Intel Skull Canyon NUC: A Productivity PC Packed into Small Form Factor
Whenever we think of the word ‘computers’, we mostly imagine big, bulky desktop computers or small, slick laptops. However, Intel changed the game when they launched their first-ever Intel NUC computers, which nicely slotted between a desktop computer and a laptop. More powerful than a laptop, more compact than a desktop: that is what made the NUC series sell like hotcakes. And now Intel has created an exciting power computer with its Skull Canyon NUC line, which aims to blur the lines between entry-level gaming PCs and minicomputers.
NUCs do need an external monitor, which is why they are good for most workplaces where employees can take their computer home after work and vice versa. With a computer monitor both at work and home, the only transfers that need to be done is moving the NUC from one place to another, which is very easy thanks to its small size. NUCs are mostly perfect for those who are comfortable in moving their computer around frequently and have access to spare computer monitors where they can plug in their NUC boxes. What they lack in the convenience that a laptop provides, they make up in their far cheaper performance-to-price ratio, for a laptop with comparable spec sheet with almost cost much more than the Skull Canyon NUC.
Skull Canyon series always had the best bits packed into them: a high-end processor, graphics processing capability, upgradeable RAM and hard disk slots, multiple connectivity options, and all of these in a small form factor. Intel Skull Canyon is designed to be a gaming PC that is smaller than a typical gaming console such as PlayStation or Xbox with similar power. Typical specifications include the latest high-end processor from Intel, 16 GB or more of RAM, 512 GB SSD or more, and built-in wireless and Bluetooth connectivity. All of these is enough to breeze through entry-level games with medium resolution and day to day tasks on the computer.
NUCs do need an external monitor, which is why they are good for most workplaces where employees can take their computer home after work and vice versa. With a computer monitor both at work and home, the only transfers that need to be done is moving the NUC from one place to another, which is very easy thanks to its small size. NUCs are mostly perfect for those who are comfortable in moving their computer around frequently and have access to spare computer monitors where they can plug in their NUC boxes. What they lack in the convenience that a laptop provides, they make up in their far cheaper performance-to-price ratio, for a laptop with comparable spec sheet with almost cost much more than the Skull Canyon NUC.
Skull Canyon series always had the best bits packed into them: a high-end processor, graphics processing capability, upgradeable RAM and hard disk slots, multiple connectivity options, and all of these in a small form factor. Intel Skull Canyon is designed to be a gaming PC that is smaller than a typical gaming console such as PlayStation or Xbox with similar power. Typical specifications include the latest high-end processor from Intel, 16 GB or more of RAM, 512 GB SSD or more, and built-in wireless and Bluetooth connectivity. All of these is enough to breeze through entry-level games with medium resolution and day to day tasks on the computer.
As for the operating system, one can opt for simple DOS-mode skull canyon models, or buy an OS as extra, which will cost more depending on the version of Windows 10 that is to be pre-installed in it. Many buyers buy the NUC with Windows preinstalled in it, whereas others such as programmers may load up Ubuntu or other Linux OSes on their NUC. The recommended operating systems in this case depend solely on the buyer and their requirements.
However, if the on-board graphics seems lacking, Intel also offers paid upgrades to external graphic card enclosures, which can accommodate a desktop-size graphic card to enormously boost the graphics capability of the mini-computer. However, the graphic card case will be an additional thing to carry around. This is however one of the best things about the Skull Canyon NUC; one can upgrade virtually any aspect of the NUC, even the external covers!
Intel Skull Canyon NUC is meant to be a low-priced computer that offers capable processing power at a fraction of the cost of a full-fledged laptop or desktop. But installing numerous upgrades such as new SSDs, extra RAMs, external graphic extension, etc. can greatly increase the final price, bringing it up in-line with comparable laptops. Moreover, although the Skull Canyon NUCs are marketed by Intel as compact gaming PCs, they are not very good at playing the latest games. Hence, as a buyer, the reason to buy a Skull Canyon NUC should be solely focused on getting a decent performance computer at fraction of the price of a full-fledged computer or a laptop.
Intel NUC computers are best for those who want full control over every component that goes into their computer but don’t have the time or capacity to do so with a full-fledged desktop tower rig. Skull Canyon NUC gets the job done, and gets it done right.
Intel NUC computers are best for those who want full control over every component that goes into their computer but don’t have the time or capacity to do so with a full-fledged desktop tower rig. Skull Canyon NUC gets the job done, and gets it done right.
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