Intel's Next Unit of Computing (NUC) is the latest motherboard which shows just how much computing power can be packed into a device that is barely larger than the palm of your hand.
Last year Intel launched motherboards based on its Thin-ITX form factor, a tweak on the long-standing Mini-ITX standard. Now the firm has gone a step further with its NUC design, shrinking the motherboard down to 4x4ins and despite its diminutive characteristics, the NUC punches well above its weight.
Component squeeze
Intel's NUC is available in two models - the DC3217BY and DC3217IYE with the former featuring Thunderbolt and HDMI connectivity whilst the latter sports an Ethernet port and dual HDMI outputs. Both of Intel's NUC boards pack the same Core i3 3217U processor attached to the firm's QS77 chipset with DDR3 1,600MHz support and has no problems running Microsoft's Windows 7 or Windows 8 operating systems.
Intel offers both motherboards as standalone units for purchase or as barebones machines that feature a lunch box style case. Believe us when we say they really are barebones - aside from the case and the motherboard which has the Core i3 processor soldered, the user has to supply the RAM, SSD and a Wi-Fi adaptor.
You need to add components such as RAM to the NUC before it is ready to use
We tested Intel's NUC based on the DC3217BY motherboard and slotting in the two SO-DIMM RAM modules wasn't tricky. Intel requires users to screw down the two mini-PCI Express cards, which isn't difficult but it means getting the NUC up and running is not a tool-less affair.
Intel's motherboard design team has done a top job in packing so much silicon in a 4x4in motherboard, but the case design isn't quite as good. The firm's decision of use shiny plastic is a surprising choice given the device is marketed for use in commercial environments. Although the aluminium scaffolding beneath the plastic means the device feels sturdy, for something that costs in excess of 250 just for a motherboard, CPU and case combination the materials should have been better.
The casing doesn't quite exude the premium quality we expected
Intel's choice of case materials aside, cooling the Core i3 3127U and QS77 chipset is surprising quiet given its size. A grill above the connectivity ports expelling hot air, though the case gets warm to the touch, at no point did we experience overheating or the fan noise becoming noticeable.
Although Intel's specification tweaks between the two NUC boards are relatively minor, the firm aims the DC3217IYE at the digital signage market by virtue of the two HDMI ports, each of which support 1080p resolutions.
The firm's DC3217BY motherboard instead opts for a 10Gbps Thunderbolt connection, which supports display output and daisy chaining of devices. But given the high cost and lack of choices available, the option seems more like a way of promoting Intel's own Thunderbolt standard rather than a viable economic option for many users at this time.
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