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    Cubi NUC 1MG-296US
    A mini pc, tested with Windows 11 Home, an Intel Core 5 120U 1.4GHz processor, 16GB of memory, a 512GB solid-state drive, integrated Intel Graphics, and no speakers.
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    Description
    A mini pc, tested with Windows 11 Home, an Intel Core 5 120U 1.4GHz processor, 16GB of memory, a 512GB solid-state drive, integrated Intel Graphics, and no speakers.

    CR Expert Take

    How did it perform in our owner surveys and expert lab testing?

    What goes into the Overall Score?

    Ratings

    OWNER SURVEYS

    Predicted Reliability
     /  5
    Owner Satisfaction
     /  5

    EXPERT LAB TESTS

    Performance
     /  5
    Versatility
     /  5
    Ergonomics
     /  5
    Display
     /  5
    Touch screen
     /  5
    OS
     /  5

    Detailed Test Results

    Performance: Overall this desktop's performance was good, below that of many other models but still powerful enough for tasks such as email, word processing, web browsing, and streaming movies. Compared to other tested desktops, its speed was adequate for common tasks such as web browsing, video conferencing, and application startup. Performance was okay but on the slow side when composing documents, working on data spreadsheets, and running other productivity tasks, and its speed was adequate for manipulating filters on images, converting and editing videos, and rendering models and calculating simulations.

    Ergonomics: Unlike many desktops, this computer does not include a keyboard or mouse, which are sold separately. Its features were well-designed, and it was comfortable and convenient to use. The storage drive can be easily replaced. The power button is in a convenient location that is unlikely to be pressed accidentally. The case has no LED indicator for storage drive activity.

    Useful features and attributes on this model include: You can connect common external devices such as backup drives and Blu-ray burners using USB4 Gen 3x2 (40 Gbps). It also has Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) supported over USB. 2.5Gb ethernet provides fast transfer of data over a local network. Video outputs include: an HDMI full-size port supporting HDMI 2.1, and supporting Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) and DisplayPort over USB-C; these are useful for connecting to an TV or separate monitor.

    Downsides: There's no optical drive like a CD or DVD reader, so you'll have to buy an external drive if you need one.

    About

    The MSI Cubi NUC 1MG-296US is a mini pc. It has 16GB of memory and a 512GB solid-state drive. It has an Intel Core 5 120U 1.4GHz processor and integrated Intel Graphics. It is not suitable for high-performance gaming. However, it lacks an optical drive for burning CDs or DVDs. It comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed.

    It has a microSD memory-card reader for digital photography and backups, and it has 2 full-size and 2 type-C USB ports in the rear and 2 full-size USB ports accessible from the front or sides. WiFi 6E is supported with a compatible router, which can use the 6GHz band for better throughput, and can be helpful for dense apartment buildings. It has Bluetooth 5.3 built-in.

    The Cubi NUC 1MG-296US measures 5.4 inches wide by 2.1 inches high by 5.2 inches deep. As a mini pc, the extra-small case is designed to take up less desk space and may be easier to hide away. A bracket is included to optionally mount it to the back of a TV or monitor. It is backed by a 12-month warranty, with 12 months of free tech support by telephone.

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