These compact mini PCs pack a lot of power and cover various use-cases
Updated: Jan 6, 2025 5:45 pm
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If AI-based work is your focus then the ASUS NUC range provides great portable solutions, with a lot of different options to choose from. The latest NUC 14 generation specifically come packing with Intel Core Ultra CPUs and cover a range of different price points. The most powerful of these in AI-processing terms are the new NUC 14 Pro AI (with the latest Lunar Core CPUs) and the NUC 14 Performance / ROG NUC (with dedicated RTX 4060/4070 graphics cards). Read on for more information.
The history of the NUC mini PC
The NUC (Next Unit of Computing) mini PC series began with Intel and their vision of a compact, high-performance computer; one that could offer a full desktop experience in an incredibly small form factor. Initially launched in 2012, Intel continued to develop the lineup over the years, releasing models optimized for home theater setups, business use, and DIY enthusiasts.
In 2023, however, the NUC series was handed over to ASUS, who have released several NUC products under their main brand, plus their Republic Of Gamers (ROG) sub-brand. The new NUC 14 line seeks to target gamers, AI enthusiasts, and content creators looking for a compact solution.
What makes the NUC 14 line great for AI workflows?
The Intel NUC 14 lineup, particularly the NUC 14 Pro AI, Performance, and ROG NUC models, is highly suited for AI workflows due to its powerful hardware, compact design, and advanced AI integration. These mini-PCs feature Intel Core Ultra processors, with integrated NPUs (Neural Processing Units) that accelerate AI tasks like machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI applications
These systems also offer extensive connectivity for such small devices, including Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, and multiple display outputs, enhancing multitasking and high-resolution visualization. Additionally, innovations like built-in voice-command capabilities improve productivity in conjunction with AI interfaces
For professionals and businesses, the NUC 14 Pro models also incorporate Intel vPro for enhanced security and manageability, making them well-suited for secure, enterprise-level AI deployments.
ASUS NUC 14 Pro vs 14 Pro+ vs 14 Performance vs 14 Pro AI
Below you can see a table comparing the four main entries in the NUC 14 range, specifically we’re looking at: the 14 Pro, 14 Pro+, and the Performance model.
The first two of these mini-PCs are very similar in design, with the same mainboard with 1x 2280 M.2 NVMe slot and 1x 2242 M.2 NVMe slot for storage, plus the same range of connection ports. The Pro+ however does have several improvements. It’s (almost) tooless when it comes to upgrades, requiring a screwdriver to unlock the base but that’s it. Inside the cooling fan can be pivoted aside on a lever, allowing ease of access to the upgradable RAM and storage. The chassis of the Pro+ is also made from metal, making it a bit more durable plus thermal friendly. The biggest difference between the two however, is that the 14 Pro uses an Intel Core Ultra 7 165H processor, where the 14 Pro+ has the more powerful Core Ultra 9 185H chip.
The NUC 14 Performance is quite a different beast. This NUC has a larger size and weight, plus an included stand which gives you the option of standing it up vertically should you wish. You get the same two upgradable SO-DIMM RAM slots that you do in the Pro+, but these are only upgradable to 64GB of 5600 MT/s DDR5, rather than 96GB on the Pro+. Storage support has three upgradable M.2 2280 slots (very nice) two of which come with 512GB/1TB options at the point of purchase, but which can be expanded well beyond this. The 14 Performance has less USB ports but does come with an SD card reader. The most obvious difference however is the option for a discrete RTX 4070 GPU (laptop grade), which allows you to complete much more graphics intensive workflows, enjoy a bit of gaming on the side, and also contributes greatly to the AI-processing power of the device.
