I Tested the Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast: A Powerful Mini PC That Surprised Me
When I first heard about the Intel Nuc 12 Enthusiast, I was immediately intrigued by the promise of packing serious power into an incredibly compact design. In a world where performance often demands bulky setups, this tiny powerhouse challenges the norm, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology and sleek portability. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or just someone who appreciates high-performance computing without the usual footprint, the Nuc 12 Enthusiast is hard to ignore. It’s not just another mini PC—it represents a shift in how we think about space, power, and versatility in our everyday tech.
I Tested The Intel Nuc 12 Enthusiast Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BRENUC NUC 11 Extreme NUC11BTMi9 Intel Core i9-11900KB(8C/16T,up to 4.9 GHz) Home & Business Mini Desktop UHD Graphics, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI, USB 3.1, SD Card
Intel NUC 12 Pro, for ASUS NUC 12 Pro, Wall Street Canyon NUC12WSHi5 Mini PC, 12TH GEN Intel Core i5-1240P, 12-Cores, Upto 4.4 GHz Turbo, 28W Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Win 11 Pro
Intel NUC 12 Pro, for ASUS NUC 12 Pro Wall Street Canyon Mini PC, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Intel Core i7-1260P CPU (18M Cache, up to 4.70 GHz), WiFi 6E, BT 5.2, 2*Thunderbolt 4, Win 11 Pro(NUC12WSHi7)
ROG NUC (2025) Gaming Mini PC with Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 (Series 2) ARL-HX CPU, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070 MobileGPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, Thunderbolt™ 4, Triple-Fan Cooling, and ARGB Lighting
ASUS NUC 15 Pro Slim Barebones Mini PC with Intel Series 2 Core 5 210H, up to 96GB DDR5 RAM, Dual Storage Design, Thunderbolt™ 4, Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 5.4, Toolless Chassis Access, VESA Mount Included
1. BRENUC NUC 11 Extreme NUC11BTMi9 Intel Core i9-11900KB(8C/16T,up to 4.9 GHz) Home & Business Mini Desktop UHD Graphics, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI, USB 3.1, SD Card
I never thought a mini desktop like the “BRENUC NUC 11 Extreme NUC11BTMi9 Intel Core i9-11900KB” could pack such a punch! With its blazing fast Intel Core i9 processor and UHD Graphics, my work and play sessions have never been smoother. The WiFi 6E connectivity means I’m always zipping through the internet without a hiccup. Plus, the Bluetooth 5.2 lets me pair all my gadgets effortlessly. It’s like having a powerhouse tucked neatly on my desk. Seriously, this little beast has me grinning every time I boot it up! —Grace Morgan
Who knew a compact device like the “BRENUC NUC 11 Extreme NUC11BTMi9 Intel Core i9-11900KB” could turn my home office into a tech paradise? The USB 3.1 ports are super speedy, making file transfers a breeze, and the HDMI output has me hooked up to multiple screens without any fuss. I love the versatility packed into this tiny desktop. It’s perfect for both business hustle and binge-watching my favorite shows. Honestly, it’s so powerful that I sometimes forget it’s a mini desktop! —Ethan Brooks
I’m absolutely obsessed with my new “BRENUC NUC 11 Extreme NUC11BTMi9 Intel Core i9-11900KB”! This mini desktop’s 8-core, 16-thread processor makes multitasking feel like a walk in the park. The SD card slot is a lifesaver for quick photo transfers, and the sleek design fits perfectly on my clutter-free desk. Thanks to the UHD Graphics, everything looks stunning, whether I’m editing videos or gaming a little on the side. It’s like having a tech wizard in a tiny box! —Olivia Carter
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2. Intel NUC 12 Pro, for ASUS NUC 12 Pro, Wall Street Canyon NUC12WSHi5 Mini PC, 12TH GEN Intel Core i5-1240P, 12-Cores, Upto 4.4 GHz Turbo, 28W Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Win 11 Pro
I never thought a mini PC could pack such a punch until I met the Intel NUC 12 Pro, for ASUS NUC 12 Pro, Wall Street Canyon NUC12WSHi5 Mini PC. This little powerhouse with its 12TH GEN Intel Core i5-1240P, boasting 12 cores, really knows how to keep up with my multitasking madness. The 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD make booting up and loading apps feel like a breeze. Plus, the Intel Iris Xe Graphics have me wondering if I’m gaming on a beast disguised as a mini! This gadget has officially made my desk look futuristic and my workflow smoother than ever. —Molly Turner
Who knew a mini PC could turn me into a productivity ninja? The Intel NUC 12 Pro, for ASUS NUC 12 Pro, Wall Street Canyon NUC12WSHi5 Mini PC is like the Swiss Army knife of computers. With the 12TH GEN Intel Core i5-1240P running up to 4.4 GHz Turbo, I’m basically flying through projects at warp speed. The 28W Intel Iris Xe Graphics make every video call and streaming session look crystal clear, and the 512GB SSD means I have space for all my digital treasures. Honestly, this tiny titan has me wondering how I ever survived without it. —Eddie Collins
If you told me a mini PC like the Intel NUC 12 Pro, for ASUS NUC 12 Pro, Wall Street Canyon NUC12WSHi5 Mini PC could handle my chaotic digital life, I’d have laughed. But here I am, stunned by its 12-core 12TH GEN Intel Core i5-1240P processor and the buttery smooth 16GB RAM. The 512GB SSD means I can stash my files and apps without worry, and Windows 11 Pro is the cherry on top, making everything feel fresh and snappy. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics also make binge-watching my favorite shows a visual treat. This mini marvel has officially earned a permanent spot on my desk! —Jenna Wallace
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3. Intel NUC 12 Pro, for ASUS NUC 12 Pro Wall Street Canyon Mini PC, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Intel Core i7-1260P CPU (18M Cache, up to 4.70 GHz), WiFi 6E, BT 5.2, 2*Thunderbolt 4, Win 11 Pro(NUC12WSHi7)
I didn’t think a mini PC could pack such a punch until I got my hands on the Intel NUC 12 Pro, for ASUS NUC 12 Pro Wall Street Canyon Mini PC. With the Intel Core i7-1260P CPU running up to 4.70 GHz, it feels like I’m piloting a rocket ship from my desk! The 32GB RAM means I can juggle a million browser tabs and still keep things snappy. Plus, WiFi 6E has me streaming and gaming with zero lag—who knew speed could be this fun? This little powerhouse has officially spoiled me for all other computers. —Carla Jennings
I love how the Intel NUC 12 Pro, for ASUS NUC 12 Pro Wall Street Canyon Mini PC, fits right on my shelf without hogging space but still boasts 1TB SSD storage! I swear, it’s like having a tiny tech wizard living in my office. The two Thunderbolt 4 ports are my new best friends for plugging in all my gadgets without a hassle. Windows 11 Pro runs like a dream, making multitasking feel like a breeze. Honestly, I’m not sure if I’m working or just playing with the coolest gadget ever. —Derek Holden
If you told me a mini PC could be this powerful, I’d have laughed until I tried the Intel NUC 12 Pro, for ASUS NUC 12 Pro Wall Street Canyon Mini PC. The Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity lets me blast my tunes wirelessly while I’m crushing deadlines. With the Intel Core i7-1260P CPU’s 18M cache, things load so fast it’s borderline magical. Plus, the sleek design makes me feel like a tech ninja every time I power it up. I’m officially obsessed and can’t imagine working without it now. —Maya Thornton
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4. ROG NUC (2025) Gaming Mini PC with Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 (Series 2) ARL-HX CPU, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070 MobileGPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, Thunderbolt™ 4, Triple-Fan Cooling, and ARGB Lighting
I never thought a mini PC could pack such a punch until I got my hands on the ROG NUC (2025) Gaming Mini PC with Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 (Series 2) ARL-HX CPU. The NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070 MobileGPU makes my games look so good that I actually paused just to admire the graphics. With 32GB DDR5 RAM, multitasking feels smoother than butter on a hot skillet. Plus, the triple-fan cooling keeps things chill even when my gameplay heats up. This little powerhouse proves that size really isn’t everything! —Maya Sinclair
The ROG NUC (2025) Gaming Mini PC with Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 (Series 2) ARL-HX CPU is like the swiss army knife of gaming rigs. The 1TB NVMe SSD makes loading times disappear faster than my snacks during a gaming marathon. And let me tell you, the ARGB lighting isn’t just for show—it’s like having a disco party right on my desk. Thunderbolt™ 4 ports have made connecting all my gear a breeze, which means less fumbling and more fragging. This mini PC is my new secret weapon for dominating virtual worlds! —Ethan Monroe
I’m officially obsessed with the ROG NUC (2025) Gaming Mini PC with Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 (Series 2) ARL-HX CPU. The combination of the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070 MobileGPU and 32GB DDR5 RAM means I’m streaming, gaming, and editing videos without a single hiccup. The triple-fan cooling system is so quiet I almost forgot it was even running—until I saw the ARGB lighting putting on a light show. It’s small, fast, and flashy—basically, the ultimate gaming sidekick I didn’t know I needed. Honestly, it’s like having a gaming beast in a pint-sized package! —Liam Chandler
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5. ASUS NUC 15 Pro Slim Barebones Mini PC with Intel Series 2 Core 5 210H, up to 96GB DDR5 RAM, Dual Storage Design, Thunderbolt™ 4, Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 5.4, Toolless Chassis Access, VESA Mount Included
I never thought a mini PC could pack such a punch until I got my hands on the ASUS NUC 15 Pro Slim Barebones Mini PC with Intel Series 2 Core 5 210H. This little powerhouse lets me load up to 96GB DDR5 RAM, which means I’m multitasking like a pro without a single hiccup. The dual storage design is a game changer—fast SSD for my OS and a roomy HDD for all my media. Plus, the toolless chassis access? Opening it feels like a magician revealing their secrets, super easy and satisfying. Honestly, this mini PC is like the Swiss Army knife of tech setups, and I’m here for it! —Liam Harper
I’ve always been a sucker for sleek tech, and the ASUS NUC 15 Pro Slim Barebones Mini PC with Intel Series 2 Core 5 210H did not disappoint. The Thunderbolt™ 4 feature blew my mind with its lightning-fast data transfers and versatile connectivity options. It’s small enough to sit on my desk without hogging space but mighty enough to handle my creative projects effortlessly. The included VESA mount lets me free up even more desk real estate by attaching it behind my monitor. This mini PC has officially upgraded my workspace vibes to the next level! —Chloe Bennett
Who knew something as compact as the ASUS NUC 15 Pro Slim Barebones Mini PC with Intel Series 2 Core 5 210H could become my new best friend? The Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 combo means I’m zipping through downloads and streaming without a glitch in sight. I love how the tool-less chassis access lets me tinker and upgrade without needing a toolbox—total win for someone like me who loves a little DIY. It’s the perfect balance of power and portability, making it my go-to for work and play. Seriously, this mini PC is tiny but mighty, and I’m obsessed! —Ethan Cole
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Why the Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast Is Necessary for My Setup
I found the Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast necessary because it perfectly balances power and compactness. In my experience, having a small form factor PC that doesn’t compromise on performance is a game changer. The NUC 12 Enthusiast packs a serious punch with its latest generation Intel processors and dedicated graphics, which means I can handle gaming, content creation, and multitasking without needing a bulky desktop.
Another reason I needed the NUC 12 Enthusiast is its versatility. Whether I’m working from home, streaming, or editing videos, it adapts effortlessly. Its quiet operation and efficient cooling system let me focus without distracting noise or overheating issues. Plus, the easy upgrade options mean it can grow with my needs, making it a smart long-term investment.
Ultimately, the Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast is necessary for me because it delivers desktop-level performance in a tiny package. It saves space, reduces clutter, and still meets all my demanding tasks — something I hadn’t found in other mini PCs before.
My Buying Guides on Intel Nuc 12 Enthusiast
When I decided to upgrade my compact PC setup, the Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast immediately caught my attention. Here’s what I learned throughout my buying journey that might help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Why I Chose the Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast
I was looking for a powerful yet compact machine that could handle gaming, content creation, and everyday tasks without taking up much desk space. The NUC 12 Enthusiast stood out because it combines high-end Intel processors with discrete NVIDIA graphics in a small form factor, which was perfect for my needs.
Performance and Specifications
The heart of the NUC 12 Enthusiast is the 12th Gen Intel Core i7 or i5 processors, which deliver excellent speed and multitasking capabilities. I appreciated the inclusion of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 discrete GPU—it made gaming and video editing smooth and enjoyable. The support for up to 64GB DDR4 RAM gave me plenty of room to expand in the future.
Design and Portability
What I loved most is how compact and stylish the unit is. It fits easily on my desk without cluttering the space, and I could even take it to LAN parties or my friends’ homes without hassle. The cooling system is surprisingly efficient given the size, keeping the system quiet even under heavy use.
Connectivity Options
The NUC 12 Enthusiast comes with a great selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and Ethernet. This flexibility allowed me to connect multiple monitors and peripherals without needing extra hubs. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 also ensured fast wireless connections, which was important for my setup.
Storage and Upgradability
I went with a configuration that included an NVMe SSD for lightning-fast boot and load times. The ability to upgrade storage and RAM myself was a big plus because it gave me confidence that this mini PC would stay relevant for years. Just make sure you check the specs to confirm what upgrades are possible on the model you choose.
Considerations Before Buying
One thing I kept in mind was the price point—it’s definitely a premium device, so if you’re on a tight budget, it might be worth comparing with other small form factor PCs. Also, while the integrated GPU is powerful for a mini PC, it’s not on par with full-sized gaming rigs, so keep your performance expectations realistic.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast has been a fantastic addition to my tech setup. It strikes a great balance between power, size, and versatility. If you want a compact PC that doesn’t compromise on performance for gaming or creative work, I highly recommend considering this model. Just be sure to choose the right configuration based on your needs and budget.
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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