Intel NUCs have always been a mainstay for mini PCs, offering users a mix of compactness and performance. The Intel NUC 13 Pro is a mini PC geared towards enterprise users, allowing them to get good performance with sacrificing desk space.
Intel NUC 13 Pro (NUC13ANKi7) Specifications
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1360P Processor (4P+8E) 12 Cores / 16 Threads, (18M Cache, up to 5.0 GHz) |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| RAM Slots | 2x DDR4-3200 SODIMMs (up to 64GB) |
| Storage | M.2 22×80 key M slot for PCIe x4 Gen4 NVMe SSD M.2 22×42 key B slot for PCIe x1 Gen3, USB 3.2 Gen2 and SATA SSD expandability |
| I/O | Front: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type A Headset combo jack Rear: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports (incl. DisplayPort 2.1 and USB4) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type A 1 x USB Type-A 2 x HDMI 2.1 (Up to 4K 60Hz) 1 x 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet |
| Connectivity | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX2111 Bluetooth v5.2 |
Test System
As the Intel NUC 13 Pro is a barebones kit, users are required to purchase their own memory kits and storage. For our review, Intel has provided us a 2 x 8GB pair of G.Skill 16GB DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM dual-rank, dual-channel module. For storage, our review sample is equipped with the 512GB Samsung PM9A1 M.2 NVMe SSD (which is an OEM version of the 980 Pro).
What’s In The Box?
- Intel NUC 13 Pro (NUC13ANKi7)
- Power cord
- Power adapter
- Screws
- Documentation
Note: As this is a pre-production unit meant for review, the box contents may vary in the final product.
Design
The Intel NUC 13 Pro has a square-ish form factor, which measures just 112mm x 117mm x 37mm. The mini PC is housed in an all-black matte casing, with ventilation grilles on both sides. Most of the I/O are located at the rear, right under the exhaust vent.
Assembling the memory and storage modules is an easy process. All I had to do was to unscrew the feet to access the SODIMM and M.2 slots.
My only gripe with this NUC is that the secondary M.2 slot. Not only it can only fit 22×42 M.2 SSDs, but it only supports SATA, limiting the options users can get in the market if they are looking to expanding their storage capacity.
Performance
Benchmark Overview
| Geekbench 6 | Single Core: 2,517 Multi Core: 10,726 |
| Cinebench R23 | Single Core: 1,763 Multi Core: 11,458 |
The Intel Core i7-1360P performed extremely well on both benchmarks considering its 40W power limit. When operating at its boost clock, the power draw increases to about 64W.
On Geekbench 6, the processor managed to edge out the Intel i5-12600K on single core tests. For multi core, it is comparable to an Intel i7-12700. Cinebench R23 tells a different story however, as the Core i7-1360P trades blows with 9th and 12th Generation i5 processors. However, do keep in mind that the i7-1360P is a laptop processor operating at lower TDPs. All things considered, this is an impressive performer.
In terms of real world performance, the Intel NUC 13 Pro feels peppy, and opening and closing programmes feel instantaneous. The integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU is good enough for most enterprise users too. I had no issues using for my day to day tasks, which includes some rudimentary photo and video editing, though you shouldn’t expect any forms of AAA gaming performance from the iGPU.
Thermals
While benchmarking the Intel NUC 13 Pro, I noticed that it tends to face thermal throttling issues. Thermals are well maintained under 70°C while operating at 40W, however, thermals spiked to 96°C for the P-Cores, and 85°C for the E-Cores when it starts to increase its power draw to 64W, causing it to throttle back down to 40W within a minute or so.
This issue however only occurs during benchmarking and stress-testing, and is absent during my day to day use. The cooling fan used in this NUC is quite loud, especially when it ramps up at around the 60°C mark.
Closing Thoughts
The Intel NUC 13 Pro exceeded my expectations, as it offers tons of computing power in a compact form factor. While most enterprise users will be happy with lower tiered variants equipped with either Intel Core i3-1315U or i5-1340P processors, I am glad there is a high performance option for those who need it. The integrated graphics is decent for light creative work as well, making the Intel NUC 13 Pro a versatile workstation PC.
Pricing & Availability
The Intel NUC 13 Pro series will be available in Malaysia from mid-May 2023 onwards. The RRP is as follows:
- Intel Core i3-1315U – RM1,417
- Intel Core i5-1340P – RM1,937
- Intel Core i7-1360P – RM2,556
For more information, please visit the official product page.
