Next Unit of Computing

Intel NUC D54250WYKH
Haswell-based Wilson Canyon Intel NUC, rear panel

Next Unit of Computing (NUC) is a small-form-factor personal computer designed by Intel. Its first generation is based on the Sandy Bridge Celeron CPU. Its second-generation central processing unit (CPU) is based on the Ivy Bridge Core i3 and Core i5 processors. Its third generation is based on the Haswell architecture. Its motherboard measures 4 × 4 inches (10.16 × 10.16 cm).[1]

The barebone kits consist of the board, in a plastic case with a fan, an external power supply and VESA mounting plate.[2] Intel does offer for sale just the NUC motherboards, which have a built-in CPU, although (as of 2013) the price of a NUC motherboard is very close to the corresponding cased kit; third-party cases for the NUC boards are also available.[3][4]

Models

These tables show some of the key differences between the models of the Intel NUC.

First generation (Sandy Bridge)

This UCFF motherboard and system kit are codenamed Ski Lake (DCP847SK) and Deep Canyon (DCCP847DY) respectively.

Intel kit Intel board Processor TDP GPU Max RAM Display External USB ports Networking
DCCP847DYE DCP847SKE Celeron 847 17 W HD Graphics 2000 16 GB HDMI 1.4a (×2) USB 2.0 (×3) Gigabit Ethernet (×1)

Second generation (Ivy Bridge)

The base UCFF motherboard and kit without Thunderbolt or USB 3 are codenamed Golden Lake (D33217GK) and Ice Canyon (DC3217IY) respectively. The Thunderbolt capable UCFF motherboard and kit are codenamed Campers Lake (D33217CK) and Box Canyon (DC3217BY) respectively. The USB 3 capable UCFF motherboard and kit are codenamed Rend Lake (D53427RK) and Horse Canyon (DC53427HY) respectively.

The stripped-down DC3217BY model has a signature red top cover and no Ethernet. This model, while stocks were still available, generally sold for a deep discount. The absence of Ethernet may be mitigated by using a USB 2.0 to 10/100 fast Ethernet dongle based upon the Kawasaki LSI one-chip adapter (KL5KUSB102, for example), or a similar dongle based upon a Realtek chip; the Kawasaki Logic dongle requires a proprietary driver for MacOS X, whereas the driver for the Realtek dongle is built into MacOS X. The DC3217BY runs MacOS X (10.9, and any of its updates) flawlessly as the processor's HD4000 is fully supported by MacOS X. Of the two video ports, Thunderbolt/Display Port and HDMI, mDP is the most dependable for MacOS X. Sound is not provided by the basic chassis, but may be provided by a generic USB dongle, C-Media, for example. mDP to SVGA or HDMI to SVGA adapters with integral audio output jack can be made to work for audio output with the appropriate updates to the DSDT

Intel kit Intel board Processor TDP GPU Max RAM Display External USB ports Networking
DC3217IYE D33217GK Core i3-3217U 17 W HD Graphics 4000 16 GB HDMI 1.4a (×2) USB 2.0 (×3) Gigabit Ethernet (×1)
DC3217BY D33217CK Core i3-3217U 17 W HD Graphics 4000 16 GB HDMI 1.4a (×1); Thunderbolt via mDP 1.1a (×1) USB 2.0 (×3) N/A[5]
DC53427HYE D53427RKE Core i5-3427U 17 W HD Graphics 4000 16 GB HDMI 1.4a (×1); mDP 1.1a (×2) USB 2.0 (×2); USB 3.0 (×1) Gigabit Ethernet (×1)

Third generation (Bay Trail-M)

This UCFF motherboard (DN2820FYB) and system kit (DN2820FYKH) model are based on Forest Canyon. The DN2820FYKH product itself is mis-marked DN2820FYK, but the retail package, all retail documentation, and Intel's web site correctly identify this product as DN2820FYKH. The "H" indicates support for internal 2.5" media, SSD or HD. There is no "non-H" version of this product as it does not include an on-board mSATA connector, hence media which is external to the board is mandatory, and hence the "H" version.

This product introduces for the first time a new 12 volt, 3 ampere "wall wart", in place of the traditional 19 volt, 3.42 ampere power brick and its "Mickey Mouse" AC power cord. Four region-specific plug-on adapters, including North America and three overseas countries, are included in the retail package.

