Asus NUC 14 Pro+ mini-PC review - A potential desktop killer at just 622 grams

The Asus NUC 14 Pro+ with Intel Core Ultra 9 185H stands out in many ways as a compact mini PC. Powered by a next-generation processor, it delivers excellent performance for demanding tasks, from multitasking to creative applications like image and video editing. Visually, the Asus NUC 14 Pro+ appears smaller than many other mini PCs, thanks to its sleek silver and white color scheme. One particularly impressive feature is the wide range of connectivity options, including two future-proof Thunderbolt 4 ports. The tool-free disassembly of the underside is a clever design choice, allowing for quick and easy upgrades to the SSD or RAM.

A downside is the noise level under high or medium loads, which can be clearly noticeable depending on the usage scenario. It would make sense to have a better fan curve adjustment straight out of the box, especially considering the purchase price. After all, the BIOS offers a variety of settings that can help improve this issue. Nevertheless, the NUC 14 Pro+ remains a strong choice for anyone looking for a powerful, space-saving PC, whether for everyday tasks, multimedia, or creative applications.

Amazon is selling the Asus NUC 14 Pro+ model that we tested for $1,050. Starting at $882, the barebone model is also available on Amazon. For a more affordable option, consider the Asus NUC 14 Pro+ with the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, priced from around $765, and equipped with a 512 GB SSD and 16 GB of RAM.

The Asus NUC 14 Pro+ clearly stands out visually from the NUC series (Next Unit of Computing), which was initially introduced by Intel. The small powerhouse is slightly larger, but still very compact, and in this review we will be focusing on the best configuration featuring the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H. Together with 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD, the system is ready to be used straight away, even though the price of $1,050 is on the higher side. If you choose to equip the device with your own RAM and SSD, you’d pay less. Additionally, the Asus NUC 14 Pro+ is available with an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H or Intel Core Ultra 7 155H as alternative options. These slightly less powerful models are still fast enough for everyday tasks.

In the highly competitive Mini PC market, Asus faces strong competition from brands in the Far East. Companies like Minisforum, Geekom, and Aoostar offer similar devices at more competitive prices. Let’s take a closer look at how Asus measures up against these rivals.

Visually, the Asus NUC 14 Pro+ stands out distinctly from the familiar NUC mini PCs that are now sold by Asus. The company has opted for a combination of aluminum and plastic for the materials. The underside, which also functions as a maintenance flap, is made of plastic, while the top is crafted from aluminum. Overall, the processing of the small PC is flawless. Both visually and tactically, there is nothing to criticize about the Asus NUC 14 Pro+. In terms of footprint, the Asus NUC 14 Pro+ takes up slightly more space than some of its competitors. However, with a footprint of 14.4 x 11.2 centimeters, its size remains reasonable and should fit comfortably on most desks. Additionally, with the included VESA mount, the Asus NUC 14 Pro+ can be attached directly to a monitor.

A 150-watt power supply, a VESA stand, and the required assembly are included with the Asus NUC 14 Pro+. There are no other peripherals like a keyboard or mouse provided.

The Asus NUC 14 Pro+ is also available in a barebone version, meaning you'll need to install the RAM and SSD yourself. This is quite simple, as the underside can be removed without any tools. Our test sample already has an SSD and two SO-DIMM modules installed. There is still space to add another SSD, though the total length of 42 millimeters must be taken into account.

Compared to a traditional desktop, the Asus NUC 14 Pro+ is a compact PC that offers significant energy saving benefits. It comes in a small, appropriately sized box. The mini PC itself is primarily made of metal and plastic, though it is unclear whether any specially recycled materials are used in its construction. We appreciate the three-year warranty period, which is a noteworthy feature.

We conducted all performance tests using the Balanced energy profile and did not alter the SoC performance, leaving it in its default state according to the BIOS settings (Balanced). The extensive BIOS configurations are excellent. When compared to mini PCs from brands like Geekom, Minisforum, or Acemagic, Asus clearly stands out in this regard. In addition to adjusting CPU power consumption, users can even deactivate individual USB ports if needed.

The top model of the Asus NUC 14 Pro+ is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, which features 16 cores and 22 threads, delivering excellent multi-thread performance. Asus does not restrict the maximum power consumption, meaning that up to 115 watts is theoretically possible. In stress testing, we observed that the system can handle short bursts of power consumption up to 100 watts. Although Asus does not fully utilize the potential in this area, the SoC in the Asus NUC 14 Pro+ achieves higher power consumption compared to other mini PCs. However, the performance differences between competing models are minimal, so there is no noticeable difference.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H was also included for performance comparison. Compared to the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H is roughly 10 to 15 percent slower.

For more comparisons and detailed benchmarks, please refer to our CPU comparison table.