ASUS has launched its latest offering in the mini PC market, the ASUS NUC 14 Essential, after introducing the NUC 14 Pro last year. This ultra-compact device is designed as an entry-level solution, powered by Intel’s latest Core N-series processor.
The NUC 14 Essential aims to deliver a balance of performance and power efficiency, suitable for a variety of everyday tasks.
Energy Efficiency Meets Everyday Performance
The NUC 14 Essential is equipped with the newest Intel Core N-series processor, featuring up to eight E-core architectures. According to ASUS, this configuration provides a 42% performance improvement over previous generations while maintaining efficient power consumption. This makes the device well-suited for common tasks like web browsing, video conferencing, streaming, and content creation, catering to both office workers and students.
The mini PC also emphasizes user-friendliness with its easily accessible design, allowing for straightforward upgrades to memory and SSD storage. Its compact 0.56-liter chassis and included VESA mount kit offer flexibility in deployment, enabling it to be integrated into various environments, including offices, classrooms, or even attached to digital signage.
Connectivity and Collaboration Features
The NUC 14 Essential features Intel Wi-Fi 6E (Gig+) and Bluetooth 5.3, providing robust and secure wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi 6E support allows access to the 6 GHz band, designed to enhance performance in congested network environments. Bluetooth 5.3 aims to improve audio quality for various applications, from video conferencing to media streaming.
Reliability and Security Measures
ASUS highlights the NUC 14 Essential’s reliability, stating that it has undergone extensive testing, including over 1000 hours of bake testing at 100°C and 1400 hours of humidity testing at 70°C. The company offers a three-year warranty across over 50 countries, along with pickup, repair, and return services.
For security, the NUC 14 Essential includes a self-healing BIOS and can be managed remotely through ASUS Control Center, providing IT departments with enhanced control capabilities.
Triple 4K Display Support for Enhanced Multitasking
The mini PC supports up to three 4K displays via HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port with DisplayPort support. This capability is intended to facilitate smooth multitasking and provide a more expansive visual workspace.
| ASUS NUC 14 Essential Mini PC | ASUS NUC 14 Essential Kit | |
| Color | Black | |
| OS Support | Windows 11 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit Ubuntu 24.04 LTS 64-bit RedHat Enterprise Linux 64-bit *No OS installed at shipment |
| CPU | Intel® Processor N150, TDP 6W Intel® Processor N250, TDP 6W Intel® Processor CoreTM 3 N355, TDP 15W Intel® Processor N97, TDP 12W |
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| Chipset | Integrated | |
| Graphics | Intel® UHD Graphics (N97) Intel® Graphics (N150, N250, N355) |
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| Memory | 1 x SO-DIMM, Up to DDR5-4800, 16GB*1 | 1 x SO-DIMM, Up to DDR5-4800, 16GB*1 *No memory installed at shipment |
| Storage | 1 x M.2 2280/2240 PCIe® Gen3x4, supports 128GB–2TB NVMe® or SATA SSD |
1 x M.2 2280/2240 PCIe® Gen3x4, supports 128GB–2TB NVMe® or SATA SSD *no storage installed at shipment |
| Wireless Network | Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (Gig+), Bluetooth® 5.3 | |
| LAN | 1 x Realtek Ethernet Controller RTL8125BG-CG, 2.5G |
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| Audio | Realtek ALC3251 | |
| TPM | fTPM or TPM 2.0 chip | |
| Card Reader | None | |
| HDMI CEC | Yes | |
| Front I/O Ports | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C® 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A 1 x 3.5mm headset jack |
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| Back I/O Ports | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C® w/ DisplayPort™ 1.4 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A 1 x HDMI® 2.1 (TMDS) 1 x DisplayPort™ 1.4 1 x RJ45 LAN 1 x DC-in |
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| Side I/O Ports | 1 x Kensington Lock | |
| Power Supply | 19VDC, 3.42A, 65W Power Adapter | |
| Humidity | 0–92% non-condensing¹ | |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 135 x 115 x 36mm | |
| Weights | 480g (0.48kg) | 470g (0.47kg) |
| Accessories | AC Adapter + Power Cord2 VESA Bracket and Screws Safety/Caution/Regulatory Insert Warranty Card |
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Availability
The ASUS NUC 14 Essential is expected to be will be available later this quarter, and the pricing will be available closer to the sale.