NUC 14 Pro+ In-Depth Review: The Mini Pioneer of AI PCs

The ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ is a mini PC powered by Core Ultra processors. With its compact size and powerful performance, it is an ideal choice for office work, content creation, and home entertainment. This article provides an in-depth review of its performance, design, and applicable scenarios.

1. Core Specifications

• Chip: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (16 cores, 22 threads, up to 4.8GHz boost clock)
• Memory: 16GB DDR5 (expandable to 64GB)
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (supports dual M.2 slots)
• Price: Starting from approximately 7999 yuan (depending on specific configuration)

2. Review Feedback

The Intel NUC 14 Pro+, as the new masterpiece after ASUS took over the NUC brand, is equipped with the latest Core Ultra processors, integrating Intel Arc GPU and AI Boost NPU, designed for AI workloads and efficient office work. The following is a detailed review from five aspects: performance, design, cooling, expandability, and applicable scenarios.

Performance Testing

In the Cinebench R23 test, the Core Ultra 7 165H achieved a multi-core score of approximately 18000 and a single-core score of approximately 1900, an improvement of about 20% compared to the previous generation NUC 13 Pro. In terms of GPU, the Intel Arc graphics card can smoothly run games like “Cyberpunk 2077” at 1080p medium settings, with a frame rate stabilized at 45-60 FPS. In terms of AI tasks, NPU-accelerated video editing and image processing speeds are significantly improved. For example, rendering 4K video in Adobe Premiere Pro is about 30% faster than traditional CPU mode.

Elegant Design

The NUC 14 Pro+ continues the classic 4x4 inch compact design, with a combination of metal and plastic for the chassis, giving it an excellent texture. The gray appearance with simple lines makes it suitable for placement on an office desk or TV cabinet. The tool-free disassembly design facilitates memory and storage upgrades, and the VESA bracket supports wall or monitor back mounting, maximizing space utilization.

Cooling and Noise

The cooling system uses a dual-fan design with efficient heat pipes. Even under high load, the CPU temperature can be controlled within 85°C. In terms of noise, fan noise is almost inaudible in daily office scenarios, and the noise is about 35 decibels under high load, which is much lower than traditional desktop computers, making it suitable for quiet environments.

Expandability

The NUC 14 Pro+ provides a wealth of interfaces, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, 2.5Gb network port, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. It supports connecting up to 4 4K displays, meeting multi-screen office needs. The only regret is the lack of an SD card reader, which is slightly inconvenient for professional users such as photographers.

Applicable Scenarios

The NUC 14 Pro+ is suitable for various scenarios: home entertainment center (supports 4K streaming playback), office computer (efficiently handles documents and spreadsheets), light content creation (video editing and image processing), and edge computing development (AI model testing). Its portability is also suitable for users who need to work on the go.

✅ Advantages

• Powerful Core Ultra processor, strong performance
• Excellent performance in AI tasks, suitable for multitasking
• Compact design, aluminum alloy chassis, combines texture and portability
• Strong expandability, supports dual M.2 slots and 64GB memory upgrades

❌ Disadvantages

• Integrated graphics performance is insufficient for heavy 3A games
• High starting price, cost-effectiveness slightly inferior to traditional desktop computers
• No built-in SD card reader, slightly limited expandability
• GPU performance under high load is insufficient for heavy gaming

3. Popular Review Videos

Popular YouTube Reviews

ASUS North America: NUC 14 Pro+ Configuration and Appearance Display

• Overview: The ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ is a high-performance mini PC powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor (16 cores, 22 threads, up to 5.1GHz boost clock) and an Intel Arc integrated GPU, suitable for multitasking and content creation. The chassis measures only 5 x 4 inches and is made of anodized aluminum alloy, combining aesthetics and durability. It supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory and dual M.2 SSD slots (PCIe 4.0), offering strong expandability. In terms of connectivity, it provides Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1, and Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring high-speed data transfer and multi-screen output. The optimized cooling design supports long-term high-load operation, but the high-performance configuration results in a higher price, making it suitable for professional users rather than gamers.

WindowsArea: Testing NUC 14 Pro+ Performance and Practical Applications

• Overview: The ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ is a mini PC that combines stylish appearance and excellent performance, designed for the diverse needs of modern users in home, office, and mobile scenarios. It features a 5 x 4 inch anodized aluminum chassis, combining lightweight aesthetics with robustness and durability, demonstrating a perfect balance of compact design and powerful functionality. With performance superior to similar products, the NUC 14 Pro+ can easily handle multitasking, content creation, and entertainment needs, providing users with an efficient and portable computing experience. As a representative of ASUS’s innovative technology, this mini PC redefines the performance benchmark for small devices.

