Asus NUC 14 Pro review: NUC mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, fast Intel Arc iGPU and 2x Thunderbolt 4

The NUC series (Next Unit of Computing), once launched by Intel, has been taken over by Asus. Asus is now offering the familiar models in the same style, although newer devices are also being introduced. Based on Intel Meteor Lake, the compact computing machines receive more power and, above all, benefit from the revised iGPU with Arc architecture. The Asus NUC 14 Pro is available with different processors and, as usual, in a flat and slightly thicker version, which offers additional space for a 2.5-inch drive. We tested the Asus NUC 14 Pro in the slim option with an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H. The device reached us as a barebone, which meant that we had to install RAM and SSD before testing. The operating system is also not included in the scope of delivery. You have to put a little more than 500 euros on the table for our test sample. Compared to its competitors, this is a lot when you consider that there are additional costs due to the barebone option. Compared to the other brands, Asus is better known and offers better support.

The competitors we pitted the Asus NUC 14 Pro against are listed in the following table.

Note: We have updated our rating system and the results of version 8 are not comparable with the results of version 7 available here.

Visually, the Asus NUC 14 Pro is reminiscent of the Intel NUC 12 Pro Kit although the design has been slightly revised. However, the choice of materials is the same. The basic concept is also unchanged, as the black plastic conceals a sturdy metal frame. Haptically, the Asus NUC 14 Pro is inferior to the Mini PCs, which rely on an aluminum housing. As a visual eye-catcher, the Asus device is also not convincing if this is important to you. However, the workmanship offers no cause for criticism. The underside, on the other hand, has been redesigned and includes a mechanical lock to open the device without tools. The slim version, which we tested here, has a very flat design with a height of 37 millimeters. With an almost square footprint of 11.7 x 11.2 centimeters, the device takes up little space on the desk. The VESA bracket supplied also allows it to be mounted on a monitor.

We received the Asus NUC 14 Pro in the barebone version, which means that RAM, SSD, and the operating system are not included in the scope of delivery. As a result, it is important that the user can easily open the device to install the missing components themselves. With the Asus NUC 14 Pro, the base plate can be removed easily and without tools. The manufacturer has integrated a small mechanical latch that makes this possible: RAM and SSD can be installed quickly and then the mini PC is ready for the first start. Two SSDs can be installed in the device and two SO-DIMM slots are provided for the RAM. For optimum operation, both SO-DIMM slots should be occupied.

The Asus NUC 14 Pro is a very compact mini PC, which has significant advantages in terms of energy consumption compared to a conventional desktop PC. The device is delivered in a small box, which is not excessively large. The mini PC itself is mainly made of metal and plastic. We do not know whether specially recycled materials are used in the production process. Asus receives praise for the warranty period of three years.

We carried out all performance tests with the Balanced energy profile. We did not change the performance of the SoC and left it in its default state according to the BIOS settings (Balanced). The BIOS settings are very extensive. Compared to the Mini-PCs from Geekom, Minisforum, or Acemagic, Asus is clearly ahead here. In addition to the CPU power consumption, individual USB ports can even be deactivated.

In our case, the Asus NUC 14 Pro is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H. 14 cores with a total of 18 threads ensure a high working speed, which puts our test sample in a good third place. The processor's power limit is 64 watts and is repeatedly reached for short periods. In longer load scenarios, the SoC only throttles due to excessive temperatures. These are then over 100 °C under load and are not uncommon. Asus does not appear to be slowing down the Intel SoC any further here, as the SoC is specified with a maximum operating temperature of 110 °C according to the specifications. A direct comparison with the Minisforum UH125 Pro is won by our test sample from Asus. In the individual tests, the Asus NUC 14 Pro has a slight advantage with consistently better single-core performance.

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