On Tuesday, Intel announced its decision to discontinue the production of its Next Unit of Computing (NUC).
However, the company plans to foster and support its partners in continuing the production of small form-factor (SFF) PCs.
Intel’s Next Unit of Computing (NUC) was known for its compact PCs, leaving the production of larger chassis options to partners such as Dell and HP. Intel’s recent decision appears to be a logical move, considering the company’s renewed focus on its core businesses and substantial investments in its own manufacturing operations and foundry business.
Intel’s decision marks the culmination of approximately ten years of effort in establishing the NUC as a successful PC, consequently expanding the potential applications for small form-factor (SFF) devices. The initial iteration of the NUC, equipped with a third-generation Core i3 processor, served as the foundation for a home theater PC, prompting Intel to continuously push the boundaries and reduce the chassis size with subsequent versions. Intel’s NUC gained popularity on two significant fronts: as a compact gaming platform capable of competing with traditional game consoles and simply because it had a cool factor.
Intel will continue to position its NUCs as kits, offering a range of options for users to install components themselves, as well as pre-supplied configurations. However, it appears that Intel is now shifting the focus away from its own NUC line, entrusting it to ecosystem partners instead. This transition should not pose a significant problem for DIY enthusiasts, as constructing small form-factor (SFF) PCs already comes with its own set of challenges, which can be readily managed.
