ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 vs MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
DeskMini B860 barebone with user-installed Core Ultra 7 265; no RAM, storage, Wi-Fi, or OS
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US, Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB LPDDR5X, 1TB SSD, US
Amazon results may include other models. Verify the processor, memory, storage, and seller before buying.
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| Storage |
1Is it fast for normal work?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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PCMark 10 7016 points
CT.nl measured 7,016 points in PCMark 10 on the same DeskMini B860 chassis with a Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB of memory, and a 1TB SSD. The CPU differs from this reference configuration, so the result is not used in a score.
PCMark 10 · Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD; partial chassis match
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Reference-build status Integrator builds available
Sycom and DunamisTek both offered complete DeskMini B860 systems with the 20-core Core Ultra 7 265, confirming a real build path. Their memory, storage, cooling, and software choices do not define this barebone record.
Exact-processor configuration verification · DeskMini B860 with Core Ultra 7 265
Sycom -
Business workload fit Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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PCMark 10 6864 points
Notebookcheck measured 6,864 points in PCMark 10 on its same-hardware Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB, and 1TB configuration.
PCMark 10 Standard · Same-hardware regional configuration; Windows 11 Pro
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Reference-build status Not available
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Business workload fit Responsive office use
Tom's Guide used the Core Ultra 7 and 32GB configuration for a week of writing, browser research, image handling, dual-monitor work, and local Copilot voice tasks, and described it as responsive for that office-focused workload.
One-week office and dual-monitor use · Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB LPDDR5X review configuration
Tom's Guide
2Can it handle sustained work?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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Cinebench 2026 multi-core 5073 points
CT.nl measured 5,073 points in Cinebench 2026 multi-core with a Core Ultra 5 235. This is same-chassis evidence only and does not represent the 20-core Core Ultra 7 265.
Cinebench 2026 multi-core · Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD; partial chassis match
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Power-envelope constraint 65W chassis class
Intel rates the Core Ultra 7 265 for 65W base power and up to 182W turbo power, while ASRock limits the DeskMini B860 to 65W processors and supplies a 120W adapter. Sustained 265 performance therefore depends on the chassis BIOS limits and cooler rather than the processor's unrestricted desktop maximum.
Processor and chassis power-specification check · Core Ultra 7 265 reference build
Intel -
Cinebench R15 multi-core loop Not available
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Cinebench 2024 multi-core Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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Cinebench 2026 multi-core Not available
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Power-envelope constraint Not available
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Cinebench R15 multi-core loop 1475 points
Notebookcheck measured a 1,475-point average across its Cinebench R15 multi-core loop, with runs ranging from about 1,459 to 1,488 points.
Cinebench R15 multi-core loop · Performance mode; same-hardware Core Ultra 7 258V/32GB/1TB configuration
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Cinebench 2024 multi-core 419 points
MW Technology reported approximately 419 points in Cinebench 2024 multi-core on the exact Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB, and 1TB hardware configuration.
Cinebench 2024 multi-core · Sponsored review; exact processor, memory, and storage configuration
MW Technology · 7:25
3Can it game?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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3DMark Steel Nomad 333 points
CT.nl measured 333 points in 3DMark Steel Nomad using a Core Ultra 5 235. It is retained only as a same-chassis indication of the limited integrated Intel Graphics class, not as an exact Core Ultra 7 265 result.
3DMark Steel Nomad · Core Ultra 5 235 integrated graphics; partial chassis match
CT.nl · 0:00 -
No discrete-GPU slot Integrated graphics only
The Mini-STX chassis has no PCIe graphics-card position. Gaming and GPU-compute capability is limited to the four-Xe-core Intel Graphics engine integrated into the selected Core Ultra 7 265.
Expansion and processor-graphics specification check · DeskMini B860 with Core Ultra 7 265
ASRock -
Cyberpunk 2077 Not available
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Cyberpunk 2077 with XeSS Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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3DMark Steel Nomad Not available
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No discrete-GPU slot Not available
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Cyberpunk 2077 33.9 fps
Notebookcheck measured 33.9 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1920x1080 using the Low preset with FSR disabled. It also observed GPU clocks cycling between 800 and 1,950MHz, producing unstable frame times despite the average result.
Cyberpunk 2077 · 1920x1080, Low preset, FSR off; same-hardware regional configuration
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Cyberpunk 2077 with XeSS 63 fps
ETA PRIME reported a 63 fps average in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p Medium with XeSS Balanced, while noting occasional dips below 60 fps.
