Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2 vs MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
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Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2
Core Ultra 7 265 / RTX A1000 8GB / 32GB DDR5 / 1TB SSD / Windows 11 Pro
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Core Ultra 9 386H / 16GB DDR5 / 1TB SSD / Windows 11 Pro
Amazon results may include other models. Verify the processor, memory, storage, and seller before buying.
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Storage |
1Is it fast for normal work?
Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
2Can it handle sustained work?
Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
3Can it game?
Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
4Is it loud or hot?
Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2
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Noticeable fan noise under load
ServeTheHome describes its Core Ultra 9 285 and RTX A1000 unit as quiet at idle but loud under load, with warm exhaust. This observation applies to the reviewer’s more powerful CPU configuration; noise was not measured on this catalog SKU.
ServeTheHome · 15:43
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
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Noticeable fan noise under load Not available
5How much electricity does it use?
Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
6Can I upgrade and connect everything?
Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2
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Memory is upgradeable Yes
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Memory access through the bottom panel
ServeTheHome shows the memory sockets and two SSD positions beneath the removable bottom panel. Its unit has one 32GB CSODIMM installed. The reviewed Core Ultra 9 285 differs from this Core Ultra 7 265 configuration.
ServeTheHome · 10:12 -
Security lock also restricts bottom access Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
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Memory is upgradeable Yes
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Memory access through the bottom panel Not available
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Security lock also restricts bottom access
Level1Techs showed that the Kensington lock opening also secures the bottom cover, restricting access to memory and storage. The reviewed unit had 32GB memory rather than this SKU’s 16GB.
Level1Techs · 1:13
7Is it good value?
Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
8Will it be dependable?
Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2
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Network boot stack was disabled by default Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
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Network boot stack was disabled by default
Level1Techs showed the UEFI network stack disabled in BIOS EB211IMS.1A20 and explained that it must be enabled for network boot. Firmware defaults can change.
Level1Techs · 8:17
References
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Lenovo PSREF. ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2 30K50050US specifications. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 265 / RTX A1000 8GB / 32GB DDR5 / 1TB SSD / Windows 11 Pro
Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications; no MiniPCBench measurements.
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ServeTheHome. Even an NVIDIA GPU and 3x SSDs fit in 1L Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen2. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 9 285, RTX A1000 8GB, 32GB single DDR5-6400 CSODIMM, 1TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD. OS edition and firmware unconfirmed; CPU differs from this catalog configuration.
Disclosure: Lenovo supplied the review system; loan versus retained status was not specified. Affiliate links disclosed.
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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.
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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 Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2
- Supports 32 GB more memory
- Provides 3 storage slots versus 1
Higher listed specifications for MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
- Uses a smaller 0.51 liter enclosure
Verified specifications
Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status
Processor
| Specification | ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2 | Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 265 | Intel Core Ultra 9 386H |
| Cores / threads | 20 / 20 | 16 / 16 |
| Processor default TDP | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Integrated graphics | NVIDIA RTX A1000 8GB GDDR6 plus Intel Graphics | Intel Graphics |
Memory and storage
| Specification | ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2 | Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | DDR5-6400 CSODIMM, 1 x 32GB non-ECC | DDR5 SO-DIMM |
| Maximum memory | 128 GB | 96 GB |
| Upgradeable memory | Yes | Yes |
| Storage slots | 3 | 1 |
Connectivity
| Specification | ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2 | Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | 1 x Intel I219-LM Gigabit Ethernet | 2 x Intel I226-V 2.5GbE |
| Wireless | Intel BE200 Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7; adapter model and Bluetooth version unconfirmed for this SKU |
| USB4 | No | Yes |
| Thunderbolt | No | Yes |
Size and price
| Specification | ThinkStation P3 Tiny Gen 2 | Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure volume | 1 liters | 0.51 liters |
| List price | Not published | Not published |
| Product class | Not assigned | Not assigned |