The Intel NUC 13 Extreme is modular desktop computer that’s about the size of a game console… but capable of delivering much more power than any current-gen console.
Set to hit the streets by the end of the year, the computer, supports up to an Intel Core i9-13900K 24-core, 32-thread processor, up to a 12 inch, triple-slot discrete graphics card, and up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 memory and up to five storage devices.
Intel has been selling compact desktop computers under the NUC brand for a decade. While most are small enough to hold in one hand, the “Extreme” line are designed for gaming and typically feature larger bodies, higher-performance processors, and support for discrete graphics.
As expected, the NUC 13 Extreme, also known by the code-name “Raptor Canyon,” is the largest to date. But it’s also the most powerful and versatile to date as well.
The new model measures 337 x 318 x 129mm (13.3″ x 12.5″ x 5.1″) and is designed to work with 125-watt, 13th-gen Intel Core K-series chips. Thanks to a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with support for triple-slot graphics cards up to 313mm (12.3 inches) in length and a 750W power supply, the system can also support graphics cards that consume up to 450 watts of power.
Like other recent NUC Extreme systems, the Raptor Canyon model features a modular design. The chassis has a baseboard that’s designed to interface with a removable Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element, which is basically a fully-functional computer-on-a-module.
The Compute Element itself has the processor, two SODIMM slots for memory, three PCIe Gen 4 M.2 2280 slots for NVMe or SATA storage, and an array of ports and connectivity options that includes:
- 1 x HDMI 2.1
- 2 x Thudnerbolt 4
- 1 x 10 Gbps Ethernet port
- 1 x 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port
- 6 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
- 1 x 3.5mm mic input
- 1 x 3.5mm line input
- 1 x 3.5mm speaker output
- Intel Killer AX1690i WiFi 6E & BT 5.2
The chassis and baseboard add support for a discrete graphics card as well as a 3.5 inch hard drive or SSD or two 2.5 inch drives plus a few additional ports on the front of the computer (two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, and a headset jack).
The system also has two 120mm fans and RGB headers for use with up to 120 LED lights.
Intel says the NUC 13 Extreme Kit will be available with a choice of Intel Core i5-13600K (14-core, 20-thread), Core i7-13700K (16-core, 24-thread), or Core i7-13900K (24-core, 32-thread) processors with prices ranging from $1179 to $1549. You’ll need to supply your own graphics card, memory, storage, and operating system.
Folks who just want the NUC Extreme Compute Element will be able to pick one up for between $760 and $1100.
With the size of Intel’s modular PCs creeping upward, I’m not entirely sure if it makes sense for most users to consider an NUC rather than a full-sized gaming desktop anymore. But folks who want to get their hands on an NUC 13 Extreme should be able to buy one soon. Intel says the Raptor Canyon systems will be available first in China before rolling out to additional markets in the fourth quarter of 2022 and early 2023.
I gave up on NUCs completely after I realised, the hard way, the very stupid decisions Intel make: for example the NUC 12 Extreme comes with an LGA1700 full socket. But guess what? The NUC 12 doesn’t even support 13th gen yet. My faith in Intel’s product and management decisions crashed completely there. However, I give them a chance: I restore my faith if they release a BIOS Update for the NUC 12 Extreme and support 13th gen.
NUCs have gotten so pricey, and we’re losing the appeal of the tiny powerful boxes considering they only seem to get bigger with every new gen they put out.
One funny thing with the specsheet, they boast PCI 5.0 support for the GPU, but the three M2 slots for storage only support gen 4 PCI.
I checked pcpartpicker, you can get a mini-itx motherboard, case, PSU, cpu cooler, and the listed CPUs for about $400 less.
The Deskmeet B660 for under $200 is a great deal that includes most of these and supports 12th gen CPU