The purpose of this guide is to help you choose the best NUC desktop PC for your specific needs, balancing compact design with performance that can handle modern workloads. Our audience includes home office users, digital creators, software developers, casual gamers, and professionals looking for a small form factor machine without sacrificing capability. We write as your technical partner, offering the insight you need to make a confident, informed decision.
We all know the frustration of working on a system that feels sluggish when you need it to be responsive. Opening heavy applications, editing large images, or running multiple programs side-by-side can quickly overwhelm a weak desktop. A desktop should be a reliable partner, not an obstacle.
The challenges with compact systems like NUC PCs are clear. Small size can limit cooling capacity, which impacts sustained performance. Some models have fewer ports, making it harder to connect your preferred devices. Limited upgrade options mean your first choice matters. And without careful selection, you may end up with a unit that handles light office work but struggles with demanding tasks.
The solution lies in selecting a NUC desktop PC that matches your workload profile from the start. Intel’s NUC line delivers exceptional performance in a fraction of the space of a traditional tower, with configurations suited to everything from basic productivity to high-end media editing. Choosing the right one means evaluating specifications that matter most to your usage.
When we review NUC desktops, we look closely at CPU performance, RAM capacity, storage speed, graphics capability, connectivity options, thermal design, and upgrade potential. Any unit we recommend should come with at least an Intel Core i3 CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, HDMI and USB 3.0 ports, plus Wi-Fi 5 or newer. This ensures the system boots quickly, runs applications smoothly, and supports both single and dual-monitor setups.
Processor capability determines how responsive your system feels under load. A Core i3 or higher handles everyday tasks with ease, while Core i5 or i7 models excel in video editing, coding, and virtualization. For creators, this means you can render projects faster; for multitaskers, it means fewer slowdowns.
Memory size is vital for running several programs at once. With 16GB as the starting point, you already get enough breathing room for productivity tasks. If you often work with large spreadsheets, graphics files, or multiple research windows, opting for 32GB or higher will keep things fluid.
Storage speed directly impacts your workflow. Solid State Drives make your system feel snappy, with near-instant boot times and quick file access. A 512GB SSD is the baseline we recommend, giving room for your operating system, core software, and essential files without sacrificing performance.
Graphics capability plays a key role for those working with creative applications or enjoying light gaming. Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics in newer NUCs deliver smooth performance for most non-AAA games, photo editing, and 4K video playback. For heavier graphical workloads, NUC models with discrete GPUs open the door to more advanced rendering.
Connectivity determines how easily you integrate your NUC into your setup. Multiple USB 3.0 ports, Thunderbolt support, HDMI outputs, and sometimes DisplayPort allow for flexible configurations. This means you can connect monitors, storage devices, audio interfaces, and peripherals without constant cable swapping.
Thermal design is essential in such a small chassis. A good NUC manages heat effectively, maintaining performance without producing excessive noise. Poor cooling can lead to performance throttling, which undermines the very reason you chose a capable machine in the first place.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly what to look for in a NUC desktop PC, from core specifications to practical features that support your daily work. You will also be ready to select a model that balances performance, portability, and future adaptability.
You can also check out the Best All in One Desktop PCs in addition to the Best Chuwi Prebuilt PCs.
These are the Best Intel NUC Desktop Computers to Buy:
Contents
- ACEPC AK1 Mini Desktop PC
- Beelink GT-R Mini Desktop PC
- Beelink U57 - Mini PC
- Beelink U57 Mini PC
- GUZILA Fanless Mini PC
- Intel BOXNUC8i3CYSM1 NUC 8 Mini PC
- Intel BOXNUC8i3CYSN1 NUC 8 Home - Mini PC
- Intel NUC 10 Performance NUC10i5FNHJA Desktop Computer
- Intel NUC NUC8i5BEK Mini PCHTPC
- Intel NUC NUC8i5BEK Mini PCHTPC
- Intel NUC NUC8i7BEH - Mini PCHTPC
- Intel NUC NUC10i7FNH - Ultra Small Mini PCHTPC
- Intel NUC NUC10i7FNH Ultra Small Mini PC
- Intel NUC NUC10i7FNH1 Mini
- Mini PC - Ryzen 3 - 16GB RAM - 512GB SSD
- Mini PC AWOW - Mini Desktop Computer
- Mini PC Fanless Intel Celeron N3350 - 4GB DDR4 64GB
- Mini PC Intel Celeron N3060 Mini Computer 4GB 64GB
- Mini PC - Intel Core i5-5257U Mini Computer
- Mini PC Windows 10 Pro 8GB 256GB SSD Intel Celeron J4125
- Mini PC - 8GB RAM 120GB ROM - Mini Computer - Intel Celeron J3455 Processor
- Mini PC - ACEPC T11 - Fanless Mini Computer
- Mini PC - ACEPC Windows 10 Pro - Fanless Mini Computer
- Mini PC - Intel Celeron J3455 - 6GB - 120GB
- Mini Desktop PC,8GB - 128GB SSD - Intel Celeron N3450
- Terryza Mini PC Celeron N3350- 4GB - 64GB
- Terryza Mini PC - Celeron J4125 - 8GB - 256GB
- Z83-F Mini PC - 4GB RAM - 64GB
ACEPC AK1 Mini Desktop PC |
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| CPU | Intel Celeron Apollo Lake J3455 |
| Processor Speed | up to 2.3GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage Space | 64GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 8.7 x 6 x 2.7 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Not Included in Sale |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Compact |
| Disadvantages | NA |
Beelink GT-R Mini Desktop PC |
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| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 3550H |
| Processor Speed | up to 3.7 GHz |
| GPU | Radeon Vega 8 |
