Intel NUC 9 Extreme (NUC9i9QNX)

If it does, then the optimist in me says this could be a very compelling and practical platform for those that don’t care to go fully into the world of custom PC building, but also want a powerful computer that can be easily upgraded in the future. That last point remains unknown, though, so the realist take is that the NUC 9 Extreme remains a very interesting and capable, albeit extremely expensive, mini PC.

For its innovative design, high performance, and better than expected noise and temperature levels, I find this a worthy of consideration for anyone looking for desktop-class performance, and upgradable components, in as small a device as possible.

The latest Next Unit of Computing may be less compact than its predecessors, but that sacrifice enables room for a intriguing modular design—one that opens the door to exciting possibilities.

Intel has pulled off an impressive feat of engineering and innovation with the new NUC 9 Extreme kits. The ability to upgrade your systems as easy as a GPU swap, will likely capture plenty of new SFF builders.

The Intel NUC 9 Extreme is a really cool product, that brings powerful hardware and a bit of DIY flavor into an attractive, compact form factor. There is a premium to be paid to play with a system of this type, but if the idea of a high-performance small form factor system is appealing to you, the Intel NUC 9 Extreme is an innovative solution that worthy of your consideration.

The bar has been reset for mini PCs: With deep upgrade options and a unique internal architecture based on Intel's Compute Element, the game-changing NUC 9 Extreme brings near-tower power down to the truly small.

The Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit (Ghost Canyon) is a pricey barebones PC that fits a discrete GPU. The Compute Element with mobile Intel CPU makes for an exciting new form factor, though.