Asus Nuc 14 Pro mini PC review

REVIEW – For the past few years I have been using mini PCs for all my computer needs. I work from home in my home office/studio and record my podcast episodes and other social media content. I have 5 mini-PCs that I use for different functions. Over the years the specs and capabilities of mini PCs have become quite impressive and these days I look for any opportunity to upgrade some of the older mini PCs that I started with. This Asus Nuc 14 Pro mini PC should be a nice upgrade.

What is it?

The Asus Nuc 14 Pro is a mini PC designed to support AI. It features a Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, an Intel Arc GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Win 11, an 8K/4K Quad Display, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and Thunderbolt 4.

What’s included?

• Asus Nuc 14 Pro mini PC
• Power adapter
• VESA mount
• Documents

Tech specs

• AI Capabilities – Powering the Future: The ASUS NUC 14 Pro Mini PC is not just a computer—it’s an AI dynamo. Equipped with a built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU), in addition to a GPU and CPU, this machine is primed for AI-intensive tasks. Whether it’s medical imaging, content creation, or AI development, the NUC 14 Pro is your go-to. Here’s a mini PC that offers remarkable efficiency and performance in AI-assisted tasks and AI-generated content applications. Welcome to the future of computing.
• Unleashed Performance – Ultra 7 155H Processor and Integrated GPU: The NUC is a powerhouse of performance. At its heart is the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, boasting 16 cores, 22 threads, and a turbo frequency of 4.8 GHz. But that’s not all. It’s paired with an Intel Arc GPU, supporting ray tracing, DirectX* 12.2, OpenGL* 4.6, and OpenCL* 3.0. Whether you are gaming, 3D modeling, or video editing, expect top-notch graphics performance. Get ready for a smooth, visually stunning experience.
• Effortless Upgrades – Superior Memory, Versatile Storage, and Tool-Free Design: The NUC is a standout in the NUC world with its tool-free design. It comes equipped with 32G DDR5-5600MHz RAM, expandable up to a whopping 96G. Storage? It’s got a 1T M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD, with additional slots for extra SSDs. And the best part? The tool-free design allows for easy SSD upgrades and installations, allowing you to expand your storage as needed. This is versatility at its best.
• Connectivity Galore – Versatile I/O Ports for All Your Needs: The NUC 14 Pro is a master of connections. It includes a slew of I/O ports, including Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type C, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A, USB 2.0 Type A, HDMI 2.1, and a 2.5G Ethernet port. Whether you are setting up a home theater or a complex office workspace, this mini PC ensures seamless integration. It’s all about making your life easier.
• Stay Cool – Advanced Cooling Technology for Optimal Performance: Don’t let the heat slow you down. The NUC 14 Pro features advanced cooling technology to keep performance at its peak. Large heat sinks and efficient heat pipes effectively dissipate heat, while the intelligent fan control adjusts speed based on load. The result? It is a perfect balance between cooling efficiency and noise reduction. Enjoy a quiet, comfortable user experience.
• Sleek and Sustainable: Compact Design for the Modern Workspace: The NUC 14 Pro is more than just a PC. Crafted from recycled plastic, it sports a 4 x 4 matte black textured case that’s as stylish as it is sustainable. Measuring just 4.6 x 4.4 x 2.1 inches and weighing a mere 1.65 pounds, this mini PC fits seamlessly into any workspace. Plus, the included VESA mounting plate, can be attached to the back of your monitor for a clutter-free desktop. 

Design and features

Asus Nuc 14 Pro mini PC is built in a plastic case with ports on the front and the back. The sides are vented for airflow. The bottom of the case features a lockable/removable cover so that memory/storage can be changed/upgraded. 

Performance

The Asus Nuc 14 Pro mini PC performed very well and to date is the best-performing mini PC I own. The CPU and GPU are designed to handle AI workloads and processes both existing and future capabilities. My understanding of this new concept is that this new generation of CPUs measures performance by level of smartness rather than speed. The 32GB of RAM and the NVWe 1TB drive make this mini PC powerful and capable of running multiple processes without a hiccup. The continuous Windows 11 updates are promising more and more AI-type applications that will demand the power and performance that this mini PC is capable of. As usual, I tested it with daily routine tasks like the applications that are included in the MS Office suite, browsing the internet, and watching videos. I have several Social media platforms, and I create content daily using applications like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Lightroom, and Adobe Audition. The Asus Nuc 14 Pro mini PC easily handles these applications even when more than one is running. The mini PC runs quietly whether idle or processing numerous instructions. I can never really hear it. The dual HDMI ports are a great feature as well as the 2.5 GBps ethernet port and the multiple USB/C ports that allow me to use various monitor configurations.

This mini PC supports dual monitors with no issue via its 2 HDMI ports. The WiFi connection is solid and fast and the Bluetooth connection is also rock solid. I am sticking with my usual testing procedures using Novabench and Cinebench.

As usual, I tested the benchmark ranking using Cinebench.

Screenshots below are from the free version of the Novabench application:



Here are some photos of the mini PC attached to an all-in-one keyboard/monitor/mouse combo device: 

What I like about the Asus Nuc 14 Pro mini PC

• The compact and sleek design
• The number and variety of ports
• The specifications and power
• The performance
• The memory expansion capability

What needs to be improved?

• Nothing at the moment. It works for me

Final thoughts

The Asus Nuc 14 Pro mini PC is a powerful machine capable of easily handling applications like Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, and DaVinci Resolve without much effort. It processes large files rather quickly no matter the application. I still have to take a deeper dive into AI, but I do not doubt the capabilities of this device. I like this mini PC.

Price: $1099
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: ASUS provided a free sample for this review. ASUS did not have a final say in the review and did not preview it before it was published.