ASUS
ASUS NUC 14 Essential
Best compact desktop for space-conscious office and retail professionals.
This compact mini PC is engineered for efficient office productivity and embedded applications. It offers the capability to support triple displays, significantly enhancing workflow and multitasking. Designed with an accessible chassis, it simplifies upgrades and maintenance. Multiple high-speed connectivity options and abundant I/O ports ensure rapid data transfers and versatile integration. Its small footprint makes it an excellent choice for space-constrained environments like small offices, retail spaces, and educational institutions, providing a powerful computing solution.
$318.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.4
/ 5
Category Rank
871
/ 2458
#871 in Desktop Computers
Price vs Category Average
-83%
Below average
Form Factor
Mini PC Kit
/ Mini PC Kit
Who it's for
- Minimalists needing a clutter-free desk or media center
- Budget-conscious users prioritizing long-term energy efficiency
- Home and office workers handling standard daily productivity tasks
Who should skip it
- Gamers and creative professionals requiring high-end graphical power
- Power users wanting long-term hardware upgrade flexibility
- Shoppers looking for a complete, ready-to-use out-of-box experience
Performance breakdown
Multitasking Capability
Triple display support provides a significant boost to professional workflow efficiency.
Space Efficiency
The ultra-compact footprint fits seamlessly into the most crowded desk environments.
Upgrade Flexibility
Accessible chassis design makes memory and storage maintenance remarkably straightforward.
Connectivity Versatility
Abundant I/O ports ensure seamless integration with a wide range of peripherals.
Network Performance
Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN deliver rapid, reliable data transfer speeds.
System Customization
Barebones kit allows for precise component selection but requires additional assembly effort.
Key Specs
Form Factor
Mini PC Kit
Operating System
No preinstalled OS
Supported OS
Windows 11, RedHat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
CPU
Intel® Core™ 3 N355, TDP 15W
Graphics
Intel® UHD Graphics (N97), Intel® Graphics (N150, N250, N355)
Memory
No memory included, Max Capacity: 16GB DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM
Storage
No storage included, Slot 1: 128GB~2TB M.2 2280 NVMe™ PCIe® 3.0 x4 SSD, Slot 2: 128GB~2TB M.2 2242 SATA SSD
Wireless Data Network
Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth 5.3
Know before you buy
No, this is a barebones Mini PC kit. You will need to purchase and install your own RAM, storage drive, and operating system to make the unit functional.
Yes, the NUC 14 Essential supports triple display setups. You can utilize the HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and the USB-C port with DisplayPort support to connect your monitors.
The system requires DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM memory, supporting up to 16GB. For storage, it features two slots: one for an M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD and a second for an M.2 2242 SATA SSD.
The NUC 14 Essential is engineered for office productivity, embedded applications, and general multitasking. It is not designed for demanding tasks like AAA gaming or professional video rendering.
The device is officially compatible with Windows 11, RedHat Enterprise Linux, and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. You will need to perform the installation yourself as no OS is preinstalled.
The chassis is designed for easy access, allowing you to open the unit without specialized tools. This makes installing or upgrading your RAM and SSD straightforward.
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