Between the NUC 14 Pro+ and MS-A1, the NUC 14 Pro+ comes out ahead in tdp and thunderbolt, while the MS-A1 wins on several specs. Overall, the NUC 14 Pro+ scores 72.2 and the MS-A1 scores 64.1 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The NUC 14 Pro+ is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 8.1 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the NUC 14 Pro+ if you care most about tdp and thunderbolt. The biggest gaps in its favor are tdp, thunderbolt, volume.
The MS-A1 similarly doesn't carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.
Both ship with comparable ram, storage, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the NUC 14 Pro+ is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why ASUS - NUC 14 Pro+ wins
- ▲TDP — 15.00 W less. 85 vs 100.
- ▲Has Thunderbolt.
- ▲Volume — 0.90 L less. 0.7 vs 1.6.
Why Minisforum - MS-A1 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Spec comparison
Core
Form & I/O
| Spec | ASUS - NUC 14 Pro+ | Minisforum - MS-A1 |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 0.7 Llead | 1.6 L |
| Weight | 0.65 kglead | 1.4 kg |
| TDPⓘ | 85 Wlead | 100 W |
| USB ports | 6 | 7lead |
| Thunderboltⓘ | truelead | false |
Frequently asked
Spec-level deep dives
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