• Pros: Exquisite and Compact: The 5 x 4 inch chassis design is easy to carry and place, and the anodized aluminum material enhances texture and durability. Strong Performance: Performance surpasses similar competitors, suitable for running high-load applications such as video editing, programming, or gaming. Flexible Application: Supports home entertainment, office productivity, and mobile use, adapting to various scenarios, combining portability and functionality. Efficient Cooling: Compact chassis with optimized cooling design ensures stability during long-term operation. Brand Reliability: ASUS provides excellent manufacturing and customer support, enhancing user confidence.

• Cons: High Cost: The combination of high performance and exquisite design may lead to a high price, unsuitable for budget-conscious consumers. Limited Expandability: Small size limits hardware upgrade space, difficult to meet the needs of users requiring high customization. Cooling Pressure: Under extreme high load, the compact chassis may face cooling challenges, requiring reasonable management of the usage environment. Peripheral Dependence: Requires external devices such as monitors and keyboards, which may increase initial investment.

• Recommendation: The ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ is recommended for users who pursue high performance and portability, including creative professionals, mobile office workers, and home users. Its small and stylish appearance and strong performance make it an ideal choice for space-constrained or aesthetically conscious environments, especially suitable for small workstations or travel use. However, users with limited budgets or who need extensive hardware expansion may need to consider other options. Overall, the NUC 14 Pro+ provides an efficient and elegant solution for modern technology life with its excellent design and performance, making it a preferred choice for users who value quality and flexibility.

Robtech: Focus on NUC 14 Pro+ Specifications and Performance Tests

• Overview: The ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ is a high-performance mini PC that inherits the essence of the Intel NUC series and is redesigned by ASUS. It features a 5 x 4 inch anodized aluminum alloy chassis, combining aesthetics and durability. Powered by Intel’s flagship Core Ultra 9 185H processor with 16 cores and 22 threads, it is designed for high-load scenarios such as content creation, professional software, and multitasking. Its improved cooling system and rich connectivity options (such as Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C) enhance the user experience, making it suitable for home, office, and professional workstations. However, the high price and some performance shortcomings make it more suitable for high-end users.

• Pros: Strong Performance: Core Ultra 9 185H processor provides excellent multi-core performance, suitable for tasks such as video encoding and software development. Exquisite Design: Aluminum alloy chassis is compact and durable, with optimized cooling, suitable for space-constrained environments. Rich Connectivity: Equipped with Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, and HDMI 2.1 ports, supports multi-screen output and high-speed data transfer. Easy Upgrades: Tool-free disassembly design facilitates RAM and SSD upgrades, enhancing flexibility. Brand Continuity: ASUS takes over the NUC series, maintaining high-quality manufacturing and reliability.

• Cons: High Price: More expensive than previous generations and competitors, limited cost-effectiveness. Insufficient Integrated Graphics: Intel Arc graphics are inferior to AMD’s counterparts in gaming performance, unsuitable for hardcore gamers. Cooling Pressure: Thermal throttling may occur under high load, requiring optimization of the cooling environment. Port Limitations: Some traditional ports are missing, which may require additional adapters.

• Recommendation: The ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ is recommended for professional users who need a compact, high-performance device, such as content creators, developers, and small business owners. Its powerful processor and rich connectivity make it excellent in multitasking and future expandability, suitable for modern office and creative work environments. However, for users with limited budgets or who prioritize gaming performance, competitors may offer better cost-effectiveness. Overall, this mini PC provides an efficient and reliable computing solution for high-end users with its stylish design and strong performance.

Bilibili Popular Reviews

SpotoTsui: Product Unboxing and Performance Review

• Overview: The ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ is a compact high-performance mini PC powered by Intel Meteor Lake series processors (up to Core Ultra 9 185H, 16 cores, 22 threads, up to 5.1GHz, 65W TDP), equipped with Intel Arc integrated graphics (8 Xe cores) and NPU, supporting AI acceleration. The chassis is made of 5x4 inch anodized aluminum, supports dual M.2 Gen4 SSDs (up to 8TB), 96GB DDR5-5600 memory, and provides dual Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, 2.5G network ports, and other rich interfaces. It comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, suitable for office work, content creation, and light gaming.

