Review of the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: A Solid Mini PC, If You Can Locate One

In my experience with the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ over the past week, it has served as a reliable work computer, undergoing thorough benchmark testing alongside similar devices in the market. While it might not be the most exceptional mini PC, it holds its ground well. Let’s delve into its strengths and areas for improvement.

Trustworthiness is crucial, and as a seasoned reviewer with a strong affinity for minimalism combined with performance, I approach each product with a critical eye. Having evaluated numerous mini PCs across various brands, I know the key factors in determining their value. This review stems from a sample provided by MSI, yet they had no influence on its content or visibility prior to publication.

Now, let’s discuss the specifics of the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ, a mini PC that comes at a somewhat steep price considering its configuration options. Although the precise configuration I evaluated proved elusive online, several variants are available, albeit pricey. The reviewed setup included an Intel Core i7-1365U vPro CPU, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a two-year, $667 warranty. Surprisingly, a similar model with 32GB RAM costs significantly more at $1,229, highlighting a notable market discrepancy.

Unboxing the Cubi NUC 13MQ, I found standard components like the power adapter, VESA mount, and external power button. Yet, unlike many counterparts, it skipped the inclusion of HDMI cables, necessitating an extra purchase for connecting to displays.

In terms of design, the Cubi NUC 13MQ embraces professionalism with its sleek black finish and a variety of ports, earning a top design rating. Its compact size rivals that of a bagel, easily fitting under or behind a monitor with the VESA mount, further supported by an external power button for convenient accessibility.

Regarding connectivity, this mini PC impresses with multiple ports catering to displays, headphones, keyboards, and more. It supports numerous peripherals, allowing for a comprehensive workstation setup.

Maintenance and upgrades are straightforward, accessible via screws hidden under its rubber feet. Internally, it accommodates RAM, SSD, and HDD/SSD enhancements, ensuring flexibility for future needs.

Performance-wise, the Cubi NUC 13MQ managed reasonably but slightly disappointed in speed, notably slower with certain operations like Adobe Photoshop. Benchmark tests reveal mixed results, with the CPU scoring expectedly in Geekbench but falling short on Cinebench. Meanwhile, the SSD displayed impressive read and write speeds, conflicting with occasional lag in response times during tasks.

In terms of noise and thermals, the mini PC reached typical temperatures, though a constant high-pitched hum can be a distraction, especially in quiet settings. This noise remains present despite its fan-less design.

In conclusion, while the Cubi NUC 13MQ offers a decent range of ports and practical design features, it struggles with pricing discrepancies and suboptimal performance for intensive tasks. For users needing compact space solutions with moderate requirements, it can be a suitable choice. However, those seeking budget-friendly alternatives or robust performance for demanding applications might need to explore other options in the market.