MSI Cubi NUC 1M Review

Introduction and Technical Specifications of the MSI Cubi NUC 1M

MSI has updated its line of NUC-type mini PCs and here we bring you the Review of the MSI Cubi NUC 1Ma model equipped with a Raptor Lake processor, the Intel Core 7 150U, support for various SSDs, two DDR5-5200 RAM slots and connectivity of all kinds such as Thunderbolt 4, dual 2.5 GbE port, WiFi 6E, card reader, etc.

A NUC designed for offices or home environments as a very compact device for office automation, browsing or multimedia playback.

The computer we are analyzing today comes with a configuration consisting of two 8 GB DDR5-5200 RAM modules and a 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, as well as Windows 11 Pro as the operating system.

Technical Features of the MSI Cubi NUC 1M

• Intel Core 7 150U processor (10 cores, 2 P-Cores + 8 E-Cores, base TDP 15 W, Boost 55 W)
• Intel Graphics 96 EUs GPU.
• 2 x SO-DIMM DDR5-5200 8GB
• 1 TB M.2 Gen4 SSD (1 x extra M.2 + 1 x Extra SATA).
• Wireless Connectivity:

  • WiFi 6E Intel AX211.
  • Bluetooth 5.3.

• Physical Connectivity:

  • Current input.
  • 2 x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 and DP
  • 2 x USB-A 3.1 (3.2 gen 2)
  • 2 x HDMI 2.0
  • 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45
  • 2 x USB-A 3.1 (3.2 gen 2)
  • 1 x 3.5mm audio/mic combo minijack
  • 1 x microSD card reader.

• 120W power supply.
• VESA adapter.
• Cable + Power button
• Dimensions 135.6 x 132.5 x 50.10 mm.
• Windows 11 Pro.
• Price: ~€940. (~€575 without RAM or SSD or Operating System)

Design and Connectivity

135.6 x 132.5 x 50.10 mm are the compact dimensions of the MSI Cubi NUC 1M. It is a fairly compact NUC, but it still leaves room inside for a 2.5-inch SATA drive, so the height is a bit higher than that of smaller models.

Still, the difference isn’t much and the space it takes up on a desk or connected behind a monitor using the VESA mount is very small, making it a good option if we have a small desk or want to place it somewhere where it doesn’t take up much space.

Although it has a square shape, the corners of the edge are rounded, and the entire top case is made from a single piece, so it has a very uniform and pleasing finish to the eye.

On the front we have the power button accompanied by a small storage status LED. Continuing from right to left, we find a small microSD card reader followed by Two 10Gbps USB-A 3.1 (3.2 Gen 2) ports. Finally, a small combo audio minijack connector is used to add speakers, headphones or a microphone. We miss a USB-C in this area to make it more accessible.

Before moving on to the back where the rest of the connectivity is, we should look at a small two-pin port hidden on one of the sides. Its function is none other than to add a remote on/off button. MSI includes one with a cable that allows this function to be performed if we do not have easy access to the computer, for example if it is located behind the monitor. On the opposite side we have the hole to place a Kensington-type lock.

We now move on to the rear where the set of ports that are missing to be reviewed is located. Here we find other two 10 Gbps USB-A 3.1 (3.2 Gen 2) On the left side, it follows one HDMI 2.0 and one USB-C with 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4. We continue towards the central part and there we have two RJ45 ports for networks of up to 2.5 GbE each. The inclusion of Two 2.5GbE ports and allows you to connect to two networks simultaneously or use one as a backup.

Just to the right, another pair of HDMI 2.0 and USB-C with TB4 complete the connectivity options along with the internal card with WiFi 6E and BT 5.3 (There is a version with WiFi 7 and BT 5.4).

In the box, in addition to the wired on/off button and the VESA mount, we also have a small SATA cable to be able to add a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD.

Accessing the interior is very simple and only requires removing four screws.

MSI Cubi NUC 1M Performance

He Intel Core 7 150U It is one of the Raptor Lake processors that Intel renamed to the new nomenclature that does away with the “i” in its name. It is a low-consumption variant with a base TDP of 15 W, but can reach 55 W with Boost.

In total we have 10 cores with 12 execution threads. These figures are the result of combining two high-performance P-Cores with their 4 threads and a base speed of 1.8 GHz and 5.4 GHz Boost), together with 8 low-consumption E-Cores with 8 threads and a base speed of just 1.2 GHz (4 GHz Boost).

It is accompanied by integrated Intel Graphics with 96 EUs and 1.3 GHz maximum GPU speed.

It is not, by far, the most powerful processor we have tested, however, its performance is sufficient for the vast majority of office tasks, browsing or multimedia consumption that a computer like this can have, making it a low-consumption option and, above all, silent, to function as an office work computer or as a multi-purpose home computer.

Multi Core CPU Performance Test

Cinebench 2024 MP

Cinebench R23 MP

GeekBench 6 Multi Core

CPU 1-Core Performance Test

Cinebench 2024 SP

Cinebench R23 SP

GeekBench 6 Single Core

Synthetic GPU Benchmarks

3DMark Steel Nomad Lite – Vulkan

3DMark TimeSpy DX12

3DMark FireStrike

SSD

CrystalDiskMark SSD

Artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence – Geekbench ML – ONNX GPU

Artificial Intelligence – Geekbench ML – ONNX CPU

Temperatures and Noise

83 °C is the maximum temperature that the Core 7 150U has reached in stress tests. It is not a high temperature and there is still a margin of more than 15 °C to reach the limit of 100 °C that this architecture has, however thermal throttling does appear due to a fairly conservative configuration.

This allows it to have a very quiet operation, and even when the fan is on its noise level is contained.

Externally you can see where the heatsink and the air extraction system are located, and how the equipment does not reach worrying temperatures by any means.

Analysis and Conclusion

The price of MSI Cubi NUC 1M It will cost around 930-950 euros in this configuration that includes 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, 1 TB of NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD and the Windows 11 Pro license. These are prices similar to those seen in the last generation with processors such as the Core i7-1255U and which are perhaps somewhat high if we take into account that the monitor must be added. However, it will also be available as a barebone with the option for the user to purchase these components separately for a more affordable price of around 500 euros.

These figures will allow us to have a miniature computer with everything necessary for offices or homes that do not want to take up space with bulkier models. In fact, MSI itself classifies it as a computer for business and productivity, and in these environments having a computer already assembled and configured from the factory is key.

The construction, design and finishes of the MSI Cubi NUC 1M They are good and we have a multitude of connectivity options despite their size. Thunderbolt 4, 10 Gbps USB, Wifi 6E, microSD card reader and up to two RJ 45 ports with 2.5 Gbps speed. The detail of including an external button to be able to turn it on if we do not have it at hand is also appreciated, as is its SATA support to place behind the monitor and forget that we have a complete PC on the table.

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