Framework Desktop DIY Edition vs MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US

Framework Desktop shown from the front with its black side panel and modular front tiles
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG mini PC in black, viewed from the front-left
VS

Check current prices

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Framework Desktop DIY Edition

DIY Edition, Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB LPDDR5X, no storage, no operating system

Check price Amazon affiliate link

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US

Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US, Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB LPDDR5X, 1TB SSD, US

Check price Amazon affiliate link

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?

Framework Desktop DIY Edition

  • Geekbench 6 single-core 2876 points
  • PCMark 10 Not available
  • Business workload fit Not available

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US

  • Geekbench 6 single-core Not available
  • PCMark 10 6864 points
  • Business workload fit Responsive office use

2Can it handle sustained work?

Framework Desktop DIY Edition

  • Geekbench 6 multi-core 16987 points
  • Cinebench R23 multi-core 35000 points
  • Cinebench R15 multi-core loop Not available
  • Cinebench 2024 multi-core Not available

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US

  • Geekbench 6 multi-core Not available
  • Cinebench R23 multi-core Not available
  • Cinebench R15 multi-core loop 1475 points
  • Cinebench 2024 multi-core 419 points

3Can it game?

Framework Desktop DIY Edition

  • Cyberpunk 2077 on Bazzite 78.44 fps
  • Cyberpunk 2077 on Windows 92.71 fps
  • Cyberpunk 2077 Not available
  • Cyberpunk 2077 with XeSS Not available

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US

  • Cyberpunk 2077 on Bazzite Not available
  • Cyberpunk 2077 on Windows Not available
  • Cyberpunk 2077 33.9 fps
  • Cyberpunk 2077 with XeSS 63 fps

4Is it loud or hot?

Framework Desktop DIY Edition

  • Cyberpunk peak temperature 60 C
  • Fan behavior Quiet in the reviewer's room
  • Maximum load sound level Not available
  • Prime95 CPU temperature Not available
  • Independent thermal cross-check Not available

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US

  • Cyberpunk peak temperature Not available
  • Fan behavior Not available
  • Maximum load sound level 49.2 dBA
  • Prime95 CPU temperature 66 C
  • Independent thermal cross-check 70 C sustained

5How much electricity does it use?

Framework Desktop DIY Edition

  • Cyberpunk system power 100 W
  • Average idle wall power Not available
  • Prime95 wall power Not available
  • Power-save idle cross-check Not available

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US

  • Cyberpunk system power Not available
  • Average idle wall power 5.7 W
  • Prime95 wall power 49.7 W
  • Power-save idle cross-check About 5.6 W

6Can I upgrade and connect everything?

Framework Desktop DIY Edition

  • Memory is upgradeable No
  • Storage is upgradeable Yes
  • Thunderbolt is present No
  • Standard parts and expansion 2x M.2; standard board, PSU, and fan formats
  • Thunderbolt 4 is present Not available
  • Single storage slot Not available
  • Business-oriented I/O Not available

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US

  • Memory is upgradeable No
  • Storage is upgradeable Yes
  • Thunderbolt is present Not available
  • Standard parts and expansion Not available
  • Thunderbolt 4 is present Yes
  • Single storage slot 1x replaceable M.2 2280
  • Business-oriented I/O 2x TB4 plus dual 2.5GbE

7Is it good value?

Framework Desktop DIY Edition

  • Current DIY system price $3,449 before required build selections
  • Current US retail price Not available
  • Amazon availability Not available

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US

  • Current DIY system price Not available
  • Current US retail price $1,249.99
  • Amazon availability No verified exact ASIN

8Will it be dependable?

Framework Desktop DIY Edition

  • Limited warranty 1 year included
  • Replaceable components Modular except CPU and memory
  • Advanced-replacement warranty Not available
  • 24/7 qualification Not available
  • Repairability tradeoff Not available

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US

  • Limited warranty Not available
  • Replaceable components Not available
  • Advanced-replacement warranty 3 years
  • 24/7 qualification Manufacturer-qualified for 24/7 use
  • Repairability tradeoff SSD serviceable; RAM fixed

References

  1. Framework. Framework Desktop. Product page. . Accessed .

    Configuration: Framework Desktop with Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and 128GB LPDDR5X-8000

    Disclosure: Manufacturer product overview and specifications.

  2. Framework. Configure Framework Desktop DIY Edition (AMD Ryzen AI Max 300 Series). Product page. Accessed .

    Configuration: Max+ 395 - 128GB; no primary storage; no secondary storage; no operating system

    Disclosure: Manufacturer configuration options, current price, availability, and warranty selection.

  3. Level1Techs. Framework Desktop Tested: 128gb AI Max+ for Gaming, AI and More. Video review. . Accessed .

    Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S, 128GB LPDDR5X, reviewer-installed storage and operating systems

    Disclosure: The reviewer says Framework sent the early sample. No product-specific sponsorship or affiliate disclosure was found in the description.

  4. Salem Techsperts. Framework Desktop Teardown and Review: A Powerful, Efficient, AI Gaming PC That's Worth Every Penny. Video review. . Accessed .

    Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S, 128GB LPDDR5X, reviewer-installed storage, Bazzite and Windows 11 Pro

    Disclosure: The description states Framework supplied the press kit; the reviewer says the sample had to be returned and Framework did not pay for the review. The description links an Amazon storefront.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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 Framework Desktop DIY Edition

  • Supports 96 GB more memory
  • Provides 2 storage slots versus 1

Higher listed specifications for MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US

  • Uses a smaller 0.826 liter enclosure
  • Has a manufacturer list price about $2,049 lower

Verified specifications

Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status

Processor

SpecificationDesktop DIY EditionCubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
CPUAMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
Cores / threads16 / 328 / 8
Processor default TDPNot disclosed17 W
Integrated graphicsAMD Radeon 8060S integrated graphics, 40 compute units up to 2.9GHzIntel Arc 140V integrated graphics

Memory and storage

SpecificationDesktop DIY EditionCubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
Memory typeLPDDR5X-8000 onboard32GB LPDDR5X-8533 memory on package
Maximum memory128 GB32 GB
Upgradeable memoryNoNo
Storage slots21

Connectivity

SpecificationDesktop DIY EditionCubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
Ethernet5GbE2x Intel I226-V 2.5GbE RJ45
WirelessWi-Fi 7Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 + Bluetooth 5.3
USB4YesYes
ThunderboltNoYes

Size and price

SpecificationDesktop DIY EditionCubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
Enclosure volume4.5 liters0.826 liters
List price$3,449$1,400
Product classRepairable local-AI workstationLow-power business desktops and dual-network deployments