Review of the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: A Solid Mini PC Worth Seeking Out

Over the past week, the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ has been my main workstation, stepping in as my go-to mini PC. Throughout that time, I’ve put this compact gadget through its paces with a variety of benchmark tests just to see how it stacks up against similar models out there. While it doesn’t exactly take the crown in any specific category, it delivers in some key areas. Let’s dive into its strengths and where it might have room to grow.

Why Listen to Me?

When it comes to tech, especially mini PCs, simplicity fused with performance is a must for me. Given my countless hours of experimenting with these little machines from different brands, I’ve got a decent grasp on what to look for to decide if it’s a keeper or not.

A Quick Note

This review came about thanks to a sample from MSI. They didn’t peek at or influence the content here in any shape or form.

MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: Pricing & Specs

Trying to pin down the specific configuration of the Cubi NUC 13MQ I reviewed can be a hunt. There are a few setups to choose from, but prices can seem steep. Here’s what was packed into my sample:

• Price: $1,029 at B&H
• CPU: Intel Core i7-1365U
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• RAM: 16GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Dimensions: 135.6 x 132.5 x 50.1 mm
• Weight: 1.45 kg
• Warranty: 2 years

Despite the impressive specs, tracking down the exact configuration I tested proved tricky, and when I did, it was often listed well above the $667 MSRP quoted by MSI. It seems there’s limited presence online, with the closest match—a version with 32GB RAM—going for a staggering $1,229 at B&H. Until prices settle, those looking might want to explore cheaper options on the market.

What’s in the Box?

Inside, alongside the mini PC, there’s a power adapter, power cable, VESA mount, and an external power button. Unlike some competitors, it doesn’t come with an HDMI cable, so you’d need to have one handy to hook it up to a display.

Design & Build Quality

Featuring a no-frills, sleek black design, the Cubi NUC 13MQ effortlessly blends into any setting, whether at home or in the office. Its footprint is modest, barely occupying more space than your ordinary bagel and it’s designed to sit tidily under a monitor. Alternatively, slap it onto the back of a monitor or discreetly under a desk using the VESA mount for a neater look.

Port-wise, it’s pretty accommodating: multiple USB ports, HDMI slots, and a microSD reader, ready to sync up with several monitors and peripherals. The cherry on top? The external power button, which can be stuck anywhere convenient, allows for easy access to power the device on and off if it’s tucked away out of sight.

Tinkering Under the Hood

Delve inside with a simple unscrewing of the rubber-footed screws to peek at the internals. Owners can comfortably upgrade RAM and storage to better fit their needs.

Performance & Thermals

Benchmark-wise, performance can be a mixed bag. Running through several tests, the Cubi NUC 13MQ occasionally took longer than desired, especially in tasks like rendering graphics or running multifaceted software. Here’s a quick run-through:

• Geekbench: Single-core score of 2,298, multi-core score of 8,217.
• Cinebench: Scored lower than expected with both single-core and multi-core tests.
• 3DMark: Did okay with a 1,669 score using Iris Xe Graphics.

On the other hand, reading and write speeds from CrystalDiskMark were surprisingly swift. While not idle, these speeds didn’t always translate to speedier day-to-day tasks like video transcoding, which took a notable amount of time compared to similar devices.

Noise Levels

Thermal readings were in the safe zone, with the mini PC peaking at about 95 F externally. It doesn’t roar during operation, but a high-pitched whine constantly sounds, which might become a tad distracting for those with sensitive hearing.

Alternatives in the Market

For buyers seeking other options, there are some lower-cost, and performance-wise, comparable mini PCs available. These may present more value, especially if budget constraints are a key factor.

MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: Final Impressions

On balance, the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ is a viable contender among mini PCs, notably for its compact design and versatile connectivity options if you can get it at the suggested retail price. It’s apt for modest computing obligations where space is a premium, but those eyeing gaming or heavy-processing software might want to consider more robust alternatives or keep an eye out for better deals on this model.