Ahead-looking: Intel introduced the top of its NUC line of Mini PCs earlier this 12 months, and Asus is the primary companion to select up the mantle. The Taiwanese firm lately supplied a glimpse of its plans for the model, which embrace elevated customization to go well with numerous shoppers and use instances.
Asus lately instructed The Register that its successors to Intel’s NUC Mini PCs will not be restricted to the standard kind elements we have seen so far. Asus plans to increase its choices to suit quite a few roles.
Like Intel, Asus will promote NUCs for embedded or industrial purposes to shoppers and firms. Nevertheless, Intel’s NUC license will kind the bedrock of a brand new line of customized machines using ultra-small motherboards.
For instance, Asus might change the variety of I/O modules on a tool to go well with the requests of particular industrial shoppers. The corporate might additionally deviate from Intel’s typical four-by-four-inch kind issue to supply clients extra flexibility.
Asus listed a number of potential business makes use of for its NUCs. Mini PCs might energy human interface units like digital signage boards, self-service kiosks, warehouse controls, and point-of-sale machines, with every NUC designed to go well with its distinctive bodily setting.
The corporate spoke much less in regards to the prospect of slim gaming machines, probably as a part of its Republic of Players line, however Asus is contemplating the concept. Intel supplied gaming-centered NUCs just like the Raptor Canyon 13 Excessive, which might squeeze an i9-13900K and a GeForce RTX 4070 Ti right into a 13 x 15 x 5-inch chassis.
Edge cloud computing is one other doable area of interest for Asus NUC units to occupy. They may present the required processing horsepower for hyperscaler AI capabilities.
Intel introduced the top of its NUC enterprise in July, delivery its closing merchandise in September. It did not clarify the choice explicitly. It seemingly pivoted away to chop bills amid the continued decline of PC gross sales and its record-breaking worst quarter earlier this 12 months.
Not lengthy after the divestment, Asus introduced its settlement to design and promote NUCs on Intel’s behalf. The Taiwan-based producer’s present Mini PC enterprise makes it an excellent companion, however the association is not unique, so different firms might finally license the NUC model.
The primary Asus NUCs might start delivery later this 12 months, however early 2024 is extra seemingly.
