Intel has expanded its lineup of NUC mini-PCs with a new model boasting a Core i5 Haswell processor (1.3 GHz dual-core chip), HD 5000 graphics and support for ultra HD displays.
Additional key NUC (D54250WYK) specs include two SODIMM slots for up to 16GB of memory, four USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, SATA port, mini DisplayPort, mini HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet, 7.1 channel audio, a mini PCI Express slot with mSATA support and a half-height mini PCIe slot.
“The Core i5 chip that powers the new model is a 1.3 GHz dual-core processor with turbo boost support for speeds up to 2.6 GHz. It’s a 22nm chip with a TDP of 15W,” Liliputing’s Brad Linder explained. “Basically, it’s a chip designed for laptops, which’ll help keep the system from overheating. There’s not a lot of room inside the case: a NUC computer measures about 4.6′ x 4.4′ x 1.4.'”
Intel has yet to set an official price point for its Haswell-powered NUC, although similar models with Ivy Bridge chipsets are currently sold for approximately $400. For that amount you can pick up a barebones system without a hard drive, memory, or operating system.
In other NUC related news, it seems as if Intel may be prepping at least one mini PC powered by a Bay Trail chip; boasting a low price tag and a 2014 launch date. According to Hexus, the upcoming NUC DN2810FYK (aka Forest Canyon) is powered by an Intel Celeron N2810 chip, a budget 2 GHz dual-core processor with a TDP of 7.5W.
“Since the Silvermont and Bay Trail processors feature Intel HD graphics and a serious performance boost over earlier Atom chips, the Forest Canyon system would probably make a decent home theater PC or even an entry-level desktop computer,” Linder noted.
“The best part? It’s expected to have a suggested retail price of $139, [which] probably won’t include memory, storage, or an operating system.”
Reported Forest Canyon system specs? 8GB of RAM, SATA data port, 2.5 inch hard drive bay, a half-height mini PCIe card slot, one USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, IR receiver, WiFi, Bluetooth, as well as support for Windows 7, Linux and yes, even Android.
