Ahead-looking: Intel introduced the top of its NUC line of Mini PCs earlier this 12 months, and Asus is the primary associate to select up the mantle. The Taiwanese firm not too long ago supplied a glimpse of its plans for the model, which embody elevated customization to go well with varied shoppers and use circumstances.
Asus not too long ago advised The Register that its successors to Intel’s NUC Mini PCs will not be restricted to the normal kind elements we have seen to this point. Asus plans to broaden its choices to suit quite a few roles.
Like Intel, Asus will promote NUCs for embedded or industrial functions to shoppers and corporations. Nonetheless, Intel’s NUC license will kind the bedrock of a brand new line of customized machines using ultra-small motherboards.
For instance, Asus may change the variety of I/O modules on a tool to go well with the requests of particular industrial shoppers. The corporate may additionally deviate from Intel’s typical four-by-four-inch kind issue to supply prospects extra flexibility.
Asus listed a number of potential industrial makes use of for its NUCs. Mini PCs may 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 may 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 attainable area of interest for Asus NUC units to occupy. They may present the required processing horsepower for hyperscaler AI features.
Intel introduced the top of its NUC enterprise in July, delivery its ultimate merchandise in September. It did not clarify the choice explicitly. It probably 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 a great associate, however the association is not unique, so different firms may ultimately license the NUC model.
The primary Asus NUCs may start delivery later this 12 months, however early 2024 is extra probably.