ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ — Compatibility & Upgrade Guide
| Component | Specs |
|---|---|
| Processor | Core Ultra 7/9 (up to 16-core, up to 5.1GHz) |
| RAM Slots | 2x SO-DIMM DDR5-5600, max 96GB |
| Storage | 2x M.2 2280 NVMe (PCIe 4.0) |
| Display Out | 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a |
| Connectivity | WiFi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5GbE |
| Power | 90W external PSU, ~35W TDP |
| Price Range | £550–750 (UK) |
Can You Upgrade This Mini PC?
Yes, RAM and storage are fully user-upgradeable. CPU, GPU, and WiFi 7 module are soldered. The higher-spec Core Ultra 7/9 processors and WiFi 7 antenna system justify the premium price. Cooling is active with small fans to handle higher TDP.
RAM Compatibility — DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM
Identical to the Pro model: 2x SO-DIMM slots accepting DDR5-5600 modules. Maximum 96GB total (2x48GB). DDR4 modules will not fit.
| Product | Capacity | Speed | Price (UK) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR5 | 48GB SO-DIMM | DDR5-5600 | £200–240 | View |
| Corsair Vengeance DDR5 | 32GB SO-DIMM | DDR5-5600 | £160–190 | View |
| Crucial Crucial P5 DDR5 | 32GB SO-DIMM | DDR5-5600 | £140–170 | View |
| SK Hynix Platinum DDR5 | 48GB SO-DIMM | DDR5-5600 | £220–270 | View |
SSD Compatibility — M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 4.0
Both M.2 slots support 2280-length NVMe drives with PCIe 4.0 or faster. PCIe 5.0 drives are backward compatible but see no speed improvement. Maximum total capacity 4TB with two 2TB drives.
| Product | Capacity | Interface | Speed | Price (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 990 Pro | 2TB / 4TB | PCIe 4.0 | 7.1 GB/s read | £160–320 |
| WD Black SN850X | 1TB / 2TB | PCIe 4.0 | 7.1 GB/s read | £75–155 |
| Crucial P5 Plus | 2TB | PCIe 4.0 | 6.6 GB/s read | £140–180 |
| SK Hynix Platinum P41 | 2TB | PCIe 4.0 | 7.1 GB/s read | £180–220 |
Power Supply & Cooling
The Pro+ ships with a 90W external PSU to handle the higher-spec Core Ultra 7/9 processors (up to ~35W TDP). Active cooling with dual fans provides silent operation at normal loads and robust performance under extended workloads. Thermal design is more aggressive than the standard Pro.
Display & Docking Options
Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, one HDMI 2.1, and one DisplayPort 1.4a enable simultaneous multi-display setups and high-bandwidth external device connectivity. Thunderbolt 4 docking stations unlock USB-A expansion, additional displays, and storage enclosures.
WiFi 7 & Bluetooth 5.4
WiFi 7 (802.11be) provides tri-band support with up to 46 Gbps theoretical throughput. Bluetooth 5.4 adds improved range and lower latency for wireless peripherals. 2.5GbE Ethernet ensures wired connectivity. WiFi module is soldered and non-upgradeable.
Upgradeability Score
8/10 — Excellent RAM and SSD upgrade potential. CPU, GPU, and WiFi 7 are fixed. Premium pricing reflects the higher-performance components and future-proof WiFi 7 standard.
FAQs
What is the difference between NUC 14 Pro and Pro+?
The Pro+ features Core Ultra 7/9 processors (vs. 5/7 in Pro), WiFi 7 (vs. WiFi 6E), and three Thunderbolt 4 ports. CPU and GPU are more powerful; WiFi is future-proof.
Can I run three displays on the Pro+?
Yes. You can daisy-chain displays over Thunderbolt 4 or use all ports simultaneously (3x TB4 + HDMI + DP) for multi-display workstations.
Is WiFi 7 upgradeable?
No. WiFi 7 is soldered. You cannot upgrade to a future standard.
What RAM should I buy for the Pro+?
Any DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM module works. Popular choices include Kingston Fury Impact, Corsair Vengeance, or Crucial P5 DDR5.
How much does the 90W PSU help with performance?
The higher PSU provides sustained power for Core Ultra 7/9 processors, preventing thermal throttling under heavy multi-core workloads and enabling active cooling fans.
Recommended Products
These are the products we recommend based on this guide. All links go to Amazon UK where you can check current prices and availability.
| Product | Why We Recommend It | Amazon UK |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Vengeance DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 3200MHz | Best overall DDR4 upgrade kit | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 3200MHz | Reliable alternative with tight latency | View on Amazon UK |
| Corsair Vengeance DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 5600MHz | Top-rated DDR5 kit for gaming & productivity | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 5600MHz | Excellent DDR5 alternative with XMP support | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe M.2 2280 | Fastest consumer NVMe — ideal for gaming & editing | View on Amazon UK |
| WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe | Excellent Gen4 speed with heatsink option | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial P5 Plus 1TB NVMe | Great value Gen4 SSD | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston NV2 1TB NVMe | Budget-friendly with solid reliability | View on Amazon UK |
Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
