Intel NUC Skylake: A Comprehensive Insight into the Features of Intel’s Latest Mini PC

Introduction

Intel’s Next Unit of Computing (NUC) range of mini personal computers are wildly popular among tech enthusiasts and individuals who love to tinker with their PCs or customize it from a hardware point of view. Since the very first Intel NUC that launched with their then-latest Sandy Bridge processor, Intel’s NUC range has grown by leaps and bounds, with Intel launching a brand new edition of NUC with introduction of every new processor, with the Skylake series being among the latest ones.

Major Features of Intel NUC Skylake

Just like with previous-gen NUC platforms, Intel has prioritized a certain set of features in its latest model over other features that don’t come under the ‘must-have’ category. Notable hardware features available are:
  • Intel 6th Generation processors in either i3 or i5 configurations
  • 3.5mm audio jack for earphones and mic with support for 5.1 and 7.1 surround digital HD audio output
  • Intel Iris 540 Embedded graphics card.
  • 256 GB Samsung SSD, customizable when purchasing
  • Intel dual band wireless card and gigabit Ethernet port
  • USB 3.0 ports, SDXC port and HDMI port
  • Blank RAM port, customizable when purchasing
Unlike traditional desktop PCs with their bulky sizes, Intel NUC aims for a more barebones approach when it comes to home PCs. Intel NUCs come only with the most basic configurations required to run a computer from scratch, with an OS installation being required by the user in order to even boot the system up. WLAN adapters can also be chosen by the user, with some models not having a built-in WLAN adapter.

Customizability

While the limited set of hardware features may seem like a disadvantage to the average computer buyer, we must keep in mind that NUCs are not designed for the average computer buyer who buys a computer, plugs it in and expects the system to work. It is designed for those who want a cheap computer with a ton of customization options that can be fitted afterwards. For example the motherboard that comes with NUC Skylake is usually a set of glaringly empty slots, but this allows the end user to put in any SSD configuration, external graphics card and RAM sticks as they prefer.
The basic wattage and voltage specifications required for operation is highly optimized by Intel, ensuring that the NUC Skylake unit consumes less power than a comparable full-sized personal computer.

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