Introduction to Intel NUC
NUC (A.K.A. Nuke) stands for Next Unit of Computing…
It is a small, powerful, and efficient computer that can be used for various purposes, including as a virtualization server.
There are many different types of NUCs out there, but when it comes to virtualization, which one is the best for a homelab?
Some people might say that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question and that the best NUC for virtualization will vary depending on your specific needs and requirements.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the NUC so great for virtualization and see if it might be the right hardware choice for your homelab!
Interesting information for you in this guide:
- NUC Hypervisor Options
- NUC VM Server Use Cases
- Intel NUC Home Server
- Intel NUC Server Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
For more ways to use your NUC, please visit this guide on NUC uses and applications to learn how to get the most out of your mini-pc.
NUC Video Training: Setup VMware ESXi
Need more storage for your NUC? Check out this portable NAS.
NUC Hypervisor Options
A NUC hypervisor is a great way to set up a homelab.
It’s small, efficient, and easy to manage. You can use it to run all sorts of different virtual machines, making it a great way to test out new software or configurations. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about how hypervisors work.
There are a few different NUC hypervisors out there. The most popular is probably VMware’s ESXi. But there are also options like Hyper-V, KVM, and Xen.
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you’ll need to decide which one is right for you.
Hypervisor Software
KVM is a type 1 hypervisor that is used to manage virtual machines. It is open source and can run on a variety of platforms. It is a good choice for small businesses because it is easy to use and relatively cheap. However, KVM may not be as robust as some of the other options available. And it will require Linux admin skills to grow and support it.
Xen is another type 1 hypervisor that is used to manage virtual machines. It is also open source and can run on various platforms, including a NUC. Xen is considered to be more robust than KVM, but it is also more complex to use. Additionally, Xen can be expensive if you do decide to license it.
Hyper-V is another type 1 hypervisor that you may want to consider. Microsoft developed it and is only available for use on Windows platforms. Hyper-V is considered to be a reliable and robust option, but it is also expensive. Additionally, Hyper-V can be difficult to use for those who are not familiar with Windows products.
ESXi is a type 1 hypervisor that is used to manage virtual machines. It is developed by VMware and is only available for use on VMware platforms. ESXi is considered to be the most robust and reliable hypervisor option available. However, it is also the most expensive. Additionally, ESXi can be difficult to use for those who are not familiar with VMware products.
When choosing a NUC hypervisor, it is important to consider your homelab needs. If you are looking for a cheap and easy option, KVM may be the best choice. If you are looking for a more robust and reliable option, Xen or ESXi may be better choices.
My preference is Hyper-V because it can be installed via Windows 10/11 Pro which will run great on a NUC.
Another option that can run from Windows or Linux is VirtualBox. VirtualBox is a Type 2 hypervisor that is made by Oracle. It is free to use and has a wide variety of features. However, it may not be as robust as some of the other hypervisor options.
But, no matter which NUC hypervisor you choose, it is important to do your research and make sure that it is the best option for you.
There are a variety of different NUC hypervisors available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Choose the one that fits your needs and you will be able to create a great homelab.
Related guide: Hypervisors & Virtual Machines Software Alternatives…
Intel NUC Server Build
Intel’s NUC line of mini-PCs is a great option for those looking to build a homelab server for virtualization.
The small form factor makes them ideal for use in a home environment, and the fact that they come with pre-installed Intel vPro technology means that they are ready for virtualization out of the box.
When building a homelab server for virtualization, choosing a processor that can handle the task is important. Intel’s NUC line of mini-PCs comes with a range of processors, from the dual-core Celeron to the multi-core Core i7.
This gives you plenty of options to choose from depending on your needs and budget.
Another important factor to consider when building a home server is the amount of storage you will need. Intel’s NUC mini-PCs come with a range of storage options, from 128GB to 2TB. This gives you plenty of room to store your virtual machines and data.
When it comes to virtualization, Intel’s NUC mini-PCs are hard to beat. With a range of powerful processors and plenty of storage options, they are perfect for any home server build. So if you’re looking for a small form factor mini-PC that is ready for virtualization, the Intel NUC is the perfect option.
