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Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Gen 2 vs Intel NUC 12 Pro Kit (Slim, Core i7)

The ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Gen 2 is the stronger machine: a Core Ultra 7 with a dedicated RTX 5060, 64 GB of RAM and a 2 TB SSD, ready to run out of the box. The NUC 12 Pro is a barebone kit, so you add your own memory, storage and OS install, and it tops out at integrated Iris Xe graphics. Buy the Lenovo for gaming, video work or any GPU-heavy task. Buy the NUC only if you want a tiny, quiet, self-configured office PC and enjoy sourcing parts.

  • Choose the ThinkCentre Neo Ultra if you want a complete, powerful compact desktop with discrete graphics and no assembly.
  • Choose the NUC 12 Pro if you want the smallest possible footprint and prefer to pick your own RAM, SSD and Windows install.

Prices

  • Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Gen 2: $2,809.00 at Newegg (checked today)
  • Intel NUC 12 Pro Kit (Slim, Core i7): $625.00 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Difference: the Intel NUC 12 Pro Kit (Slim, Core i7) is $2,184.00 cheaper than the Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Gen 2 today
Lenovo
Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Gen 2 Desktop

Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Gen 2

Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Gen 2 Desktop

$2,809.00at NeweggChecked 5 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Newegg

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Runs modern games and GPU workloads without a separate card
  • 64 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD leave little to upgrade soon
  • Windows 11 Pro ready on first boot
  • Core Ultra 7 handles heavy multitasking
Cons
  • Bigger and heavier than a mini PC
  • Discrete GPU cannot be swapped later
  • More machine than a light office user needs
Intel
Intel NUC 12 Pro Mini Desktop Computer (Barebone, Slim, US Power Cord)

Intel NUC 12 Pro Kit (Slim, Core i7)

Intel NUC 12 Pro Mini Desktop Computer (Barebone, Slim, US Power Cord)

$625.00at AmazonChecked 5 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Very small 4x4 footprint fits on any desk
  • Quiet, low-power 35 W design
  • You choose the RAM and SSD to match your budget
  • Strong wired and wireless connectivity for its size
Cons
  • Barebone: no RAM, storage or OS included as shipped
  • Integrated graphics limit gaming and 3D work
  • 12th Gen platform is older than the Lenovo's
  • Assembly and Windows install are on you

What separates them

Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Gen 2Intel NUC 12 Pro Kit (Slim, Core i7)
GraphicsDedicated GeForce RTX 5060, suitable for gaming and GPU renderingIntegrated Intel Iris Xe only
ConfigurationSold complete with 64 GB RAM and 2 TB SSDBarebone kit; memory, storage and OS are added by the buyer
ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 712th Gen Intel Core i7, 35 W TDP
SizeCompact tower, larger than a NUC4x4 mini PC, 117 x 112 x 51 mm, about 2.5 lbs
UpgradabilityMemory and storage upgrades, but GPU is fixedUser-chosen RAM up to 64 GB and M.2 storage; CPU and GPU fixed
Operating systemWindows 11 Pro preinstalledNo OS included in the barebone; you install your own
ConnectivityFull desktop port set including display outputs for the discrete GPUUSB 3.2, wired and wireless networking in a tiny chassis

Price history

  • Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Gen 2: lowest $2,809.00 on Nov 11 at Newegg.
  • Intel NUC 12 Pro Kit (Slim, Core i7): lowest $281.04 on Nov 11 at Walmart.

Prices at every store

Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Gen 2

  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $2,809.00Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Newegg

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Prices and history →

Intel NUC 12 Pro Kit (Slim, Core i7)

  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $632.20Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Newegg
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $625.00Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • WalmartNew

    Out of stockSold by Altius Technologies

    $281.04Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecLenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Gen 2Intel NUC 12 Pro Kit (Slim, Core i7)
ColorGrayMultiColor
TypeCompact—
Windows VersionWindows 11 Pro—
ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 7—
SSD Size2 TB—
Graphics Card NvidiaGeForce RTX 5060—
Operating SystemWindows—
Hard DriveSSD—
RAM64 GB—
With Storage—Yes
Storage Type—SSD
GPU Type—Intel GPU
Show all 16 specsShow fewer specs
SpecLenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Gen 2Intel NUC 12 Pro Kit (Slim, Core i7)
CPU Brand—Intel CPU
With Integrated GPU—Yes
SSD Capacity—500 GB SSD
size—N/A

What reviewers say

Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Gen 2

Owners of Lenovo's compact ThinkCentre line generally praise the build, quiet fans and tool-less access, and the Neo Ultra's high RAM and dedicated GPU draw positive notes for creative work. Criticism centers on limited upgradability and fan noise under heavy sustained loads.

What people mention
  • NoiseMixedQuiet in everyday use, but owners report the fans ramping up during sustained heavy loads.
  • UpgradabilityCriticisedThe compact case leaves little room to add cards or swap major parts later.
  • BuildPraisedOwners describe the chassis as sturdy and well finished for an office machine.
  • PerformancePraisedThe high RAM count and Core Ultra 7 are noted for smooth multitasking and creative apps.

Intel NUC 12 Pro Kit (Slim, Core i7)

Owners and reviewers treat the NUC 12 Pro as a solid, well-built mini PC with strong CPU performance for its size. Most praise the port selection and easy access to memory and storage. Complaints center on the barebone format and fan noise under load.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the Core i7 handles office work, browsing and light virtualization without slowdowns.
  • SetupMixedBuyers like the upgrade flexibility but note that RAM, SSD and OS must be bought and installed separately.
  • NoiseCriticisedReviewers report the fan becomes audible during long sustained loads.
  • PortsPraisedThunderbolt 4, USB 3.2, 2.5GbE and dual HDMI are cited as unusually generous for the size.

Questions and answers

Which is better for gaming?
The ThinkCentre Neo Ultra. Its RTX 5060 is a discrete GPU, while the NUC 12 Pro relies on integrated Iris Xe graphics, which handle only light or older titles.
Can I use the NUC 12 Pro right out of the box?
No. It is a barebone kit, so you must add memory, an M.2 SSD and install Windows yourself before first use.
Which is better for a small desk or behind a monitor?
The NUC 12 Pro. At roughly 117 x 112 x 51 mm it mounts easily behind a display; the Lenovo is a compact tower but still takes desk space.
Which lasts longer before needing an upgrade?
The ThinkCentre Neo Ultra, because it ships with 64 GB of RAM and a 2 TB SSD plus a newer CPU and GPU. The NUC's ceiling is lower once you fit its maximum 64 GB of memory.
Is the NUC worth stepping up to over the Lenovo?
Only if size and quiet operation matter more than performance. For raw capability the Lenovo is the step up, not the NUC.
Do both run Windows 11 Pro?
The Lenovo ships with Windows 11 Pro installed. The NUC barebone does not include an OS, so you supply and install your own license.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best slim desktop PCs upgradable to 64GB RAM