Review of the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ: A Solid Mini PC, If Available

Over the past week, I’ve been relying on the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ as my main work computer. I’ve also put this tiny powerhouse through its paces with a series of benchmark tests, comparing it to other mini PCs sporting similar configurations. While it may not steal the spotlight, the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ is a reliable performer. Let’s dive into where it shines and where it could use a little more muscle.

Now, a little about me and why you can count on this review. I’m Rebecca Spear, a Gaming and News Editor with a keen eye for minimalist designs that don’t skimp on performance. I’ve clocked countless hours testing mini PCs of all shapes and sizes, so I’ve developed a pretty good sense of what makes one stand out. This review is made possible thanks to a review unit provided by MSI—a courtesy I appreciate. For transparency, MSI had no say in the review nor did they preview it before publication.

Let’s talk about money and specs. The MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ doesn’t come cheap, especially when considering the various configurations available. The exact configuration I put to the test, with an Intel Core i7-1365U processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, is a bit tricky to find online and the listed price doesn’t align with the MSRP I was quoted at $667. However, similar configurations with 32GB of RAM are available for $1,229, which is steep considering the internals.

Your wallet might breathe a sigh of relief when more fairly priced options for this mini PC come to market. Until then, there are certainly other more economical alternatives.

Opening the box, you’ll find the mini PC, accompanied by a power adapter, power cable, VESA mount, and an external power button. Unlike most other mini PCs I’ve come across, it doesn’t ship with HDMI cables, so you’ll need to provide your own to hook it up to a monitor.

As for its design and build, the black casing on this mini PC is both sleek and professional. Sporting a generous array of ports, it simplifies connecting your peripherals. In a world where many mini PCs try to grab your attention with flashy lighting, the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ maintains a low profile perfect for both home and office use. Occupying just the space of a bagel on your desk, it easily tucks underneath your monitor—or better yet, mounts neatly on the back of your screen via the included VESA mount.

MSI thoughtfully includes an external power button with an adhesive bottom, allowing you to place it wherever it’s most convenient, negating the need to fumble around the mini PC for the power button.

Accessorizing is a breeze with this setup. It has a thoughtful selection of ports including Thunderbolt 4 and USB-A, HDMI, LAN ports, and more. You can even run up to four displays at once for the ultimate workstation setup.

When it comes to customization and upgrades, it’s straightforward: unscrew the bottom panel and you’ve got easy access to the insides for any memory or storage upgrades.

Performance-wise, the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ is competent but not without a few shortcomings. In benchmarks like Geekbench 6 and Cinebench, the scores were a mix: some hitting the mark, while others, like Cinebench’s multi-core test, fell short. And while the device managed read and write speeds well enough, processing tasks, particularly video transcoding, were slower than I’d prefer.

Thermal testing showed moderate heat levels, and while it’s not the noisiest device out there, there’s a high-pitched whine that might be irritating to some.

For those mulling alternatives, devices like the Beelink EQR6 present cheaper options with comparable or better performance.

All told, the MSI Cubi NUC 13MQ is a solid choice if you value a compact size and solid selection of ports. But with its performance curveballs and current price barriers, it might not be the best bang for your buck at the moment. If you’re tight on space and appreciate neat cable management, this might just be what you’re looking for—just keep an eye out for a better deal.