The News Comes a Week After STH Confirmed Intel Stopped NUC Production
It turns out that even if STH had not broken the Intel NUC story last week, we still would have learned that Intel was ending NUC production with the press release Intel published yesterday (July 18, 2023). Rather than speculate on what the Intel-powered mini-PC market might evolve post-NUC, we now know that ASUS has taken over current-gen production, and will continue to produce future generations of the Next Unit of Computing.
This move might remind some of the end of Intel’s consumer SSD business, as it was sold to SK hynix under the Solidigm name. Under the terms of this NUC deal with Intel, “ASUS will establish a new business unit called ASUS NUC BU”. Personally, as someone who never fully grasped the pronuciation of “NUC” to begin with, “NUC BU” is going to provide an even greater challenge. Nuck boo? Nook boo? Nock bow? I’ll just wait for an official product video (or ask J.J.).
Here is a reproduction of the official press release:
SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– What’s New: Today, Intel announced it has agreed to a term sheet with ASUS, a global technology solution provider, for an agreement to manufacture, sell and support the Intel® Next Unit of Compute (NUC) 10th to 13th generations systems product line and to develop future NUC systems designs.
“Our NUC systems product team delivered unique products that spurred innovation in the ultra-small form factor market. As we pivot our strategy to enable ecosystem partners to continue NUC systems product innovation and growth, our priority is to ensure a smooth transition for our customers and partners. I am looking forward to ASUS continuing to deliver exceptional products and supporting our NUC systems customers.”
– Sam Gao, Intel vice president and general manager of Intel Client Platform Solutions
Why It Matters: Intel is pivoting its strategy to enable ecosystem partners to continue NUC systems product line innovation and growth. ASUS’s expertise and track record delivering industry-leading mini PCs to customers make it ideally suited to continue driving innovation and growth in NUC systems products.
“Thank you, Intel, for your confidence in us to take the NUC systems product line forward. I am confident that this collaboration will enhance and accelerate our vision for the mini PC – greatly expanding our footprint in areas such as AI and AIoT,” said Joe Hsieh, ASUS chief operating officer. “We are committed to ensuring the excellent support and service that NUC systems customers expect.”
What’s Next: Under the proposed agreement, ASUS will receive a non-exclusive license to Intel’s NUC systems product line designs, enabling it to manufacture and sell 10th to 13th Gen NUC systems products and develop future designs. This will enable ASUS to provide product and support continuity for Intel NUC systems customers. ASUS will establish a new business unit called ASUS NUC BU.
