Divulging Into the Customizable World of Intel NUC Computers

Intel, when launching their very first line of NUC computers, had only one aim: to make computers as small as possible while adding an element of portability to desktop computers that are considered far from portable. Intel NUC was small, highly customizable, and came in bare-bones versions that acted as a blank canvas for computer enthusiasts that wanted to make it their own. In fact, even white color replacement of its external shell was possible, as customization was not only limited to the internals.

As smartphones, laptops and televisions become thinner and more compact, we have ample evidence around us that bigger is not always the better in the world of electronics, and often small electronics often cost more than bigger ones. For example, the latest iPhone from Apple costs as much as a high end 4K television from Sony or LG. That is because the iPhone packs in more technology than a larger TV in a tinier frame, hence the higher cost. The same goes for laptops; they cost more than a desktop of similar specifications. So when Intel launched their NUC, it was believed that it would cost as much as a laptop.

But Intel played it smart when pricing was revealed. A base NUC kit came in much cheaper than a laptop, and unlike laptops, NUCs were highly customizable and had many compatible ports for addition of further hardware such as RAM modules or video cards.

The very first customizable feature one can see in an NUC is its exterior. Generally offered in white, the white color replacement can be done to change it to any other color as you like. Many computer parts sellers offer different exterior colors for Intel NUC, both official and unofficial. 

The next feature that comes is the internal. NUC systems come with bare-bones configuration such as a processor (anywhere from i3 to i7 range, depending on the price), a sound card, a blank motherboard with all kinds of ports, a RAM module, and network card for connectivity. Rest everything can be installed by the user; graphics card, upgrading to better RAMs, adding fast SSDs, adding external drives and so on. The bare-bone features offered on stock NUCs means Intel can keep the price down in affordable range while providing desktop power in a unit smaller than a laptop.

Intel NUC is not for everyone; many of us prefer computers that you can just plug and play. NUC requires building it first, making computer hobbyists and enthusiasts as its primary customers.