• Pros: Strong Performance: Core Ultra processor and NPU provide efficient multi-core performance and AI acceleration, suitable for video editing and AI applications. Rich Interfaces: Dual Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and expansion slots support multi-screen output and device expansion. Easy Upgrades: Tool-free disassembly design for easy upgrades of memory, storage, and expansion accessories. Compact Design: Stylish aluminum chassis with VESA mount, saving space.

• Cons: Insufficient Cooling: Fan noise is noticeable under high load, temperature can reach 94°C, requiring cooling optimization. High Price: Starting price is approximately $875, less cost-effective than similar competitors. Average Gaming Performance: Intel Arc integrated graphics are slightly inferior to AMD 780M in 1080p 3A games.

• Recommendation: The ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ is suitable for office users, content creators, and light gamers who pursue compact design and powerful performance. Its AI capabilities and expandability make it excellent in home office and video editing, but cooling and price need to be weighed. If budget is limited or higher gaming performance is required, consider other brands such as GMKtec K11.

YuShenXianBuZhu: NUC 14 Pro+ In-Depth Review

• Overview: The ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ is a high-performance mini PC powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor (16 cores, 22 threads, TDP 45W, maximum power consumption 115W) and ARC integrated graphics, equipped with an NPU AI accelerator. It supports DDR5 5600MHz memory (up to 96GB), dual M.2 solid-state drives, and has dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, and other rich interfaces. The chassis is made of an integrated metal shell, equipped with an innovative latch-type quick-release design, compact in size, suitable for office work, entertainment, and AI applications.

• Pros: Powerful Performance: Ultra 9 185H processor and ARC integrated graphics, 3DMark Time Spy score of 3850, efficient AI image processing (such as Stable Diffusion). Excellent Cooling: Single fan design combined with copper pipes and heat dissipation fins, effectively cools CPU, memory, and solid-state drives, stable operation under high load. Rich Interfaces: Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports support external graphics cards and multi-screen output, 2.5G network port improves network performance. Convenient Maintenance: Latch-type rear cover can be opened without tools, easy to upgrade memory and solid-state drives.

• Cons: Integrated Graphics Limitations: Although stronger than similar integrated graphics, external graphics cards are still needed for optimal performance in top 3A games. High Price: High selling price, cost-effectiveness is not as good as some AMD competitors. Noise Issue: Fan noise is noticeable under high load, affecting quiet environments. Easy to Get Fingerprints: Metal shell has good texture, but the surface is easy to leave fingerprints.

• Recommendation: Recommended for professionals, content creators, and AI application enthusiasts who need a high-performance mini PC. Suitable for multitasking, light gaming, and AI tasks, but budget-sensitive or heavy gamers need to consider cost-effectiveness and external graphics card requirements.

TuTu: Product Introduction and User Experience

• Overview: The ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ is a high-performance mini PC that inherits the Intel NUC product line, powered by a flagship mobile processor (16 cores, 22 threads, maximum power consumption 115W) and Intel ARC GPU, with a built-in AI accelerator. It supports DDR5 5600MHz memory (up to 96GB) and dual M.2 hard drives, and is equipped with high-specification interfaces such as dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI 2.1. It uses an aluminum alloy chassis and innovative quick-release design, combining office work, entertainment, and AI applications, compact in size but powerful in function.

• Pros: Strong Performance: High-end CPU and AI accelerator, suitable for multitasking and AI applications, such as Stable Diffusion image generation. Strong Expandability: Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports support external graphics cards, multi-screen output (supports 4 monitors), large memory and hard drive expansion space. Efficient Cooling: Copper fin and snap-on fan design, stable operation under long-term high load. Sophisticated Design: Aluminum alloy chassis is durable, quick-release design is convenient for upgrades and maintenance.

• Cons: High Price: High-end positioning, cost may exceed the budget of general users. Integrated Graphics Bottleneck: Performance of large 3D games is limited, external graphics card is needed to improve performance. Complex AI Deployment: Configuration of models such as Stable Diffusion is time-consuming and requires high memory.

• Recommendation: Suitable for creative professionals and technology enthusiasts who pursue high-performance office work, multi-screen collaboration, light gaming, and AI applications. If the budget is sufficient and a portable workstation is needed, the NUC 14 Pro+ is an ideal choice; for large games or low-budget users, its cost-effectiveness needs to be weighed.

4. Purchase Recommendations

The NUC 14 Pro+ is suitable for users who pursue high-performance mini PCs, such as programmers, content creators, and home entertainment enthusiasts. Its compact design and high expandability make it an ideal choice for office work and light creation. If you have a sufficient budget and do not need heavy gaming, this is a good mini PC choice.

• Tags:
• Hardware
• Mini PC
• Review