Cyberpunk 2077 · 1920x1080, Medium preset, XeSS Balanced; Core Ultra 7 258V and 32GB configuration
ETA PRIME · 9:59
4Is it loud or hot?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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Full-load loudness 1.7 sone
CT.nl measured 1.7 sone under full load with the Core Ultra 5 235 and its boxed Intel cooler, while idle and light GPU-only work stayed below 0.1 sone. The target 265 and cooler choice differ, so this is not scored.
Full system load · Core Ultra 5 235 with boxed Intel cooler; partial chassis match
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Cooler flexibility 47mm cooler clearance
ASRock permits CPU coolers up to 47mm tall. CT.nl recommended a larger-fan low-profile cooler such as the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx or Alpenfohn Silvretta to reduce the boxed cooler's load noise.
Chassis clearance and acoustic inspection · DeskMini B860 chassis
CT.nl -
Maximum load sound level Not available
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Prime95 CPU temperature Not available
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Independent thermal cross-check Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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Full-load loudness Not available
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Cooler flexibility Not available
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Maximum load sound level 49.2 dBA
Notebookcheck measured a maximum of 49.2 dBA under load in Performance mode. Its Silent mode hovered near 25 dBA, while Performance mode idled around 36 dBA.
Maximum load-noise test · 15cm measurement distance; 24.8 dBA ambient; same-hardware regional configuration
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Prime95 CPU temperature 66 C
Notebookcheck measured the CPU stabilizing at 66 C and about 38W package power during Prime95, with the processor holding approximately 3.2GHz.
Prime95 CPU stress · Performance mode; same-hardware regional configuration
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Independent thermal cross-check 70 C sustained
MW Technology ran Prime95 for roughly two hours and reported a brief 91 C peak, about 70 C sustained temperature, and low-40-dBA ambient-inclusive noise at full load.
Two-hour Prime95 run · Sponsored review; exact processor, memory, and storage configuration
MW Technology
5How much electricity does it use?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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Idle wall power 8.1 W
CT.nl measured 8.1 W at an idle Windows desktop with a UHD DisplayPort display attached on its Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB, and 1TB test build.
Windows desktop idle · Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, UHD DisplayPort display; partial configuration
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Full-load wall power 112 W
CT.nl measured 112 W at full load on its Core Ultra 5 235 build. The publication found that ASRock set both short and sustained CPU limits to 75W for that processor to stay within the adapter envelope.
Full system load · Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD; partial configuration
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Average idle wall power Not available
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Prime95 wall power Not available
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Power-save idle cross-check Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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Idle wall power Not available
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Full-load wall power Not available
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Average idle wall power 5.7 W
Notebookcheck measured an average of 5.7 W at the wall during a one-minute idle test, with readings from 2.9 to 10.2 W.
Windows idle · One-minute external-monitor test; same-hardware regional configuration
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Prime95 wall power 49.7 W
Notebookcheck measured 49.7 W average wall power in Prime95 after a 60 W startup spike.
Prime95 V2810 stress · External monitor; 36.7-60W measured range; same-hardware regional configuration
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Power-save idle cross-check About 5.6 W
Level1Techs reduced its Core Ultra 7 and 32GB unit to about 5.6 W at idle in power-save mode for a planned always-on mobile crash-cart deployment.
Power-save idle · Core Ultra 7 258V and 32GB configuration
Level1Techs
6Can I upgrade and connect everything?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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Memory is upgradeable Yes
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Thunderbolt 4 is present Yes
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Four storage positions 2x M.2 plus 2x SATA
The board provides one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 2280 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 2280 slot, and two SATA 6Gbps connectors for 2.5-inch drives up to 9.5mm thick. ASRock includes the proprietary SATA power/data cables.
Manufacturer specification and teardown · DeskMini B860 barebone
ASRock -
Fast external I/O TB4, 20Gbps USB-C, 2.5GbE
CT.nl measured up to 3.8GB/s through rear Thunderbolt 4, about 2.03GB/s through the front 20Gbps USB-C port, and roughly 300MB/s over 2.5GbE on its DeskMini B860 test build.
External storage and network throughput checks · Core Ultra 5 235 test build; chassis interfaces match
CT.nl -
Socketed processor Replaceable LGA1851 CPU
Unlike most mini PCs, the LGA1851 processor can be replaced independently. ASRock officially limits the system to supported Core Ultra Series 2 processors at 65W or below and requires integrated graphics because the chassis has no GPU slot.
Manufacturer CPU-support and expansion check · DeskMini B860 barebone
ASRock -
Single storage slot Not available
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Business-oriented I/O Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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Memory is upgradeable No
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Thunderbolt 4 is present Yes
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Four storage positions Not available
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Fast external I/O Not available
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Socketed processor Not available
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Single storage slot 1x replaceable M.2 2280
Tom's Guide opened the chassis and confirmed that the included M.2 2280 drive can be replaced, but there is no second M.2 storage slot. The four underside screws double as the feet and provide straightforward access.
