The mini PC market is heating up, and MSI is stoking the flames with a relentless release schedule. Hot on the heels of its AMD-powered Cubi Z AI 8M, the company has just unveiled the new MSI Cubi 5 1M, an Intel-based compact computer that promises a compelling blend of performance, connectivity, and value. This isn't a niche, ultra-high-end machine; it's a targeted strike at the heart of the mainstream market, designed for users who need more than a basic stick PC but don't have the desk space or budget for a hulking tower.
So, what makes the Cubi 5 1M stand out in an increasingly crowded field? Let's dive in.
Intel's Raptor Lake-U Packs a Surprising Punch
At the core of the new MSI Cubi 5 1M are Intel's Core 100U series processors, part of the Raptor Lake-U family. Buyers will have three options to choose from:
- Intel Core 3 100U: 6 cores, 8 threads
- Intel Core 5 120U: 10 cores, 12 threads
- Intel Core 7 150U: 10 cores, 12 threads
The jump from the Core 3 to the Core 5/7 is significant. The higher-end models leverage a hybrid architecture with Performance-cores and Efficient-cores to handle multitasking with ease. But how do these chips stack up in the real world? According to benchmarks, the top-tier Core 7 150U performs on par with an AMD Ryzen 5 7530U, a very capable mobile processor. The entry-level Core 3 100U sits closer to a Ryzen 5 5560U, with the Core 7 150U holding a roughly 30% performance advantage.
For a deeper technical dive into the specs and launch details, you can check out the full report on TechPowerUp.
Designed for Modest Workloads and Maximum Efficiency
It's important to set the right expectations. The Cubi 5 1M isn't built for hardcore gaming or 4K video editing. Instead, it's perfectly positioned as a productivity and entertainment hub.
"In simpler terms, the Raptor Lake-U chips should be plenty performant for lightweight office tasks and multimedia consumption," but users with heavier computational demands might want to look at more powerful systems, like the Minisforum UM880 Pro. For the daily grind of web browsing, document editing, spreadsheet management, and video conferencing, the Cubi 5 1M will be more than sufficient.
Supporting the CPU is room for up to a generous 64 GB of DDR5-5200 memory, ensuring that having dozens of browser tabs open won't cause a slowdown. For storage, MSI provides flexible options with one M.2 2280 slot for a super-fast NVMe SSD and a 2.5-inch drive bay for adding a larger SATA SSD or hard drive for extra storage space.
The Crown Jewel: A Surfeit of Ports
If there's one area where the Cubi 5 1M truly shines, it's connectivity. MSI seems to have listened to user feedback about the often-anemic port selection on small form factor PCs. The I/O on this little box is nothing short of impressive:
- 4x USB Type-A (10 Gbps): That's four high-speed USB-A ports, a rarity that will delight anyone connecting multiple peripherals, external drives, and dongles.
- 1x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C: The king of connectivity. This port offers blazing-fast data transfer, can drive a display, and provides power delivery, all in one future-proof connector.
- Dual Video Outputs: With both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4, supporting multiple monitors is a breeze, making it an excellent choice for office setups or digital signage.
- Dual Ethernet: A feature that will excite network enthusiasts and home lab users. It includes both a 2.5 Gigabit and a 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for advanced networking configurations.
- Standard Offerings: A 3.5 mm audio jack and either WiFi 6E & Bluetooth 5.3 or WiFi 5 & Bluetooth 5.0 round out the connectivity suite.
This extensive selection means the Cubi 5 1M can serve as a central hub for a clean, cable-managed desk without requiring a messy USB hub.
Compact Form, Unknown Price
As you'd expect from a mini PC, the Cubi 5 1M is incredibly small, with a volume of just 0.83 liters. It can be tucked away behind a monitor, mounted on a wall, or placed discreetly on any desk.
The final piece of the puzzle—pricing—remains under wraps for now. However, given its mid-range positioning and feature set, MSI is likely targeting a competitive price point that will make it a very attractive option for businesses and home users alike. As more details become available, you'll be able to find it on retailers like Amazon.
The MSI Cubi 5 1M shapes up to be a well-rounded and thoughtfully designed mini PC. By combining capable Intel processors with an exceptional array of ports in a tiny chassis, MSI has created a compelling package for anyone looking to declutter their workspace without compromising on connectivity.
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