Intel’s NUC is a small form factor PC’s, which provides game-changing performance in super small chassis. Recently Intel updated its NUC 11 lineup of miniature computers with 11th Gen processors. In that, there are three models of varying sizes all based on its Tiger Lake-U platform. Along with that 1 Compute Element. These next-generation miniature computers are specially designed for providing sufficient performance for gaming enthusiasts.
Normally Intel offers NUC mini PC’s in three formats. Board, Kit, and Complete PC. Several Intel NUC models are small in size less than 4X4 inches. This makes them attractive options where you need to consider physical space. The Intel NUC line of products are full-powered PCs designed for consumer and business usage.
Intel NUC 11th Gen processors are designed to push the limits of the thin and small PC’s. The NUC 11 enthusiast codenamed “Phantom Canyon,” The processors are designed by Intel’s 10nm SuperFin Technology.
These processors mainly combine 3 Compute engines on a single chip SOC. They are CPU, Intel Iris Xe graphics processor, and Intel Gaussian & Neural Accelerator which is used for AI-based low power noise reduction.
here are the 4 devices from Intel NUC 11 lineup
Intel NUC 11 Enthusiast (Phantom Canyon)
Intel NUC 11 Enthusiast is the company’s first attempt to combine the compact dimensions with gaming-grade graphics and even upgradability. This is powered by the quad-core Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor which is paired up with up to 16 GB of DDR4-3200 memory(Upto 64 GB). Along with that, it comes with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 2060 discrete GPU and 6 GB of GDDR6 memory. In addition to Intel’s Optane Memory H10 (32 GB + 512 GB) or else H20 SSD.
If you want to upgrade this GPU you will be able to do it by using one of the system’s two Thunderbolt 4 ports. It includes an Intel AX201 Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5 module. You will be getting a quad far-field microphone array with Alexa support. And also an IR sensor on the front.
Coming to the wired section it has a 2.5GbE connector and 6 USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports. Along with four display outputs which are a DisplayPort 1.4, an HDMI 2.0b, two TB4 ports. With an SDXCslot and UHS-II support and also a 3.5-mm audio jack for headsets.
Intel NUC 11 Performance (Panther Canyon)
This mini PC, codenamed Panther Canyon that is designed for consumers to use at home. The box is so small that you can comfortably carry it around the house. You can use this mini PC for learning, working, and playing.
This mini PC is available with Core i3-1115G4, Core i5-1135G7, and Core i7-1165G7 processor options and comes in two different sizes(Slim and Tall).
Taller model mini PCs measure up to 2.2 inches high with a wireless charging lid or 2.1 inches without one. You can also use a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD along with an M.2 SSD. The Slim model measures 1.5 inches high but without the hard drive bay.
Coming to ports, HDMI 2.0a, and Mini DisplayPort 1.4, and also Thunderbolt 3 ports. In addition to this, you can connect up to four displays to this mini PC. It has 4 USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports. Along with an SDXC card reader, and an Ethernet port.
It has a 40-watt TDP for the system. This Intel NUC 11 is a more energy-efficient device than Phantom Canyon in the case of general computing. Powered by Core i5 and Core i7 chips do still feature intel Iris Xe graphics.
Intel NUC 11 Pro (Tiger Canyon)
This Intel NUC 11 Pro model appears virtually identical to the Panther Canyon NUC. This Pro model comes with additional processor options including Intel Core i5-1145G7 and Core i7-1185G7. Along with Intel vPro technology for hardware-based security and remote management.
Instead of HDMI + DisplayPort, it has dual HDMI 2.0b ports. However, you can connect up to four displays since the Thunderbolt ports support DisplayPort functionality.
Intel NUC 11 Compute Element:
Codenamed Elk Bay, Intel NUC 11 Compute element is designed for sale to system builders. It is essentially a modular building block that is designed to help you create custom solutions quickly.
It is quite small, measuring just 65 x 95 mm (approx. 2.6 x 3.7 in.). Yet, it offers the same power as a PC with built-in and accessible I/O. Which helps in easy customization and integration. It is compatible with the Intel NUC Board Element and Chassis Elements, too.
It is powered by 11th gen Intel Core i3, i5, and i7; Celeron models; and vPro i5 and i7. Along with that, you get up to 16GB of memory. It comes with the support of Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. You will also get Intel graphics which are Intel Iris Xe for i5 and i7 and Intel UHD. For the i3 processor and Celeron.
Other Details:
Intel NUC 11 Enthusiast model is a follow-up model to the NUC 8 Hades Canyon from 2018, Which managed successfully to pack Triple-A gaming performance into a tiny enclosure.
Previously Intel was teamed up with AMD for adding dedicated Vega graphics into the NUC 8. By this, intel is working towards making this NUC into a miniature gaming PC with full-sized performance to appeal to gamers.
Along with gamers, these PCs will be helpful for a broad set of customers who are multimedia enthusiasts and even content creators who are looking for a compact desktop.
These PC’s all come with a 3-year warranty from Intel. Intel hasn’t released any details about pricing and availability yet. But as per simplyNUC.com has the Intel NUC 11 Enthusiasts (Phantom Canyon) starting at $1,349. That looks a better deal than the NUC 9 Extreme and the NUC 8 Hades Canyon.
Conclusion:
Intel has officially announced its NUC 11 lineup products which areas 3 Mini PCs and 1 Compute Element. They all are powered With 11th Gen processors. Specially designed for gamers. As per reports, we can say that Intel NUC 11 Enthusiasts model is the follow-up model for the NUC 8 Hades Canyon from 2018.
