Review of the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: A Solid Mini PC, If You Can Find One

For my review of the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ, I’ve been putting this mini PC to the test as my daily work machine for the past week. Alongside my everyday tasks, I’ve run this compact computer through a series of performance benchmarks to see how it stacks up against similar devices on the market. It’s not an attention-grabbing mini PC, but the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ certainly holds its ground well. Let’s dive into what it does right and where it might need a bit of a boost.

Why You Should Trust Me

Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Rebecca Spear, a Gaming and News Editor with a penchant for minimalism, especially when it aligns with solid performance. Over the years, I’ve logged hundreds, possibly thousands of hours testing mini PCs from a variety of brands, so I’ve got a pretty good sense of what makes a device worth investing in.

A little note before we begin: I received a review sample of this product from MSI. However, the insights and opinions I’ll share in this review are solely mine, and the company hasn’t influenced the content in any way.

MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: Pricing and Specifications

Visually, the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ doesn’t demand much space. Yet, what it offers in compactness, it also has in cost, especially when you explore the different configurations available. The particular setup I reviewed is tricky to source online, which seems to be a recurring theme. Still, there are several configurations floating around, though they may dig a bit deeper into your pockets. Let’s take a look at the setup I used:

• Price: $1,029.00 at B&H
• CPU: Intel Core i7-1365U (10 cores, 12 threads, up to 5.2 GHz)
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics (6 cores)
• RAM: 16GB DDR5 @ 2,593 MHz
• Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Dimensions & Weight: 135.6 x 132.5 x 50.10mm, 1.45kg (3.2lbs)
• Warranty: 2-year

In this particular setup, you get the Intel Core i7-1365U vPro CPU mated to an Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU, rounded off with 16GB RAM and a hefty 1TB SSD. The price MSI quoted for this PC was around $667, but as I scanned the net, this exact config seemed elusive, and most listings surpassed MSI’s MSRP. I spotted a similar variant with enhanced RAM but that will set you back an even steeper $1,229.00 at B&H—quite the price jump for what the device packs.

Among the biggest hurdles with this mini PC is its steep pricing. It’s hoped that more reasonably priced configurations will soon hit the market, offering buyers more value for their investment.

MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ — What’s in the Box?

Upon opening the box, alongside the mini PC, you’ll find a power adapter, power cable, a VESA mount, and the external power button. Unfortunately, there’s no HDMI cable included, which is a bit of a snag since you’ll need one of those to connect to a monitor or TV.

MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: Design and Build Quality

Straightforward and sleek. That’s the impression the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ aims for. It forgoes the gaudy lights and futuristic designs often seen in mini PCs, allowing it to adapt seamlessly into any office or home setting with its simple black casing.

Its minimal footprint means it won’t crowd your desk area, snugly tucking away under a monitor, or taking advantage of the provided VESA mount, you can stow it behind compatible screens or beneath desks for a cleaner look. The included external power button is thoughtfully designed, allowing adhesive-firm placement for hassle-free access, whether the mini PC is mounted or not.

Adding to its utility, the Cubi NUC 13MQ boasts an array of ports suited for accessories—ranging from USB-A, HDMI, LAN ports, to an external power switch slot. Impressively, it supports a four-monitor setup for those with an expansive workstation in mind.

Component Access and Upgradability

Interested in tinkering around the interior? Opening up the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ is straightforward – simply unscrew four screws found in the rubber feet at the base. Popping it open reveals upgrade opportunities: two SO-DIMM RAM slots, two M.2 SSDs, and a space for a 2.5" HDD/SSD for those who like their options open.

MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: Performance and Thermals

Through the week, I experienced a few hiccups with the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ, especially with tasks requiring speed and responsiveness like Adobe Photoshop, which led to more idle-waiting than I’d prefer. Nevertheless, a major upside is its unwavering stability. It didn’t crash or freeze, despite its slow moments.

For benchmarking, running through Geekbench 6 lit up the CPU capabilities with a single-core score of 2,298 and multi-core of 8,217. Cinebench scores, however, came in surprisingly low, marking 100 for single-core and 426 for multi-core.

The GPU, equipped with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, fared well with 3DMark, scoring an expected Time Spy score of 1,669. On the speeds front, CrystalDiskMark measured 6,387 MB/s read and 5,653 MB/s write, yet the device inexplicably dragged on certain processes. In practical testing such as transcoding a 4K video, the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ trailed, clocking in over an hour and 18 minutes—a notable letdown.

Thermals and Noise

When placed under the thermal lens after a solid 20 minutes of CPU stress testing, the mini PC hit a reasonable peak of 95.4ºF at the top and 128.7ºF at the back vents. Noise-wise, the Cubi NUC 13MQ’s fanless setup boasted a peak level of 49.8dB, but it did carry a persistent high-pitched whine, potentially distracting for concentration.

MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: Alternatives

In the mini PC world, there are plenty more affordable options with similar or superior performance capacities. For budget-conscious buyers, alternatives like the Beelink EQR6 are worth a look, offering solid specs without a staggering price tag.

MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: Score Card

• Value: 3/5 — Costly configurations hard to find online.
• Design: 5/5 — Clean, versatile design with ample ports and extra features like an external power button.
• Performance: 3/5 — Slower than expected execution for resource-intensive tasks, but dependable stability.
• Overall: 3.5/5 — A competent mini PC if performance and pricing align with your needs.

MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: Final Thoughts

The MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ mini PC proves its worth for those needing a simple, space-saving computing solution. Its robust construction and assortment of ports cater well to versatile setups, yet frequently lacklustre in demanding scenarios. It’s a decent choice if you catch it at a good price but there are more competitive alternatives out there, especially for gaming and intensive applications.

To save you the heaviest lifting, remember this MSI is great if space is limited and performance isn’t your highest priority. But if speed and graphics prowess top your checklist, you’d be best served looking elsewhere in today’s mini PC offerings. It’s all about finding the right match for your unique needs and budget.