MSI Cubi MSI Desktop Computer Cubi NUC 1MG-008US Intel Core Review

The MSI Cubi NUC is an ultra-compact desktop PC perfect for basic tasks where space is tight. It packs a Core 5 120U CPU, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD into a tiny box, but its integrated graphics rule out gaming. It's a solid, if slightly pricey, choice for a minimalist home office or media center.

If you're hunting for a tiny desktop PC that can handle basic work and media without taking up any space, the MSI Cubi NUC is worth a look. This little box packs an Intel Core 5 120U processor, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD into a chassis that's barely bigger than a paperback book. It's a solid option for a home office setup, a media center tucked behind a TV, or a simple workstation for browsing and documents. At around $800, it's priced for people who value size and efficiency over raw power. And yes, it's a desktop computer, but it doesn't come with a screen, keyboard, or mouse, so you'll need to supply those yourself.

Performance is exactly what you'd expect from a modern, low-power mini PC. The Intel Core 5 120U is a 6-core chip that's fine for office apps, web browsing, and streaming video. Our database puts its CPU performance in the 40th percentile among desktops, which means it's squarely in the 'good enough for daily tasks' category, not the 'fast' one. The integrated Intel Graphics land in the 37th percentile, so don't even think about gaming beyond maybe some very old titles or simple indie games. The real stars here are the 16GB of DDR5 RAM and the 1TB NVMe SSD, which score in the 54th and 71st percentiles, respectively. That means the system feels snappy for everyday use and has plenty of space for files and apps.

At $800, the MSI Cubi NUC is a bit of a niche play. You're paying a premium for the ultra-compact form factor and the inclusion of Windows 11 Pro. If your top priority is saving desk space and you need a capable machine for office work and media, it's a reasonable buy. But if size isn't your main concern, you could get a more powerful traditional desktop or even a gaming laptop for the same money. It's not the cheapest way to get these specs, but it might be the smallest.

This isn't really competing with the big gaming desktops like the HP Omen 45L or Alienware Aurora listed as competitors. That's like comparing a scooter to a pickup truck. A more direct competitor would be something like an Intel NUC kit or a similar mini PC from Beelink or Minisforum. Those often offer similar or better performance for less money, but might not include Windows or have the same brand recognition as MSI. If you need more power, a compact mini-ITX desktop build would give you a much better CPU and the option for a dedicated graphics card, but it'll be larger and require more assembly.

Skip the MSI Cubi NUC if you're a gamer, a video editor, or anyone who needs serious computing power. Its integrated graphics and modest CPU just won't cut it. Also, if you're on a tight budget and don't care about size, you can find better performance for the money in a larger desktop. Students or professionals who need to run engineering software, creative suites, or any demanding applications should look at systems with dedicated GPUs instead.

So, should you buy the MSI Cubi NUC? If your checklist is 'tiny, quiet, and capable of handling basic computing,' then yes, it's a good fit. It's a well-built mini PC that will excel as a discreet office machine or a living room media box. But if you have any dreams of gaming, video editing, or running heavy software, you should skip it. The integrated graphics and mid-range CPU are major bottlenecks. For most people, we'd recommend looking at more powerful small form factor PCs unless the absolute smallest size is non-negotiable.