Intel Core Ultra NUC 14 Pro Review

Intel’s NUCs have long defined the mini PC category, blending desktop power into a palm-sized package. With the new Core Ultra processors, the NUC 14 Pro arrives not just as an iteration, but as a potential redefinition of what a compact workstation can achieve. This tiny titan, now under ASUS’s stewardship, aims to bring AI-powered performance to the mainstream, but does it deliver on its promises?

The NUC 14 Pro maintains the familiar, utilitarian aesthetic that has characterized the lineup for years. Its compact, dark gray chassis is a masterclass in space efficiency, designed to disappear on a desk or mount neatly behind a monitor. Build quality remains excellent, with a sturdy metal frame and a plastic top panel that can be removed without tools for easy access to the internals. This tool-less design is a hallmark of the NUC experience, making the installation of RAM and storage a refreshingly simple affair for both DIY enthusiasts and IT departments. The port selection is outstanding, featuring dual Thunderbolt 4 ports alongside multiple USB-A connectors, dual HDMI 2.1 outputs, and a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet jack, offering a level of connectivity that rivals much larger desktops.

At the heart of this machine lies the new Intel Core Ultra processor, and it’s here that the NUC 14 Pro truly shines. Our model with the Core Ultra 7 155H showcased a remarkable blend of efficiency and power. The new hybrid architecture, combining Performance-cores, Efficient-cores, and new Low Power Efficient-cores, handles everything from demanding applications to background tasks with seamless intelligence. Everyday productivity is exceptionally fluid, and the system chews through multi-threaded workloads like video encoding with surprising speed. The integrated Arc graphics are a revelation, representing a monumental leap over the previous generation’s Iris Xe. While it won’t replace a dedicated gaming rig, it makes 1080p gaming in many modern titles a real possibility and provides a significant boost for creative applications.

The most forward-looking feature is undoubtedly the integrated NPU, or Neural Processing Unit, which positions the NUC 14 Pro as an “AI PC.” This dedicated silicon is designed to accelerate AI-native tasks, such as background blur and noise cancellation in video calls, with minimal impact on the main CPU. While the full potential of the NPU is still being unlocked as more software adds support, its presence makes this machine a compelling choice for developers and early adopters looking to experiment with local AI models. The one notable trade-off in cramming this much power into a small box is acoustics; under sustained, heavy load, the cooling fan spins up and becomes clearly audible, though it remains quiet during typical office work.

Ultimately, the NUC 14 Pro is a premium product with a price tag to match, especially after factoring in the cost of RAM, storage, and an operating system for the barebones kit. Its value isn’t in being the cheapest option, but in offering an unparalleled combination of performance, connectivity, and compact size. For professionals, developers, or home lab builders who need a powerful, versatile, and relatively future-proof computer that won’t dominate their workspace, the NUC 14 Pro is a formidable contender. It’s an engineering marvel that confidently carries the NUC legacy forward, proving that great things truly do come in small packages.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon