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Exploring the Asus NUC 14 Pro AI: A Mini PC Revolution
The Asus NUC 14 Pro AI emerges as the latest innovation in mini PCs from the renowned Taiwanese manufacturer. Unveiled in December of the previous year, this model stands out as the first mini PC to integrate Intel’s cutting-edge Core Ultra processors (Series 2), accompanied by Microsoft Copilot+ technology.
Today’s review focuses on the high-end variant, which boasts an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor and is equipped with a substantial 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM. It’s important to note that this model is marketed as a barebones PC—meaning storage isn’t included by default. Fortunately, our testing unit arrived with a generous 1TB SSD.
Before diving into performance analysis, let’s address its pricing structure. Acquiring pricing details for Asus’ NUC series can be quite convoluted; potential buyers must request quotes directly from Asus for actual purchase costs. For context, we received information suggesting our particular configuration retails around $1100, although there is currently no official MSRP or complete pricing for other models available.
A Look at Design
The design of the Asus NUC 14 Pro AI will likely resonate with those familiar with prior models—it’s structured yet practical. While there are echoes of inspiration from Apple’s Mac mini in its aesthetics, it maintains a distinct identity shaped by utilitarian values rather than allure.
However, compared to Apple’s offering, this device doesn’t quite match up in elegance or construction quality; instead prioritizing function over form through user-friendly features like numerous accessible ports and ventilation areas strategically located along its sides. Predominantly made from durable plastic with an easily removable metal lid underneath, this model also has military-grade durability certification (MIL-STD-810H), adding reassurance regarding longevity.
The upper section showcases an understated logo while housing a fingerprint sensor compatible with Windows Hello—a modern security feature increasingly sought after.
The front panel includes multiple connectivity options alongside a power switch and dedicated key for Copilot accessibility—which can be customized through system settings to serve alternative functions if desired. The right side reveals an air intake vent designed to enhance cooling efficiency while assisting airflow management through exhaust ports positioned at the rear. Additionally, users will find more connectivity solutions gracing the back panel along with comprehensive ventilation layouts ensuring optimal performance under various loads.
An easily removable base cover allows access to essential internals such as SSD slots that typically come empty since they are designed primarily for user customization—developers favoring flexibility appreciate these configurations greatly! Additionally accessible are pre-installed wireless components; however crucial upgrades like memory may be limited given their integration into CPU architecture itself.
While it might not win universal acclaim for beauty when stacked against competitors like Mac mini products street cred actually strengthens due largely improved port variety overall—including accommodating some level servicing mainly aiding productivity boosts whenever necessary whilst limiting investment dependence external add-ons; hence integrated biometric environment proves commendable indeed!
Hardware Configuration Breakdown
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Connectivity Options
Looking at the rear panel, you will find another pair of USB-A ports capable of 10Gbps bandwidth, an additional Thunderbolt 4 port, HDMI 2.1 for high-definition video output, and a speedy 2.5G Ethernet connection. Both Thunderbolt ports can also accommodate DisplayPort 2.1 connections, allowing users to connect up to three displays simultaneously.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the device is equipped with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth version 5.4 for superior performance.
Impressive but Not Without Flaws
Asus has certainly earned praise for equipping this model with a comprehensive array of ports on both front and back sides; however, there are some limitations to note. The positioning of front ports may render wider accessories like card readers incompatible with adjacent connections. Unlike its rival Mac mini which features an audio jack at the rear for easy access between speakers and headphones, this model lacks that convenience. Additionally, it sports an external power supply that takes up considerable space—almost as big as half of the unit itself—making cable management slightly more cumbersome.
Analyzing Performance
The Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor in our testing unit operates with a maximum thermal design power (TDP) setting of just 37W. Depending on selected modes within MyAsus app—which include Whisper mode (23W), Standard mode (34W after PL2 window expiration), or Performance mode (up to full TDP)—users can adjust power consumption based on their needs.
A Mixed Bag in Benchmarking
The benchmark outcomes exhibit a varied performance landscape—while single-core analysis reflects notable advancements against earlier generations from Intel chips, yielding faster results than last year’s Snapdragon X Elite X1E78 despite its larger energy capacity; however multi-core scores reveal shortcomings due principally due to comprising only four powerful cores paired with four efficiency cores lacking HyperThreading support.
