This new model, codenamed "Raptor Canyon", was showcased at the latest TwitchCon event in collaboration with VideoCardz, a popular graphics cards reseller. It features a bigger 13.9L box, which is a massive jump over the 8L volume of the outgoing Intel NUC 12 Extreme. This almost puts it in competition with regular entry-level full-size desktop cases from a few decades ago.
However, what makes this new model truly special is the fact that it will be the first NUC PC to feature a full-size triple-slot GPU, in addition to the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors. This is a proper next-gen upgrade over the NUC 12 Extreme, which was the first Mini PC of its kind to feature a double-slot GPU.
In order to make this possible, the new NUC uses a non-standard motherboard called a "Compute Element", which can still feature full-size components while being a less-than-full-size component itself. While this does sacrifice some upgradeability options when it comes to future-proofing, it is necessary to make it support the latest RTX 40 series GPUs.
The model will also feature lots of custom cooling hardware to manage the truly extreme thermal output of the latest-gen CPU and GPU combo, as well as whatever kind of power supply, which can actually handle both at the same time. Not to mention the innovative and bespoke cable management that they will have to figure out to deliver proper connectivity between all components.
These changes will certainly reflect in the increased price of the model, which will be announced at a later date, along with the availability details of when and where you might be able to get this beast of a machine. For now, let us just give props to the team for actually trying to make this incomprehensible feat a reality.