Best NUC for Virtualization (Intel CPU)
- ăStorage ExpansionăIntel NUC Seal is opened for Hardware/Software upgrade RAM+SSD only to enhance performance; Intel NUC 11 i7 has built-in high speed 32GB dual channel DDR4-3200MHz RAM(Can be expanded max to 64GB), 1TB PCle 4.0 SSD (Support of 2.5-inch PCle Gen4 SSD or SATA HDD, not included) that take storage and performance to the next level
- ăPowerful Inside But Small OutsideăNewest 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1165G7, 2.8 GHz - 4.7 GHz Turbo, 4 core, 8 thread, 12MB cache meet various work or entertainment needs, and thanks to its small form factor, You can use our included Vesa bracket to mount the intel nuc 11 behind a large screen monitor to save even more space
- ă4K Screen Display and Iris Xe GraphicsăSupport 4 x 4K screen displays to work simultaneously or 8k screen display to work, while processing multiple streams of incoming video via Thunderbolt 3 technology. Built-in 28W Intel Iris Xe Graphics can easily handles 3D animation, CAD models and video rendering, etc
- ăMulti-Interface SpecificationsăGet internet connectivity and more. Intel nuc 11 i7 squeeze all the ports and wireless connections you would expect from a nuc 11 i7 - USB, HDMI, Thunderbolt technologyïŒFront and rear Thunderbolt 3 portsïŒ, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fiâinto the smallest space we can engineer
- ăAFTER-SALE WARRANTYă We offer a 3-year warranty, and lifetime worry-free user support. If you have any product concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us, and Geekplus support team will reply and resolve the issue at once
- [The Perfect Combination of Performance and Power Consumption] Equipped with the latest 12th generation Intel Core i7-1260P processor (18MB L3 cache, up to 4.7 GHz) 12 cores (4P+8E), 16 threads, the powerful performance and stable power consumption of business intel nuc 12 make it the best choice for office, business, home, gaming and daily use. Powerful heat dissipation achieving 7X24 hours of quiet operation. Intel Iris Xe graphics can easily handle 3D rendering, video editing, etc
- [Better Mass Storage, Better Storage Scalability] The intel nuc 12 pro with Windows 11 Pro takes storage and performance to the next level with 32GB Dual Channel DDR4-3200 SODIMMs Ram (Supports up to 64GB DDR4 Ram) and 1TB PCle 4.0 NVMe SSD (Supports 2.5" PCle Gen4 SSD or SATA HDD, not included)
- [8K HDR & 4K HDR 4 Screens Support] Intel NUC 12 has dc input, dp2.1, HDMI 2.0, Thunderbolt4 ports, outputs clearer and more advanced picture quality, Intel NUC 12 Pro i7 support one 8K display or four 4K displays for multitasking at the same time. Come experience an immersive visual experience. The included VESA mounting bracket can better reduce the space occupied, the space looks more simple
- [Say Goodbye to Delays] The latest wifi 6E has three frequency bands: 2.4G, 5G, 6G, with faster speed, lower latency and stronger bandwidth. Bluetooth 5.3 has a longer and more stable transmission distance, allowing you to connect to other devices faster and seamlessly with basically zero latency. 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet provides you with unimaginable surfing speeds, loading pages, videos, etc. faster than other
- [Rich Interfaces] Including 4 X USB 3.2 Gen 2 type A, 2 X HDMI2.0, 2 X Thunderbolt4 ports, DC input port, 2500MB Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm headphone/mic jackâall packed into a range of flexible, customizable form factors
- ăHigh Speed RAM And Enormous Spaceă16GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 512GB PCIe NVME M.2 Solid State Drive allows fast bootup and data transfer
- ăProcessorăIntel Core i7-9750H (Total Cores: 6 Cores, 12 Threads Clockspeed: 2.6 GHz Turbo Speed: 4.5 GHz, L3: 12 MB); Intel UHD Graphics
- ăTech Specsă2 x Thunderbolt 3, 6 x USB 3.1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 2 x RJ45 (Ethernet Lan), 1 x SD Card Reader, 1 x 3.5mm Headphone/Microphone jack; Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth Combo
- ăOperating SystemăWindows 11 Pro - Get all the features of Windows 11 Home operating system plus enterprise-grade security, powerful management tools like single sign-on, and enhanced productivity with remote desktop and Cortana
- ăSuperior Performance and Efficiencyă Boasting a 12th generation Intel Core i7-1260P processor (18MB Smart cache, up to 4.8 GHz) with 12 cores (4P+8E) and 16 threads, this ASUS NUC, Intel NUC 12 i7 Pro Mini PC delivers powerful performance with stable power consumption. Ideal for office, business, home, and everyday use. Its efficient heat dissipation ensures quiet operation 24/7. The upgraded Intel Iris Xe graphics handle 3D rendering and video editing with ease.
