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

During my recent deep dive into the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ, I put this mini PC to the test, using it as my primary work machine for a week while benchmarking it against similar products on the market. While it may not have an edge over its peers, the Cubi NUC 13MQ holds its own with solid performance. Let’s break down where it shines and where it falls short.

Why You Should Trust My Review

Years of reviewing mini PCs have made me a keen judge of their merits. Minimalist style paired with efficient performance is my cup of tea, and I’ve logged countless hours assessing such devices from various manufacturers. With that background, I’m here to help you decide if this mini PC is worth your investment.

Disclaimer: This review is based on a test unit provided by MSI. They had no influence over the content or conclusions shared here.

MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: Pricing and Specifications

The Cubi NUC 13MQ comes with a premium price tag, especially considering the vast array of configurations it offers. Though tricky to find in the exact configuration I tested, there are several versions available—with varying costs.

Tested Configuration:

• Price: $1,029 at B&H
• CPU: Intel Core i7-1365U (10 cores, 12 threads, up to 5.2 GHz)
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics (6 cores)
• RAM: 16GB DDR5 @ 2,593 MHz
• Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Dimensions: 135.6 x 132.5 x 50.10mm
• Weight: 1.45kg
• Warranty: 2 years

While MSI cites an MSRP of $667, finding this specific configuration at that price proved elusive. Most listings skew higher, with the closest setup featuring 32GB RAM priced at $1,229 at B&H. This financial disparity is one of the current hurdles the mini PC faces, hopefully narrowing as more reasonable priced options become available. Until then, exploring more affordable contenders might be worthwhile.

What’s in the Box?

Opening the Cubi NUC 13MQ box, you’ll discover the essentials to get you going: a power adapter, power cable, VESA mount, and an external power button. Unlike other mini PCs, it doesn’t include an HDMI cable, so you’ll need to provide your own to connect it to a screen.

Design and Build Quality

Boasting a simple and professional black exterior, it integrates well into both personal and professional spaces. You get a commendable suite of ports that easily accommodate various accessories.

The understated design of the Cubi NUC 13MQ makes it a chameleon in its environment, fitting seamlessly on a desk or behind a monitor with the included VESA mount. It’s as unobtrusive as a loaf of bread and highly adaptable thanks to its port variety that covers everything from Thunderbolt 4 to HDMI ports, LAN connections, and more. Plus, the thoughtful addition of a cable-end external power button lets you turn it on or off with ease, wherever it’s positioned.

Component Access and Upgradability

Ease of access for upgrades is another plus. With a bit of simple unscrewing, the Cubi NUC 13MQ opens up, allowing for potential RAM, SSD, and HDD tweaks.

Performance and Thermals

In the realm of performance, the Cubi NUC 13MQ delivers competent results across a range of tasks, albeit sometimes slower than ideal. My patience was tested as programs like Photoshop loaded slower than on other devices, although it never failed to handle the tasks handed to it.

Benchmark results like the Geekbench 6 test showed expected numbers from its Intel Core i7-1365U. However, it didn’t perform as well in Cinebench, reflecting a below-par multi-core score. The graphics processing, while good for the Iris Xe chip, still stumbled behind in tasks requiring high-speed GPU output.

In terms of temperature management, the unit remains reasonably cool, even under a prolonged stress test, although a persistent high-pitched whine can be distracting.

Alternatives

For those looking after their budget without compromising on efficiency, competitors in the form of less costly ones may be a more appealing option.

Final Score

The Cubi NUC 13MQ, with its plentiful ports and practical accessories, is a capable mini PC. But it’s currently hampered by elusive pricing and performance that occasionally lags behind expectations. If it’s priced correctly, it’s certainly a contender for those needing a compact computing solution.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Opt for the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ if you’re seeking a space-efficient, unobtrusive computer setup or need the convenience of a remotely mounted power button. Reconsider if you demand cutting-edge graphical performance or are simply looking for a cost-effective alternative.

In conclusion, the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ is a thoughtfully designed, capable mini PC that could be an office space staple—provided you find it at a price that justifies its offerings.