A few months in the past, I took a have a look at the Intel NUC Fanatic 12 unit which was spectacular and dealt with nearly every part I threw at it. Following that evaluate, the NUC 13 Excessive Raptor Lake was supplied: A fairly vital spec improve, that ought to see it chomp up even the newest of video games and different intensive actions.
A have a look at the {hardware}
That is one other within the vary of NUC gadgets, however this one (just like the Fanatic) isn’t fairly so mini; it’s extra alongside the traces of the enterprise desktop machines which might be accessible. The specs on this one, although, are approaching as sharp as they are often.
Intel are definitely one of many leaders out there for managing to jam as a lot efficiency into a comparatively small package deal as attainable. I say comparatively as a result of it’s not as small because the picture that involves thoughts when folks speak about a NUC; it is a small PC, not a micro-unit however nonetheless considerably smaller than an ATX sized PC.
As we explored within the NUC Fanatic evaluate, you do pay for that, although. Straight out of the field, I really like the understated presentation of the NUC 13 Excessive Raptor. It’s received a little bit of polish about it, however doesn’t have the lights, flare and distractions of what could be thought of a conventional gaming machine.
The entrance of the machine may be very minimal, with a mesh cowl and solely the ability button on the highest on the entrance of the unit. Adjoining to the ability button, there are a number of USB ports (1 x Thunderbolt, 2 x USB-A) and a headphone jack. Whereas it’s aimed toward that larger market, I’m critically pleased with the truth that this isn’t adorned with a light-up show that wastes energy and causes distraction.
On the again of the field, there’s heaps of connectivity, together with 6 x USB 3.0 ports, two Ethernet, a few Thunderbolt connectors, two HDMI, a show port, audio connectors and plugs for the onboard Wi-Fi 6e connectors.
There’s loads of air flow to maintain the internals cool, so you possibly can orient the system vertically or horizontally to fit your accessible area. Should you’re placing the field in restricted entry area, though it’s received loads of connectivity, restricted bodily entry will make plugging in and eradicating peripherals troublesome.
One notably welcome benefit over the Fanatic field I just lately reviewed is the interior energy provide leading to no exterior energy pack turning into a visit hazard or toe breaker. One other is that the field itself stands upright with out the
You’ll have to consider how specked up you need the machines because the equipment doesn’t include included storage or reminiscence. The choice right here must be fairly straightforward, simply do a little bit of analysis on the software program you’ll be utilizing and the efficiency you want from each.
It’s a beast and ate up every part I threw at it
Following the evaluate of the NUC fanatic just lately, I actually wasn’t shocked that the higher-spec machine was a severe performer. With the i9 processor, 32GB of RAM and a speedy M.2 SSD put in, the evaluate unit was lightning fast and even with one of many newest (Diablo IV) video games, it merely didn’t skip a beat.
Simply to be a bit on the ridiculous facet; I attempted stitching and rendering some 4K video footage collectively whereas gaming and even this was dealt with effectively. It was additionally the one time throughout testing the unit that I managed to get the followers to spin up and the CPU near topping out. Regardless of this, it nonetheless managed to finish each the render and gaming duties with just a few moments of body drop within the sport.
Whereas there’s no telling what might occur when it comes to software program within the subsequent few years, I’d hazard a guess that even essentially the most demanding of customers would get a few years out of this earlier than needing to improve. Most common customers, would possible see 4 years or extra, which makes it a extra long run viable choice financially.
Not like the Fanatic, I used to be thrilled to see that the field would stand on finish while not having a separate stabiliser. This gave a bit extra flexibility to place the machine on my desk.
What could possibly be improved?
It’s all effectively and good making options, however with Intel pulling out of this market, that is the final era of NUC. I’d recommend one of many greatest boundaries to gross sales and success out there is the value. As I’ve stated in different NUC critiques, there are good causes it’s costly, however that doesn’t cease the value being a deterrent to patrons.
Aside from the value, if you happen to’re a high-end NUC like this one, you’re going to be in search of efficiency packed right into a bodily small package deal. In some respects, it’s nonetheless a reasonably area of interest market as most customers have a devoted area for a pc or workspace for his or her laptop computer.
Would I purchase one?
Positive would, actually, I’m keeping track of the value to see if they arrive down now that Intel isn’t producing the vary anymore. If the value comes right down to a stage I can afford (there’s that barrier to entry once more) I’ll fortunately seize one.
No matter your value, you get loads in your cash with efficiency and a few — albeit fundamental — improve choices accessible. I’d recommend that customers shopping for on this market sector aren’t going to need, or want, a high of the road video card and because of this the video efficiency will suffice for a number of years at the very least.
For customers contemplating a setup like this, it’s price contemplating simply forking out the additional cash to adorn it with extra RAM than you want and heaps of storage (if you happen to don’t have a NAS) to keep away from that want for future upgrades. It simply is smart whenever you’re already spending a few grand to get what you want plus a bit extra.
My PC is definitely at its restrict today; it’s an ageing i5, and the final couple of Intel NUC critiques have made me realise how a lot it’s really struggling, notably the Raptor Canyon. It’s been an actual delight to evaluate and when it had to return I used to be genuinely saddened for it to go. It simply suits my wants and workflow, even having the capability to cowl off high-end gaming.
Since Intel has just lately introduced Asus will take over the NUC machine vary, it’s fairly possible there can be some excellent specials accessible quickly; so maintain your eyes peeled if you happen to’re eager on a cut price NUC.