- ăEnhanced Storage and Expandabilityă Equipped with 32GB Dual Channel DDR4-3200 SODIMMs RAM (expandable up to 64GB) and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, this mini PC offers high-speed performance and storage. It also supports an additional 2.5" PCIe Gen4 SSD or SATA HDD (not included), providing further expandability.
- ăImmersive Visual Experience and OSă With DC input, DP 2.1, HDMI 2.0, and Thunderbolt 4 ports, the NUC 12i5 Pro supports one 8K display or four 4K displays simultaneously, delivering clear and advanced picture quality. The included VESA mounting bracket ensures a space-saving setup. The Windows 11 Pro operating system is pre-installed and is ready to go right out of the box!
- ăFast and Reliable Connectivityă Experience faster speeds, lower latency, and stronger bandwidth with the latest WiFi 6E (2.4G, 5G, 6G bands). Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a longer, stable transmission distance for seamless connectivity. The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet delivers fast internet speeds for quick page and video loading.
- ăMultiple Interfaces and After-Sales Supportă This mini PC features 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type A, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 ports, a DC input port, a 2500MB Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack. We offer a 3-year warranty and lifetime user support. For any product concerns, please contact ASUS, and GEEK+ support teamïŒFor RAM,SSD,OSïŒwill promptly resolve the issue.
- [Perfect Combination of Performance and Power Consumption] Equipped with the latest 13th generation intel core i7-1360P processor (18Mb L3 cache, up to 5.0 GHz) 12 cores, 16 threads, the powerful performance and stable power consumption of intel nuc 13 i7 make it the best choice for office, business, home, gaming and daily use. Powerful heat dissipation achieving 7 x 24 hours of quiet operation. Intel Iris Xe graphics can easily handle 3D rendering, video editing etc
- [Better Mass Storage, Better Storage Scalability] The nuc 13 pro mini pc with Windows 11 Pro takes storage and performance to the next level with 32GB Dual Channel DDR4-3200 SODIMMs Ram and 1TB PCle 4.0 NVMe SSD
- [8K HDR & 4K 4 Screens Support] Intel nuc 13 has dc input, dp2.1, HDMI 2.1, Thunderbolt4 ports, outputs clearer and more advanced picture quality, Intel NUC 13 Pro i7 support one 8K display or four 4K displays for multitasking at the same time. Come experience an immersive visual experience. The included VESA mounting bracket can better reduce the space occupied by the mini computers, the space looks more simple
- [Say Goodbye to Delays] The latest wifi 6E has three frequency bands: 2.4G, 5G, 6G, with faster speed, lower latency and stronger bandwidth. Bluetooth 5.3 has a longer and more stable transmission distance, allowing you to connect to other devices faster and seamlessly with basically zero latency. 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet provides you with unimaginable surfing speeds, loading pages, videos, etc. faster than other
- [Rich Interfaces] Including 3 X USB 3.2 Gen 2 type A, 1 X USB2.0 Gen 2 type A, 2 X HDMI2.1, 2 X Thunderbolt4 ports, DC input port, 2500MB Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm headphone/mic jackâall packed into a range of flexible, customizable form factors
Mini PC with AMD CPU (NUC Alternatives)
If youâre looking for a NUC alternative with an AMD CPU, there are a few options available.
