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I’m a big fan of compact desktops. The more I do and grow in my professional career, the more I appreciate their value. Not only are compact desktops great for administrative roles, but also front desk, stationary desktops for employees to be able to use, maybe you have offices where part-timers, or hourly employees need to be able to work on and access company data or systems, or maybe you just don’t need a compact workstation for whatever reason.
Mini PCs are exceptional in these areas. Now, for this review, I’m not going to act like it’s the most powerful machine I’ve ever worked with and that it’s capable of running large LLM models, a massive codebase, edit 12K videos and teach you how to do open heart surgery at the same time, I understand that machines that are designed for you, that means a compact machine.
MSI CubeNuke AI+ 2mg: Price and Availability
The MSI Cubic Nuke AI+ 2MG is widely available from online retailers like Amazon. I see prices starting around the $1000 / £1000 mark depending on where you buy.
MSI CubeNuke AI+ 2mg: Unboxing and first impressions
CubeNuke is a simple setup. It’s included in a basic package, which includes power, a VISA mount, and, if needed, an extended power button. The VESA mount design is excellent, allowing you to easily use it or forget it’s there without altering the layout, limiting access to key ports, or needing to purchase accessories. The Visa Mount is ideal for mounting behind a monitor, TV, or display, or for attaching to the underside of a desk, wall, or other surface.
Like many miniPC machines I’ve used, the CubeNuke’s size lends itself to a variety of use cases. It is ideal for a cabinet in a medical office, on a cart in a hospital, a digital screen display kiosk, in a classroom, at a reception desk, and more. That’s how such a machine thrives.
I was also pleased to see the port layout, which makes quick access ports extremely easy to access, as well as a fingerprint scanner for added security. Additionally, for setup and use cases where the computer may be remote, mounted or hidden, MSI includes an external power button with a long cable, allowing you to place it in an easily accessible area and keep the machine where you ideally want it.
MSI CubeNuke AI+ 2mg: Design and build quality
Eyeglasses
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 processor up to 288V
Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics up to 140V
Memory: Up to 32 GB
Storage: 1x M.2 2280 SSD
io: 4x USB-A, 1x MicroSD, 1x Headphone, 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 2x RJ45, 1x HDMI
Wireless: Wi-Fi up to 7
The design is both minimal and functional. Unlike some machines that put all the ports on the back to maintain a super-slim form factor, MSI understands that this approach isn’t always the most functional.
Therefore, they chose to split the front and rear ports to maximize productivity. Quick-access ports are on the front, if the machine is mounted or on a desk, and (usually) one-time plug-and-forget-like ports are on the back. This layout facilitates cable management, as it keeps the majority of cables at the back of the desk, or at least away from the user.
For a business machine that isn’t competing in any beauty category, this design is perfect, with a focus on productivity and functionality.
MSI CubeNuke AI+ 2mg: In use
MSI’s CubeNuke AI+ 2MG has been in my fleet (yes, it’s a fleet at this point, as I currently have 18 computers in my review queue) for 92 days. At the time, I had it set up on my secondary desk in my home office, plugged into my BenQ EW2790U on my FlexSpot E7 Plus desk setup. It has also been great for background tasks, writing, emails, and some productivity work.
Ease of keeping the machine always ready to go. I like having a server computer that I can access remotely using a VPN, Remote Desktop, or my recent favorite, Chrome Remote Desktop to edit my network drives. Access my Synology locally, RIP content, transfer data, or perform other tasks that don’t require my primary machine without slowing down my primary machine.
Having a computer ready to go, plugged in all the time, is also great if you want minimal friction to not work and then work again. All you have to do is sit down, press a key on the keyboard and you’re good to go.
The dual network lines came in handy when I tested connecting to my Synology besations and disk stations for some updates to the new DSM software, while also wanting to connect to my LAN. Granted, the Synology allows LAN access, but I also wanted to quickly transfer some content to my NAS, making this a perfect solution.
Another great use case for Dual Ethernet would be if you need to connect a redundant network, a secure network, and a more open network, a server, a network audio controller, or really any other network controlled device. It’s the kind of little machine that can take your workstation, studio, office, or role to the next level, harnessing the simplicity and power of its ease of use, connectivity, and head-free possibilities for you to run tasks more efficiently.
There are some scenarios where these armrests may not be ideal, but for most, they’ll be fine, or if you like the style and overall aesthetic and feel of this chair, they’ll be worth the lack of adjustment.
Some chairs you leave look and design for overall comfort and features. Relaxed NOX by Eureka is the exact opposite, leaving you with highly adjustable armrests and spine for an overall aesthetic.
This is another element of this chair that you should probably be aware of. You don’t want to use this chair with a cheap folding desk, nor on a kitchen table, where you have a temporary workspace, you don’t want to use this chair in a bullpen, you want to use this chair in an office, in an executive corner suite, you want this chair at a high-end corporate reception desk so it looks the part and still provides comfort.
MSI CubeNuke AI+ 2mg: The Final Verdict
The MSI CubeNuke AI+ 2MG isn’t for everyone. In fact, it may not even be the case for most people. But it is well suited for those who need a simple office machine. It will handle tasks like a Windows headless unit for running a server, running multiple digital displays, or an always-on machine that can be on dual networks simultaneously.
It’s a discreet and smart machine that could just be a building block for a more efficient series of automations, or simplifying workflows, or introducing AI into your realm, all without taking up valuable real estate on your desk, or locking you into an unupgradable display that may or may not meet the features you want.
Should you buy a MSI CubeNuke AI+ 2mg?
The picture 1 K 6
Price | For upper mid-range, robust ports and the right business applications | 4/5 |
Design | Sleek, compact, and thoughtful layout and port presentation | 4/5 |
Hardware | Modern chips, great ports, Thunderbolt, fingerprint sensor | 4/5 |
performance | Quiet, responsive, reliable, great for headless access and server access | 3.5 / 5 |
Overall | A great mini PC for the right user, always with the needs, digital signage, server companion, and maybe remote access | 4/5 |
If you buy it…
If you don’t buy it…
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