MSI Cubi NUC AI Plus 3MG specifications and in-depth review

MSI Cubi NUC AI Plus 3MG

Manufacturer: MSI

The MSI Cubi NUC AI Plus 3MG is a compact Mini PC designed for various applications. It features 32GB RAM and a generous 1TB SSD, providing ample storage and memory for smooth performance.

Powered by a 25W CPU with 16 threads, the device offers a turbo clock speed of 4.9GHz. It supports Wi-Fi 6E and has a robust selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and USB 4.0, ensuring flexible connectivity options.

Pros
  • Supports up to 128GB of RAM, allowing for substantial memory upgrades and flexibility in high-performance tasks.
  • Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, providing fast and reliable wireless connectivity options.
  • Includes Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4.0 ports for fast data transfer and versatile connectivity.
  • Compact Micro-ATX form factor with a volume of 516.672 cm³, offering a balance of performance and space efficiency.
  • Has integrated graphics, reducing the need for a dedicated GPU in less demanding tasks.
Cons
  • No external memory slot, limiting options for expanding storage beyond the internal SSD.
  • Only has a 1-year warranty, which may be shorter than expected for some users seeking longer-term support.
  • Lacks a VGA connector, which may be a drawback for users with older displays requiring this port.
Who is this for?

The MSI Cubi NUC AI Plus 3MG is well-suited for users who need a compact yet powerful Mini PC for general computing, multimedia, or light to moderate professional tasks. Its 32GB of RAM and support for up to 128GB of memory make it a good choice for multitaskers and users working with demanding applications. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and Thunderbolt 4 ports ensures excellent connectivity, ideal for modern work environments where fast data transfer and reliable networking are essential.

Who is this NOT for?

This product may not be ideal for users requiring extensive storage expansion or high-end gaming performance. The lack of an external memory slot and the absence of a dedicated GPU or high-end graphics support could limit its effectiveness for those needing large-scale storage or intense graphical processing. Additionally, the 1-year warranty may be insufficient for users looking for long-term, enterprise-level support.

General info:

SSD storage capacity 1000GB
form factor Micro-ATX
release date January 2026
Is an NVMe SSD
thickness 115.2 mm
height 37.5 mm
width 119.6 mm
volume 516.672 cm³

The MSI Cubi NUC AI Plus 3MG features a compact Micro-ATX form factor with a volume of 516.672 cm³. It offers a generous 1TB SSD storage and supports NVMe technology for faster data transfer. With a thickness of 115.2 mm, height of 37.5 mm, and width of 119.6 mm, it maintains a small footprint without compromising performance.

CPU:

Thermal Design Power (TDP) 25W
CPU speed 4 x 2.1 & 8 x 1.6 & 4 x 1.6 GHz
turbo clock speed 4.9GHz
CPU threads 16 threads
Has integrated graphics
L3 cache 18 MB
Turbo Boost version 2
Supports 64-bit
CPU temperature 100 °C

The MSI Cubi NUC AI Plus 3MG is equipped with a CPU offering a total clock speed of 4 x 2.1 & 8 x 1.6 & 4 x 1.6 GHz, alongside a turbo clock speed of 4.9GHz. This processor features 16 CPU threads and includes an 18 MB L3 cache for efficient data handling. It supports 64-bit operations and integrated graphics, making it well-suited for a variety of tasks.

Graphics card:

GPU turbo 2500 MHz
PCI Express (PCIe) version 5
DirectX version DirectX 12 Ultimate
OpenGL version 4.6
OpenCL version 3
supported displays 4

The MSI Cubi NUC AI Plus 3MG features a graphics card with a GPU turbo speed of 2500 MHz, enabling efficient performance for visual tasks. It supports PCIe 5.0 for high-speed data transfer and is compatible with DirectX 12 Ultimate, OpenGL 4.6, and OpenCL 3. These capabilities allow for a smooth and immersive graphical experience across up to four supported displays.

Memory:

RAM 32GB
DDR memory version 5

The MSI Cubi NUC AI Plus 3MG is equipped with 32GB of RAM based on DDR5 technology, providing fast memory performance for multitasking and demanding applications.

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
supports Wi-Fi
Has Bluetooth
Bluetooth version 5.4
USB 2.0 ports 1
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 1
USB 4 40Gbps ports 2
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
Thunderbolt 4 ports 2
Thunderbolt 3 ports 0
DisplayPort outputs 2
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
HDMI ports 2
RJ45 ports 2
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has a VGA connector
Has S/PDIF Out port

The MSI Cubi NUC AI Plus 3MG offers robust connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E support for high-speed wireless networking. It also features Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless pairing with various devices. For wired connections, the device includes dual RJ45 ports and multiple USB options, such as USB 4.0 and Thunderbolt 4 ports, ensuring flexible connectivity for peripherals and displays.

Benchmarks:

Miscellaneous:

maximum memory amount 128GB
has an external memory slot
Type Laptop
instruction sets MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2
Has NX bit
memory channels 2
RAM speed (max) 8533 MHz
Uses big.LITTLE technology
warranty period 1 years
Uses flash storage

The MSI Cubi NUC AI Plus 3MG supports a maximum memory size of 128GB, offering flexibility for memory upgrades. It uses big.LITTLE technology for efficient processing and features 2 memory channels. The device also includes a range of instruction sets such as AVX, AVX2, and AES, and is protected with a 1-year warranty. Notably, it does not support external memory slots and does not use flash storage.

Final Verdict

The MSI Cubi NUC AI Plus 3MG is a compact and versatile Mini PC, ideal for users seeking a balance of performance and space efficiency. With its impressive 32GB of RAM and support for high-speed connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6E and Thunderbolt 4, it is well-equipped for multitasking and modern computing needs. While it lacks support for external memory and a dedicated GPU, it remains a solid choice for general computing, office work, and light professional tasks. This Mini PC offers an excellent mix of power and compactness for users with moderate performance demands.