Intel showcased its Broadwell processor, which was its biggest computing announcement at CES 2015. In the chain of announcements, the company also revealed its new Next Unit of Computing (NUC) models with its fifth-generation Core processor. The chip maker wants to make its position firm by bringing NUC into desktops, which is a rare example of a PC being sold by Intel directly, says a report from Digital Trends.
With Intel, performance is never a question
The NUC, or the “Next Unit of Computing” offers a chassis, motherboard, processor and fan, with the user or system integrator to add in their own storage and DRAM to build something that can be integrated with VESA to support monitors or just run individually as a small device on the desk. At CES 2015, the chip maker showed off its updated NUC range, which brings it from the Haswell-U to the Broadwell-U.
With the help of an upgraded NUC, Intel has minimized the profile of its smallest model down to a hair more than an inch thick. Additionally, the NUC also differs by around four and a half inches in width and length, which makes it almost equal to an Apple TV in size, according to the report. Intel is good when it comes to performance, as its slowest Core i3 model is more than enough to handle everyday tasks, and the faster Core i5/i7 versions are much more powerful.
Evolution of NUC
The journey of the NUC reflects the evolution of the architecture. Almost three years ago, models were 50% thicker but lacked performance by 60%. In contrast, the present models are quicker, perform better and have the capacity to serve everyday machines better.
Also there is a scope of customization in these chips as users are capable of replacing the lids, thus doing away with the standard plastic cap for versions that add NFC, wireless charging, or a video adapter. This extra lid is not yet finalized, but they will be available sometime in mid-2015. Although Intel is showing off some of the biggest products in its portfolio, consumers have never seen the company as a source from which it can buy products directly.
All of these announcements and updates are positive for the chip maker and for its investors. In a recent research note, MKM Partners raised their target price on the company from $40 to $45 per share. Additionally, they upgraded Intel from Neutral to Buy and increased their earnings estimate for the company.
