ASUS NUC 12 Pro Kit NUC12WSHi5 Review: A Compact Powerhouse
The ASUS NUC 12 Pro Kit NUC12WSHi5 is a mini PC that packs a punch. Powered by the Intel Core i5-1240P processor, it delivers impressive performance in a compact form factor. But is it the right mini PC for you? In this review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall experience to help you decide.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The ASUS NUC 12 Pro Kit NUC12WSHi5 is designed for users seeking a powerful and compact desktop solution. It’s a versatile machine suitable for various tasks, including office work, light gaming, content creation, and even digital signage. The Intel Core i5-1240P processor, with its 12 cores and 16 threads, ensures smooth multitasking and efficient processing.
Features
The NUC 12WSHi5 is loaded with features that enhance its functionality and user experience. Here are some key highlights:
- Powerful Intel Core i5-1240P Processor: The heart of the NUC 12WSHi5, this processor delivers exceptional performance for demanding tasks.
- Ample RAM: With support for up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, you can run resource-intensive applications without lag.
- Versatile Storage: The NUC 12WSHi5 offers multiple storage options, including SATA, NVMe, and M.2 slots, providing ample space for your files and applications.
- Abundant Connectivity: It features a wide range of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Thunderbolt 4, and a 2.5Gb LAN port, ensuring seamless connectivity with various peripherals and displays.
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3: Stay connected with the latest wireless technologies, ensuring fast and reliable connections.
- Compact Design: Its small footprint makes it perfect for tight spaces, allowing you to enjoy a clutter-free desktop.
- VESA Mounting: Mount the NUC 12WSHi5 behind a monitor or on a wall for a clean and space-saving setup.
Performance
The NUC 12WSHi5 delivers impressive performance, exceeding expectations for a mini PC. The Intel Core i5-1240P processor handles multitasking flawlessly, effortlessly switching between applications without noticeable lag. I tested it with various tasks, including:
- Office Work: The NUC 12WSHi5 breezes through demanding spreadsheets, presentations, and document editing, making it ideal for office professionals.
- Light Gaming: While not a dedicated gaming machine, the NUC 12WSHi5 can handle popular titles like League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive at decent frame rates, especially at lower settings.
- Content Creation: It can handle video editing and photo editing tasks with ease, thanks to the powerful processor and integrated graphics.
The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, though not designed for high-end gaming, provides a good experience for casual gaming and everyday tasks like web browsing and video streaming.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the ASUS NUC 12 Pro Kit NUC12WSHi5:
Pros
- Compact size and versatile mounting options
- Powerful Intel Core i5-1240P processor with excellent performance
- Ample RAM capacity for multitasking
- Multiple storage options for flexibility
- Excellent connectivity with various ports
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast and reliable wireless connections
- Suitable for various uses, from office work to light gaming
Cons
- No dedicated GPU for high-end gaming
- Price might be higher compared to traditional desktops with similar specifications
- Limited upgradeability compared to larger desktops
Final Verdict
The ASUS NUC 12 Pro Kit NUC12WSHi5 is a great mini PC that packs a punch. It’s an excellent choice for users seeking a powerful and compact desktop solution for various tasks, including office work, light gaming, and content creation. The Intel Core i5-1240P processor, ample RAM, versatile storage options, and extensive connectivity make it a versatile machine. However, its price might be a barrier for some, and its limited upgradeability could be a concern for users seeking long-term investments. Overall, I highly recommend the ASUS NUC 12 Pro Kit NUC12WSHi5 for users who prioritize compact design and powerful performance without compromising on features and connectivity.
Specifications
| Type | Mini PC |
|---|---|
| Chipset | System-on-Chip (SoC) |
| CPU | Intel® Core™ i5-1240P, 12 Cores, 16 Threads, 4.4 GHz Boost Frequency, 12 MB Cache, 35 W Processor |
| RAM | 2x DDR4 SO-DIMM, dual PC4-25600S/DDR4-3200, max. 64GB (UDIMM) |
| HDD | 1x SATA 6Gb/s, 1x M.2/M-Key (PCIe 4.0 x4, 2280), 1x M.2/B-Key (PCIe 3.0 x1/SATA, 2242) |
| Drive Bays External | Not available |
| Drive Bays Internal | 1x 2.5″ (7mm) |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics (iGPU), 96EU/768SP, 1.40GHz, Architecture “Gen 12.2” (Alder Lake GT1) |
| GPU-Connectors | Not available |
| Connectors Rear | 2x HDMI 2.0b, 1x USB-A 3.1 (10Gb/s), 1x USB-A 2.0 (480Mb/s), 2x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s), 1x RJ-45 2.5Gb LAN (Intel I225-V), 1x hollow socket (mains connection) |
| Retrofittable Connectors Rear | 1x serial |
| Connectors Front/Page | 1x USB-A 3.1 (10Gb/s), 1x USB-A 3.1 (10Gb/s, BC), 1x 3.5mm jack |
| Extension Slots | 1x M.2/E-Key (Intel CNVi, 2230, occupied with WiFi+BT module) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E (WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2×2, Intel AX211), Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Card Readers | Not available |
| Power Supply | External, 1x barrel connector (120W/19V) |
| VESA-Mounting | 75×75/100×100 (included) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 117x54x112mm |
| Capacity | 0.7l |
| CPU Coolers | Included |
| Special Features | Security lock (Kensington), 4x display support, suitable for continuous operation |