- 1.2 GHz Intel Core Ultra 5 125H 14-Core
- 2 x 5600 MHz DDR5 SO-DIMM Slots
- Integrated Intel Arc Graphics
- M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 | M.2 2242 PCIe
- Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | Bluetooth 5.3
- 2.5G Ethernet Port
- Thunderbolt 4 | USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 & 2.0
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 | HDMI
- Includes US Power Cord & VESA Mount
- Windows 11 OS Ready
Items Included
- ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ Barebone Kit
- Power Adapter
- US Power Cable
- VESA Mount
- Limited 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty
With its stylish white anodized aluminum chassis and slim design, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ Barebone Kit is made to stand out. But don’t be fooled by its size. Inside is a 1.2 GHz Intel Core Ultra 5 125H 14-Core processor with integrated Arc Graphics that can accelerate AI workloads. Customize its memory and storage to fit your performance needs.
The two 5600 MHz DDR5 SO-DIMM slots support up to 96GB of memory. For storage, you have an M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slot alongside an M.2 PCIe 2242 slot. This system also includes built-in Wi-Fi 6E support and a 2.5G Ethernet port for high-speed internet access. Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, along with a front-facing USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 and USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, allow you to quickly transfer massive videos, photos, and other files. The included VESA mount helps to maximize your space by allowing you to attach the NUC 14 Pro+ to almost any flat surface. This kit is Windows 11 OS ready. A US power cable is included.
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Brian –
I have been looking for a computer for the last month or so. I wanted to purchase a mini-pc, so I decided on NUC 14 Pro+. I looked at a variety of other computers from BeeLink, Minisforum, and Geekom. It was down to the BeeLink GTi14 Ultra 9 and this NUC 14 Pro+ with the Ultra 9 processor. I decided on the Asus mainly due to the better driver/firmware support. I also went with the Barebone kit because I wanted 64 GB of memory and a 4 TB SSD.
The physical installation of the Crucial 64GB kit and Samsung 990 Pro was easy. When I turned on the NUC, I received three blinking lights indicating a memory issue. I reseated the RAM, but still had the issue. After some searching (Reddit), I found this has been an issue with the ASUS NUCs. The recommended action was removing one of the memory sticks and updating the firmware. I was unable to update the firmware via the F7 option on BIOS. I ended up having to install Windows first. I had to download and install the network driver during the Windows installation because it would not recognize the wireless card or the wired network port. After Windows was installed, I used the ASUS utility to update the firmware. Once the firmware was updated, I successfully installed the second 32 GB memory stick. It took a few minutes for the computer to post. The overall process was too complicated, and I would not recommend the barebones option for the average user.
Other thoughts about the NUC. If you max out the processor, the fan will get loud. I recommend either the balanced or quiet fan setting.
Pluses:
– It looks great.
– I appreciate the two Thunderbolt ports.
– Two HDMI ports
– Easy to open the case and install the memory
– Fan settings do what they say
– Asus support site had all the drivers available for download.
– For a Mini-PC, this system is powerful.
Minuses
– I wish one of the two HDMI ports were a Displayport port.
– No SD card Reader or audio jack
– I would have liked two additional USB-A ports on the rear
– The second NVME slot should be a 2280 and not a 2242. 2242 NVME sticks are more expensive and top out at 2 TB.
– With excellent performance comes higher temperatures and power usage. Always a trade-off.
Overall, I am happy with my choice. If you purchase the barebones system, be prepared to upgrade the BIOS if you install memory into both slots. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of upgrading firmware, etc., buy a preconfigured NUC. You will be limited to 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB NVME.
Brian –
Paul –
I received my NUC 14 Pro + Ultra 9 185 on (snow delayed) 9 January. My experience installing it into my home service was similar to Reviewer 1 saw and thankfully easier than Reviewer 2 found. I am using the BIOS that came installed. My machine build date is December, 2024 and the BIOS may be later than the earlier reviewers received.
I first installed 32GB memory sticks into each slot and a 2TB SSD into the 42mm slot (brand details below). The NUC posted and booted. It was dumb but it booted and the two 32Gb sticks did not quarrel. I installed a full retail Windows 11 Pro from flash drive. There were five restarts each needing five re-installs of the credentials.
This was my first full retail boxed Windows – I only used OEM builder editions before. I installed a 4TB SSD as drive D: The OS install was successful but the still the NUC was as dead as Marley. On another machine I downloaded the full ASUS driver cash for the NUC and loaded the chipset driver first as ASUS emphasised. Then I installed the remaining ASUS gigabit file of drivers. The NUC was alive and I tested it with my LAN, both wired and
wi-fi, loaded desired programs, and partenered mouse and monitor
with my other desktop machine via a KVM switch. The operating system
is on C: and the data on D:. Everything works!
Thanks ASUS! Thanks B&H! And thank you Reviewers 1 and 2 who
gave me advice and caution.
What’s in my NUC 14 Pro + Intel Ultra 9-185H? The parts were
installed in the following order-
Crucial 64GB DDR5 RAM 5600MHz (or 5200MHz or 4800MHz) Laptop
Memory Kit (Two 32GB sticks installed)
SABRENT 512GB Rocket NVMe PCIe M.2 2242
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro (64-Bit, USB Flash Drive)
Samsung 4TB 990 PRO PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD
Paul –