- Powered by Ryzen 5 3550H: BOSGAME Mini pc E2 equipped with AMD Ryzen 5 3550H processor, delivers lightning-fast speeds up to 3.7GHz with 4 cores and 8 threads, making it the ultimate choice for gamers and professionals in need of a robust desktop computer for gaming, office work, and design tasks
- Pre-in 16GB RAM & 512GB PCIe 3.0 SSD: Mini computers E2 designed with Dual-channel DDR4 RAM (8GB x 2) ,can be upgraded to maximum of 32GBïŒ16GB x 2), and an installed 512GB m.2 PCIe3.0 X4 NVME SSD for lightning-fast performance
- Triple Screen Display: Ryzen 5 mini pc E2 features 2*HDMI 2.0 ports (4K@60HZ ) and 1* USB-C port (supports 1080P ), connecting three high-resolution displays simultaneously. Whether working in the office or entertainment media playback, it can show a detailed and realistic picture effect and provide HD smooth video output
- Versatile Connectivity: Dual Band Wi-Fi provides a faster internet experience for browsing, streaming and gaming. Lower latency Bluetooth 5.0, more stable and efficient to connect to multiple wireless devices such as projector, printer, monitor, speakers and etc
- Reliable Support Service: Already pre-installed with W11 Pro OS and supports changing the OS to W10 Pro or Linux. Professional technical department offers 24h/7d after-sales service and lifetime technical support. Please donât hesitate to contact Bosgame Support Center when you have any questions.
- ăMini PC with Powerful AMD 7430U ăThe mini computers is equipped with a Ryzen 5 7430U (6C/12T, up to 4.3GHz) AMD processor, Adopting 7nm photolithography technology and 16MB cache, the mini gaming pc can meet your different needs. Adopting 7nm FinFET processor technology and Zen 3 architecture, the default TDP is 15W (maximum 28W), meeting your daily office, leisure gaming, and home entertainment needs.
- ăLarge Storage & Expansion OptionsăThe mini desktop computer is equipped with 16GB RAM DDR4512GB M.2 2280 SSD, which is sufficient to meet daily storage needs. In addition, you can use 2 SO-DIMM slots to expand RAM to 64GB and 2 M.2 2280 slots to expand ROM to 2TB (1 for NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD or SATA SSD, 1 for SATA SSD). Micro pc offer More space to store your work files or privacy documents, without worrying about running out of space or information leakage.
- ăAMD Radeon Graphics & Triple DisplayăMini gaming pc equipped with 7-core AMD Radeon graphics, frequency 1800MHz, high-definition display 4K@60Hz Support, you can achieve ultra-high image clarity and immersive visual effects. 1 HDMI port, 1 DP 1.4 port, and 1 Type-C port, supporting 3 monitors, so you can easily manage multiple tasks, switches, and work. Mini computer features a quiet and powerful built-in cooling fan, eliminating the need to worry about noise and heating during multitasking.
- ăWiFi 6/BT5.2 & Versatile ConnectivityăThe desktop computers is equipped with WiFi6, with a transfer speed of 2400 Mbps, providing a more stable and faster connection. Bluetooth 5.2 supports more necessary device connections, mice, keyboards, and other office devices. The small pc is equipped with many ports: 1 * HDMI, 1 * USB 3.2 Type-C, 1 * DP 1.4, 1 * LAN RJ45, 6 * USB 3.2 Gen2, 1 * audio jack, and 1 * DC port. Fully meet your daily office needs.
- ăCompact Design & Reassuring ServiceăThe KAMRUI desktop pc measures only 5.04 x 5.04 x 1.63 inches and comes with a VESA bracket, making it easy to install on the back of a monitor or place on a desktop, providing you with a clean and tidy office environment. KAMRUI mini pc is committed to researching and promoting mini computers. We provide 24/7 after-sales service and lifelong technical support services. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
- ăPowerful and Cost-effective OptionăKAMRUI AM06PRO Mini PC powered by AMD Ryzen 7 5800U 8 cores and 16 threads 16MB L3 Cache processor ,up to 4.4GHz in burst. The advantages of 7nm technology achieve the best balance between high performance and low energy efficiency, and than Ryzen 7 5700U, Ryzen 5 5600U, 5500U, and Intel Core i7-1165G7, the mini pc ryzen 7 5800U provides better multi-threading performanceïŒ it has excellent performance on both single-thread and multi-thread. This Tiny machine can handle all kinds of complex multitasking with ease and capture your heart with its fast responsiveness.
- ăMeet to Sufficient Memory StorageăThe mini computer achieves 16GB memory capacity with dual-channel DDR4 speed up to 3200Mhz, making it possible to complete commands in the blink of an eye. In terms of storage, it is equipped with a capacity of 512GB to meets your usage needs. In addition, In addition, AM06PRO has the possibility of upgrading, by upgrading DDR4, adding 2.5-inch SSD and replacing M.2 NVMe/NGFF SSD to achieve the highest supported 2Ă32GB memory and 2+2TB storage.
