Forward-looking: Intel introduced the top of its NUC line of Mini PCs earlier this 12 months, and Asus is the primary associate to choose up the mantle. The Taiwanese firm just lately provided a glimpse of its plans for the model, which embrace elevated customization to swimsuit varied shoppers and use instances.
Asus just lately advised The Register that its successors to Intel’s NUC Mini PCs will not be restricted to the normal type elements we have seen to date. Asus plans to broaden its choices to match quite a few roles.
Like Intel, Asus will promote NUCs for embedded or industrial purposes to customers and corporations. However, Intel’s NUC license will type the bedrock of a brand new line of custom machines using ultra-small motherboards.
For instance, Asus may change the variety of I/O modules on a tool to swimsuit the requests of particular industrial shoppers. The firm may additionally deviate from Intel’s typical four-by-four-inch type issue to supply clients extra flexibility.
Asus listed a number of potential business makes use of for its NUCs. Mini PCs may 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 atmosphere.
The firm spoke much less concerning the prospect of slim gaming machines, probably as a part of its Republic of Gamers line, however Asus is contemplating the thought. Intel provided gaming-centered NUCs just like the Raptor Canyon 13 Extreme, 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 attainable area of interest for Asus NUC gadgets to occupy. They may present the mandatory processing horsepower for hyperscaler AI capabilities.
Intel introduced the top of its NUC enterprise in July, delivery its last merchandise in September. It did not clarify the choice explicitly. It possible pivoted away to minimize 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 associate, however the association is not unique, so different corporations may finally license the NUC model.
The first Asus NUCs may start delivery later this 12 months, however early 2024 is extra possible.