With the NUC 14 Pro AI, Asus is playing the miniaturization and power card. This small box, which measures just 130 X 130 x 34 mm, features the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, including the high-end Core Ultra 9 288V. This mini PC is also the first to meet Microsoft’s criteria for its Copilot+ suite of tools, functions and an assistant powered by generative artificial intelligence.
Small chassis, big AI
Under the hood, Asus has pulled out all the stops. The NUC combines a conventional processor, a graphics processor (Intel Arc GPU) and a neural processing unit (NPU). Together, these components achieve impressive performance, up to 120 TOPS of computing power. Enough to manage complex tasks such as image analysis, real-time data processing or even advanced AI applications. The NPU in particular outperforms previous models by increasing performance by three times.
On the memory side, the device supports up to 32 GB of LPDDR5x and offers an M.2 PCIe Gen4x4 slot to add an SSD ranging from 256 GB to 2 TB. This combo ensures ideal speed and flexibility for varied uses, whether whether they are professional or domestic.
Despite its small size, the NUC 14 Pro AI doesn’t skimp on connectivity. On the front, there is a power button, a Thunderbolt 4 port, two USB 3.2 ports, and even a button dedicated to Microsoft Copilot (!). On the back, another Thunderbolt port, two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, an HDMI port and a 2.5G LAN network jack for easily connecting multiple displays and peripherals. Thunderbolt and HDMI ports, combined, support up to three simultaneous 4K displays.
In addition to wired connectivity, Asus integrates Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connections. And to complete the picture, microphones and speakers with Smart Amp technology allow voice interaction with AI assistants.
Design-wise, the mini PC is reminiscent of the Mac mini but with an even smaller footprint. Its chassis integrates optimized cooling systems and security options such as TPM and fingerprint recognition. Its “tool-free” design also makes repairs and changing components quick and easy.
By launching the NUC 14 Pro AI, Asus wants to take a head start in the field of mini PCs equipped with artificial intelligence. While Microsoft is pushing to integrate Copilot+ on as many machines as possible, other manufacturers like Geekom are preparing to unveil their own models at CES. The Price and release date of the NUC 14 Pro AI are still unclear, but we already know that Asus is targeting a high-end market.
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