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ASUS NUC Pro 14
Summary
The ASUS NUC Pro 14 is a compact, sleek, and lightweight barebone design, suitable for both commercial and home use.
Introduction
Before diving into the review of the ASUS NUC Pro 14, sent to us, a little history about the NUC series is necessary. In 2012, Intel previewed the Next Unit of Computing (NUC) and launched it in early 2013. NUC is a line of small-form-factor barebone computer kits. The kits include a board, a plastic case with a fan, an external power supply, and a VESA mounting plate. In July 2023, Intel announced it would no longer develop NUC mainboards and matching mini PCs. They also stated that ASUS would continue building NUC products under a non-exclusive license.
The ASUS NUC Pro was launched on 27th March 2024 in Taipei, alongside other mini PCs, at the CES 2024 Exhibition.
Design & Specification
The ASUS NUC Pro 14 is a barebone system with a sleek, compact design. The CPU has dimensions of 117 x 112 x 37 mm and weighs around 1.5 kg. The cover is made of ABS plastic with a matte finish. Its flat box design allows it to fit anywhere and be mounted vertically with a VESA mount.
The front side features a power button, one USB Type-C port, and two USB Type-A ports. The back panel has two HDMI ports, a USB Type-C port, a 2.5G Ethernet port, a high-speed USB Type-A port, and a USB Type-A 2.0 port. It uses a round DC port pin for power. Additionally, the back panel includes an air vent grill for circulation. The left and right sides have honeycomb design air vent grills for better airflow.
The review unit is built with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB NVMe SSD storage. It includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 165H processor running at 3.80 GHz. After updating, you will have Windows 11 Pro as your operating system. It also features Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (Gig+), Bluetooth 5.3, and a Kensington Lock.
The Review
The Package
The ASUS NUC Pro 14 arrives in a white box with a black-and-white image of the device. The box has the Intel INSIDE logo on both sides, with a blue line against a white background. Once opened, you will find the ASUS NUC Pro 14 device inside a separate sleeve box. Beneath the unit, there’s an adapter, a quick start guide, and a VESA mount with screws.
ASUS NUC Pro 14 (Model -NUC14RVH)
The review unit, designed in a barebone style, comes in black with a matte finish. Its square shape fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Connecting it to my 27-inch screen with an HDMI cable was easy. I used a wireless dongle mouse and a wired USB Type-A gaming keyboard. The basic setup took around 30 minutes, followed by 45 minutes to install the latest Windows software updates.
Once the ASUS NUC Pro 14 was ready, it worked smoothly, thanks to the 16 GB RAM. I tested it with basic tasks such as web surfing and creating articles for the website. Outlook was used for emails. The Microsoft OS made it easy to restore my backup files from the cloud and continue working. I even tried some online gaming, which performed well given the system’s specifications.
Who should be buying the ASUS NUC Pro 14?
It is a small, compact, and sleek unit, perfect for both business and home use.
For Commercial and Business Usage (B2B)
This barebone system is ideal for digital displays, hoardings, and signage. It excels in environments where a CPU is needed to run the system. Its compact design with a VESA mount is suitable for offices with space limitations. It can be mounted on cubicle sides or placed on a desk. With cloud services and unlimited internet connectivity, most work is saved on servers. The NUC offers full support with Windows OS, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB SSD storage. This configuration is sufficient for business needs. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to connect to the office network and use wireless keyboards and mice.
For Non-Commercial Usage (B2C)
Due to its small, light, and sleek design, it is a perfect device for consumers and home use. The device is suitable for students and parents alike. It features a powerful CPU with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage. The multiple ports and Wi-Fi connectivity make it ideal for Generation Z students. The NUC can handle online games up to a certain level. However, it should not be compared to a dedicated gaming laptop. For the price, the device supports regular usage, such as web surfing and AI applications, as it comes with Windows 11 Pro. Consumers can even connect the device to a TV and use it as a large computer display. Its compact design makes it easy to hide behind the TV. Wireless keyboards, mice, and compatible webcams can be mounted on the TV for video calls.
Price and Availability
ASUS Middle East markets the ASUS NUC Pro 14 as a barebone system for businesses. Therefore, we could not obtain a specific price, as it is configured based on distributor and client requirements. It is available in various configurations, from high-end to basic models. Although no clear price is available, similar variants are priced around AED 2200+. For exact pricing, you need to contact the ASUS Middle East Commercial team.
Conclusion
The ASUS NUC Pro 14 is a compact, sleek, and lightweight barebone design, suitable for both commercial and home use. Its Intel Core Ultra 7 chipset, combined with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage, makes it a powerful device. It can be used for various purposes, such as in hotels, digital hoardings, showroom displays, and offices. Its versatility and power make it ideal for many business environments.
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