- ă4K UHD Vision Helps You FocusăAM06PRO mini desktop pc integrates AMD Radeon Vega7 1800MHz GPU to provide powerful graphics processing capabilities. Watching videos, gaming, doing office work, and creating have truly become a kind of enjoyment. Output 4K@60Hz UHD video signals through DP + HDMI2.0 + Type-C, realize triple display immersive visual experience, and help you focus and inspire when creating.
- ăEfficient Networking and ConnectionsăAM06PRO micro pc comes with USB3.0 Type-AĂ2, USB2.0 Type-AĂ2, HDMIĂ1, Display PortĂ1, Type-C (Full function)Ă1, Audio/MicĂ1, RJ45Ă2 and Type-C DC JackĂ1. Sufficient interfaces for your full range of connectivity control. Network connectivity with Dual Band 2.4/5GHz WiFi and Dual RJ45 Supported 1000Mb/2.5G allow you to no longer suffer delays or outages from now on.Bluetooth quickly recognizes your accessory and provides a stable and strong connection signal.
- ăSmall Form Factor but CompleteăThe compact design of desktop computer 1.96inĂ5.19inĂ132in is enough to save a huge space. With VESA Mount to hang it up, it can even be regarded as an all-in-one computer. This tiny pc also provides an efficient cooling solution with a smart fan and cooling copper pipe to effectively dissipate heat. AMD SenseMI technology detects the running state of the processor in real time and adjusts it to keep the processor in the best state for the current demand.
- ăOffice Gaming Mini PCăUPGRADED GMKtec Nucbox M5 Plus Series is equipped with the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor, 8 Cores/16 Threads, Boost up to 4.50GHz, Based on the ZEN 3+ architecture, this small but powerful mini pc delivers satisfying results in productivity, office work, and gaming. 35% Performance increase over previous AMD Ryzen 7 5700U, 5600U, 5560U, 5500U.
- ă32GB DDR4 RAM & 1TB PCIe SSDăInstalled with DDR4 32GB RAM Dual Channel (2x16GB), the Nucbox M5 mini pc support expansion to 64GB RAM. Featured with 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD, support dual slot expansion to 4TB SSD. (Upgrades not included)
- ăDUAL NIC LAN 2.5G RJ45ăFast Network Speeds: Enjoy up to 2500Mbps data transmission speed without worrying about lagging. Ideal for working, gaming, and surfing the internet. Great for Untangle, Pfsense or as a server office PC.
- ăMini Desktop Computer with 4K Triple Screen DisplayăNucbox M5 Plus integrates AMD Radeon Graphics 8 Cores 2000 MHz GPU to deliver powerful graphics processing power to easily handle the demands of complex design software, 4K@60Hz UHD video editing, and playback, or mid-range gaming. And it can connect to 3 display screens simultaneously.
- ăFast Internet WiFi 6E + BT5.2 ConnectionăGMKtec Mini PC with WiFi-6E Wireless, have 2.5G/5G/6G triple band, more faster and lower latency. Bluetooth 5.2 allowing you more quickly to connect other wireless devices (headset, mouse, keyboard, etc.) Interface features 2*USB3.2 ports, 2*USB2.0 ports, 1*HDMI 2.0 port(4K@60Hz), 1*USB-C port(PD/DP/DATA), 1*DP Port, 1*Audio 3.5mm (HP&MIC), 1*DC Power Port.
- ăAMD Ryzen R5-3500U Mini PCăThe third-generation AMD Ryzen 3500U Mini PC features 4 cores, 4 threads, and 4MB cache, with a maximum frequency of up to 3.7GHz. It offers better performance compared to CPUs like N100, N95, and N97.Suitable for daily tasks, home entertainment, and business office use, it is more lightweight and convenient than traditional desktop computers.
- ăSupports 4K Triple DisplayăThe 3500U Mini PC is equipped with an AMD Radeon graphics card, 8 cores, 1200MHz, supporting 4K frame rate video playback, providing powerful graphics processing capabilities. It can easily handle complex design software, 4K UHD video editing and playback. The Radeon Game Smart Display (FreeSync) technology allows you to enjoy light gaming. With dual HDMI interfaces and a Type-C interface for video output, you can easily expand the use of three screens, simplify operations, and improve work efficiency.
