Tag: MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG

  • MSI Cubi NUC Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 288V Now Pre-Order

    MSI Cubi NUC Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 288V Now Pre-Order

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is a compact PC powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake processors, starting at $899 for pre-order.
    2. Available configurations include Intel Core Ultra 5, Ultra 7, and Ultra 9 system-on-chips, with the Ultra 9 offering 8 cores and 8 threads.
    3. The mini PC lacks discrete graphics, relying on integrated GPUs, which can compete with AMD’s Radeon 890M iGPU.
    4. Memory options include 16 GB for the Core Ultra 5 and 32 GB for the Ultra 7 and Ultra 9, with upgradeable storage via M.2 slot.
    5. An alternative option is the Aoostar GEM12 Max with AMD Ryzen 7 for $449, which supports OCuLink.

    The MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is a compact PC that runs on Intel’s Lunar Lake processors. It was launched around two months ago and is now available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video, with prices beginning at $899.

    Specifications Overview

    MSI has indicated that the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG will come with options for Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, Core Ultra 7 258V, and Core Ultra 9 288V system-on-chips (SoCs), but as of now, only the last two options can be ordered. The Core Ultra 9 288V chip, which features 8 cores and 8 threads, has shown impressive performance and efficiency, as highlighted in our review. For everyday tasks, the Lunar Lake chips are expected to perform well. The Core Ultra 5 version includes 16 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory, while the other two versions boast double that amount.

    Graphics and Memory

    This mini PC does not have room for discrete graphics, so users must depend on the integrated graphics processors within the Cubi NUC’s 0.826-liter design. However, the Arc 130V and 140V integrated GPUs are capable and can compete with AMD’s Radeon 890M iGPU. Unfortunately, it lacks support for OCuLink, which is somewhat disappointing but understandable for a mini PC aimed at office use. The on-package memory cannot be changed, but the storage is upgradeable via an M.2 slot. The I/O options are as follows:

    Pricing and Alternatives

    As stated earlier, the mini PC can be pre-ordered from B&H Photo Video, starting at $899 for the Core Ultra 7 258V barebones model. If you want the Core Ultra 9 288V version, it will cost an extra $100 for the barebones configuration.

    For those looking for a different option with OCuLink, the Aoostar GEM12 Max featuring the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS is currently available for $449 on Amazon.

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    MSI Cubi NUC Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 288V Now Pre-OrderMSI Cubi NUC Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 288V Now Pre-Order

     

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  • MSI Launches Cubi NUC Mini PC with Core Ultra 9 and Dual Ethernet

    MSI Launches Cubi NUC Mini PC with Core Ultra 9 and Dual Ethernet

    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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    MSI Launches Cubi NUC Mini PC with Core Ultra 9 and Dual Ethernet
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