As foretold in the numerous tech events last year, 2025 is becoming the year when brands launch a lot of AI products. ASUS is one of such brands. With their latest ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI, users can get the whole package: Microsoft’s Copilot AI with Intel’s latest powerful chip, and ASUS’ design experience. But is it actually a good and decent product to watch out for? Let’s find out in this review of the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI!
We actually reviewed the “non-AI” (quotes because it can still do AI!) variant, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro, last year. So if you want a more affordable version and an idea on how it performs, check out our ASUS NUC 14 Pro review.
| Model | ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI Mini PC |
| CPU | Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor 288V, cTDP 30W |
| OS | Windows 11 Next Gen 64-bit Windows 11 Pro Next Gen 64-bit *Pre-configured Windows OS version may differ by country inquire with local sales |
| Chipset | Integrated |
| Graphics | Intel® Arc™ Graphics 140V(U7/U9) |
| Memory | 2ch LPDDR5x-8533 memory, 32GB |
| Storage | 1 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4, supports 256GB~4TB NVMe SSD |
| Wireless Network | Intel® Wi-Fi 7 BE201, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| LAN | Intel® Ethernet Controller I226-V, 2.5G |
| Audio | Realtek ALC3288 |
| Front Interface | (Top) 1 x Finger Print module (Front) 1 x Power button 1 x Copilot button 1 x Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C w/ DisplayPort 2.1 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A 1x 3.5mm Headset Jack (Side) 1 x Kensington Lock slot |
| Back Interface | 1 x Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C w/ DisplayPort 2.1 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 (TMDS) 1 x 2.5G RJ45 LAN 1 x DC-in |
| Power Supply | 20VDC, 6.0A, 120W Power Adapter |
| Dimensions & Weight | 130mm x 130mm x 34 mm; 0.5kg |
| Accessories | AC Adapter+Power Cord VESA Bracket and Screws Safety/Caution/Regulatory Insert Warranty Card |
Note that there are other versions of the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI Plus available. The main difference with each version are the processors, the RAM, and the storage capacity.
The ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI has a lot of ports and is not stingy with them. At the front, we have the power button, a Microsoft Copilot button at the right, at the middle are two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A USB ports, and a single Thunderbolt 4 Type-C w/ DisplayPort 2.1. You also get a 3.5mm jack for your audio.
At the back, we have another Thunderbolt 4 Type-C w/ DisplayPort 2.1, a pair of USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, an HDMI 2.1 port, an RJ45 LAN Port, DC power supply port.
As a NUC PC, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI has an easy to open underside which you can access with a simple flick of the lock and a push. Unlocking the underside opens the whole PC to the user, allowing you to swap out modules like storage and WiFi.
These benchmarks are meant to measure the device’s performance relative to other peoples’ machines. We plugged in a mix of CPU & GPU-intensive tests and other ones that measure the performance of both at the same time.
Benchmark Score: 3,483
Cinebench leverages the same powerful 3D engine found in the award-winning animation software Cinema 4D Release 20 to accurately evaluate CPU rendering performance capabilities across various systems and platforms.
Extreme performance and stability test for PC hardware: video card, power supply, cooling system.
PassMark measures CPU, 2D & 3D GPU, Memory, and Disk speeds. Similar to Novabench, it gives you an aggregate score, giving you an idea on how your PC performs and how it ranks when compared to other computers around the world.
wPrime is a leading multi-threaded benchmark for x86 processors that tests your processor performance by calculating square roots with a recursive call of Newton’s method for estimating functions. It then uses an iterative calling of the estimation method a set amount of times to increase the accuracy of the results.
Geekbench AI is a cross-platform AI benchmark that uses real-world machine learning tasks to evaluate AI workload performance. Geekbench AI measures your CPU, GPU, and NPU to determine whether your device is ready for today’s and tomorrow’s cutting-edge machine learning applications.
Includes updated CPU workloads and new Compute workloads that model real-world tasks and applications. Geekbench is a benchmark that reflects what actual users face on their mobile devices and personal computers.
Out of the box, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI is already primed for setup. What you need are just to place it on top of your desk, attach the cables for the monitors and peripherals, and plug in the power cable. Turn it on and it’s good to go. There’s nothing left to configure and you can do everything in under five minutes provided that you have the cables ready and your monitors and input devices set. This makes the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI perfect for non-techie people, making computing power of this magnitude and of course, the latest AI tech, possible for most users.
NUCs all have to be compact and light. Intel designed these PCs to be this way: bare and with only what the user would need. Bells and whistles can be added, such as what ASUS did in this case, but the general principle is that NUCs should be simple. The ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI is a good balance of both: simple enough and with adequate features to differentiate it from a reliable toaster. Weighing only 500g, having this kind of power and having to hold it with just one hand continues to impress.
A battlefield of all tech giants, AI has managed to finally reach our tables in a more palatable state. The ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI has the AI in its name not because of marketing gimmick or anything but because of the processor that it has in it. The Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 288V is a processor build with AI in mind. Intel claims that it is three times faster and consume less power compared to the previous generation, and offers 120 platform TOPS and 48 NPU TOPS. This means that applications and programs can utilize the PC’s resources efficiently for localized computing and AI-driven workloads.
The PC also has a built in button on it that you can press to call Microsoft Copilot out of the blue. However, I did find this feature reduntant and more laborious compared to just clicking the Copilot button on your PC’s desktop.
Even after seeing NUC PCs for more than a decade, seeing one again on my desk leaves me impressed and equally astounded. The small form factor of the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI makes them incredibly viable for people living in compact spaces such as rented rooms or studio-type condominiums. It occupies little space and can even be mounted behind a compatible monitor via VESA. It’s also worth mentioning that it only weighs a measly 500g, a surprising contrast to the amount of computing power that it offers.
While not made to break any records, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI manages to be a relatively “safe” product. “Safe” in a sense that it doesn’t try to outpace others small form-factor PCs. However, it does pack quite a punch in the processor that it brings to the table .The Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor 288V is a powerhouse of computing coupled with the hefty 32GB of memory. Having the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI assist you on your daily tasks, such as word processing, internet surfing, and the occasional AI prompting, makes arduous tasks easy and your work pace efficient.
The ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI does what it is set to do: provide an easy device with AI that is backed with powerful hardware. As always, it comes with the latest tech, setting you up for years to come. It also bears the trademark NUC feature: it’s so easy to upgrade and open up. This makes the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI very viable as a work PC or stationary study PC. A good combination of size, power, and features all make this device a good candidate for either a small office setup or for a family PC.
The ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI is set to be available here in the Philippines. We will update this article once we get confirmation of the price and the available SKUs.
For more information on the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI, check out the official website.