Conversely, Qualcomm’s chip dominates this category through its robust twelve-core layout where each core boasts similar capabilities.
This discrepancy becomes even clearer when pitted against Apple’s M4 processor found in their recent Mac Mini iteration—the latter thrashes it across all benchmark comparisons: performing impressively at rates approximately 36%, 43%, and a staggering 145%% faster during Cinebench R23 single-core tests respectively compared against our tested models!
Benchmark Test
Result
‘Cinebench R23 Single’ => ‘1990’,
‘Cinebench R23 Multi’ => ‘11032’,
‘Cinebench2014Single’ => ‘126’,
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Performance Review of the Asus NUC 14 Pro AI: A Compact Powerhouse
Game Benchmarks
Frame Rate Results
| Game Title | Setting | 1080p | 720p |
|————————————-|———————-|———-|———-|
| Alan Wake 2 | Low | 18.9fps | 26.9fps |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Low | 49.2fps | 75.5fps |
| Death Stranding Director’s Cut | Medium | 60fps | 78.6fps |
| Elden Ring | Low | 52.6fps |54.7 fps |
| God of War Ragnarök | Low |55.4 fps |- |
| Hogwarts Legacy |- |- |- |
| Marvel Rivals |- |- |- |
| Metro Exodus | | | |
| Resident Evil Reimagined | | | |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider ▪️Low░░ ▪️75,8 fps ▪️105,4 fps░ |
In a recent evaluation of gaming performance on the new architecture within the Asus NUC, all tested titles launched successfully without encountering significant technical problems. Two notable exceptions were Counter-Strike II and God of War Ragnarök; while the former suffered from significant frame rate drop-offs, impacting gameplay negatively, the latter experienced occasional visual artifacts but remained playable overall.
System Performance Insights
The underlying Nvidia chip outperforms its counterpart in devices like ROG Ally by a small margin and outshines platforms such as Steam Deck in terms of capability—placing it between PlayStation’s standard model and its enhanced Pro version—a commendable feat for a compact desktop unit.
Optimizing settings along with leveraging image upscaling techniques enabled me to enjoy satisfactory performance across nearly all games tested.
Mac vs Windows Gaming Experience
Regarding gaming capabilities, there is no competition when placed alongside Mac mini systems; while Apple has made strides forward, Windows maintains a dominant position with earlier game releases and superior optimizations found in products like the NUC.
Thermal Management Analysis
The thermal management system within Asus’s NUC design is notable for its efficiency; utilizing an energy-efficient chip combined with effective cooling mechanisms means that overheating during extended use is not an issue.
!performance mode, peak temperatures can reach around 78°C when fans operate at high speeds sustaining a 37W power target continuously—but this does lead to elevated noise levels rendering it impractical for casual environments.
Standard Operating Mode
Thanks to its optimized default settings that allow boosts up to 37W, resulting operational temperatures only slightly elevating to about 82°C, this mode offers minimal compromise on sound level while preserving performance metrics—losing roughly just 3% during lengthy rendering processes compared to max output settings.
Whisper Mode Advantage
Maintaining true silence under load conditions characterizes Whisper mode; here, power consumption diminishes downwards towards approximately 23W post-load periods which translates into about a 17% decrease in multi-core task efficacy but remains suitable for standard day-to-day activities without distractions from noise emissions.
Despite being louder than contemporary Mac mini models— where peak temperature thresholds breach way past reasonable parameters—the overall balance between thermal output and noise emitted could still favorably compare against rivals where M4 Macs consistently trail behind manageable temperature outputs reaching unsustainable heights upwards Towards 100°C based on workloads demanding higher resources .
Final Thoughts
The Asus NUC Pro AI emerges as an efficient mini PC—it demonstrates solid build quality alongside diverse connectivity options which facilitate effective operation whether utilized at home or office environments whilst even permitting reasonable gaming experiences if desired!
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Author : Tech-News Team
Publish date : 2025-02-01 22:51:17
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