When it comes to desktop PCs, power is often associated with size: the bigger the machine, the more powerful it is. While this can be true depending on the scenario, recent developments have enabled manufacturers to produce compact PCs that pack significant power and advanced features. One such example is the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI.
The NUC 14 Pro AI lives up to its name as a mini PC, measuring 13 x 13 x 3.4 cm and weighing 0.5 kg. It’s nearly the same size as the Apple Mac mini M4 but thinner and lighter. The top and bottom are made of plastic, while the frame is metal. It’s not as sleek or premium-looking as Apple’s mini PC, but it looks and feels solid for a device designed with business in mind. It fits seamlessly into an office setup.
This mini PC is also generous with its port selection. On top, it features a fingerprint module. The front includes a power button, a Copilot button, one Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port with DisplayPort 2.1, two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, and a 3.5mm headset jack. At the back, you’ll find another Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port with DisplayPort 2.1, two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, one HDMI 2.1 (TMDS) port, and a 2.5G RJ45 LAN port. Vents are located on the sides, with a Kensington Lock slot on the left.
With its generous array of ports and buttons, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI Mini PC is highly convenient, especially if you have multiple peripherals to connect. The fingerprint scanner makes logging in effortless with a single touch. However, the dedicated Copilot button feels redundant since the AI assistant can easily be accessed with a click from the desktop.
If you’re new to mini PCs, note that these devices don’t usually have peripherals. You’ll need to purchase a monitor, keyboard, and mouse separately.
The ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI Mini PC model we reviewed is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 288V (cTDP 30W CPU), 32GB of LPDDR5x-8533 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and Intel Arc Graphics. It also features an easy-access design for upgrading memory and storage. For connectivity, it offers WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Additionally, it boasts six neural compute engines to accelerate AI-assisted applications.
With this configuration, the mini PC breezed through our productivity tasks, including managing numerous Chrome tabs and using Copilot to assist with writing and general inquiries. It also handled basic photo and video editing with ease. Throughout these tasks, it remained quiet, thanks to its intelligent cooling system, which includes a high-end fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fan and a dual interleaved heat pipe design.
All in all, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI Mini PC is a strong option for businesses and offices, particularly for those needing powerful computing performance in a small footprint. Prosumers, especially those in remote work setups, can also benefit from its high portability. It offers a compelling blend of power, portability, AI capability, and space efficiency for a wide variety of users.
