If you’re on the fence about an Intel NUC, you’re not alone. There are many alternatives to the NUC, from Raspberry Pis to Apple Arcade computers to rugged industrial machines. Read on to discover which one is right for your needs. And don’t forget to check out our other article to discover more about alternative PCs. We also feature some of our favorites, from Mini PCs to Apple Arcade computers.
Mini PCs
If you’re considering upgrading your laptop to an industrial grade mini PC, you might be wondering what the best alternative to Intel NUCs is. After all, consumer grade computers are designed to function in controlled environments. While the NUC is designed for daily customer use, industrial versions are able to withstand a wide range of temperature conditions. Rugged mini PCs, for instance, are made to withstand temperatures ranging from -25°F to 70°F.
Although the NUC mini PC is a highly popular device, there are cheaper alternatives available. Some of these mini PCs are powered by third party companies that claim to match the performance of the Intel NUC. One of these PCs, the Gearbest AK3V, costs just $190 and ships with an Intel Celeron J3455 quad-core “Apollo Lake” processor. Other options include six-gigabyte PCs with up to 64GB of storage and a quad-core AMD Ryzen processor. You can also find an Intel NUC6CAYS for $240.
The Intel NUC mini PCs are incredibly popular, largely because they can be easily customized. While you can buy the same components for a fraction of the cost, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a computer with a good warranty and service package. You can also purchase a kit with all of the necessary parts for your personal computing needs. You may even want to consider purchasing a barebone PC kit instead, so that you can build your own PC with all the necessary components.
As far as performance goes, you have many options. Intel NUCs are highly customizable, but they require some extra space. The main disadvantage is that they don’t have GPIO interfaces. GPIO interfaces are essential for some applications, including those that require a GPIO interface. If you’re looking to buy a smaller version of an Intel NUC, you may be better off using a Raspberry Pi.
Raspberry Pi
There are several alternatives to Intel NUCs. The DN2820FYKH is the least expensive and least equipped NUC, but it’s still a faster choice than the Raspberry Pi. It has a dual-core Atom processor and is equipped with standard interfaces, but it’s not as powerful as the current generation. But if you’re on a budget and don’t need all of the bells and whistles that the Raspberry Pi has, then this model is for you.
The main disadvantage of the NUC is that it’s huge! It is twice the size of the Raspberry Pi, despite the fact that it comes with a smaller form factor. That’s why it qualifies as a small computer, but its lack of GPIO capabilities mean that it can’t handle applications that require the GPIO interface. In short, if you’re looking for a cheaper, but still powerful computing platform, you’d be better off with another alternative.
Another option is the Azulle Access3, a stick PC that fits in your pocket. This product works with any HDMI-equipped TV or monitor. Other options include the Intel Hades Canyon NUC, a gaming-oriented mini PC. And there’s the NUC 9 Pro, a powerful workstation-grade PC. And lastly, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is an inexpensive bare-bones system that costs just $35.
While the NUC mini PC has many advantages, it’s important to consider the alternative. This small, customizable system is better for gaming than a full-sized desktop PC. Intel NUC boards are also more affordable than their desktop counterparts. You can also upgrade the hardware to make it faster. So what are the alternatives to Intel NUCs? Let’s look at them one by one. And make sure to check out the specs before purchasing one.
Apple Arcade
If you’re looking for an inexpensive desktop replacement for your Apple Arcade game console, you may want to consider the Intel NUC 12 Extreme. The NUC is a powerful workhorse, and while the performance depends on your configuration, you can upgrade RAM, SSD, and GPU to get the best possible performance. In comparison, the Apple Mac Mini Core i5 is a powerful machine, but the smaller Hades Canyon NUC is a far better value.
If you want the most powerful performance, the NUC 9i9QNX barebones PC comes with a quad-core i9 processor and 64GB of RAM. It’s only $1535 without accessories. However, Intel’s Hades Canyon NUC has a faster processor and AMD graphics chip. It costs a bit more, with models starting at $700 and going over a thousand dollars.
Another option is the Corsair Windows system. Corsair Windows systems are about as expensive as the Intel NUC but may require more work to get running. You can also get the “Alder Lake” 12th Generation Core processors from Intel, but you’ll have to bring your own hard drive and graphics card. The Corsair Windows system requires you to install Windows, so you’ll need a copy of Windows to install it.
In addition to its smaller size, the Intel NUC has nearly the same connectivity as a Mac Mini. It features four USB-A 3.0 ports, HDMI 2.0a, Thunderbolt 3, Ethernet, microSD card reader, and 3.5mm headphone jack. Its connectivity is impressive, and it also includes the newest Thunderbolt 3 port. As long as you have a monitor that can fit in a compact space, you should be good to go.
Rugged industrial computers
Rugged industrial computers are a great option for harsh environments. They are lightweight, portable, and feature multiple connectivity options. These rugged industrial computers are also capable of running various operating systems, including Linux. With a wide range of configurations, these computers are perfect for businesses, students, educators, and do-it-yourselfers. With their customizable chassis and board, they can be tailored to meet the needs of various users.
Rugged industrial computers are typically used in harsh environments and need to offer high performance, durability, and long life. Compared to the NUC, rugged industrial computers are purpose-built to handle a variety of extreme conditions. A typical rugged mini PC can withstand temperatures ranging from -25°F to 70°F. The NUC is not suited for this kind of application. Rugged mini PCs also offer a variety of benefits for industrial deployments.
Rugged industrial computers are also available without an expensive screen. For these applications, the Crystal Group RE1401 NUC is a great alternative. Its low-profile design makes it easy to transport and store. Crystal Group is an employee-owned small business based in Hiawatha, Iowa. They manufacture rugged industrial computers, storage devices, and embedded systems. A few of the models even come with fanless or ventless designs.
If you’re looking for a rugged industrial computer, you can start by checking out the OnLogic Karbon 800 Series. The rugged industrial computers are powered by advanced Intel Core processor technology, and leverage the capabilities of the new processor for advanced industrial and manufacturing applications. It’s important to note that the OnLogic Karbon 800 Series is a great choice if you need a computer that can withstand tough environments.
Rock Pi X Model B
The Rock Pi X Model B is one of the more affordable options for those looking for an affordable mini PC. Available in 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB versions, the Rock Pi X is ideal for prototyping, media server, or even a network attached storage (NAS) device. The device is also equipped with an ARM-based hexa-core processor, an edp connector, and a 40-pin header for expansion.
Intel NUCs are a great alternative for those looking for an affordable, high-end mini PC. The NUC is a traditional commercial proposal, while the Raspberry Pi and Rock Pi X Model B offer ARM-based designs. The Rock Pi X Model B is a micro-board with an ARM-based SoC. It is the perfect machine for people who aren’t interested in performance.
While Intel NUCs were originally intended for a barebones PC, the Rock Pi X Model B supports a wide range of operating systems. It’s the first X86 SBC from Radxa and packs a 64-bit Intel Cherry Trail quad-core processor and Gen8 HD graphics running at 500 GHz. It has up to 2GB of DDR3 memory and optional eMMC modules of 16 GB or 128 GB. It also supports microSD cards up to 128GB.
As an alternative to the Intel NUCs, Rock Pi X Model B offers a powerful and affordable home theatre PC experience. It’s equipped with an Intel Celeron, Atom, or Pentium processor with two GB of DDR3 RAM. It comes with a dual-slot USB 2.0 and three internal USB ports. It even comes with an infrared sensor.
