During the second quarter of 2018, Intel is expected to update its Skull Canyon range of high-performance NUC compact desktop computers with three new models equipped with Coffee Lake-U silicon, expanding the range further. Although there will be no NUC Kaby Lake refresh, the new additions promise to bring significant improvements in performance and efficiency.
New Coffee Lake-U Variants
Intel is apparently preparing variants based on 28W TDP Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 ultra-low power processors, and 300-series chipset. The Core i3 based parts offer a 4-core/4-thread CPU configuration, while the Core i5 and Core i7 ones offer 4-core/8-thread configurations, explains the Tech Power Up website. This means that users can expect a substantial boost in multitasking capabilities and overall performance, especially in applications that can take advantage of multiple threads.
i3 Processor (CFL-U) 4c/4t 28W TDP
i5 Processor (CFL-U) 4c/8t 28W TDP
i7 Processor (CFL-U) 4c/8t 28W TDP
The inclusion of the 300-series chipset also brings support for newer technologies such as faster DDR4 memory, improved I/O capabilities, and enhanced connectivity options. This makes the new NUCs not only more powerful but also more versatile, catering to a wide range of use cases from home entertainment systems to compact workstations.
Potential Applications and Benefits
The new Coffee Lake-U NUCs are expected to be particularly beneficial for users who need a compact yet powerful computing solution. For instance, digital content creators who work with video editing, graphic design, or 3D modeling will find the enhanced multi-threading capabilities of the Core i5 and Core i7 models particularly useful. The improved processing power can significantly reduce rendering times and improve the overall workflow.
Gamers, too, stand to benefit from the new NUCs. While these compact systems are not designed to replace high-end gaming rigs, they can serve as excellent secondary gaming systems or be used for less demanding games. The improved CPU performance can also enhance the gaming experience by providing smoother frame rates and better handling of background tasks.
Moreover, the new NUCs can serve as powerful home theater PCs (HTPCs). Their compact size makes them easy to integrate into a living room setup, and the enhanced processing power ensures smooth playback of high-definition content. The improved connectivity options also make it easier to connect to various peripherals and home entertainment systems.
Unfortunately, no information on pricing or worldwide availability has been released as yet by Intel. However, given the advancements and improvements these new models bring, they are likely to be competitively priced within the high-performance compact desktop market. As soon as information comes to light, we will keep you updated as always.
The upcoming Coffee Lake-U NUCs from Intel promise to bring significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and versatility. Whether you are a digital content creator, a gamer, or someone looking for a powerful HTPC, these new models are worth keeping an eye on.
Source: Fanless Tech
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
