NUC goes Asus – Mini PCs rethought and implemented

We remember: Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing) is a series of mini PCs that were first introduced by Intel in 2012. The idea behind the NUC was to offer powerful but compact computers that could be used in a variety of applications such as home entertainment systems, digital signage, small offices and even as servers. The first NUC was equipped with an Intel Core i3 processor of the Sandy Bridge generation, setting a new standard for mini PCs. It was small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, yet powerful enough to serve as a full-fledged desktop replacement.

From Intel to Asus

Over the years, Intel has continued to develop and improve the NUC series. New models were equipped with more advanced processors, better graphics performance and expanded connectivity options. Over the years, the NUCs became synonymous with powerful, compact computing solutions that were suitable for both home and business use. Intel’s commitment to innovation was evident in the numerous iterations of the NUC, which continually integrated new technologies and increased performance. But that was then…

In 2023, Intel decided to hand over the NUC division to Asus. This decision was part of Intel’s strategic realignment to focus more on its core competencies. Asus, a long-standing partner and leading company in the field of computer hardware, took over the NUC division and continued the development and production of the popular mini PCs. The acquisition by Asus was seen by many as a positive development. Asus has a strong track record of producing high quality computer products and promised to continue the NUC line with the same care and innovation that Intel had established. With this acquisition, many now expected an exciting future for the NUC series, as Asus is also sure to introduce new technologies and designs to make these mini PCs even more powerful and versatile.

This also means that the right NUC configuration can be found for every area of application and every workstation, which is significantly less bulky in a compact housing than classic desktop designs. With their combination of powerful performance and space-saving form, the NUC solutions are also predestined for use at shared desk workstations, in the field of digital signage and industrial applications. The biggest advantage of the NUC is always that it takes up significantly less space in its compact housing than traditional desktop PCs.

ASUS NUCs are characterized by a wide range of customization options, including different processors and extensive storage and RAM options, allowing you to choose the ideal system for specific application requirements. With their robust design and extensive security features, these devices offer reliable performance for business use. ASUS NUCs are built for long-lasting reliability and meet the latest MIL-STD-810H standards, qualifying them for continuous operation in extreme conditions.

The NUC ecosystem

NUC solutions are available in different versions. These include, for example, ready-to-use NUC Mini PCs. These compact desktop dwarfs impress with their enormous performance and are delivered fully equipped. Commissioning is therefore extremely simple: connect peripheral devices, connect the power supply, switch on – and the NUC system is ready for use. These ready-to-use NUC Mini PCs are available in different variants so that the hardware equipment can be tailored to the desired application scenario. The ASUS NUC 14 Pro, for example, is equipped with an Intel® Core™ Ultra processor, an Intel® Arc™ graphics solution and up to 96 GB DDR5 memory. With this equipment, it is more than a match for even the most demanding applications, and with space-saving dimensions of just 117 x 112 x 37/54 millimetres (W x H x D).

The NUC kits offer an additional degree of flexibility. These variants are designed for expansion and can be ordered without pre-installed RAM or without an operating system, for example. The NUC kits are particularly easy to integrate into existing infrastructures and facilitate scaling as requirements grow. There are also specialized NUC solutions for various application areas. For example, there are models that have been specially developed for use in corporate environments and offer additional security functions and greater reliability. Other models are optimized for multimedia applications and offer corresponding graphics and audio functions.

Many NUC systems also score highly in terms of energy efficiency. Thanks to state-of-the-art processor architectures and energy-efficient components, they consume very little power during operation, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional desktop PCs. These features make NUC solutions not only a powerful but also a sustainable choice for various areas of application.

ASUS NUC: Ideal for businesses

ASUS NUC systems offer numerous advantages for professional use thanks to their flexibility. Their compact design allows them to be used in almost any location – from desks in the office to digital signage kiosks at the point of sale or terminals on the shop floor. They are powerful enough for demanding content creation tasks and at the same time can be configured with a reduced configuration for simpler tasks. A special feature of the NUC models is their suitability for demanding applications. For example, the NUC Pro and NUC Rugged models are certified for continuous operation 365 days a year, making them ideal for use in mission-critical environments.

Above all, however, the NUC system makes it possible to serve many business areas with hardware from a single ecosystem, which significantly reduces administrative effort. With the ASUS Control Center software solution, ASUS offers a comprehensive way to monitor and maintain NUC PCs company-wide – even remotely. This centralized management solution, combined with 24/7 support, is an invaluable advantage for business customers.

In addition, NUCs are more energy efficient than many comparable desktop computers, helping to reduce costs. Their small size and low energy consumption make them not only an economical but also an environmentally friendly choice for businesses. NUC systems also offer advanced security features specifically designed for use in enterprise environments. These include hardware-based security measures to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. This is particularly important in industries where data security and compliance are critical.

Equipment highlights

The ASUS NUC 14 Pro is a good example of the impressive features that can be found in the compact housings of modern NUC Mini PCs. In the handy housing, a modern Intel® Core™ Ultra processor ensures powerful computing performance, which is also perfectly optimized for modern AI applications and future-proof. The necessary graphics performance is provided by the integrated Intel® Arc™ GPU, which ensures outstanding visual performance.

Another highlight of the ASUS NUC 14 Pro is its extensive connectivity, which ensures compatibility with almost any other device. For uninterrupted wireless connections, the mini PC supports Bluetooth 5.3 as well as the modern WiFi 6E standard, which offers higher speeds and lower latency. A 2.5 Gb Ethernet port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two HDMI 2.1 ports and a total of six USB ports are available for wired connections. This variety of connections makes the ASUS NUC 14 Pro extremely flexible and adaptable for different usage scenarios.

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The ASUS NUC 14 Pro is also characterized by its energy efficiency, which not only reduces operating costs but also protects the environment. Thanks to its compact dimensions of just 117 x 112 x 37/54 millimeters (W x H x D), the mini PC fits easily even in cramped working environments. In addition, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro offers robust security technology that is ideal for use in corporate environments. This includes hardware-based security features that help protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.

For more information on NUC solutions, specific equipment variants and individual advice, interested customers can of course also visit the official website. Here they will find detailed product descriptions and the opportunity to select the configuration best suited to their needs. More details can be found on the official website: ASUS NUC 14 Pro.

This article is an advertorial and marked as advertising. The pictures for today’s article were provided by Asus. We will of course be testing the NUC independently in the near future.

One of the already in this year tested mini PCs from Asus:

Asus PB63 Mini-PC review – An i5-13400 desktop CPU and a look into the corporate world