| Specification | NUC 14 Pro | NUC 14 Pro+ | NUC 14 Performance | NUC 14 Pro AI |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (cTDP 40W) | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (16 cores, 22 threads) | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (cTDP 65W) / Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (cTDP 40W) | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H AI Optimized (cTDP 50W) |
| Graphics | Intel Arc GPU (Core Ultra) | Intel Arc Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU / Intel Arc GPU | Intel Arc GPU Enhanced for AI Processing |
| RAM | 2 x SO-DIMM, Up to DDR5-5600, 48GB (2 x 24GB) | 32GB DDR5-5600 (16GB x 2), Expandable to 96GB | 2 x SO-DIMM, Up to DDR5-5600, 32GB (2 x 16GB), Max 64GB | 2 x SO-DIMM, DDR5-6000, Expandable to 128GB |
| Storage | 1 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4×4 (128GB–4TB), 1 x M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4x4 | 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4, Expandable via M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4 | 2 x M.2 2280 slots (512GB/1TB) | 2TB PCIe Gen 5.0 SSD, Expandable via M.2 2242 |
| Expansion | 1 x M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4x4, 1 x SATA for 2.5in SSD/HDD (Tall SKU) | 1 x M.2 2242 PCIe Gen 4 | 1 x M.2 2280 slot | 1 x M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4x4, 1 x SATA |
| Ports (Front) | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1 x Kensington Lock | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 | 1 x card reader (SD), 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1 x 3.5mm Jack | 1 x USB 4.0 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A |
| Ports (Back) | 2 x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C w/ DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A | 2 x Thunderbolt 4.0 Type-C, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C w/ DisplayPort 2.1, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A | 2 x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C |
| Video Ports | 2 x HDMI 2.1 (TMDS) | 2 x HDMI 2.1 | 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 2 x DP 1.4a | 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 1 x DP 2.0 |
| Networking | Intel Ethernet Controller I226-V/LM, 2.5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | 1 x 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Intel Killer™ Wi-Fi 6E AX1690 i, Intel Ethernet Controller I226-V | Wi-Fi 7 Ready, 10GbE LAN, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro (pre-installed) | Windows 11 Pro (pre-installed) | Windows 11 Pro (pre-installed) | Custom AI-Optimized Linux Kernel |
| Base Power | 40W (cTDP) | 35W-65W | 65W (cTDP) | 50W (Optimized for AI workloads) |
| PSU | 120W Power Adapter (19VDC, 6.32A) | 150W Power Adapter (19.5V 7.7A) | 330W Power Adapter (19.5VDC, 16.9A) | 180W Power Adapter (20VDC, 9A) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 117 x 112 x 37mm (Slim Chassis) / 117 x 112 x 54mm (Tall Chassis) | 144 x 112 x 41mm | 27 x 18 x 6 cm (10.62″ x 7.09″ x 2.36″) | 130 x 120 x 40mm |
| Weight | 600g (Core Ultra) / 571g (Core3) | Approx. 600g | 2.6kg (5.73 lbs) | 750g |
What about the new NUC 14 Pro AI?
The new NUC 14 Pro AI variant was released in September this year, and packs the latest Intel Core Ultra 200V ‘Lunar Lake’ CPU series, maxing out at the Core Ultra 9 288V in the top SKU. Combined with the integrated ARC GPU, it’s capable of delivering up to 67 TOPS of performance in AI workloads.
The external design of the Pro AI model is similar in size to the regular NUC 14 Pro, but has a rounder chassis and features a dedicated Copilot button on the outside on the side furthest from the power button.
The ASUS ROG NUC 14
The ASUS ROG NUC 14 aka the ASUS ROG NUC 970 is almost identical to the ASUS NUC 14 Performance model in form-factor and the hardware underneath, with slightly different discrete GPU spec options (you can get it with the RTX 4060 as well as the RTX 4070) but the same RAM and storage. The only differences besides this are the more ‘gamer looking’ ROG branding, plus the use of ASUS ROG optimization software.
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Where can I buy an ASUS NUC?
These products are on sale across numerous retailers, but the best place to buy, plus get further information on all of the range is on the ASUS NUC and ROG NUC websites. For some of the standard brand ASUS NUC’s, you have the option of buying them as ‘kits’ i.e. barebones versions that you can build and customize yourself.
