Как Intel to promote the idea of modular PCs to the masses, the matter will not be limited only to performance and gaming solutions such as gaming with a discrete graphics card (Ghost Canyon). How site Tom's Hardware, NUC Element modular mini-PCs will be presented with a whole range of budget and mass solutions, as well as systems for working in conditions far from ideal, where no one will monitor their condition.
To begin with, Intel has broken down Element products into three categories: computer modules, motherboards (chassis), and cases. This gives flexibility in configuring both product lines and in the formation of a model range within the lines. PC manufacturers can quickly release new models of mini PCs, and more importantly, users can upgrade their systems as needed with minimal downtime.
Earlier, we learned that under the name NUC 9 Extreme, a productive gaming system is hidden in a certain form factor. Mass and budget modular mini-PCs will be distributed under the general name NUC 8. Today, Intel offers a rather limited list of replaceable computer modules NUC 8 Compute Element (codenamed Chandler Bay), which is likely to be significantly expanded in the future.
The dimensions of the replaceable modules are 95 × 65 × 6 mm. As part of the modules, you can find 8th generation Intel Core processors (Whiskey Lake) with a TDP of up to 15 watts. The lineup begins with the dual-core Intel Celeron 4305U processors and ends with the flagship quad-core Core i7-8665U.
NUC 8 Compute Element modules come pre-wired with 4GB or 8GB of memory. It will be impossible to increase the memory yourself (at 6 mm thickness it is difficult to do this). Also, the junior modules on the Pentium Gold 5405U and Celeron 4305U were the only ones that carried 64 GB eMMC flash modules on board. In addition, the modules included Intel Wireless-AC 9560 (speed up to 1,73 Gb / s) and Bluetooth 5. The ports are represented by three USB 2.0, up to four USB 3.1, two Digital Display Interface (DDI) in the form of DisplayPort or HDMI, one built-in DisplayPort, HD audio output and Enhanced Serial Peripheral Interface (eSPI). The modules are designed for 24/7 operation and are backed by a three-year limited warranty.
Base boards (chassis) for NUC 8 Element are offered in two versions: NUC Rugged Board Element and NUC Pro Board Element. NUC Rugged Board Element boards (codenamed Austin Beach) are designed to work in harsh environments without proper maintenance. The NUC Pro Board Element (codenamed Butler Beach) are solutions for professional use. The dimensions of the NUC Pro Board Element board are 110×80mm. The board can be sold alone or with an individual heat dissipation unit, the dimensions of which are 117 × 147 × 25 mm.
The NUC Pro Board Element features an M.2 PCIe x4 slot, four USB 3.1 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 ports (board header), two HDMI 2.0a ports, built-in DisplayPort, one Gigabit Ethernet port, a header for connecting a case fan with PWM control and a block for connecting everything from the front panel (indication, etc.).
The NUC Rugged Board Element board comes in two versions: in one case, its dimensions are 170 × 136 mm, in the other, it is 200 × 136 mm. Ports are a pair of HDMI 2.0a, two M.2 PCIe x4 slots also compatible with Intel Optane, one Gigabit Ethernet port, three USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A, one internal USB 3.0, two internal USB 2.0, and two headers for serial RS232 ports (remember, this is a board, including for industrial electronics).
The cases in the NUC Chassis Element category are available in two versions, both dustproof for harsh environments (for each of the NUC Rugged Board Element boards). Case dimensions are 254 × 152.3 × 36 mm. They are metal, which allows heat to be removed from the internal elements. Operation of systems with such housings is allowed at ambient temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius. The cabinets have an anti-theft (Kensington) mount and VESA mounts for hanging behind the monitors. Now it would be nice to know how much it all costs.
Source: 3dnews.ru