| Graphics Card Memory | 2GB |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage Space | 256GB NVMe SSD+1TB HDD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 7.4 x 5.2 x 4.29 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Performance, Compact |
| Disadvantages | NA |
Beelink U57 - Mini PC |
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| CPU | Intel Core i5-5257U processor |
| Processor Speed | base frequency 2.70 GHz, up to 3.10 GHz |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Graphics Card Memory | 0.1GB |
| RAM | 8GB DDR3L |
| Storage Space | 128GB M.2 SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 6.8 x 3.5 x 2.4 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Performance, Compact |
| Disadvantages | Storage Capacity |
Beelink U57 Mini PC |
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| CPU | Intel Core i5-5257U |
| Processor Speed | base frequency 2.70 GHz, up to 3.10 GHz) |
| GPU | Intel® UHD Graphics 610 |
| Graphics Card Memory | 0.1GB |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 256GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 8.3 x 5.3 x 2 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Not Included |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Performance, Compact |
| Disadvantages | NA |
GUZILA Fanless Mini PC |
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| CPU | Intel Atom x5-Z8350 |
| Processor Speed | 1.44 GHz/s rising to a 1.92 GHz in burst mode |
| GPU | Intel HD Graphics 400 |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage Space | 32GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 6.75 x 4.85 x 2.3 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Affordable |
| Disadvantages | Storage |
Intel BOXNUC8i3CYSM1 NUC 8 Mini PC |
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| CPU | Intel’s 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8121U |
| Processor Speed | 2.6Ghz |
| GPU | Radeon 540 discrete graphics |
| Graphics Card Memory | 2GB GDDR5 |
| RAM | 8 GB of LPDDR4 |
| Storage Space | 1 TB SATA HDD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 4.61 x 4.41 x 1.5 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Performance |
| Disadvantages | NA |
Intel BOXNUC8i3CYSN1 NUC 8 Home - Mini PC |
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| CPU | Intel’s 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8121U |
| Processor Speed | 2.2 GHz |
| GPU | Radeon 540 discrete graphics |
| Graphics Card Memory | 2GB GDDR5 |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage Space | 4 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 6.1 x 5 x 4.6 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Cheap |
| Disadvantages | |
Intel NUC 10 Performance NUC10i5FNHJA Desktop Computer |
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| CPU | Core i5-10210U |
| Processor Speed | 2.7Ghz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage Space | 1 TB HDD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 6.2 x 5.2 x 4.6 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Good Performanc,e Compact, Large Storage |
| Disadvantages | NA |
Intel NUC NUC8i5BEK Mini PCHTPC |
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| CPU | Intel Quad-Core i5-8259U |
| Processor Speed | Upto 3.8GHz |
| GPU | Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 |
| Graphics Card Memory | 0.1GB |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage Space | 256GB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 2 x 4.4 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Not Included in Sale |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Good Performance |
| Disadvantages | Storage |
Intel NUC NUC8i5BEK Mini PCHTPC |
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| CPU | 8th Generation Intel Quad-Core i5-8259U |
| Processor Speed | 2.3GHz With Turbo Boost Upto 3.8GHz |
| GPU | Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 |
| Graphics Card Memory | 0.1GB |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 |
| Storage Space | 1TB m.2 Solid State Drive |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 2 x 4.4 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Large Storage, Performance |
| Disadvantages | |
Intel NUC NUC8i7BEH - Mini PCHTPC |
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| CPU | Quad-Core i7-8559U |
| Processor Speed | Up to 4.5GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 32GB |
| Storage Space | 1TB NVMe SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 8.3 x 8.2 x 6.7 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Good Performance, Large Storage |
| Disadvantages | |
Intel NUC NUC10i7FNH - Ultra Small Mini PCHTPC |
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| CPU | 10th Gen Intel 6-Core i7-10710U |
| Processor Speed | up to 4.70 GHz |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Graphics Card Memory | 0.1GB |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage Space | 1TB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 4.4 x 4.6 x 2 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Space saving, Good Performance |
| Disadvantages | NA |
Intel NUC NUC10i7FNH Ultra Small Mini PC |
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| CPU | 10th Gen Intel 6-Core i7-10710U |
| Processor Speed | up to 4.70 GHz |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 2666MHz Memory |
| Storage Space | 2TB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 4.4 x 4.6 x 2 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Compact, Good Performance |
| Disadvantages | Price |
Intel NUC NUC10i7FNH1 Mini |
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| CPU | Core i7 |
| Processor Speed | 1.1GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 64GB |
| Storage Space | 1tb |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 4.6 x 4.4 x 2 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Performance |
| Disadvantages | NA |
Mini PC - Ryzen 3 - 16GB RAM - 512GB SSD |
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| CPU | Ryzen 3 3300U |
| Processor Speed | 3.5 GHz |
| GPU | Radeon Vega 6 |
