Intel details NUC specs ahead of launch
Intel's NUC project offers a tiny bare-bones Core-i3 system for those looking to experiment with ultra-small form factor computing.
Based around the company's latest Ivy Bridge processors, the NUC bare-bones systems include an integral dual-core 1.8GHz Core-i3 processor with integrated Intel HD4000 graphics, support for up to 8GB of DDR3 memory and a choice of SATA or MSATA storage - or both.
Depending on model, the system also includes one or two HDMI outputs - for dual-display computing - along with three USB 2.0 ports, a high-speed Thunderbolt connector, and gigabit Ethernet. The board, designed to fit in the included casing, measures a mere 100mm on each side and 50mm high, making it one of the tiniest Core-i3 computers ever seen on the market.
The device is a clear answer to the success of the Raspberry Pi, the low-cost ARM-based educational computer which has been proving almost impossible for retailers to keep in stock. With more users turning to the device - and, by extension, the ARM architecture - for tinkering, Intel needs to do something to get enthusiasts back on side. The NUC could well be that something, although its high price tag - expected to start at $300 with no RAM or storage (around £189 excluding taxes) - means it's not quite in the same impulse purchase category as a $35 Raspberry Pi.
The impending release of NUC, which on the surface offers the same functionality as a traditional PC but with significantly degraded upgradability, is another facet of the company's concerns regarding ARM's march into the data centre and onto the desktop. With the company's market cap having been recently eclipsed by that of Qualcomm, one of Intel's biggest rivals in the mobile space and an ARM licensee, those concerns are proving ever more obvious.
Thus far, Intel hasn't offered a UK release date or pricing for the NUC bare-bones systems, but more details are available on the official microsite.
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Discuss in the forums ReplyIt definitely doesn't have the same impulse-buy effect as the Raspi did on me, seeing that I bought two Raspis.
You are definitely right. However i can see this to be a decent htpc or for a microserver , just hope the uk price matches the expectations.
I'd think of it more as a far cheaper mac mini alternative than a Raspi competitor.
Like asura says, this could crush some of Via's offerings on performance without being out of line on price.
And, unless I missed something, HD4000 is your only option? Not going to fly for HTPC types, I'd guess. Let's see it once Haswell/Broadwell comes along and it may be worth the money. It might do well in the modding community and boutique builders, but it's not worth my money yet.