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10 Best Intel Nuc Mini Pc 2025 in the United States

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#1

Winner

(ASUS NUC) Intel NUC 12 Pro Mini Desktop Computer, Intel Core i5-1240P Mini PC(12C/16T, Up to 4.4GHz) 16GB DDR4 RAM & 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD,Iris XE Graphics, WiFi6E/BT5.3/8K/Windows 11 Pro

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,129
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Connectivity

Most important from
147 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The NUC11 is clearly faster than the NUC8, with a noticeable performance boost for general home office tasks and light gaming.
Storage
Transferring programs and data is incredibly fast and easy, making it a great machine for home office functions.
Connectivity
This tiny computer fits perfectly on small desks and offers plenty of connections for work, internet browsing, and watching videos.
Form Factor
This tiny computer fits perfectly on small desks and offers plenty of connections for work, internet browsing, and watching videos.
Upgradability
The latest Bluetooth and WiFi 6E chips provide excellent connectivity, and the upgradeable memory and SSD add to its versatility.

The ASUS NUC 12 Pro Mini Desktop Computer, featuring a 12th generation Intel Core i5-1240P processor, offers strong performance with its 12 cores and 16 threads, making it suitable for tasks like office work, multimedia, and even some light content creation. The inclusion of 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD ensures smooth multitasking and quick access to storage, with the option to upgrade the RAM to 64GB and add more storage if needed.

The Intel Iris Xe Graphics provides decent integrated graphics capabilities, adequate for everyday tasks and even some 3D rendering and video editing. Its connectivity options are robust, with the latest WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, multiple USB ports, and support for high-resolution displays up to 8K, which is excellent for multitasking across several screens. The small form factor and included VESA mount make it easy to fit into any workspace without taking up much room.

However, the integrated graphics might not be sufficient for heavy gaming or very high-end graphical tasks. Also, while it offers good connectivity options, it might require additional adapters for certain peripherals. The 3-year warranty and lifetime support add peace of mind for long-term use. This mini PC is a strong contender for those needing a compact, powerful, and versatile desktop solution for a variety of standard computing tasks.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,129
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Connectivity

Most important from
147 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The NUC11 is clearly faster than the NUC8, with a noticeable performance boost for general home office tasks and light gaming.
Storage
Transferring programs and data is incredibly fast and easy, making it a great machine for home office functions.
Connectivity
This tiny computer fits perfectly on small desks and offers plenty of connections for work, internet browsing, and watching videos.
Form Factor
This tiny computer fits perfectly on small desks and offers plenty of connections for work, internet browsing, and watching videos.
Upgradability
The latest Bluetooth and WiFi 6E chips provide excellent connectivity, and the upgradeable memory and SSD add to its versatility.
#2

Intel NUC 12 Pro Business Mini Desktop, Intel Core i7-1260P (12C/16T, Up to 4.7GHz) Mini Pc, 32GB DDR4 RAM 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, 8K/HDR/WiFi 6E/BT5.3/7x24 Hours Quiet Operation/Windows 11 Pro

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Storage

Most important from
114 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Despite its small size, the NUC 12 Pro delivers powerful performance, handling demanding tasks and multitasking with ease.
Memory (RAM)
The quality of internal hardware is excellent, with high-quality Kingston RAM and NVMe included.
Storage
The quality of internal hardware is excellent, with high-quality Kingston RAM and NVMe included.
Graphics
Multiple ports support a full multi-screen setup, enhancing productivity in a workstation environment.
Connectivity
Multiple ports support a full multi-screen setup, enhancing productivity in a workstation environment.
Form Factor
The Intel NUC 12 Pro is impressively compact, making it perfect for environments with limited space and easy to place on a desk or behind a monitor.

The Intel NUC 12 Pro Business Mini Desktop is a compact yet powerful mini PC, ideal for a variety of uses such as office tasks, creative work, and even some gaming. With its 12th-generation Intel Core i7-1260P processor, featuring 12 cores and 16 threads, it delivers excellent performance for demanding tasks. Coupled with 32GB of DDR4 RAM, this device can handle multitasking efficiently, although it supports upgrades up to 64GB, which adds flexibility for future needs.

The storage setup includes a fast 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, ensuring quick boot times and speedy access to files. While this is sufficient for most users, there's also the option to add more storage using a 2.5" PCIe Gen4 SSD or SATA HDD, providing excellent scalability. Graphics are managed by the integrated Intel Iris Xe, which is capable of handling 3D rendering and video editing. While it's not designed for high-end gaming, it supports up to four 4K displays or a single 8K display, making it a solid choice for multi-monitor setups.

Connectivity options are robust, featuring WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and multiple USB and Thunderbolt ports, ensuring high-speed data transfer and seamless connectivity with peripherals. The inclusion of a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port further enhances its network capabilities, suitable for faster internet speeds. In terms of form factor, the NUC is highly compact, allowing it to fit into small spaces easily, and it includes a VESA mount for even more flexibility. Due to its small size, expansion options beyond RAM and storage are limited compared to larger desktop PCs.

The device is designed for quiet operation, even under continuous use, making it suitable for environments where noise could be disruptive. With Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, it offers a modern and secure operating system right out of the box. Backed by waitloan's comprehensive support, including a strong warranty and customer service, it provides an extra layer of assurance for users. The Intel NUC 12 Pro Business Mini Desktop is a well-rounded option for those needing a capable and versatile mini PC.

