MSI Cubi 5 1M Mini PC Arrives in the US With Intel Raptor Lake-U Chips and a Compact 0.83-Liter Design
MSI has started selling the Cubi 5 1M in the United States, giving shoppers a new compact desktop option for home offices, business setups, digital signage, and everyday computing. Despite its extremely small 0.83-liter chassis, the mini PC comes with modern Intel Raptor Lake-U Refresh processors, broad connectivity, and support for multi-display workstations.
The MSI Cubi 5 1M is designed for users who want a space-saving computer without moving to a laptop. Measuring just 124 x 124 x 53.7 mm, or about 4.88 x 4.88 x 2.11 inches, it can sit neatly on a desk, tuck beside a monitor, or mount behind a display using a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount. That makes it a practical choice for minimal desktop setups, reception desks, classrooms, conference rooms, and compact workspaces.
Pricing starts at $329.99 for the barebones model equipped with an Intel Core 3-100U processor. Users who want stronger performance can choose the Core 5-120U version for $399.99 or the Core 7-150U model for $529.99. MSI is also offering a fully configured Core 7-150U version with 16GB of DDR4 memory and a 1TB SSD, priced at $1,209.99.
All listed variants are expected to begin shipping on August 1, 2026.
While the Cubi 5 1M is not intended to compete with high-end gaming desktops or workstation-class PCs, its Intel Raptor Lake-U Refresh processors should be more than capable of handling daily productivity tasks. Web browsing, video streaming, document editing, spreadsheets, remote work, light photo editing, and office software should all run smoothly on the higher-end configurations.
The barebones models are especially appealing for buyers who prefer to add their own memory and storage. The system supports up to 64GB of DDR4-3200 RAM across two memory slots, giving users room to configure the mini PC based on their workload and budget. For storage, the Cubi 5 1M includes one PCIe Gen4 M.2 slot and a SATA connector, allowing a mix of fast SSD storage and additional drive capacity.
Connectivity is one of the strongest parts of the MSI Cubi 5 1M. The mini PC supports Wi-Fi 6E for modern wireless networking and also includes dual Ethernet ports, with one offering 2.5 GbE speeds and the other supporting 1 GbE. This makes it a useful fit for business environments, network-heavy workflows, or users who want a reliable wired connection.
The port selection includes four USB Type-A ports with 10 Gbps transfer speeds, one Thunderbolt 4 port, one HDMI 2.1 output, one DisplayPort 1.4 output, dual Ethernet ports, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. With HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt 4 available, the Cubi 5 1M can drive up to three displays at the same time, making it suitable for productivity-focused users who rely on multi-monitor setups.
MSI ships the Cubi 5 1M with a 65W AC adapter, an external power switch, and a three-year warranty. The external power switch is a useful addition for mounted installations, especially when the mini PC is placed behind a monitor or in a hard-to-reach position.
At launch, the MSI Cubi 5 1M is available in black. Its combination of compact size, Intel Core processor options, triple-display support, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, and dual Ethernet gives it strong appeal for anyone looking for a small desktop PC for work, media, or business use.
For buyers seeking an affordable mini PC with flexible configuration options, the entry-level Cubi 5 1M barebones model may be the most attractive choice. Those who want a ready-to-use system can opt for the fully configured model, though users comfortable installing their own RAM and SSD may find better value by starting with one of the barebones versions.