Hands-on teardown and upgrade check · Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB review configuration
Tom's Guide -
Business-oriented I/O 2x TB4 plus dual 2.5GbE
The exact US model combines two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two 10Gbps front USB-A ports, two rear USB 2.0 ports, HDMI 2.1, two 2.5GbE ports, microSD, VESA mounting, and an external power-switch header.
Manufacturer port specification · Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
MSI
7Is it good value?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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Barebone price $295 barebone
A US eBay importer listed exact global part 90BXG5501-A10GA0W for $295 when checked. ASRock did not publish a global USD MSRP, and the listing does not include the Core Ultra 7 265, memory, storage, wireless, or Windows.
Exact-part retail-price check · 90BXG5501-A10GA0W barebone only
eBay -
Processor cost is separate $384-$394 CPU RCP
Intel publishes a recommended customer price range of $384 to $394 for the boxed Core Ultra 7 265. The total working-system cost must also include memory, storage, wireless if wanted, and an operating system.
Processor price and included-components check · Boxed Core Ultra 7 265
Intel -
Amazon availability No exact ASIN found
No exact Amazon listing was found for global barebone part 90BXG5501-A10GA0W or the defined Core Ultra 7 265 reference build.
Exact retailer-identity search · DeskMini B860 and Core Ultra 7 265 reference build
ASRock -
Current US retail price Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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Barebone price Not available
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Processor cost is separate Not available
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Amazon availability No verified exact ASIN
Level1Techs linked ASIN B0FHB1RJZC, but Amazon did not expose enough current product identity to independently verify the title and 019US configuration. The catalog therefore leaves the Amazon fields null.
Exact-ASIN identity check · 2MG-019US, CubNUCAI2MG019
Level1Techs -
Current US retail price $1,249.99
Best Buy listed the exact 2MG-019US for $1,249.99, reduced from $1,399.99, and sold by MSI Computer Corp when checked.
Exact-retail-configuration price check · Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB LPDDR5X, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro
Best Buy
8Will it be dependable?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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Replaceable core components CPU, RAM, storage serviceable
The socketed CPU, two SO-DIMMs, two M.2 drives, two SATA drives, and optional wireless module are independently replaceable. This avoids the motherboard-level memory and storage repair limits common to soldered mini PCs.
Hands-on assembly and serviceability inspection · DeskMini B860 barebone
CT.nl -
Split warranty responsibility Component-level warranties
Because this is a parts build, the barebone, processor, memory, storage, and optional wireless card may each have separate warranty providers and terms. ASRock's global product page does not publish one universal coverage period for part 90BXG5501-A10GA0W.
Warranty-scope review · User-assembled reference build
ASRock -
Firmware support B860M-STX BIOS updates active
ASRock continued publishing B860M-STX firmware updates in August 2026, including CPU microcode, Intel Management Engine, and compatibility changes. Builders should verify CPU support and update procedure before changing processors.
Manufacturer firmware-support check · B860M-STX motherboard
ASRock -
Advanced-replacement warranty Not available
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24/7 qualification Not available
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Repairability tradeoff Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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Replaceable core components Not available
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Split warranty responsibility Not available
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Firmware support Not available
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Advanced-replacement warranty 3 years
MSI lists a three-year advanced-replacement warranty for the exact US retail SKU, a longer and more deployment-focused term than the one-year coverage common among consumer mini PCs.
Manufacturer warranty check · Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
MSI -
24/7 qualification Manufacturer-qualified for 24/7 use
MSI says the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG family is qualified for 24/7 operation and cites more than 246,000 hours of mean time between failures. This is a manufacturer reliability claim, not an independent long-term failure-rate measurement.
Manufacturer reliability documentation · Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG family
MSI -
Repairability tradeoff SSD serviceable; RAM fixed
The SSD and wireless module are serviceable, but the processor-package memory is permanently fixed. A memory failure therefore requires motherboard-level service rather than a DIMM replacement.
Teardown and component-access review · Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB configuration
Tom's Guide
References
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ASRock. DeskMini B860 Series. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: DeskMini B860 barebone, B860M-STX, LGA1851, 120W adapter; no CPU, memory, storage, wireless, or OS
Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications and official product gallery. The selected Core Ultra 7 265 is a separate reference-build component, not an included ASRock part.
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ASRock. ASRock Support - DeskMini B860 Series. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: DeskMini B860 Series and B860M-STX firmware
Disclosure: Manufacturer firmware and support index.
