of Mac Studio configurations and upcoming chip names
• Overclock3D review of NUC 13 Extreme – support for 13900K & 4090, design insights
• PC Gamer on ASUS’s NUC future plans – ROG NUC consideration and custom use-cases pcgamer.com
• The Verge and PCWorld news – Intel NUC discontinuation and ASUS takeover pcworld.com
• Techmeme summary – Framework Desktop initial price and commentary techmeme.com
• SimplyNUC page – NUC 13 Extreme product details (features, “Mini Modular Mind-blowing” quote) simplynuc.com simplynuc.com.