| Graphics Card Memory | 1GB |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage Space | 512GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 6.57 x 6.46 x 4.53 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Affordable, Good Performance |
| Disadvantages | Storage Cpacity |
Mini PC AWOW - Mini Desktop Computer |
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| CPU | 9th Intel Celeron J4115 processor |
| Processor Speed | 1.8 GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | 0.1GB |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage Space | 128GB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 4.92 x 4.4 x 1.69 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Performance, Compact |
| Disadvantages | NA |
Mini PC Fanless Intel Celeron N3350 - 4GB DDR4 64GB |
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| CPU | Intel Celeron N3350 |
| Processor Speed | Up to 2.4GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage Space | 64GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 8.1 x 5.2 x 2.3 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Not Included in Sale |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Portable, Affordable, Compact |
| Disadvantages | NA |
Mini PC Intel Celeron N3060 Mini Computer 4GB 64GB |
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| CPU | Intel Celeron N3060 |
| Processor Speed | up to 2.48GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 4GB DDR3 |
| Storage Space | 64GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 4.7 x 4.7 x 0.9 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Affordable |
| Disadvantages | Storage Capacity |
Mini PC - Intel Core i5-5257U Mini Computer |
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| CPU | Intel Core i5-5257U |
| Processor Speed | 3.1 GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | 0.1GB |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 128GB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 8 x 5.9 x 3.2 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Good Performance |
| Disadvantages | Storage Capacity |
Mini PC Windows 10 Pro 8GB 256GB SSD Intel Celeron J4125 |
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| CPU | Intel Celeron J4125 |
| Processor Speed | up to 2.7GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage Space | 256GB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 8.2 x 5.8 x 2.2 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Not Included in Sale |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Performance, Storgae |
| Disadvantages | NA |
Mini PC - 8GB RAM 120GB ROM - Mini Computer - Intel Celeron J3455 Processor |
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| CPU | Intel Celeron J3455 Processor |
| Processor Speed | up to 2.3GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 120GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 8.8 x 6 x 2.7 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Compact, Affordable |
| Disadvantages | Storage Capacity |
Mini PC - ACEPC T11 - Fanless Mini Computer |
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| CPU | Intel Atom x5-Z8350 |
| Processor Speed | 1.44GHZ |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage Space | 64GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 8.06 x 5.68 x 2.25 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Afordable |
| Disadvantages | Storage Capacity |
Mini PC - ACEPC Windows 10 Pro - Fanless Mini Computer |
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| CPU | Intel Core Quad atom z8350 |
| Processor Speed | 1.92GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 120GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 8 x 6.75 x 2.25 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Not Included |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Performance |
| Disadvantages | NA |
Mini PC - Intel Celeron J3455 - 6GB - 120GB |
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| CPU | Intel Celeron J3455 |
| Processor Speed | up to 2.3GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage Space | 120GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 8.86 x 6.06 x 2.68 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Not Included in Sale |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Compact |
| Disadvantages | Storage |
Mini Desktop PC,8GB - 128GB SSD - Intel Celeron N3450 |
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| CPU | Intel Celeron N3450 |
| Processor Speed | up to 2.2GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | NA |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage Space | 128GB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 4.92 x 4.41 x 1.73 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Compact, Affordable |
| Disadvantages | |
Terryza Mini PC Celeron N3350- 4GB - 64GB |
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| CPU | Intel Celeron N3350 |
| Processor Speed | up to 2.4GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | 0.1GB |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage Space | 64GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 5.12 x 5.12 x 1.77 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Affordable, Compact |
| Disadvantages | |
Terryza Mini PC - Celeron J4125 - 8GB - 256GB |
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| CPU | Intel Celeron J4125 |
| Processor Speed | up to 2.7GHz |
| GPU | Intel |
| Graphics Card Memory | 0.1GB |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 256GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 8.7 x 6 x 2.7 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Not Included in Sale |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Performance, Compact |
| Disadvantages | Storage space |
Z83-F Mini PC - 4GB RAM - 64GB |
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| CPU | Intel Quad Core |
| Processor Speed | 1.92GHz |
| GPU | Intel HD Graphics 400 |
| Graphics Card Memory | 0.1GB |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage Space | 64GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 8.1 x 5.2 x 2.4 inches |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Sold Separately |
| Computer Monitor | Sold Separately |
| Advantages | Compact, Good Performance |
| Disadvantages | |