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Intel. Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 265 Specifications. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 265 desktop processor, 20 cores, 20 threads, 65W base power, integrated Intel Graphics, FCLGA1851
Disclosure: Processor-manufacturer specifications and recommended customer price.
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CT.nl. Asrock DeskMini B860 review: krachtige barebone voor op kantoor & thuis. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: DeskMini B860 with Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11, boxed Intel cooler
Disclosure: The article contains advertising and an Amazon shop link. No test-unit source or sponsored-content disclosure was found in the accessible article.
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Sycom. Radiant SPX3300B860i product announcement. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Complete DeskMini B860-based Radiant SPX3300B860i with Core Ultra 7 265, Windows 11 Home, and system-integrator-selected components
Disclosure: System-integrator product announcement used only to verify that the exact 65W processor is offered in this chassis.
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eBay. ASRock Barebone DeskMini B860 HDMI/DP/TB4 black DDR5. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: Global barebone part 90BXG5501-A10GA0W; no CPU, RAM, storage, wireless, or operating system
Disclosure: Third-party importer listing used for exact part identity and current US-dollar barebone price only.
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MSI. Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US Specifications. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US, part CubNUCAI2MG019: Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB LPDDR5X-8533, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, Black, US
Disclosure: Manufacturer specification, gallery, warranty, and family reliability claims. Exact US SKU details were cross-checked against MSI's downloadable 019US specification sheet.
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Best Buy. MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: 2MG-019US: Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB memory, 1TB SSD, Black
Disclosure: Retail price and seller check; listing was sold and shipped by MSI Computer Corp.
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Notebookcheck. MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG review: Straightforward mini PC for business. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 258V, Arc 140V, 32GB LPDDR5X, 1TB Phison ESR01TBTCCZ-27J SSD; regional retail suffix not stated
Disclosure: The test unit was loaned by the manufacturer or retailer. Notebookcheck says the lender had no influence, received no advance copy, and imposed no publication obligation.
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MW Technology. MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG - Best Mini Windows PC?. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 258V, Arc 140V, 32GB LPDDR5X, 1TB SSD; Canadian review unit
Disclosure: The reviewer states that the channel partnered with MSI and explicitly calls the coverage sponsored while saying the partnership did not change its opinions.
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ETA PRIME. MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG Review - Compact Copilot+ PC w/ Intel Core Ultra & AI Boost. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 258V, Arc 140V, 32GB LPDDR5X-8533; storage and retail suffix not stated in the cited segment
Disclosure: The description discloses affiliate links. The source of the review unit and any manufacturer preview relationship were not stated.
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Level1Techs. Showcasing the New MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG on the Server Crash Cart!. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 258V, Arc 140V, 32GB LPDDR5X; storage and retail suffix not stated
Disclosure: The description contains a tagged Amazon product link. The unit source and manufacturer relationship were not stated.
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Tom's Guide. I tried my first Copilot+ mini PC and it made using AI for work feel natural and not just a gimmick. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 258V, Arc 140V, 32GB LPDDR5X; exact storage capacity and US retail suffix not stated in the accessible article text
Disclosure: Tom's Guide describes a review unit that had to be wiped and returned. The article contains retailer deal links; no sponsored-content label was found.
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 ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
- Supports 96 GB more memory
- Provides 4 storage slots versus 1
Higher listed specifications for MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
- Uses a smaller 0.826 liter enclosure
Verified specifications
Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status
Processor
| Specification | DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 | Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 265 | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V |
| Cores / threads | 20 / 20 | 8 / 8 |
| Processor default TDP | 65 W | 17 W |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Graphics integrated in the Core Ultra 7 265 | Intel Arc 140V integrated graphics |
Memory and storage
| Specification | DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 | Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | 2x DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM slots; DDR5 CSODIMM up to 7200 MT/s overclocked | 32GB LPDDR5X-8533 memory on package |
| Maximum memory | 128 GB | 32 GB |
| Upgradeable memory | Yes | No |
| Storage slots | 4 | 1 |
Connectivity
| Specification | DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 | Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5GbE RJ45 | 2x Intel I226-V 2.5GbE RJ45 |
| Wireless | Optional M.2 2230 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module; none included | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 + Bluetooth 5.3 |
| USB4 | Yes | Yes |
| Thunderbolt | Yes | Yes |
Size and price
| Specification | DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 | Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure volume | 1.92 liters | 0.826 liters |
| List price | Not published | $1,400 |
| Product class | Socketed desktop-CPU builds and compact home servers | Low-power business desktops and dual-network deployments |