Tag: MSI Cubi 2MG

  • Upgrade Your Weak MSI Cubi NUC 2MG Speakers for Better Sound

    Upgrade Your Weak MSI Cubi NUC 2MG Speakers for Better Sound

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MSI Cubi 2MG features a Co-Pilot button, corded Power button, digital microphone, and monaural speaker, making it suitable for retail and office use.
    2. The built-in speaker has a maximum volume of 70 dB(A), which is lower than competitors like Beelink SER9 Pro and HP Z2 Mini.
    3. The speaker’s limited volume makes it inadequate for filling small to medium-sized conference rooms.
    4. The MSI Cubi 2MG is an improvement over the previous Cubi 1M model, which did not include any speakers.
    5. There is hope for future models to feature larger and more powerful speakers for better audio performance.

    As a NUC focused on business, the MSI Cubi 2MG comes with a few features that could be handy for retail or office settings. It includes a Co-Pilot button, a corded Power button, a digital microphone, and a monaural speaker. While we don’t anticipate the built-in speaker to deliver rich bass for fantastic media experiences, its limited maximum volume is rather unsatisfactory.

    Speaker Performance Compared

    In our evaluation of the MSI Cubi 2MG, along with the pink noise chart provided below, we noted that the speaker can only reach a peak volume of 70 dB(A). This is lower than the 78 dB(A), 81 dB(A), and 76 dB(A) output of other mini PCs like the Beelink SER9 Pro, Bosgame M2, and HP Z2 Mini, respectively. Although the volume differences may seem minor, they can be quite noticeable. In practice, the speaker on the MSI isn’t sufficient to fill a small to medium-sized conference room, despite being designed for such professional setups. Most speakers in mid-tier to premium laptops can achieve levels of around 80 dB(A).

    Improvement Over Previous Models

    However, when you look at the 2024 Cubi 1M that the 2025 Cubi 2MG replaces, it’s clear that the new model is an upgrade since the Cubi 1M didn’t even come with any speakers. We’re optimistic that a future third-generation model might include larger and more powerful speakers.

     

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  • MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG Review: Simple Design, Low Performance Value

    MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG Review: Simple Design, Low Performance Value

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MSI Cubi 2MG mini PC is priced around $900 and is aimed at business users with a focus on reliability and low energy usage.
    2. It underperforms compared to more affordable mini PCs like the Beelink SER9 and GMK NucBox models, which use AMD Zen technology.
    3. The Cubi 2MG has limited upgrade options, supporting only one M.2 SSD and lacking removable RAM, while competitors offer more flexibility.
    4. The Cubi 2MG features improvements over its predecessor and includes a three-year warranty, enhancing value slightly.
    5. Overall, the value for the price of the Cubi 2MG may be considered less than ideal compared to other options on the market.

    The MSI Cubi 2MG mini PC is currently available for a price of nearly $900. Targeted at business users, the Cubi emphasizes dependability with a straightforward design and low energy usage, thanks to features like a wired power button and an Intel Lunar Lake-V CPU. However, some aspects of this model seem to fall short, particularly when considering its cost.

    Performance Comparison

    In contrast to other more affordable mini PCs such as the Beelink SER9 or GMK NucBox K11 and K12, the Cubi 2MG struggles to match their performance levels. The mini PCs previously mentioned utilize AMD Zen technology, which, although it may require more resources in specific scenarios, outpaces the Core Ultra V options present in the MSI, all while maintaining a similar or slightly larger footprint.

    Upgradeability Limitations

    When it comes to upgrade options, the MSI has its drawbacks as well, supporting only a single M.2 SSD and lacking removable RAM. On the other hand, models like the Beelink and GMK can accommodate two or even three SSDs, and the latter features both SODIMM memory and OcuLink, enabling greater memory capacity and more sophisticated capabilities.

    Improvements and Warranty

    Despite these limitations, the Cubi 2MG shows enhancements over the previous year’s Cubi 1M and notably comes with a three-year warranty instead of the usual one year. Still, its value for the price could be seen as less than ideal.

    For further insights on performance, users are encouraged to check out our review of the MSI Cubi 2MG.

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