These models shipped with the problematic BIOS revision 13, however this revision did not recognise most low voltage SO-DIMMs and would report as having zero capacity. Keyboard escapes for BIOS interfacing had been problematic, legacy booting was not supported, and it had been elected to only include UEFI booting. BIOS revision 48 has been released and resolved the problems, enabling the recognition of most low voltage SO-DIMMs, keyboard escapes and legacy booting.

Intel kit Intel board Processor TDP GPU Max RAM Display External USB ports Networking Internal 2.5 SATA
DN2820FYKH DN2820FYB Celeron N2820 (-101) or Celeron N2830 (-103) 7.5 W HD Graphics 8 GB HDMI 1.4a USB 2.0 (×2); USB 3.0 (×1) Gigabit Ethernet (×1); Wi-Fi 802.11bgn, Bluetooth 4.0 Yes (×1)

Bay Trail-I

This UCFF motherboard (DE3815TYB) and system kit (DE3815TYK) models based on Thin Canyon.

Intel kit Intel board Processor TDP GPU Max RAM Display External USB ports Networking Internal 2.5 SATA
DE3815TYKHE DE3815TYBE Atom E3815 5 W HD Graphics 8 GB HDMI, VGA, embedded DisplayPort USB 2.0 (×2); USB 3.0 (×1) Gigabit Ethernet (×1) Yes (×1)

Fourth generation (Haswell)

UCFF motherboard (D34010WYB and D54250WYB) and system kit (D34010WYK/D34010WYKH and D54250WYK/D54250WYKH) models based on Wilson Canyon[6][7] containing Haswell processors were revealed in June 2013.[8]

Intel kit Intel board Processor TDP GPU Max RAM Display External USB ports Networking Internal 2.5 SATA
D34010WYK D34010WYB Core i3-4010U 15 W HD Graphics 4400 16 GB Mini HDMI 1.4a and mDP 1.2 USB 3.0 (×4) Gigabit Ethernet (×1) Partial[9]
D34010WYKH D34010WYB Core i3-4010U 15 W HD Graphics 4400 16 GB Mini HDMI 1.4a and mDP 1.2 USB 3.0 (×4) Gigabit Ethernet (×1) Yes (×1)
D54250WYK D54250WYB Core i5-4250U 15 W HD Graphics 5000 16 GB Mini HDMI 1.4a and mDP 1.2 USB 3.0 (×4) Gigabit Ethernet (×1) Partial[9]
D54250WYKH D54250WYB Core i5-4250U 15 W HD Graphics 5000 16 GB Mini HDMI 1.4a and mDP 1.2 USB 3.0 (×4) Gigabit Ethernet (×1) Yes (×1)

Fifth generation (Broadwell-U)

In early 2015 a new generation of NUCs, powered by 5th generation Intel processors was released and in Q2 2015 the first NUC with Core i7 processor (NUC5i7RYH) will become available.[10] The currently available collection of 5th generation of NUCs include adaptive/smart performance technology[11] and Turbo Boost Technology 2.0.

UCFF motherboard (NUC5i3RYB, NUC5i5RYB and NUC5i7RYB) and system kit (NUC5i5RYK/NUC5i3RYH, NUC5i5RYK/NUC5i5RYH and NUC5i7RYH) models are based on the Rock Canyon architecture.[12] UCFF motherboard (NUC5i3MYBE and NUC5i5MYBE) and system kit (NUC5i3MYHE and NUC5i5MYHE) models are based on the Maple Canyon architecture.[13]

All models include:

Kit Board CPU TDP GPU Mini HDMI1 Mini DisplayPort2 eDP Wireless connectivity 2.5" SATA3 bay Charging port Infrared sensor
NUC5i7RYH NUC5i7RYB i7-5557U 28W Iris 6100 Yes Yes No IEEE 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0, Intel Wireless Display Yes Yes Yes
NUC5i5RYH NUC5i5RYB i5-5250U 15W HD 6000 Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes
NUC5i5RYK Yes Yes No No Yes Yes
NUC5i3RYH NUC5i3RYB i3-5010U HD 5500 Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes
NUC5i3RYK Yes Yes No No Yes Yes
NUC5i3MYHE NUC5i3MYBE No Yes (×2) Yes M.2 E-Keyed 22×30 wireless card slot Yes No No
NUC5i5MYHE NUC5i5MYBE i5-5300U vPro No Yes (×2) Yes Yes No No

1. Version 1.4a
2. Version 1.2

Braswell

This UCFF system kit (NUC5CPYH and NUC5PPYH) models based on 5th generation Celeron and Pentium-branded Braswell 14 nm processor family formerly known as Pinnacle Canyon.

