Review of the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: A Solid Mini PC That’s Hard to Find

Having spent a week with the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ as my daily work computer, I’ve also put this mini PC through its paces with a series of benchmark tests to see how it stacks up in the market. While it might not be an exceptional mini PC, the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ is certainly a dependable one. Let’s delve into where it shines and where it could use some polishing.

Firstly, a little about my background: I’m a minimalist at heart, always on the hunt for performance coupled with sleek design. Over the years, I’ve logged countless hours testing mini PCs across various brands, honing my ability to judge whether one is worth your time and money.

It’s worth noting that MSI provided a review sample for this assessment, but they had zero influence over the content of my findings, nor did they have a preview before publication.

MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: Pricing and Specifications

This mini PC leans toward the expensive side, depending on your chosen configuration. The exact setup I tested seems elusive online, with only a few options available. The reviewed configuration included an Intel Core i7-1365U CPU, an Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, encased in a simple black chassis with a VESA mount.

Despite its allure, it’s difficult to pin down at a price that matches MSI’s listed MSRP of $667. In fact, the closest configuration I spotted, which doubled the RAM to 32GB, came in at a steep $1,229. This is one of the hurdles for prospective buyers, and until more budget-friendly listings appear, exploring other market alternatives might be wise.

What’s in the Box?

Alongside the mini PC, you’ll find a power adapter, cable, VESA mount, and an external power button. However, you won’t see an HDMI cable here, which is a bit of a letdown. If you want to connect this to a display, you’ll need to procure one separately.

Design and Build Quality

Sporting a professional look, the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ takes minimal space, akin to a bagel on your desk. If you’re going for a streamlined setup, the VESA mount lets you attach it to the rear of your monitor or hide it under your desk. The design is straightforward yet versatile, making it suitable for both casual and business environments.

The external power button is a neat addition, allowing you to conveniently power up the PC without fumbling for it if it’s out of sight. In terms of connections, it offers a generous array of ports to hook up monitors, headphones, and more. Impressively, it can support up to four displays, accommodating an expansive workstation setup.

Component Access and Upgradability

For those who enjoy tinkering, accessing the internals of the Cubi NUC 13MQ is a breeze. Just unscrew the rubber feet and pull off the metal shield to access the upgradable slots for the RAM and SSDs.

Performance and Thermals

From running Photoshop to handling benchmarks, the Cubi NUC 13MQ held up decently, although not without some lag. While it didn’t crash, the device endured longer wait times than I’d hoped for during heavy tasks. Unfortunately, it scored lower than some expectations in certain benchmarks. On a positive note, the SSD showed strong read and write speeds, and it maintained a reasonable overall system performance score.

The mini PC remains cool and relatively quiet during operation. However, it emits a high-pitched noise continuously, which can be distracting over time.

Alternatives

In a world where mini PCs are aplenty, the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ faces competition from rivals like the Beelink EQR6, which may offer cost-effective alternatives with comparable or superior performance.

Final Thoughts

While the Cubi NUC 13MQ is a trusty companion for everyday use, its pricing might deter some, considering its performance metrics aren’t groundbreaking. It’s a solid choice for those tight on space who need a discrete setup, provided you can snag it at or below its MSRP.

Should You Buy This?

• Yes, if: You are looking to save space and need a computer that won’t clutter your desk. Its compact size and VESA mount option make it a versatile choice.
• No, if: You’re after robust performance for gaming or intensive tasks, or you’re on a tight budget. There are other cost-effective mini PCs available that might better meet your demands.