Intel has this week unveiled a new addition to their range of hardware in the form of the Intel NUC Ivy Bridge mini-PC, which will be arriving in stores later this month priced around $300.
The Intel DC3217IYE 4.5 inch square Intel mini PC will be powered by a 1.8GHz Intel Core i3 3217U power-efficient Ivy Bridge processor, sporting an Intel QS77 Express Chipset, supported by Intel HD Graphics 4000. This compact yet powerful device is designed to offer robust performance in a small form factor, making it ideal for a variety of applications from home entertainment to light office work.
Key Features and Specifications
Other features of the Intel NUC Ivy Bridge mini PC include 2 x HDMI ports, USB 2.0, Integrated Intel 10/100/1000 Ethernet, 1 x full mSATA and a half-length mini PCIe slot. These connectivity options ensure that the device can easily integrate into various setups, whether it’s connected to a home theater system or used as a compact desktop replacement.
Intel spokesperson Dan Snyder explained: “It’s geared more to home theater/home media center,”. This statement highlights the device’s potential as a central hub for multimedia consumption, capable of streaming high-definition content, playing games, and even handling some light video editing tasks.
Variants and Additional Features
There will also be a second version of the Intel NUC mini PC, the DC3217BY, sporting a Thunderbolt port rather than the integrated Ethernet. The inclusion of a Thunderbolt port opens up a range of possibilities for high-speed data transfer and connectivity with other Thunderbolt-enabled devices, such as external storage solutions and high-resolution displays.
The Intel NUC Ivy Bridge mini-PC is not just about compact size and connectivity; it also emphasizes energy efficiency. The 1.8GHz Intel Core i3 3217U processor is designed to deliver a balance of performance and power consumption, making it suitable for continuous operation in a home theater setup or as a small office server.
Moreover, the device’s small footprint makes it an excellent choice for environments where space is at a premium. For instance, it can be mounted behind a monitor or TV, effectively turning any display into a smart device capable of running a full operating system and a wide range of applications.
In terms of expandability, the full mSATA and half-length mini PCIe slot provide options for adding additional storage or other peripherals, further enhancing the device’s versatility. This makes the Intel NUC Ivy Bridge mini-PC a future-proof investment, capable of adapting to evolving technological needs.
The introduction of the Intel NUC Ivy Bridge mini-PC marks a significant step forward in the miniaturization of powerful computing hardware. It offers a compelling combination of performance, connectivity, and energy efficiency, all packed into a sleek, compact design. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home theater setup, need a compact desktop replacement, or want a versatile device for various computing tasks, the Intel NUC Ivy Bridge mini-PC is poised to meet those needs.
Source: Anantech
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