I went hands-on with a Copilot+ mini PC — MSI’s Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG opts for Intel chips and some quirky features for Windows 11

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This summer, I visited MSI’s offices in London to get a look at their latest technology, beyond the gaming gear I’m familiar with. While I’ve always liked their MPG motherboards and Ventus graphics cards in my own computers, I was surprised to discover MSI also makes fantastic mini PCs – something I hadn’t anticipated.

I recently tested the MSI Cubi NUC AI 1UMG, a mini PC similar to Intel NUCs. However, I was even more interested in a newer model, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2M, which I eventually got to try after seeing it at CES 2025. This version is certified as a Copilot+ PC.

While Copilot+ PCs are usually laptops, there are also very small mini PCs available, like the Beelink SER9. These launched before Microsoft’s AI features – including tools like Click to Do and Windows Recall – were released. Though these compact PCs are mainly aimed at businesses, I was eager to test one now that Microsoft’s AI tools are available, and here are my findings.

The Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is readily available for anyone to purchase; you can even find it on common online stores like Amazon. It’s not limited to a specific type of buyer.

The main thing to consider with the Cubi NUC series is who it’s for. These small computers are built to handle a wide range of tasks, from powering office workstations with multiple monitors to running touchscreens in quick-service restaurants.

The NUC AI+ 2MG’s Copilot+ features are primarily intended for standard computing tasks, though it’s clear the device is still geared towards business users.

This device is made with recycled materials and prioritizes security, featuring a fingerprint reader. It also includes practical features for professional use, such as two Ethernet ports commonly found in office settings. A built-in microphone, speaker, and compatibility with VESA monitor mounts further emphasize its design for business users.

The Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG looks very similar to the AI 1UMG, which is a bit thinner but doesn’t meet the requirements to be called a Copilot+ PC. That’s why the AI 1UMG doesn’t have a dedicated Copilot button – this taller 2MG model does, and it also adds a fingerprint reader to the power button. However, this new mini PC, powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake processor, isn’t necessarily a straight upgrade from the previous Meteor Lake version; there are some compromises to consider.

Now that most of my devices use USB-C, I’d really like to see at least one of those ports on the front of the device.

The main difference between the two Cubi NUC AI mini PCs is their port selection. The AI+ 2MG Copilot+ PC has two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, an audio jack, and a micro SD card reader on the front. The AI 1UMG replaces these with a single USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port and removes the audio jack and card reader.

Honestly, the lack of front-panel Thunderbolt 4 isn’t a *huge* issue – both Cubi NUC models *do* have two ports around the back. But as someone who’s fully embraced USB-C, it’d be way more convenient to have at least one up front. I get that these are really geared towards businesses, not necessarily someone like me with a bunch of gaming gear. Still, a little cable tidying or a Thunderbolt dock would probably solve the issue and let me take full advantage of all the ports.

Like many small computers, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG makes some compromises. To include two extra USB-A 2.0 ports, it removes a second HDMI 2.1 port. These USB ports are likely meant for simple devices like a keyboard and mouse, as the older USB 2.0 standard would significantly limit the performance of anything more demanding.

The AI+ 2MG has two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports that also support DisplayPort 2.1, giving you several ways to connect extra screens. Even without a docking station, you can connect up to three monitors – one with an HDMI cable and two more using Thunderbolt-to-DisplayPort adapters. It’s a bit more complex than connecting two regular HDMI displays, but it works well.

The most unexpected feature of the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG – something the previous AI 1UMG model didn’t have – is its built-in speaker and microphone. I actually didn’t realize it had them until Windows 11 started up! While it’s not meant for enjoying music, the speaker is perfectly fine for clear speech – ideal for things like reading documents aloud or joining video calls. Don’t expect much bass, though.

But how does it perform? The Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG has the same powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor as the MSI Claw 8 AI+ – a handheld I was very impressed with. Still, I wasn’t expecting a perfect experience. It comes with the MSI Center app, which is useful for tracking power usage. Unfortunately, it also includes pre-installed Norton 360 antivirus and an advertisement for Dropbox, which isn’t ideal.

It probably won’t be as popular with retro gaming fans as the standard office computers they often use.

When it comes to speed, the AI+ 2MG performs a little better than the Acer Swift 14 AI, which has the same processor. However, it’s not as fast as the MSI Claw 8 AI+ or my top pick, the ASUS Zenbook S 14. For a small PC using 17W of power, it’s decent, but it probably won’t be as attractive to retro gamers as traditional desktop computers that offer more power for the price.

As an analyst, I’ve found that while the RAM is built-in and can’t be upgraded – unlike the Cubi NUC AI 1UMG which uses standard SO-DIMM RAM – the SSD is user-replaceable. You can swap out the M.2-2280 SSD yourself if needed. It does come with access to Microsoft’s Copilot features, but honestly, I suspect most users won’t even bother with the dedicated Copilot button. Thankfully, like all NUCs, it’s incredibly easy to take apart and work on.

This mini PC is quite good and offers a new option alongside laptops, especially with features like Copilot+. However, for most people, I still recommend PCs with AMD processors, like the Geekom A8 Max. While I’m impressed with Intel’s new Lunar Lake chips, they don’t offer much benefit for typical Windows users. The MSI Cubi NUC series is better suited for businesses, which is MSI’s intended market for these devices.

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2025-09-16 20:10