The bigger, the better. A statement that generally rings true when it comes to PC components. The bigger the part, the better the performance and number crunching. However, sometimes such is not the case. Intel’s NUCs (Next Unit of Computing) were designed to provide proper computing power in compact form but were just discontinued last 2023. To carry the torch, ASUS got express permission and released their ASUS NUC 14 Pro for everyone to get a taste of next-gen computing in a tiny little box. Thankfully, we just have one to play with. On our desk is the ASUS NUC 14 Pro and in our review, we test out how it works and plays as a modern computer. Is it good? Let’s find out!
The ASUS NUC 14 Pro comes in two versions. What we have for review is taller version.
| Model | NUC14RVH (ASUS NUC 14 Pro Tall Chassis) |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 165H Processor |
| OS | Microsoft WIndows 11 |
| Chipset | Integrated |
| Graphics | Intel Arc GPU (U7) |
| Memory | 16GB DDR5 (2 x SO-DIMM Up to DDR5 5600 8GB ~ 96GB) |
| Storage | 512GB (1 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD Slot) 1 x M.2 2242 PCIe x4 NVMe SSD Slot 1 x 2.5in SATA Support |
| Wireless Network | Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211, 2×2, and Bluetooth® 5.3 (BT version depends on OS support) |
| LAN | 2.5G Ethernet, 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps |
| Interface |
Front: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type C, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A
Side: 1 x Kensington Lock Rear: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C Ports, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 x 2.0 Type-A, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (TMDS) ports, 1 x RJ45 LAN Port, 1 x DC-in |
| Power Supply | 120W Power Adapter |
| Dimensions | 117mm x 112mm x 54mm; 750g |
| Accessories | AC Adapter + Power Cord Warranty Card Quick Start Guide VESA Mount Plate |
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: 6,160
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.
What’s great about the ASUS NUC 14 Pro is that you can immediately set it up without fiddling with any complicated stuff. For this review, we just pulled it out of the box, plugged it in and it’s all good to go. If you’re planning on using it at home, you don’t have to be very technical to get it up and running. Just plug in the cables and you have a computer that’s ready to run. Definitely a good choice if you are looking to give your elderly relatives a computer that won’t trip them.
Although not a surprising feature, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro manages to deliver overall great numbers despite its very compact frame. The Intel Core Ultra 7 165H outputs impressive numbers as seen in our benchmarks; numbers that beat even those on gaming laptops.
PCs like this one usually compromise on performance to deliver a lot of computing power as they have to sacrifice cooling for a smaller footprint. However, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro produces good numbers despite its size, making it a good all-around PC.
What manages to surprise is the amount of ports that the ASUS NUC 14 Pro has. It has two HDMIs which makes a multiple monitor setup ready from the get go. For USB, it has three USB 3.2, a single USB 2.0, and three USB Type C ports with two doubling as Thunderbolt 4 ports. So in essence, you don’t have to buy any extra USB hub just to plug in your peripherals, removable storage devices, and other stuff to this thing.
The fan on the ASUS NUC 14 Pro can be loud. Noticeably loud. Although this is already something to expect given its size, it’s still managed to surprise us it happened while installing games via Steam. Not that the whir of the fan is loud enough to disrupt work but it is quite noticeable if you mostly work in a quiet environment.
While it’s obvious, it’s also worth noting that the ASUS NUC 14 Pro is not a gaming behemoth. You can play games made for the masses such as DOTA 2 and CS:GO 2, and even indie titles that make good use of retro graphics. However, don’t expect it to play modern triple-A titles such as Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and the likes.
In terms of graphics processing, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro does not do anyone favors. It’s not too weak but it also does not have a good enough graphics chip to run particularly demanding titles. If you stick with videos, browsing, and document/presentation creation, you won’t have any problems. Otherwise, you’re in for a bumpy ride if you force graphically demanding workloads.
A highlight Intel NUC charm was its ease to upgrade. ASUS still continued with that in the NUC 14 Pro. Slide off the underside to reveal easy-to-reach RAM and NVMe slots for upgrades. An extra degree of caution is required though as there’s a ribbon cable that attaches the controls from the upper assembly so you have to be particularly careful when opening this thing up.
While not a groundbreaking computing juggernaut, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro delivers surprisingly good numbers despite its size. It’s an overall great package that’s not too complicated to set up and you have a large number of ports to round it all up. The ASUS NUC 14 Pro is a great device if you’re looking to have an easy to use computer in your house, or if you need a computer that takes up a very small amount of space. Its simplicity also makes it a good computer for those that are looking only to just browse the internet, type documents and view presentations, and watch videos.
Just don’t expect much if you plan on playing the latest video games on it.
As of the writing of this review, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro yet to be announced here in the Philippines. This review will be updated once we get wind of the official release date and price.
For more information on the ASUS NUC 14 Pro, check out its official product page. If you fancy a more all-around gaming package, check out our review of the ROG Strix G16.
