NUC

NUC stands for Next Unit of Computing, a family of small form factor personal computers developed by Intel. Introduced in 2012, NUCs are designed to deliver desktop-like performance in a compact chassis roughly the size of a small book or a thick paperback, intended for use as a compact workstation, home theater PC, or compact server.

Typical NUC hardware consists of a 4x4-inch motherboard containing the processor and integrated graphics. In most consumer models the CPU is soldered to the board, and RAM is installed in one or more SO-DIMM slots, with storage via an M.2 solid-state drive and sometimes a 2.5-inch drive bay depending on the model. Power supply is external or internal depending on the chassis. Connectivity generally includes USB, HDMI or DisplayPort video outputs, onboard Ethernet and wireless options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, plus expansion through PCIe or Thunderbolt in higher-end models.

NUCs are used for a range of tasks including home and office computing, media centers, digital signage, and compact servers or edge devices. They run standard operating systems such as Windows and various Linux distributions, and are valued for their small footprint and relatively low power consumption compared with traditional desktops.

History and variants: Since its 2012 introduction, Intel has released multiple generations of NUCs with different performance tiers. The lineup has included barebone kits, which require user installation of RAM and storage; all-in-one systems; and modular designs such as Compute Elements that allow customization. Over time NUC products have targeted consumer, business, and embedded use cases, with improvements in processing power, graphics, thermal design, and I/O options.