ASUS NUC 12 Pro NUC12WSHi5 Mini PC (Core i5): features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS NUC 12 Pro (NUC12WSHi5) is a compact desktop built around a 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1240P. This configuration, sold under the GEEK+ name, is pre-fitted with 16GB of memory, a 512GB NVMe SSD and Windows 11 Pro. It is intended for office, business and home use in a box not much bigger than a router.

The Core i5-1240P processor

The i5-1240P has 12 cores (four performance and eight efficient) and 16 threads, 12MB of L3 cache and a boost clock of up to 4.4GHz. Performance cores handle demanding work, while efficient cores take background tasks, which is how a chip like this manages heavy multitasking at modest power. The listing says efficient heat dissipation gives quiet operation around the clock. Iris Xe graphics handle video editing and light 3D rendering, though they are integrated rather than a dedicated graphics card.

Memory and storage

It has 16GB of dual-channel DDR4-3200 SODIMM memory, expandable to 64GB, and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. There is also room for an additional 2.5-inch drive, either a PCIe Gen4 SSD or a SATA hard drive, which is not included. Windows 11 Pro is installed in advance.

Displays and ports

Video comes via DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.0 and Thunderbolt 4. The brand says the machine supports one 8K display or four 4K displays at once. The listed ports are four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, two HDMI 2.0, two Thunderbolt 4, a DC input, a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port and a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack. Thunderbolt 4 also allows fast external storage and docks. A VESA mounting bracket is included, so it can sit behind a monitor.

Wireless connectivity

WiFi 6E adds the 6GHz band to the usual 2.4GHz and 5GHz, which typically means less congestion, provided your router supports it. Bluetooth 5.3 handles peripherals.

Size and support

It measures about 4.6 x 4.4 x 2.0 inches (11.7 x 11.2 x 5.1 cm) and weighs about 1.4 lb (0.6 kg). The seller lists a three-year warranty and lifetime user support, with ASUS contacted for product concerns and the GEEK+ support team handling the memory, SSD and operating system.

Who it suits

It suits people who want a small, multi-display workstation for office work, light creative tasks or a home server, and who prefer a tidy desk. As it has no discrete graphics card, it is not aimed at demanding modern games.

What to check before you buy

• Peripherals: you supply a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
• Display cables: match your monitors to HDMI, DisplayPort or Thunderbolt connections.
• Extra drive: the 2.5-inch drive is not included.
• Power: it uses a DC input, so confirm the adapter and outlet.
• Wi-Fi 6E: your router needs 6GHz support to use it.
• Support split: note which company supports the hardware and which handles RAM, SSD and OS.

The short version

• Compact NUC 12 Pro mini PC with a 12-core, 16-thread Core i5-1240P.
• 16GB DDR4-3200 (up to 64GB) and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD; Windows 11 Pro.
• Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 2.1 and 2.5G Ethernet.
• WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3; VESA bracket included.
• Three-year warranty with lifetime user support, per the seller.

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