In-Depth Review: ASUS NUC 14 Pro Tall Mini PC - Core Ultra 7 Powerhouse
The ASUS NUC 14 Pro Tall Mini PC, equipped with the formidable Intel 14th Gen Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 32GB DDR5 RAM, a 1TB PCIe G4x4 NVMe SSD, and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, represents a significant evolution in the compact desktop segment, a lineage now carried forward by ASUS from Intel. This full-system configuration aims to provide high-end performance in a diminutive, ultra-versatile form factor.
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| In-Depth Review: ASUS NUC 14 Pro Tall Mini PC - Core Ultra 7 Powerhouse |
💻 Performance and the Core Ultra 7 155H
At the heart of this mini PC is the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, a "Meteor Lake" chip featuring a powerful 16-core configuration (6 Performance, 8 Efficiency, and 2 Low Power Island E-cores) and 22 threads. This setup, complemented by a substantial 32GB of high-speed DDR5-5600 RAM and a rapid 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, delivers excellent performance for demanding professional workloads.
Productivity: For everyday office tasks, intensive multitasking (like managing numerous Chrome tabs, large Excel sheets, and productivity apps), the NUC 14 Pro is exceptionally fast and responsive. Its Core Ultra H-class processor effectively provides high-end laptop-level computing power.
AI and NPU: A key feature of the Core Ultra 7 is the integrated AI Boost Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This NPU is dedicated to accelerating AI-specific workloads, offloading tasks like those used in modern operating systems (e.g., Windows Defender) and creative applications, thus enhancing overall system efficiency and power management.
Graphics: The system relies on the integrated Intel Arc Graphics. While not designed as a gaming PC, the Arc iGPU is surprisingly capable, offering performance suitable for light to moderate gaming at 720p or low-detail 1080p, and crucially, excellent support for multi-display setups. It supports modern standards like DirectX 12 Ultimate and AV1 encoding/decoding.
Performance vs. Competition: Some synthetic benchmarks show that while the NUC 14 Pro is a powerful machine, its price-to-performance ratio may be less favorable compared to certain less-expensive mini PC rivals with similar or even the same processor. However, its comprehensive features, especially the Thunderbolt ports and toolless access, offer value beyond raw benchmark scores.
🏗️ Design and Upgradability
The "Tall" chassis design maintains a compact footprint (approximately 4.6 x 4.4 inches) but adds height (2.1 inches) to accommodate a 2.5-inch drive bay, providing an extra storage expansion option alongside the M.2 NVMe slot.
Toolless Access: A significant design highlight is the toolless chassis access. The bottom panel can be easily removed via a simple slider or twist latch, granting quick, hassle-free entry to the memory and storage slots for effortless upgrades and maintenance.
Build Quality: The chassis has a utilitarian, matte-black, and discrete aesthetic. While some competitors feature a full-aluminum build, the NUC 14 Pro utilizes a mix of plastic and a sturdy internal metal frame. It is also VESA Mount Included, allowing it to be easily mounted behind a monitor or under a desk for a clean workspace.
🔌 Connectivity and I/O
Connectivity is a major strength of the ASUS NUC 14 Pro, making it an excellent hub for a multi-monitor or peripheral-heavy workstation.
Thunderbolt 4: The inclusion of dual Thunderbolt 4 ports is a premium feature, enabling ultra-fast data transfer, high-resolution display output (supporting up to four displays when combined with the HDMI ports), and the potential for external GPU (eGPU) connectivity.
Port Selection: The device is rich in ports, including:
Front: 1x USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps), 2x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 2
Rear: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (Type-C), 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x 2.5G Ethernet, 1x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB Type-A 2.0
Networking: It features an Intel 2.5G Ethernet port and Intel Wi-Fi 6E (AX211), providing high-speed, reliable network performance for demanding tasks.
📝 Conclusion
The ASUS NUC 14 Pro Tall Mini PC with the Core Ultra 7 155H is an excellent, high-performance, and feature-rich mini PC, especially suited for business users and professionals who require powerful computing, extensive connectivity, and the flexibility of easy upgrades in an ultra-compact design. While it commands a premium price, the combination of the AI-ready Core Ultra processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, fast NVMe storage, and the indispensable dual Thunderbolt 4 ports justifies the investment for those who value space-saving design without compromising on power or I/O versatility. The Tall chassis is particularly useful for users who need the extra 2.5-inch drive bay for bulk storage.