ASUS NUC13RNGi9 NUC 13 Extreme Mini PC Kit Review: Intel Core i9-13900K Powerhouse
Table of Contents
Introduction
The ASUS NUC13RNGi9 NUC 13 Extreme Mini PC Kit is a powerful and compact powerhouse designed for demanding users. Packed with the latest Intel Core i9-13900K processor and a plethora of features, this mini PC aims to deliver top-notch performance in a small footprint. I’ve spent considerable time putting this NUC through its paces, and I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.
Key Features
Let’s dive into the standout features that make the ASUS NUC13RNGi9 a compelling choice for users seeking a high-performance mini PC:
- Intel Core i9-13900K Processor: The heart of this NUC is the powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900K processor, featuring 24 cores (8 performance, 16 efficient) and a staggering 32 threads. This CPU ensures smooth multitasking, lightning-fast gaming, and effortless content creation.
- Expansive Connectivity: With a combination of 10GbE LAN, 2.5GbE LAN, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, you’ll have lightning-fast connectivity for peripherals, displays, and networks. You’ll also find HDMI 2.1 for high-resolution video output.
- Flexible Storage Options: The NUC13RNGi9 offers ample storage options. It features three M.2 slots for PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSDs and two 2.5-inch drive bays for SATA HDDs or SSDs, making it suitable for various storage configurations.
- Compact Form Factor: Despite its powerful hardware, the NUC13RNGi9 maintains a remarkably compact form factor, making it ideal for tight spaces and setups where space is a premium.
Performance
The ASUS NUC13RNGi9 truly lives up to its expectations in terms of performance. The Intel Core i9-13900K processor is a beast, effortlessly handling demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. I put this NUC through its paces with a variety of benchmarks and real-world applications, and the results were consistently impressive.
In benchmark tests, the NUC13RNGi9 scored exceptionally well, achieving high scores in CPU-intensive benchmarks and graphics-related tasks. Its multi-core performance is particularly impressive, enabling it to handle complex computations with ease. When it comes to gaming, this mini PC delivered smooth frame rates even at high resolutions and demanding settings. The powerful CPU paired with high-speed NVMe storage ensures a fluid gaming experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional performance thanks to the Intel Core i9-13900K processor.
- Extensive connectivity options, including 10GbE LAN, 2.5GbE LAN, and Thunderbolt 4.
- Flexible storage options with multiple M.2 and 2.5-inch drive bays.
- Compact form factor, perfect for small spaces.
- Excellent thermal management thanks to the included air cooler.
Cons:
- The high price point may be a deterrent for some users.
- The lack of included RAM and storage necessitates additional purchases.
Final Verdict
The ASUS NUC13RNGi9 NUC 13 Extreme Mini PC Kit is a top-tier mini PC that delivers exceptional performance, versatility, and a premium user experience. Its potent hardware, extensive connectivity, and compact size make it a compelling choice for professionals, gamers, and anyone seeking a powerful and compact computing solution. While the high price point may be a factor for some, the NUC13RNGi9 offers a significant return on investment, providing a future-proof platform that can handle demanding workloads and advanced applications. I highly recommend this mini PC to users who value performance, features, and the flexibility of a compact footprint.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Edition | NUC 13 Extreme Kit |
| Form Factor | mini PC |
| CPU Included | Yes |
| CPU Type | Intel Core i9 |
| CPU Model | Intel Core i9-13900K |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake 13th Gen |
| Manufacturing Process | Intel 7 nm |
| Unlocked CPU | Yes |
| Core | 24 Core (8 Performance, 16 Efficient) |
| No. of Threads | 32 |
| Clock Speed | N/A |
| Burst Frequency | 5.8 GHz |
| CPU Cache | 36MB |
| CPU Cooler | Air Cooled |
| Max. TDP | 253 W |
| CPU Socket | 1700 |
| Chipset | N/A |
| Memory Type | DDR5 SO-DIMM |
| Memory Included | No |
| Memory Capacity Included | N/A |
| Memory Channels | Dual (2) |
| Memory Type (ECC) | Non-ECC |
| Max. Memory Capacity | 64GB (2x32GB) |
| On-board/Integrated Graphics | Yes |
| Processor/Motherboard Graphics Chip | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Discrete GPU | No |
| GPU Tensor Cores | N/A |
| Base GPU Speed | N/A |
| Max. GPU Speed | N/A |
| Multi-GPU Configuration | No |
| Graphics Interface | On-board |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x M.2 Key E (Occupied by Wi-Fi Module)3 x M.2, 22-80, PCIe Gen4x41 x PCIe 5.0 x16 |
| SATA | SATA3 |
| HDD Storage Included | No |
| HDD Storage Capacity | N/A |
| SSD Storage Included | No |
| SSD Storage Type | M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Optical Drive | None |
| Drive Bays | 4 x 2.5″ Internal |
| RAID Support | RAID-0/RAID-1 |
| Internal I/O | 1 x Front Panel Connector |
| Network Interface Type | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E LANWired 10G LANWired 2.5 Gigabit LAN |
| Network Chip/Modules | 1 x Intel® I226V (2.5GbE LAN) |
| Front Panel | 1 x Headphone/Mic Combo1 x Power Button with LED2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C |
| Back Panel | 1 x 10/100/1000/2500 (LAN)1 x 10GbE RJ452 x Antenna Ports3 x Audio I/O1 x HDMI 2.16 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A2 x USB 4 Type-C / Thunderbolt 4 / DP |
| Keyboard / Mouse Included | No |
| Remote Control Included | No |
| VESA Mountable | N/A |
| PSU Redundancy | N/A |
| Operating System Included | No |
| Operating System | N/A |
| Colour | Black |
| Dimensions | 337 x 318 x 129 (mm WxHxD) |