Intel’s Next Unit of Computing, or NUC, is a tiny computer with a custom motherboard and an Intel Core processor. It’s not even a full PC, as it’s missing critical components and lacks an operating system. The goal is to showcase the efficiency of Core processors by placing them in a shockingly small enclosure. The pint-sized PC is now on its fourth generation. Its newest incarnation includes not just fifth-generation Core silicon but also a new, even smaller enclosure and support for M.2 solid state drives.
Our review unit, distinguished only by its SKU (NUC5i5RYK) is a mid-range model with support for M.2 solid state drives. Base models have a Core i3, and Core i7 models are planned. Some variants also have SATA alongside M.2 to support traditional mechanical drives.
Intel does not sell the NUC directly, so there’s no official MSRP. Currently the handful of online retailers with the Core i5 model listed have it priced around $375, but none have it in stock yet. Still, that price looks accurate, as the Core i3 variants (which are in stock) list around $300. A few hundred dollars seems a bargain for a capable Core powered machine – but are there hidden pitfalls?