All models include:

Intel kit Processor TDP GPU Max RAM Display External USB ports Networking Internal 2.5 SATA
NUC5CPYH Celeron N3050 6 W HD Graphics (12 EU) 8 GB HDMI 1.4, VGA USB 3.0 (×4) Gigabit Ethernet (×1), 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 Yes (×1)
NUC5PPYH Pentium N3700 6 W HD Graphics (16 EU) 8 GB HDMI 1.4, VGA USB 3.0 (×4) Gigabit Ethernet (×1), 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 Yes (×1)
NUC5PGYH Pentium N3700 6 W HD Graphics (16 EU) 8 GB HDMI 1.4, VGA USB 3.0 (×4) Gigabit Ethernet (×1), 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 Yes (×1)

Sixth generation (Skylake-U)

UCFF system kit (NUC6i3SYK/NUC6i3SYH and NUC6i5SYK/NUC6i5SYH) models are based on Swift Canyon containing Skylake processors. UCFF system kit (NUC6i7KYK) models are based on Skull Canyon containing Skylake processors.

All models include:[14]

Skull Canyon models include:

Intel kit Processor TDP GPU Max RAM Display External USB ports Networking Internal 2.5 SATA
NUC6i3SYK Core i3-6100U 15 W HD Graphics 520 32 GB HDMI 1.4b and mDP 1.2 USB 3.0 (×4) Gigabit Ethernet (×1) Partial[9]
NUC6i3SYH Core i3-6100U 15 W HD Graphics 520 32 GB HDMI 1.4b and mDP 1.2 USB 3.0 (×4) Gigabit Ethernet (×1) Yes (×1)
NUC6i5SYK Core i5-6260U 15 W Iris Graphics 540 32 GB HDMI 1.4b and mDP 1.2 USB 3.0 (×4) Gigabit Ethernet (×1) Partial[9]
NUC6i5SYH Core i5-6260U 15 W Iris Graphics 540 32 GB HDMI 1.4b and mDP 1.2 USB 3.0 (×4) Gigabit Ethernet (×1) Yes (×1)
NUC6i7KYK Core i7-6770HQ 45 W Iris Pro Graphics 580 32 GB HDMI 2.0, mDP 1.2 and DP 1.2 via USB Type-C USB 3.0 (×4) and USB 3.1 (×1) Gigabit Ethernet (×1) N/A

Reception and ecosystem

The NUC was seen by some reviewers as Intel's response to (or adoption of) the Apple Mac Mini format,[15] although it is actually smaller, physically.[16][17] Given its kit nature, other reviewers have seen it as a more powerful Raspberry Pi,[18] particularly since the NUC boards could be bought without a case.[19]

Most of the third generation NUCs come in two case sizes, one with room for a 2.5-inch drive, and one without. The smaller cases lacking room for a 2.5" drive still have an internal SATA connector (including SATA power).[15][20][21][22] Some larger third-party cases have appeared that can fit such drives.[4]

The Intel case is actively cooled with a fan. Silent PC Review notes that “The original Intel NUC had "the distinction of being the quietest fan-cooled mini-computer we've come across." The NUC D54250WYK [Haswell-based], with the same cooling system, sounds exactly the same. In normal use, you can't hear the fan until your ear is inches from the unit.”[23] Nevertheless, passively cooled third-party cases have appeared on the market as well.[3] Larger or metallic third-party cases provide lower operating temperatures as well.[24]

A review by The Tech Report of the pre-production 2012-vintage NUC found that the NUC would seize up after a few gigabytes were transferred over wireless, and that the problem could be alleviated by better cooling of the NUC case. Intel later increased the default fan speed for production machines through a BIOS update (downloadable from Intel's web site for "early adopters").[25]

Regarding power consumption, in their review of the D54250WYK with a Haswell i5-4250, Silent PC Review concluded that "An idle power level of just 6 W and typical use power barely into two digits is very impressive in one sense; in another sense, it's what you find in current Ultrabooks using similar components."[26]

