ASUS has announced the NUC 14 Pro+, a new ultracompact PC that is said to deliver superior performance to run generative AI workloads, coupled with features that include energy-efficient WiFi Sensing, a 5″ x 4″ anodized aluminum chassis with toolless access, and connectivity options that include Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort 1.4 and USB4. This is the first NUC Pro to feature a Core Ultra 9 processor, Intel’s latest flagship mobile CPU, according to ASUS.
Key features and specs include:
- Windows 11 Pro
- 14th Generation Processor
- Intel Core Ultra 9/7/5 processor
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Dual-channel DDR5-5600MHz SODIMMs, 96GB max
- M.2 22×80 key M slot for PCIe x4 Gen 5 NVMe SSD
- M.2 22×42 key M slot for PCIe x4 Gen 4
- SATA 2.5in HDD Support (Tall kit)
- Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, supporting 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.3 w/internal antennas
- Intel i226 2.5 Gb Ethernet (i225-LM on vPro SKUs; i225-V on non-vPro SKUs)
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports (DP 2.1 & USB4)
- 2x HDMI 2.1 TMDS Compatible connector with CEC
- 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 type A ports
- 1x type A and 2x internal USB 2.0 headers
A promo video:
ASUS on its latest NUC:
Style meets AI-driven performance: Available with Intel Core Ultra 9, 7, or 5 CPUs, the Intel Arc GPU for enhanced graphics, and Intel AI Boost (NPU), the ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ meets most computing needs and combines style with powerful performance. Together, its three AI engines – GPU, NPU, and CPU – enable higher throughput, lower power consumption, and faster response to locally run generative AI workloads. The Intel Core Ultra processors represent Intel’s most power-efficient client processors to date.
Compared to its predecessor, the NUC 13 Pro Mini PC, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ offers significantly enhanced AI processing performance, offering unmatched stability and up to 35% faster local computing, especially noticeable in tasks such as text-to-image generation using stable-diffusion software.
Ready for any task: Following customer feedback, ASUS has given the ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ a premium 5 x 4-inch anodized aluminum chassis that is slightly larger than its predecessor. The stylish and compact, less-than-one-liter from factor takes up minimal space on a desk or workstation, making it ideal for small- or medium-sized enterprises, remote workers, as well as retail or educational settings. The bundled VESA mounting plate and toolless-access chassis for easy upgrades give ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ the versatility to suit various scenarios. Plus, each unit includes a three-year limited warranty, demonstrating the ASUS commitment to reliability.
Quad 4K display support: The ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ can support up to four 4K monitors through a combination of two HDMI ports, DisplayPort 1.4, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and the additional configurable port (if the HDMI option is selected). This makes NUC 14 Pro+ perfect for multi-display setups in home studios or offices, or for extending workspaces in AI-driven environments.
Certified Bluetooth experiences: ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ ensures a guaranteed connection with certified Bluetooth peripherals including headset and speakerphones, hearing aids, mice, and keyboards. This enables great out of the box experiences with a certified Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, allowing users to have a wireless and clutter-free workspace right from the start. Certified Bluetooth also ensures superior sound quality without the need for a dongle, and can simultaneously broadcast to up to four Bluetooth devices.
Energy-efficient WiFi Sensing: When both user and computer activity remain inactive for 30 seconds, no movement is detected within a 1.5–2 meter range, the NUC 14 Pro+ intelligently recognizes that the user has stepped away for a brief period. It will then automatically enter screen hibernation mode to save energy.
Innovative cooling design: The new triple 6 mm heat pipe includes a double-sided exchanger and optimized airflow guidance. Its innovative design ensures stable performance and prevents overheating during high-computing AI workloads, guaranteeing uninterrupted operation.
Discussion (3 replies)
Join Discussion →I thought NUC was dead? Or did Asus pry the corpse away from Intel?
Intel sold the NUC brand to ASUS
Main omission I'm seeing is the lack of WiFi 7; I'd figure that would be a given with Intel's newest lower-power platforms, though obviously not a deal-killer. An option to have 10Gbit would be nice, though that can not-inexpensively be added through TB4.
Otherwise, specs look good - I'd have wanted faster memory, but a quick peruse of Newegg puts higher-speed DDR5 SO-DIMMs as non-existent, with only one kit showing up as a slovenly DDR5-6000 CL38. I'd bet if that new memory standard that's supposed to supplant SO-DIMMs shows up in refresh of these, DDR5-8000+ would be on the table (and useful for the iGPU and any compute-focused workloads).
Also, shoutout to having HDMI-CEC! Very nice to see Intel putting that on their mobile parts too.