Intel has unveiled its latest revolution, a small and powerful device that can be used as a home theater PC. If you’re considering buying it, this best NUC for HTPC reviews should help!
You can build your very own custom PC from a NUC (Next Unit of Computing). This device is small, efficient, and quiet. It’s built to fit into small spaces, and designed to provide enough power for basic HD playback and some light games.
This roundup provides you the top NUCs computer, how to choose one, its benefits, and answers to some common questions.
Product Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
 | Intel NUC 11 Desktop Mainstream Kit | ||
 | Intel NUC 8 NUC8i5BEK Mainstream Kit | ||
 | Craving Savings Intel NUC NUC8i5BEK Quad-Core i5-8259U |
Benefits of Using NUC for HTPC
There are a lot of benefits to using the best processor for HTPC. HTPC mini Pc device can deliver much better performance than its predecessors. Some advantages are given below:
Efficiency
The Intel HTPC NUC is small but mighty. It’s equipped with a modern, power-sipping processor that’s capable of handling high-definition media playback and light gaming.
Excellent for Creating Content
You can use the NUC as a media-editing workstation or as a mini gaming PC. Powerful enough to handle tasks such as photo editing and 4K video playback.
Video Quality
Intel has also upgraded its video playback capabilities. It can now decode 4K Ultra HD video files and 1080p footage captured at 60 frames per second.
Intel’s Quick Sync technology enables fast conversions between formats so you can quickly create your own content in the preferred format.
Customization
Intel has provided the consumer with the opportunity to easily customize the NUC. The device has multiple ports for various memory, storage, and I/O options.
Transportability
The latest NUC has many features that make it a great candidate for an HTPC. The small size makes it transportable, while its impressive performance allows you to use it as a workstation or even play some games on it.
Our Top 3 Best NUC for HTPC Reviews of 2022
If you choose an Intel NUC for your HTPC, be sure it’s the right one for you. Below are our selected picks, reviewed along with their highlight features.
1. GEEK+ Intel NUC 11 Desktop Mainstream Kit
The Intel NUC 11 is a powerful, compact desktop computer that can be used for all sorts of tasks. It is the perfect size for a home theater PC or even an office workstation.
GEEK+ Intel NUC11PAHi7 machine has an Intel Core i7-1165G7, 11th GEN. It has 2.8GHz to 4.7GHz Turbo, 8 threads, 12MB cache, and 28W Intel iris X Graphics, capable of handling most tasks.
The Intel NUC 11 has two front USB ports, which are both 3.1 Gen2 ports, so they will be able to handle high speeds and transfer large amounts of information quickly.
NUC processor machine has three USB ports that are 3.2 Gen2, so you’ll have plenty of room for all your peripherals. The machine also uses less power which will help reduce bills further.
Two monitors can be connected simultaneously through HDMI to DVI, so you can multi-task more effectively. If you want to use wireless networking, it supports Wireless to ensure you can easily connect it to your router.
There are no fans included in the NUC 11, so this makes it completely silent. This is great since computers can be quite noisy and you probably do not want another source of noise in the room.
Highlighted Features
- 12MB Cache
- Compact design
- 4K Ultra HD Compatible
- Front 2x USB 3.1, Rear 3x USB 3.2ports
- No fans, silent operation
- Intel Core i7-1165G7, 11th GEN
2. Intel NUC 8 NUC8i5BEK Mainstream Kit
The Intel NUC8i5BEK is a great choice for those looking to build their own home theater PC. The Core i5 processor can handle most tasks, including movie playback, gaming, and light content creation.
Core i5 quad-core Intel NUC has a hyperthreaded CPU, meaning you can run four different tasks simultaneously. In addition to the processor, it has an Intel Iris plus graphics 655 cards.
If you’re looking to watch movies on a high-resolution screen, then the Intel NUC8i5BEK is a great option. The Core i5 processor will let you watch most types of video content without any problems.
This means that it is capable of playing 4K movies and displaying things like documentaries without any issues. The device comes with 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD, but this can be upgraded to whatever your heart desires.
You can connect things like your mouse and keyboard via a USB port. There are also USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports. This means that if you want to use the NUC8i5BEK for gaming, then you can easily hook up an external GPU.
The device supports an HDMI 2.0a display, which means it will give you the most excellent picture quality for movies and games. It also comes with a software bundle.
Highlighted Features
- 32GB RAM
- HDMI 2.0a display
- 1TB M.2 SSD upgradeable
- Intel Core i5 processor
- Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C port
- Intel Iris Plus graphics 655 GPU
3. Craving Savings Intel NUC NUC8i5BEK Quad-Core i5-8259U
Craving Savings’s mini PC intel NUC is a great option for someone looking for an HTPC or somebody who needs a powerful desktop in the smallest possible space.