- ăHigh Capacity and Expansion OptionsăThe WO-WE comes with 8GB DDR4 memory (upgradable to a maximum of 32GB, with 2 available memory slots). It is also equipped with a 256GB M.2 SSD NVME 2280, supporting storage upgrades up to 2TB (not included), as well as a SATA hard drive interface.
- ăStable Wireless Transmission and Network ConnectionăOur P5 mini PC is equipped with a built-in wireless network card that supports WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, as well as an RJ45 LAN port that supports 1000Mbps Ethernet, providing strong wireless signals, fast wireless connections, and stable transmission speeds. It can connect to multiple wireless devices such as mice, keyboards, monitors, printers, and displays. With high-speed wireless connection technology and reliable and efficient transmission speeds, it offers a faster internet experience for browsing and streaming media.
- ăUpgrade Interfaces + Efficient Heat Dissipationă- The P5 mini PC is equipped with multiple interfaces (3*USB 3.2 Gen1, 2*HDMI 2.0, 1*1000M LAN, 1*audio jack, 1*DC jack, 1*TF card slot). The newly upgraded USB 3.2 Gen1 ports operate at speeds of up to 5Gbps, which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0. The 3500U has a TDP power consumption of only 15W, with a built-in silent fan and heat sink to help cool the CPU processor and reduce hardware wear, providing faster response speeds.
NUC VM Server (Cont.)
A NUC VM server is a great way to get started with virtualization. It’s simple to set up and use, and it’s a powerful platform that can handle a wide range of tasks.
NUC VM servers are perfect for small businesses and home users who need a reliable, affordable virtualization platform. They’re also great for testing and development, and they can be used to create powerful cloud-based solutions.
If you’re looking for a great way to get started with virtualization, a nuke VM server is a perfect solution.
Intel NUC Server for Business
Intel’s NUC can be used as a powerful and compact server that is perfect for virtualization.
They can be configured with a multiple-core i7 processor and 32GB of RAM, making them perfect for small businesses or home offices.
It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it easy to connect to your network and devices.
Intel NUC Home Server
Intel’s NUC is a great option for anyone looking for a virtualization-friendly home server.
For either use case, the NUC comes with a range of features that make it perfect for use in a virtualized environment, including support for Intel VT-x and VT-d. It also has a low power consumption, making it an ideal choice for home or small office users.
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile NUC that can be used in a virtualized environment, the Intel NUC home server is a great option to consider.
Related guide: Best Server Hardware for Virtualization…
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Intel NUC powerful?
Intel NUC is a powerful mini-PC that can be used for a variety of different purposes. It’s great for home entertainment, gaming, and even office work. But is it powerful enough to be used as a virtualization platform?
Yes, Intel NUC can be used as a virtualization platform. In fact, it’s one of the best mini-PCs on the market for this purpose. It has a powerful processor and plenty of RAM, which makes it perfect for running virtual machines.
If you’re looking for a mini-PC that can be used for virtualization, Intel NUC is a great option. It’s fast, reliable, and has enough power to handle even the most demanding tasks. So if you’re in need of a virtualization platform, don’t hesitate to give Intel NUC a try.
How long will Intel NUC last?
Intel has been producing NUCs since 2012 and they have been consistently praised for their performance and value.
So how long will Intel NUC last? Given Intelâs track record, we can expect NUCs to be around for many years to come.
In fact, the latest Intel NUCs are even more powerful than their predecessors, so you can be sure that they will handle all of your virtualization needs.
If you are looking for a small, fast and affordable computer for virtualization, Intelâs NUC is a perfect choice. With its wide variety of uses and powerful hardware, NUC is sure to meet your needs.
Can I run ESXi on a NUC?
Yes, you can run ESXi on a NUC.
You’ll need to make sure that your nuc meets the system requirements for ESXi, and then you’ll need to install the VMware vSphere Hypervisor.
A NUC is a great option for running ESXi because it’s small and compact, and it doesn’t require a lot of power. It’s also a good option for homes or small businesses that don’t have a lot of space or money to invest in a full-sized server.
If you’re looking for a NUC that is specifically designed for virtualization, the Intel NUC server is a great option. It comes with an Intel Xeon processor and 8GB of RAM, and it has plenty of storage space for housing your virtual machines.
Does Intel NUC support virtualization?
Intel NUC kits come with hardware-assisted virtualization (HAV) and support for Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT) for hardware-based virtualization.
