ASUS NUC 14 Performance

It suits someone who games or runs demanding creative software and wants discrete graphics with 8 GB of graphics memory in a compact 270 x 180 x 60 mm box. It also suits builders who like choosing their own parts, since both versions arrive as barebones kits and the memory is not soldered. Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and a 2.5GbE port are included, so wired and wireless networking are covered.

Skip it if you want a machine that is ready the moment it is unpacked, because memory and storage are yours to supply. Skip it too if you need an internal PCIe card slot or a second wired network port; it has neither.

Gaming is well suited. The GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop or RTX 4060 Laptop ships fixed in the chassis with 8 GB of graphics memory, so the graphics are settled even though memory and storage are yours to add. Frame rates are not measured, so read this as a judgment of the hardware rather than a promise about any particular game.

Workstation use is well suited. Both versions pair discrete NVIDIA graphics with 16 cores and 22 threads, a solid base for 3D work, rendering and other GPU-assisted applications. The 64 GB memory ceiling helps with large projects, provided you fit enough of it.

A homelab is workable. Two SODIMM slots take up to 64 GB and two M.2 2280 slots hold the drives, room for virtual machines or containers alongside your data. The single 2.5GbE port is the constraint, with no second wired port for separating networks. ASUS does not state ECC support, which matters for a storage server. Memory and storage must be added before any of this runs, so plan for both. Its compact size makes it easy to tuck onto a shelf.

Both retail versions are new 2024 barebones kits with 16 cores, 22 threads and 8 GB of graphics memory. What differs is the pairing: the Core Ultra 9 185H comes with the GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop, the Core Ultra 7 155H with the GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop. The RTX 4070 Laptop is the higher graphics tier, so take the Core Ultra 9 185H model for heavier games and GPU rendering. The Core Ultra 7 155H model suits lighter games and applications.

Both versions arrive as barebones kits and memory and storage must be added, so plan the build around the slots. Memory goes into two SODIMM slots, is not soldered and tops out at 64 GB. ASUS does not state the memory type or speed, so confirm compatibility before buying modules. Storage goes into two M.2 slots for 2280 drives, room for a system drive plus a separate game or data drive. There is no internal PCIe slot for expansion cards.

For screens you get one HDMI output and two DisplayPort outputs. ASUS does not state the maximum number of displays or the HDMI and DisplayPort versions, so check those before planning a multi-monitor or high-refresh desk. Peripherals get six USB-A ports, one USB-C port, one Thunderbolt port and an SD card reader. For external expansion there is the single Thunderbolt port and no USB4. Networking is one 2.5GbE port, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and power comes from a 330W external supply.

Both versions are barebones, so memory and storage are extra parts to buy and fit. There is no PCIe card slot and only one wired network port. ASUS also does not state the PCIe generation of either M.2 slot, M.2 SATA support, SATA bays, DisplayPort alt mode on USB-C, OCuLink, the TDP or a VESA mount.

The MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro uses an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX instead of the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, and its maximum memory is not confirmed, while the NUC takes 64 GB. The Apple Mac mini (M5 Pro) runs an Apple M5 Pro with integrated graphics rather than a discrete card. If PC gaming matters, the discrete NVIDIA graphics here decide it; if integrated graphics are enough for your work, the Mac mini is the other route.