The NUC 12 Enthusiast is the first NUC to pair an Intel processor with an Intel discrete GPU – in this case, up to a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H CPU and an Intel Arc A770M GPU. Intel’s 12700H mobile processorfeatures 14 cores / 20 threads with a max turbo frequency of 4.7GHz alongside 24MB of Intel Smart Cache. The kit can support up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory and affords three M.2 PCIe slots (including two Gen4 NVMe slots), two Thunderbolt 4 ports, six USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (Type-A), two DisplayPort 2.0 (1.4-certified) ports, an HDMI 2.1 TMDS-compatible port, optical audio, a Kensington lock slot and Wi-Fi connectivity courtesy of Killer Gaming (which is now a subsidiary of Intel). Intel’s mini PC measures 9.1 inches x 7.1 inches x 2.4 inches and can be used in either vertical or horizontal orientations (a vertical stand is included). It comes backed by a three-year warranty.
Systems will be sold pre-configured and as barebone kits in which the user will be responsible for supplying their own memory, storage and operating system. Intel said pricing for kits will range from $1,180 to $1,350, and that fully equipped systems will be available from retailers at a later date. Intel’s product brochure references a full build with 16GB of DDR4, a 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD and Windows 11 Home. Those needing a bit more oomph may want to consider Intel’s NUC 12 Extreme desktop kit. These ship with faster desktop-class processors and can accommodate up to 12-inch dual-slot graphics cards. They are considerably larger than the Enthusiast kit (although still slimmer than a standard ATX chassis) and will set you back a bit more coin.
