Definition: NUC

(Next Unit of Computing) A bare bones mini PC from Intel, introduced in 2012. The NUC includes the case, power supply and 4x4" motherboard. Commonly used for gaming or as a home theater PC (HTPC), it is small enough to be hidden behind the TV. The user adds RAM, storage and peripherals to make a complete computer.

In 2020, the NUC line was made more modular and upgradable with the introduction of the Compute Element modules that plug into a compatible chassis.

Over the years, other vendors have offered small PCs, and by the summer of 2023, Intel indicated it was ending its sales of the units. See mini PC and HTPC.

Intel Mini PCs

The various models of the NUC are differentiated by Intel CPU and ports. (Image courtesy of Intel Corporation.)

Next Generation - The Compute Element

In 2020, Intel introduced its line of Compute Element modules. Available with different CPUs and looking like a fat video card, the Compute Element contains the motherboard, CPU, memory, I/O ports and PCI Express for storage. It plugs into the backplane of a Compute Element chassis. (Image courtesy of PCMag.com.)

A Gaming NUC

The NUC 11 is a Core i9-based PC aimed at gamers. At 14.1 x 7.4 x 4.7 inches, it is a rather small gaming rig but the largest NUC as of mid-2021. With its NVIDIA RTX 3080 graphics, it punches a lot of power. (Image courtesy of PCMag.com.)