This quad-core i5-8259U is the best mini HTPC comes with all new components installed, 8 GB RAM, Windows 10 Pro 64 bit, 4K support, dual monitor support, a card reader, and a security slot. It also comes with an RJ-45 port, a sound I/O port.
The processor in this model is powered by Intel’s latest 8th Gen Core i5 Processor, which can Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz. It also includes the new Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655, which features hardware acceleration for 4k video.
Intel NUC8i5BEK includes 1X Thunderbolt 3, which allows you to transfer data at speeds up to 40 Gbps. Intel NUC desktop HTPC also features 4x USB 3.1, 1X HDMI 2.0a, support for 4k display.
This intel mini PC/HTPC provides wireless-AC 9560, which delivers up to 1.73 Gbps wireless-AC speeds, and is Bluetooth 5.0 compatible.
For added security, it features a new TPM 2.0 chip for enterprise-level security, stronger encryption, and enhanced identity protection. This NUC also includes a Kensington security slot.
Highlighted Features
- 4X USB 3.1
- Supports 4K display
- 8GB DDR4 RAM 2400MHz
- Windows 10 Pro 64 bit
- Thunderbolt III 40 Gbps
- Intel i5 8th gen (Quad-Core)
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
These are the top 3 Intel NUCs that can be used as an HTPC. They are all great devices with unique features. So how to choose the best one for your needs?
Also Know: Tips To Select Right Keycap Puller
The Things to Consider Before NUC for HTPC
For choosing NUC for gaming or HTPC, you should consider some things before buying a particular model. Keep the things below in mind if you’re looking for the leading NUC for your tasks:
Amount of Demand
The first thing that should be considered before buying NUC for HTPC is how much you need it. You should consider buying a basic model if you plan to use it just like an ordinary computer at home.
However, if you are looking to use it as an HTPC for entertaining guests, you need to consider more than just surfing the web or typing documents.
The Material
The outer cover of NUC that comes in the plastic cover is quite weak. It can be easily damaged if you are not using it carefully.
A simple solution to the problem is using an outer cover made up of aluminum material. This will provide a higher level of durability at almost equal weight as well as lower cost.
Dimensions
Before buying a NUC, you have to consider its dimensions. It’s because not all models have the same dimensions, and this could be a major problem.
Before considering a specific model, measure the inside of your monitor carefully. This will help you choose the right one for your home theater PC.
Performance
Performance of the CPU is another important thing to be considered while buying an Intel NUC model. In order to achieve a specific task, choose a model with a high-performance CPU.
The most reliable way to check the performance of NUC for gaming or HTPC is by benchmarking them. This will help you compare all the differences between them.
Amount of Storage
There are different models of NUC, and it comes along with different storage options. If you want to store a large number of files, then you should consider an HDD model.
Depending on your needs, you can also select a model that comes with a solid-state drive.
Customer Reviews
Before buying a specific Intel NUC model, you should go for checking its customer reviews.
This will help in knowing the advantages and disadvantages of that particular model. It will also help you in knowing whether that model works well for HTPC or not.
Pricing
Price is a major thing that should be considered before buying a specific NUC model. Keep in mind that models with upgraded features will obviously cost higher than simple ones.
If you follow these above-mentioned things, you can easily select a perfect NUC model for your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about NUC for home theater PC. These are as follows:
1. What are the specs I need for an HTPC?
This really depends on the type of media that you will be watching. For standard definition less than 4GB and storage 1-2TB, high definition 8GB and 2TB storage, Ultra HD or 4K 16GB of RAM and at least 2TB of storage.
2. Which NUC is the most powerful?
NUC 11 Extreme is the most powerful NUC, allowing you to play some modern titles, but this is at the cost of higher power consumption.
3. Is a NUC suitable for streaming?
NUC has wireless support, which is ideal for streaming content to your NUC. It also comes with a built-in IR receiver, which is perfect to use with remote control.
4. What is the purpose of NUC?
The NUC can be used as an HTPC, which means it’s the perfect device if you want to watch TV and movies on your computer.
5. Is it possible to connect my Intel NUC to my TV?
Yes. All of the Intel NUC machines have an HDMI port, so it’s just a matter of connecting that to your TV via an HDMI cable.
Final Words
It’s always good to think about your needs when picking out the best NUC for HTPC. The easiest way to do this is to assess what you’ll be using the device for and what type of media you’ll be watching.
Different NUCs have different specs that can be useful in certain scenarios. We hope that this article has covered everything you need to know about NUC for HTPC. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.
Learn More From Our Resources: