ASUS ROG NUC RNUC15JNK9X489AU Black 2025
MSI Codex Z2 CodZ2A8NVL446 Black 2025
What Buyers Say
ASUS ROG NUC RNUC15JNK9X489AU Black 2025
The ASUS NUC ROG mini PC receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its compact size, powerful performance, and quiet operation, with many users praising its ability to run demanding games at high settings. However, a few verified reviews highlight serious reliability concerns, including multiple unit failures when connected to docking stations, and one user felt the newer model was a downgrade from its predecessor. Overall, the product is seen as a capable but expensive gaming rig, with mixed opinions on build quality and value.
Pros
- Compact and portable size
- Powerful gaming performance
- Quiet operation even under load
- Easy setup out of the box
- Good I/O with front USB ports
Cons
- Expensive for the specifications
- Reliability issues with docking stations
- Some units fail within a month
- Newer model feels like a downgrade
- Case feels a bit cheap
MSI Codex Z2 CodZ2A8NVL446 Black 2025
The MSI desktop receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its strong performance, quiet operation, and good value for the price. Users report smooth gaming at high settings and appreciate the build quality and packaging. However, one verified buyer received a unit missing the graphics card and had a very poor customer service experience with MSI, which significantly drags down the overall sentiment.
Pros
- Strong gaming performance at high settings
- Quiet operation even under load
- Good value for the price
- Well-packaged and shipped securely
- Plenty of airflow and cooling
Cons
- Risk of missing graphics card on delivery
- Poor customer service from MSI
- Not top-of-the-line for high-end users
Scores
Specifications
| ASUS ROG NUC RNUC15JNK9X489AU | MSI Codex Z2 CodZ2A8NVL446 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| CPU* | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX★ | AMD Ryzen™ 7 8700F |
| CPU Multi-Core Score | ||
| Cores | 24★ | 8 |
| Frequency | 2.7 GHz | 4.1 GHz★ |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB★ | 16 MB |
| Graphics | ||
| GPU* | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070★ | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 |
| GPU Benchmark Score | ||
| Type | discrete | discrete |
| VRAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| VRAM Type | GDDR7 | GDDR7 |
| Memory & Storage | ||
| RAM | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Generation | DDR5 | DDR5 |
| Storage 1 | 1 TB | 1 TB★ |
| Storage 1 Type | NVMe SSD | NVMe SSD |
| Storage 2 | — | 1 TB★ |
| Storage 2 Type | — | HDD★ |
| Build | ||
| Form Factor | mini | mid-tower |
| PSU | 330W | 650W★ |
| Weight | 3.12 kg | 9.66 kg |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB-C Ports | 2★ | 1 |
| USB Ports | 6 | 7★ |
| Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt 4 | — |
| HDMI | 2x HDMI 2.1 Output | 1x HDMI™ -out (2.1) |
| DisplayPort | 2x DisplayPort 2.1 | 3x DP-out (1.4a) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7★ | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4★ | Bluetooth |
| Ethernet | 2.5GbE | 1 Gigabit LAN |
| System | ||
| OS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
Pros & Cons
ASUS ROG NUC RNUC15JNK9X489AU Black 2025
- Strong social proof (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong port selection (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong cpu (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong ram (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
MSI Codex Z2 CodZ2A8NVL446 Black 2025
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong ram (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong storage (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong gpu (76th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 5 of 8 usage categories and 9 of 28 specs.
