Ahead-looking: Intel introduced the tip of its NUC line of Mini PCs earlier this yr, and Asus is the primary associate to choose up the mantle. The Taiwanese firm just lately supplied a glimpse of its plans for the model, which embody elevated customization to swimsuit numerous purchasers and use instances.
Asus just lately informed The Register that its successors to Intel’s NUC Mini PCs will not be restricted to the normal kind components we have seen so far. Asus plans to develop its choices to suit quite a few roles.
Like Intel, Asus will promote NUCs for embedded or industrial functions 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 swimsuit the requests of particular industrial purchasers. 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 gadgets like digital signage boards, self-service kiosks, warehouse controls, and point-of-sale machines, with every NUC designed to swimsuit its distinctive bodily surroundings.
The corporate spoke much less concerning the prospect of slim gaming machines, probably as a part of its Republic of Avid gamers line, however Asus is contemplating the thought. 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 gadgets to occupy. They may present the mandatory processing horsepower for hyperscaler AI capabilities.
Intel introduced the tip of its NUC enterprise in July, delivery its last merchandise in September. It did not clarify the choice explicitly. It seemingly pivoted away to chop bills amid the continuing decline of PC gross sales and its record-breaking worst quarter earlier this yr.
Not lengthy after the divestment, Asus introduced its settlement to design and promote NUCs on Intel’s behalf. The Taiwan-based producer’s current Mini PC enterprise makes it a really perfect associate, however the association is not unique, so different firms might ultimately license the NUC model.
The primary Asus NUCs might start delivery later this yr, however early 2024 is extra seemingly.
