Overview

The Intel NUC 13 Pro is the latest iteration in Intel’s NUC lineup, building on the 12th-gen model with minor updates. Meanwhile, the ASRock Industrial NUC Box 1360P/D4 is a third-party competitor using the same 13th-gen Intel processor, aiming to provide a more cost-effective option with lower power consumption. This review compares these units across design, connectivity, cooling, performance, power, and noise levels to help you decide which is the better buy.

Design & Build Quality

Both models feature similar designs with two USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) ports and a headset jack on the front, as well as ventilation on the sides and top. The rear of each device also has a range of connectivity options:

• Intel NUC 13 Pro: Two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two Thunderbolt 4 (USB4) ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and an upgraded Intel i226 Ethernet port for improved connectivity.
• ASRock Industrial NUC Box 1360P/D4: A similar layout, though it only has one Thunderbolt 4 port and an additional USB-C port that is USB 3.2 Gen 2 but not Thunderbolt-enabled.

One notable feature of the Intel NUC is its additional M.2 SATA slot for extra storage, making it a better choice for users needing multiple storage options. The Intel NUC also feels more refined, with labeled ports and better cooling elements, such as thermal pads and copper heat spreaders inside.

Cooling & Internals

Inside, both devices have two DDR4 3200 SO-DIMM slots and Intel Wi-Fi 6E support. However, the cooling design differs:

• Intel NUC 13 Pro has a copper heat spreader with thermal pads, which provides superior heat dissipation, especially for PCIe Gen 4 SSDs, helping prevent thermal throttling.
• ASRock NUC Box 1360P/D4 lacks this cooling setup, which can cause overheating and performance throttling when using high-speed SSDs.

Performance

Though both devices share the same Intel Core i7-1360P processor with 4 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores, and integrated Intel Xe graphics, the Intel NUC consistently outperformed the ASRock in benchmark tests, especially in sustained workloads. The Intel model maintained a higher power state longer and delivered more consistent speeds, while the ASRock was more burst-oriented, hitting peak power briefly before dropping back to conserve energy.

Power Consumption & Noise

• Intel NUC 13 Pro uses a 120W power supply, consuming around 6-9W at idle and up to 92W under full load. However, this extra power usage translates to higher sustained performance.
• ASRock NUC Box 1360P/D4 uses a smaller 90W power supply and idles at around 11-16W, with peak power around 83W during intense tasks, making it a quieter option.

The Intel NUC is generally louder during heavy workloads due to its higher power draw, reaching up to 45 dB compared to ASRock's quieter 35-40 dB range. However, the extra noise in the Intel model corresponds to better performance, which may be worth the trade-off for users prioritizing speed.

Price & Value

Pricing is expected to be similar for both units, with the Intel NUC potentially retailing around $630-$680. The ASRock may be slightly cheaper and can sometimes include additional memory in the bundle. Ultimately, the difference may come down to tens of dollars, making the Intel NUC’s superior feature set and performance worth considering, even if it’s slightly more expensive.

Final Verdict

Both devices have their strengths:

• Intel NUC 13 Pro is the better all-around option, with faster performance, additional storage options, superior cooling, and more refined design. This model is best suited for users who need consistent, high performance for demanding applications.
• ASRock Industrial NUC Box 1360P/D4 offers lower power consumption, reduced noise, and may be slightly cheaper, making it ideal for users who need a quieter, energy-efficient system for lighter workloads.

For most users, the Intel NUC 13 Pro will likely be the better choice due to its performance and feature advantages. However, if noise and power efficiency are your top priorities, the ASRock NUC is still a viable option.