AOOSTAR MACO 470 vs MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG

Silver AOOSTAR MACO 470, front and top view
Black MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG viewed from the front and above
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AOOSTAR MACO 470

Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 / 32GB LPDDR5 / 1TB SSD / Windows 11 Pro

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MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG

Core Ultra 9 386H / 16GB DDR5 / 1TB SSD / Windows 11 Pro

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Amazon results may include other models. Verify the processor, memory, storage, and seller before buying.

iThese are manufacturer-sourced specifications, not MiniPCBench test results. Confirm the exact processor, memory, storage, price, and availability before buying.
Memory
Storage

1Is it fast for normal work?

2Can it handle sustained work?

3Can it game?

4Is it loud or hot?

AOOSTAR MACO 470

  • Low noise reported on the 8533 MT/s unit
  • Gaming fan noticeable in a quiet room

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG

  • Low noise reported on the 8533 MT/s unit Not available
  • Gaming fan noticeable in a quiet room Not available

5How much electricity does it use?

6Can I upgrade and connect everything?

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG

  • Memory is upgradeable Yes
  • Storage is upgradeable Yes
  • Security lock also restricts bottom access

7Is it good value?

8Will it be dependable?

AOOSTAR MACO 470

  • Bluetooth failed in the reviewed SteamOS setup
  • Network boot stack was disabled by default Not available

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG

  • Bluetooth failed in the reviewed SteamOS setup Not available
  • Network boot stack was disabled by default

References

  1. AOOSTAR. MACO 470 32GB / 1TB specifications. Product page. Accessed .

    Configuration: Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 / 32GB LPDDR5 / 1TB SSD / Windows 11 Pro

    Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications; no MiniPCBench measurements.

  2. 钱韦德 (Qian Weide). 高频内存加持,核显提升明显!天钡MACO470评测. Video review. . Accessed .

    Configuration: Ryzen AI 9 HX 470, 32GB memory at 8533 MT/s. Exact SSD, Windows edition, firmware and power profile unconfirmed. Memory speed differs from the 8000 MT/s retail specification.

    Disclosure: Unit acquisition and paid relationship not established by inspected description.

  3. 在下莫老师 (Teacher Mo). 迷你主机装SteamOS有没搞头?天钡MACO 470游戏实测. Video review. . Accessed .

    Configuration: Ryzen AI 9 HX 470, 32GB LPDDR5-8000 and MT7925 wireless module. SSD capacity and firmware unconfirmed. A SteamOS community build is used for gaming; exact distribution and kernel version unconfirmed. Windows is used separately for stress testing.

    Disclosure: Unit acquisition and paid relationship not established by inspected description.

  4. MSI. Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG US SKU specifications. Product page. Accessed .

    Configuration: Core Ultra 9 386H / 16GB DDR5 / 1TB SSD / Windows 11 Pro

    Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications; no MiniPCBench measurements.

  5. Level1Techs. Finally! Panther Lake! A Quick Look at the Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG. Video review. . Accessed .

    Configuration: Core Ultra 9 386H / 32GB DDR5-5600 / 1TB Phison SSD / Windows 11 Pro. BIOS EB211IMS.1A20 dated March 4, 2026 shown. Power profile unconfirmed.

    Disclosure: Reviewer thanks MSI for access to the hardware; whether the unit was loaned or retained is unclear. Affiliate link disclosed.

Value for money

No value comparison is available. It requires eligible test scores and at least four current price observations in seven days.

Specification differences

Differences supported by the listed manufacturer specifications

Higher listed specifications for AOOSTAR MACO 470

  • Provides 3 storage slots versus 1

Higher listed specifications for MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG

  • Supports 64 GB more memory

Verified specifications

Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status

Processor

SpecificationMACO 470Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
CPUAMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470Intel Core Ultra 9 386H
Cores / threads12 / 2416 / 16
Processor default TDPNot disclosedNot disclosed
Integrated graphicsRadeon 890MIntel Graphics

Memory and storage

SpecificationMACO 470Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Memory typeLPDDR5-8000, solderedDDR5 SO-DIMM
Maximum memory32 GB96 GB
Upgradeable memoryNoYes
Storage slots31

Connectivity

SpecificationMACO 470Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Ethernet2 x 2.5GbE2 x Intel I226-V 2.5GbE
WirelessWi-Fi 7; Bluetooth version and module unconfirmedWi-Fi 7; adapter model and Bluetooth version unconfirmed for this SKU
USB4YesYes
ThunderboltNot publishedYes

Size and price

SpecificationMACO 470Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Enclosure volumeNot published0.51 liters
List priceNot publishedNot published
Product classNot assignedNot assigned