Intel, you’re doing it wrong. - Intel NUC 12 Review

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Overview

This video reviews the Intel 12th Gen NUC Extreme (Dragon Canyon), a powerful and compact computer. The reviewer highlights its impressive specifications, including the 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, support for full-size GPUs, and a 10-gigabit Ethernet port. While the price is high, the reviewer argues that it's justified considering the performance and features offered. They also compare it to the previous generation and other similar systems, concluding that it's a compelling choice for specific use cases like gaming, video editing, and professional workstations.

Introduction and Evolution of Intel NUC
- 🖥️
  The video reviews the Intel 12th Gen NUC Extreme, a powerful mini PC.
- 📦
  The NUC Extreme has evolved from its humble beginnings as a basic single-board computer to a high-performance machine.
- 💪
  The 9th Gen "Ghost Canyon" marked a shift towards a more powerful NUC, while the 11th Gen introduced the modular "Compute Element."
Features and Design of the 12th Gen NUC Extreme
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  The 12th Gen NUC Extreme features a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, support for full-size GPUs (up to 10 inches long), and a 10-gigabit Ethernet port.
- 💨
  It has a redesigned cooling system with larger fans and a vapor chamber to handle the increased heat output.
- 🔌
  The NUC Extreme offers multiple connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and multiple USB ports.
Performance and Benchmarks
- 🌡️
  The reviewer was impressed by the NUC Extreme's thermal performance, even under heavy workloads.
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  They tested the NUC Extreme with a Core i9-12900K processor and an RTX 3080 Ti GPU, achieving impressive benchmark results.
- ⚠️
  However, they noted that the 12900K required significant tuning and undervolting to achieve optimal performance within the NUC's thermal limits.
Pricing and Conclusion
- 💰
  The Intel NUC Extreme is expensive, with the i7 variant starting at $1,150 and the i9 variant at $1,450 (without storage, RAM, or GPU).
- ⚖️
  While the price is high, the reviewer believes it's justified considering the performance, features, and compact size.
- 🎯
  The NUC Extreme is ideal for users who need a powerful and portable computer for gaming, content creation, or professional use.

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Key moments

Intro
Introduction of the Intel NUC Extreme and its capabilities.
Humble beginnings
The evolution of Intel's NUC concept, from basic single-board computers to powerful mini PCs.
EXTREME!
Introduction of the 12th Gen NUC Extreme and its new features, including a 10 gig port and Thunderbolt 4.
Under the hood
A detailed look at the NUC's internal components, including the cooling system, GPU, and compute element.
Explanation of the NUC's airflow design and the importance of fresh air intake.
Even deeper
Further exploration of the compute element, including the M.2 slots, SO-DIMM slots, and WiFi chip.
Paste Piracy
Discussion of the NUC's desktop socket and the possibility of upgrading to a 12900K processor.
Demonstration of installing a 12900K processor and the challenges encountered.
12900K Tuning
Discussion of the performance limitations encountered with the 12900K processor and the need for tuning.
Use of TechPowerUp's ThrottleStop to unlock the processor's potential and achieve higher performance.
Finding the sweet spot for undervolting the processor to balance performance and temperature.
Old vs New
Summary of the Dragon Canyon NUC's features and performance, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.
Discussion of the NUC's price and value proposition compared to building a similar system.
Conclusion and final thoughts on the NUC's target audience and potential use cases.