(Photo by Intel Corporation)

We're used to the NUC being a micro desktop PC you can attach to the back of a monitor, but Intel is now turning it into a modular card capable of slotting into a range of devices.

Intel is using Computex 2019 to introduce a range of new hardware products, with the idea of what form a NUC can take being tweaked. As well as those tiny desktop computers, Intel is launching the NUC Compute Element. It's a modular card consisting of an Intel CPU, memory, storage, and connectivity that can be plugged into a range of devices using a proprietary connector.

(Photo by Intel Corporation)

Rather than being aimed at consumers, the NUC Compute Element is meant to be an easy plug-in solution for device makers. For example, a laptop could be designed to have the Compute Element slotted in the side or back. By doing so, it would allow the laptop to be upgraded in future simply by switching out the Compute Element for a newer model. Intel also points to kiosks, smart TVs, and a range of home appliances as capable of taking advantage of this new NUC card format.

As Tom's Hardware reports, the design of the NUC Compute Element allows Intel to use the 15W U-Series mobile processors as well as the lower wattage Y-series. However, 28W processors can also be "tolerated" if more performance is required and the device allows adequate cooling of the Compute Element. Some versions of the Compute Element will also support vPro technology, making them more viable for use in a corporate/business setting.

While a module card sounds great for consumers, it's hard to imagine manufacturers wanting to sell us gadgets than can be upgraded rather than replaced. They'd much rather you buy a new laptop than purchase a slot-in card from Intel and keep the same laptop for another three years, for example.

The NUC Compute Element isn't a new idea, it's a re-imagined one after Intel failed to find success with the Compute Card, which it gave up on earlier this year. However, the Compute Element certainly looks more promising thanks to the higher performance on offer and what looks to be a greater range of options in terms of hardware configurations and features.

Expect the first devices using the NUC Compute Element to appear in the first half of 2020.

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