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Storage

Most important from
114 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Despite its small size, the NUC 12 Pro delivers powerful performance, handling demanding tasks and multitasking with ease.
Memory (RAM)
The quality of internal hardware is excellent, with high-quality Kingston RAM and NVMe included.
Storage
The quality of internal hardware is excellent, with high-quality Kingston RAM and NVMe included.
Graphics
Multiple ports support a full multi-screen setup, enhancing productivity in a workstation environment.
Connectivity
Multiple ports support a full multi-screen setup, enhancing productivity in a workstation environment.
Form Factor
The Intel NUC 12 Pro is impressively compact, making it perfect for environments with limited space and easy to place on a desk or behind a monitor.
#3

Intel NUC 13 Pro, Arena Canyon NUC13ANKi7 Mini PC with Core i7-1360P Processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 32GB RAM&1TB NVMe SSD (12C/16T/18M Cache,Up to 5.0GHz) Support 8K/WiFi6E/BT5.3-Win11 Pro

Rating
9.5
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Form Factor

Most important from
44 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Performance-wise, it handles large Excel workbooks and office tasks much faster than older desktop computers.
Storage
Installing additional drives is straightforward, further enhancing the storage capacity effortlessly.
Form Factor
The compact size is highly appreciated, especially when attached to the back of a monitor using the supplied VESA mount adapter.

The Intel NUC 13 Pro Mini PC, powered by the 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P processor, offers impressive performance with its 12 cores and 16 threads. This makes it suitable for various demanding tasks such as photo and video editing, business applications, and even some gaming. The inclusion of 32GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD ensures swift multitasking and ample storage for most users. Additionally, there's an option to further expand storage, which is a plus for those needing more space in the future.

The Intel Iris Xe Graphics, although integrated, is quite capable of handling 3D animation and video rendering, making this mini PC versatile in terms of graphics performance. However, it may not meet the needs of high-end gaming enthusiasts looking for dedicated graphics. In terms of connectivity, the device comes equipped with a range of modern options including WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and stable wireless connections. The multiple USB ports, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 4 offer great flexibility for connecting peripherals and displays, supporting up to four 4K monitors or an 8K display.

The compact form factor, with dimensions of 4.6 x 4.4 x 1.5 inches, makes it incredibly space-efficient, perfect for small office setups or home use. One of the standout features is the three-year warranty and lifetime user support, which provides peace of mind for long-term usage. On the downside, the integrated graphics might not satisfy those with heavy graphical demands, and while upgradability is possible, it is somewhat limited to storage and memory. This mini PC is best suited for professionals, creative designers, and businesses looking for a powerful yet compact computing solution.

Rating
9.5
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Form Factor

Most important from
44 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Performance-wise, it handles large Excel workbooks and office tasks much faster than older desktop computers.
Storage
Installing additional drives is straightforward, further enhancing the storage capacity effortlessly.
Form Factor
The compact size is highly appreciated, especially when attached to the back of a monitor using the supplied VESA mount adapter.

Buying Guide for the Best Intel Nuc Mini Pc

When choosing an Intel NUC Mini PC, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. Intel NUCs are compact, versatile, and powerful enough for a variety of tasks, from basic computing to more demanding applications like gaming or media editing. To make the best choice, you should understand the key specifications and how they align with your requirements.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of the computer and determines how fast and efficiently it can perform tasks. Intel NUCs come with a range of processors, from basic models suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing and office work, to high-performance models designed for gaming, video editing, and other intensive applications. If you need a NUC for simple tasks, a model with an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor will suffice. For more demanding uses, consider a model with an Intel Core i7 or higher.
Memory (RAM)RAM, or Random Access Memory, is crucial for multitasking and running applications smoothly. More RAM allows your NUC to handle more tasks simultaneously without slowing down. For basic use, 4GB to 8GB of RAM is usually enough. If you plan to use the NUC for more intensive tasks like gaming or video editing, 16GB or more is recommended. Consider your typical usage patterns to determine the right amount of RAM for your needs.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can keep on your NUC, including the operating system, applications, and personal files. Intel NUCs typically offer SSD (Solid State Drive) storage, which is faster and more reliable than traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). For basic use, 128GB to 256GB of SSD storage is usually sufficient. If you store a lot of large files, such as videos or games, you might need 512GB or more. Think about your storage needs and choose accordingly.
GraphicsGraphics capabilities are important if you plan to use your NUC for gaming, video editing, or other graphics-intensive tasks. Some Intel NUCs come with integrated graphics, which are suitable for basic tasks and light gaming. For more demanding applications, look for models with dedicated graphics cards. If you need high-end graphics performance, ensure the NUC you choose has the appropriate graphics capabilities to meet your needs.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect your NUC to other devices and networks. Look for models with multiple USB ports, HDMI or DisplayPort outputs, and Ethernet ports for wired internet connections. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities are also important for wireless connectivity. Consider the peripherals and devices you plan to use with your NUC and ensure it has the necessary ports and connectivity options.
Form FactorThe form factor refers to the size and shape of the NUC. Intel NUCs are known for their compact size, but they come in different dimensions. Smaller models are great for saving space and portability, while slightly larger models may offer more powerful components and better cooling. Think about where you will place the NUC and how much space you have available to choose the right form factor for your setup.
UpgradabilityUpgradability refers to the ability to upgrade components like RAM, storage, and sometimes even the CPU. Some Intel NUC models allow for easy upgrades, which can extend the lifespan of your device and improve performance over time. If you anticipate needing more power or storage in the future, consider a model that offers easy upgradability. This can be a cost-effective way to keep your NUC up-to-date with your changing needs.

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