Is the MSI NUC AI+ worth it?

It is worth it if you need 64GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and an NPU in a tiny box for office work, development or local AI. If you mainly browse and stream, a cheaper mini PC with 16GB will do the same job.

Only lightly. Intel integrated graphics handle older and indie titles at low settings, but modern AAA games will be unplayable at decent frame rates. It is not a gaming PC.

How does it compare with a Mac mini or a NUC from other brands?

It offers more RAM and storage for the money than a base Mac mini and runs Windows 11 Pro, but Apple's chip is faster per core and quieter. Against other Core Ultra mini PCs, the MSI's edge is the 64GB/1TB configuration and dual LAN.

Does it have Thunderbolt or USB4?

The listed ports are three front USB, two rear USB, two HDMI and two RJ45, with no Thunderbolt or USB4 stated. Check the exact port types before buying if you need high-speed external storage.

What comes in the box?

Expect the mini PC, a 120W external power supply and documentation. A keyboard and mouse are not listed, so plan to supply your own.

Mini PCs like this tend to drop during back-to-school and Black Friday sales, and when a newer Core Ultra generation launches. Its current best price is already near the low end of its recent range.

MSI NUC AI+ Mini PC Intel Ultra 7 64GB DDR5 1TB SSD

Last price we saw

$1,749.00at Newegg.com, last seen Nov 2

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Our take on the MSI NUC AI+ Mini PC Intel Ultra 7 64GB DDR5 1TB SSD

The MSI NUC AI+ is a small-form-factor desktop built around Intel's Core Ultra 7 355, a 2.3 GHz to 4.7 GHz chip with a built-in NPU for local AI workloads. This configuration pairs it with 64GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD, plus Wi-Fi 7, dual HDMI, dual RJ45 and Windows 11 Pro, all in a 3.8 lb black chassis. It is aimed at people who want a compact, quiet office or edge-computing box rather than a gaming machine. Its latest best price sits at the low end of its recent range, so it is a reasonable time to buy if you need this much memory and storage.