Intel’s Next Unit of Computing (NUC) is a small form factor PC designed by none other than Santa Clara itself.
The first-gen unit is based on the Sandy Bridge Celeron CPU, the subsequent iteration built around the Ivy Bridge Core i3 and Core i5 processors, while the third is equipped with an Haswell SoC.
This week, Intel launched its first model (DN2820FYK NUC) with a low-power, Bay Trail processor for about $140, scaling up based on specs. The Intel Celeron N2820 dual-core processor is clocked at a 2.4 GHz with a TDP of 7.5 watts.
Additional key features include a single USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, audio, Ethernet jacks, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 and a 36W wall-mount AC adapter.
Because the NUC is pretty much a barebones system, the base price does not include memory, storage, or an operating system. Nevertheless, the system is designed to accommodate up to 8GB of RAM, a single DDR3 memory slot and a 2.5 inch drive bay.
As Liliputing’s Brad Linder notes, if you are looking for a model with additional memory and storage, you might want to check out the new Bay Trail NUC on The Book PC which is packed with 2GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive for $239.
“Adding a Windows license will set you back an extra $99,” said Linder. “You can also opt for up to 8GB of RAM, a larger hard drive, or a faster SSD if you’ve got more money to burn.”
