Key Takeaways
1. MSI has launched several mini PCs at CES 2025, including the new Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG, now available for pre-order.
2. The Cubi NUC features Intel’s Lunar Lake processors, with options including Core Ultra 5, 7, and 9, competing with AMD’s Ryzen 7.
3. The mini PC has non-upgradable on-package memory, offering 16 GB for the Core Ultra 5 and 32 GB for higher models, but storage is user-upgradeable.
4. It includes a variety of ports, such as USB-A, a micro-SD card reader, and a fingerprint sensor for biometric access.
5. Pricing starts at $899 for the Core Ultra 7 model, with the Core Ultra 9 costing an additional $100; the release date for orders is currently unknown.
MSI has revealed several mini PCs during CES 2025, with many now open for pre-orders. In a recent statement, the company announced that the MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG will soon be added to the lineup, featuring a remarkable set of specs for a somewhat high price.
Powerful Processor Options
This mini PC is equipped with Intel’s Lunar Lake series of processors. Users will have the choice of the Core Ultra 5 226V, Core Ultra 7 258V, and Core Ultra 9 288V chips. The top model includes eight cores and eight threads, competing closely with the Ryzen 7 8840HS APU in CPU tasks. However, the compact 0.8-liter design lacks discrete graphics, relying instead on the Arc 130V (for the Core Ultra 5) and the Arc 140V (for the Core Ultra 7 and 9) integrated GPUs.
Memory and Upgrade Limitations
Systems powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake come with on-package memory, which means users won’t be able to upgrade it later on. The Core Ultra 5 model includes 16 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory, while the more advanced models offer double that at 32 GB. Fortunately, storage is user-upgradeable thanks to the M.2 2280 slot featured in the mini PC. On the back, the selection of ports is also pleasing:
Front and Back Ports
The front of the MSI Cubi NUC mini PC features two USB-A ports (10 Gbps), a micro-SD card reader, an audio jack, and a power button that has a fingerprint sensor for biometric access. The Lunar Lake processors are equipped with a 48 TOPS NPU, enabling Copilot+ capabilities. Unlike some other mini PCs, like the Minisforum UM890 Pro, this one doesn’t have OCuLink support, which isn’t surprising since it’s not aimed at gamers. For most tasks, particularly CPU-heavy ones, the Cubi NUC 2MG should perform quite well.
The mini PC is already available for pre-order at B&H, as noted by Liliputing. The variant with the Core Ultra 7 begins at $899, while the Core Ultra 9 model will cost an additional $100. The entry-level Core Ultra 5 version isn’t listed yet. At this time, it’s uncertain when customers will start receiving their orders.
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