14 DAY TRIAL // Mini PC is a broader term than you might think, referring to pretty much every computer smaller than a micro-ATX form factor, and even those can occasionally cross over if they're thin enough. There's nothing debatable about the NUC though.
Not that it's the NUC that we're going to talk about here, exactly. Instead, we're going to show you a case made for it.
Intel may have invented the next unit of computing (NUC is the short term for that), but it didn't get overly involved beyond that.
Meaning that basically any chassis maker with a token contract with Intel can go ahead and make a chassis for the small PC.
The Streacom NC2
Streacom is one of the so-called Intel partners in this endeavor. What it has just released (through a really, really short press release actually) is the NC2 case.
Essentially, it's a new skin for the next unit of computing, barely large enough to reach beyond the edges of your palm, finger not included.
In fact, unless you have particularly dainty hands, you'll easily be able to hold it up one-handed and have a lot of room to spare. In this, at least, the case meets the requirements of the NUC system.
Admittedly, the case is 11 mm taller than its predecessor, the NC1, but it's still pretty small despite that, and it meets the requirements of the newest NUC system too.
Sure, the NC1 ultra-compact NUC case was nice and all, but it didn’t have space for 2.5-inch storage devices.
True, the NUC itself didn't use them before either, but Intel launched Haswell-enabled boards not too long ago which do have SATA support. The NC2 is taller exactly because it incorporates a 2.5-inch bay.
Other than that, you get a modular design, efficient cooling and easy assembly, plus acrylic sides where internal Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technologies are installed. The high-grade aluminum sandblast finish completes the picture by providing a nice, contemporary allure.
Availability and pricing
The Streacom NC2 should already be up for sale, but unfortunately the company didn't mention a price in the press release. You'll have to keep an eye out on online retailers if you own a NUC and are hunting for a better case. Once you buy it, you can proceed to cart the NUC around with you wherever you go, content with knowing the case will double as a heatsink. Just don't forget that the computer still needs to be plugged in.
