Intel builds NUC desktop big enough for 3-slot GPU

The Intel NUC Extreme series of mini PCs has always strived to strike a balance between keeping the NUC traditionally tiny and delivering the power of a full-size desktop. Both the NUC 11 and NUC 12 Extreme models have plenty of room inside for a dual-slot GPU up to 300mm long, but the company appears to be going even further with the NUC 13 Extreme codenamed “Raptor Canyon”. Intel showed off a new version of the box at TwitchCon (via VideoCardz) that is large enough to fit a three-slot GPU along with new 13th Gen Intel Core processors.

The Raptor Canyon box appears to have a volume of 13.9L, which is not double the 8L volume of the NUC 12 Extreme. And that’s still very small, but given the custom motherboard size and the amount these NUC Extreme boxes typically cost, we’re getting close to the volumes you can achieve in some small mini ITX PC cases. Cases such as the Sliger SM560 (11L) or Sliger Conswole (10.9L) can fit a three-slot GPU in a smaller space, as well as Cooler Master NR200P (18.5L) or SSUPD Meshlicious (14.7L) cases (God, those titles) are just a little bigger and cost a little less.

The problem with compact yet powerful ITX gaming builds – and an opening for the NUC 13 Extreme box – is that these cases are often tricky to build and require careful measurement, planning, and cabling to ensure all components fit and that they’re adequate. cool down (I say this from a sometimes-painful experience). Small form factor SFX chassis and power supplies also come with their own price premium over full-size components. The advantage of building from standard parts is that you will have more room to upgrade in a few years. But the simplicity of the NUC might be worth it for someone who wants something small and fast without the hassle.

It’s funny that we’re hearing about this case the same day the GeForce RTX 4090 reviews come out – other 4000-series cards will surely be small enough to fit in “just”a three-slot case, and Nvidia partners might even figure out how to do that with the 4090 But the trend has been towards ever larger GPUs, and owners of this new NUC (or many other GPU-compatible ITX chassis) may find three-slot compatibility more limited in the future than it has been in the past.

Intel also continues to release smaller, more tightly integrated NUCs, such as the recently announced NUC 12 Enthusiast block, which combines a 12th generation Intel Core processor with an Intel Arc discrete GPU. The Arc has its issues, but it’s still surprisingly competitive with mid-range Nvidia and AMD GPUs in many games.