Other companies have subsequently adopted a form factor similar, but not identical, to Intel's NUC. For example, Gigabyte Technology launched their BRIX series, which attempts to differentiate itself using more powerful components, up to the i7-4770R processor, which embeds Intel Iris Pro Graphics.[27]

Operating system support

NUCs support Windows, as well as many distributions of Linux. Additionally, they have become popular for virtualization with VMWare vSphere; multiple NUCs can be used together to create a home lab for learning purposes. [28]

NUCs have also become very popular in the Hackintosh scene.[29] The pre-Haswell Core i3 and Core i5 NUCs will run Mac OS X Mavericks well. However, certain features, notably audio, are not supported by any available drivers on current models.

References

  1. ↑ Halfacree, G (March 2013). "Intel's Next Unit of Computing". Custom PC. Dennis Publishing (116): 14–15.
  2. ↑ Intel NUC product specifications "Intel NUC", accessed 2013-06-10.
  3. 1 2 "Tranquil PC launches a fanless case for Intel's NUC | Chips". Geek.com. 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  4. 1 2 "Akasa Rolls Out Tesla H NUC Case". techPowerUp. 2013-12-09. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  5. ↑ Fast (10/100) Ethernet is possible using a Kawasaki LSI USB 2.0 dongle (the vendor provides drivers for all common OSes, including MacOS X); or a Realtek dongle (which has support built into MacOS X itself).
  6. ↑ Intel’s Haswell “Wilson Canyon” NUC smiles for the cameras
  7. ↑ Intel NUC Kit D54250WYK Review – The NUC Gets Haswell Power!
  8. ↑ Tom's Hardware Guide, "3rd Generation of Intel NUC Boards Shown at Computex, 2013-06-07, accessed 2013-06-10.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Internal power and data headers are provided for connection to external 2.5" media, with the bottom cover removed; female to female is required.
  10. ↑ "Intel NUC Products". Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  11. ↑ "Intel Core i5 NUCs". Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  12. ↑ "Products (Formerly Rock Canyon)".
  13. ↑ "Products (Formerly Maple Canyon)".
  14. ↑ "Intel® NUC Kits: NUC6i5SYH and NUC6i5SYK Product Brief". Intel. Retrieved 2015-12-24.
  15. 1 2 "Intel NUC Kit D54250WYK: Review" (in French). Digitalversus.com. 2013-12-06. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  16. ↑ "Intel NUC review". PC Pro. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  17. ↑ 1/09/14 4:00pm Thursday 4:00pm. "Intel NUC PCs Pack a Ton of Power into a Tiny Little Case". Lifehacker.com. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  18. ↑ Ingredients (2013-07-31). "How to Build a NUC". Maximum PC. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  19. ↑ "Blog - Intel NUC - a mini-PC revolution?". bit-tech.net. 2013-02-25. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  20. ↑ Kirsch, Nathan (2013-09-18). "Intel NUC Kit D54250WYK Review - The NUC Gets Haswell Power! - Page 5 of 7 - Legit ReviewsGeneral NUC Performance". Legitreviews.com. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  21. ↑ Niels Broekhuijsen. "3rd Generation of Intel NUC Boards Shown at Computex". Tomshardware.com. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  22. ↑ "Haswell comes to NUC". silentpcreview.com. 2013-12-07. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  23. ↑ "Haswell comes to NUC". silentpcreview.com. 2013-12-07. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  24. ↑ Gharaei, Vahid (2013-11-22). "Tranquil PC D33217GKE NUC Case Review". techPowerUp. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  25. ↑ "Intel tackles NUC heat issues with fan speed tweak, SSD fix". The Tech Report. 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  26. ↑ "Haswell comes to NUC". silentpcreview.com. 2013-12-07. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  27. ↑ "GIGABYTE BRIX Pro: A First Look at the Intel i7-4770R with Iris Pro HD 5200". AnandTech. 2014-01-07. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
  28. ↑ "VMware Homeserver – ESXi on 6th Gen Intel NUC". Virten.net. 2016-01-31.
  29. ↑ "El Capitan on the Intel Skylake NUC". tonymacosx.com Forum. 2016-01-16. Retrieved 2016-04-29.

External links

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