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This is an informational page for the Intel NUC mini-computer platform.  Also see the discussion thread on Anandtech.

 

WIP (in process of being updated, August 2015)

 

Table of Contents

 

1. Introduction
2. NUC Model List
3. Accessories
4. Build Guide 
5. Resources

 

1. Introduction

 

In a nutshell, the Intel NUC platform is a tiny 4" x 4" computer that uses laptop parts:

 

[size pic]

 

It's a long overdue design, in my opinion - it makes an awful lot of sense for a lot of users to save space & energy by using smaller, lower-power parts.  Plus, having a tiny computer is just wicked cool.  Anyway, Intel originally introduced the NUC as a small computer intended for use as a digital signage platform, such as in kiosks.  The consumer response was so good that they not only made it available to the masses, but they released a second-generation with additional features like a headphone jack (the original version did not have any sort of built-in analog audio ports) & multiple USB 3.0 ports.

 

Limitations:

Zero expandability (choice of base model, SSD size, RAM size, Wireless/Bluetooth)

Futureproofing - video cards

 

Mixed features:

Thunderbolt

 

4K support in Haswell

 

Idea behind & history as digital signage

Small computer

Thin client replacement

Business & home uses; economics vs. cheap laptop

Plex & XBMC, HTPC

Hyperspin gaming

Embedded platform ideas; servers, smarthome

 

Intel

Gigabyte

Parts

 

Intel & Gigabyte

3rd generation: Ivy Bridge 

4th generation: Haswell

Celeron 101: Not you father's Celeron - non-turbo, non-hyperthreaded chip

DDR3L

 

Intel NUC product order codes:

http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-034028.htm?wapkw=boxdc3217by

 

Seiki 4K support

 

2. NUC Model List

 

Currently, Intel and Gigabyte manufacture NUC computers; Intel calls them the NUC (which is also the platform name) and Gigabyte calls them the BRIX.  Gigabyte's models slightly vary in terms of ports, included accessories (such as a Wifi/Bluetooth combo card), and the availability of a desktop-processor line called the BRIX Pro.  My current favorite model is the i5 Gigabyte Haswell.  I've listed each model by brand & generation below; clicking on the link will take you to that model's wiki page, which contains more information about that particular unit.

 

No vPro.  Yes VT-x.

 

Ex. types of adapters, types of RAM, types of SSD's - links

 

Intel Ivy Bridge: (3rd generation)

 

• 1.1ghz Intel Celeron 847 Ivy Bridge (p/n BOXDCCP847DYE & DCCP847DYE)
• 1.8ghz Intel i3 Ivy Bridge (p/n BOXDC3217IYE & DC3217IYE)
• 1.8ghz Intel i5 Ivy Bridge (p/n BOXDC53427HYE & DC53427HYE)

 

Intel Haswell: (4th generation)

 

• 1.7ghz i3
• 1.3ghz i5 

 

Gigabyte Ivy Bridge:

 

• Celeron

 

Gigabyte Haswell:

 

http://www.gigabyte.us/microsite/342/images/models.html

 

• 1.4ghz Celeron 2955U
• 1.7ghz i3 4010U
• 1.6ghz i5 4200U (2.6ghz Turbo)
• 1.8ghz i7 4500U (3.0ghz Turbo) 

 

3. Accessories

 

• Approved wireless cards
• Mickey Mouse plugs
• Wireless cards 
• Chenbro
• BRIX Gaming
• Xbox 360 controllers
• IR port

 

4. Build Guide

 

Screwdrivers

mSATA USB

USB DVD (single-USB $85)

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SE-506BB-TSBD-External-Blu-ray/dp/B00AO1XFM0/

 

 

5. Resources

 

Youtube

Assembly

VESA

Drivers

 

OpenELEC

Linux Mint

Hackintosh

http://www.tonymacx86.com/419-customac-nano-prebuilt-micro-pc.html

 

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