14 DAY TRIAL // Intel's next unit of computing, or NUC for short, has just received a new hardware update, something I expected given the IDF 2013 show, which took place in San Francisco, California from September 10 to September 12.
The upgrade consists in the more or less predictable fourth-generation Haswell central processing unit.
More specifically, the very small PC now runs a Core-i5 D54250WYK processor, which happens to include the HD 5000 graphics processor.
Intel's Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 is present as well, dynamically overclocking the CPU when needed.
Add to that Quick Sync video (faster video encoding), a DisplayPort 1.2 jack with 4K UHD streaming and four USB 3.0 ports, and the NUC is almost a gaming system. Almost, because it lacks mighty graphics.
It can definitely play 4K video though, in 3D or otherwise. The RAM of up to 16 GB DDR3 doesn't hurt in that regard, and neither does the mSATA SSD.
Sadly, pricing and availability details of the new Intel NUC remain undisclosed.