This makes it possible to run multiple operating systems on a single computer.
With Intel VT, you can create and run virtual machines that are completely isolated from the host system. You can also run multiple instances of an operating system on a single computer. This can be useful for testing new software or for consolidating multiple servers onto a single system.
Intel NUC kits do not support AMD-V, AMD’s virtualization technology. If you are running virtual machines that use AMD-V, you will need to use a computer that has an AMD processor.
Related guide: Enabling Virtualization in the BIOS
Is Intel NUC good for servers?
The Intel NUC is a great option for a server, especially in a virtualized environment. Its small size and low power requirements make it an ideal choice for use in a home lab or small office.
The NUC can also be easily overclocked to boost performance, making it a great choice for heavier workloads.
While the NUC may not be the best option for a large enterprise environment, it is perfect for small businesses or home users who need a reliable and affordable server. With its low price and great performance, the Intel NUC is an excellent choice for anyone looking to set up a home lab or virtual server.
Can Intel NUC be a server?
Intel NUC is a powerful and compact device that can be used as a server. It has a range of features that make it an ideal choice for this purpose, including:
- A powerful processor that can handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Plenty of storage space for data and applications
- A range of ports that allow it to connect to other devices
- Reliable performance that won’t let you down
If you’re looking for a versatile and powerful server that won’t take up a lot of space, the Intel NUC is a great choice. It’s perfect for use in a home lab or small business and can handle all of your virtualization needs.
What is a NUC server?
A NUC server is a small, efficient, and low-power server that is designed for use in a virtualization environment. It is a great option for small businesses or home offices that want to reduce their energy consumption and save on hardware costs.
The Intel NUC server is a popular choice for this type of application because it is compact, quiet, and relatively affordable.
How to build a NUC server?
Building a NUC server is a relatively easy process. You will need to purchase a compatible motherboard and processor, as well as some other components such as memory and storage.
The motherboard and processor should be specific to the Intel NUC platform.
Once you have assembled all of the components, you will need to install the operating system and set up the virtualization software.
Related guide: Building a Homelab Server…
Why choose a NUC server?
There are several reasons why you might want to consider using a NUC server for your virtualization needs.
First, they are very small and compact, making them ideal for use in a cramped space.
Second, they are very energy efficient and use a fraction of the power of a traditional server.
Third, they are relatively affordable, so they can be a cost-effective option for small businesses or home offices.
Finally, they are quiet and generate little heat, making them ideal for office or home.
How do I connect my NUC?
There are a few ways to connect your NUC.
The most common way is to use an HDMI cable to connect the NUC to a monitor.
If you want to use the NUC as a server, you can install a server OS like Windows Server or Linux.
You can also use a wireless adapter to connect the NUC to a network. For more information, see the following Intel NUC documentation page to learn about:
- Connecting a NUC to a Monitor
- Connecting a NUC to a Network
- Configuring a Wireless Connection on a NUC
- Configuring a Wired Connection on a NUC
Does NUC have Bluetooth?
Newer generation NUCs have Bluetooth (BT).
Does Intel NUC have a fan?
Yes, Intel NUC does have a fan. In fact, all Intel NUCs come with a fan.
The fan is necessary to keep the system cool and running properly.
Without a fan, the system could overheat and cause permanent damage.
Some people worry that the fan will be too loud and bothersome, however, the fan on Intel NUCs is actually very quiet.
You may not even notice it is running. So, don’t let the fan scare you away from using an Intel NUC as your virtualization server. It’s a great option!
Are NUCs loud?
NUCs are not as loud as traditional servers, but they are not completely silent.
Does Intel NUC overheat?
Intel NUC has been known to overheat when used in a virtualized environment. In order to prevent this, you can take a few steps to ensure that your Intel NUC doesn’t overheat.
One way to keep your Intel NUC cool is to make sure that you have enough airflow.
You can do this by making sure that your Intel NUC is in a well-ventilated area and by using a fan to blow air onto the NUC.
Another way to keep your Intel NUC from overheating is to make sure that you don’t overload it.
If you need to put more virtual machines on your Intel NUC, you can use a different type of NUC.
If you’re looking for a NUC that is specifically designed for virtualization, the Intel NUC server is a good option.
The Intel NUC server is a small and lightweight nuke that doesn’t require a lot of power or cooling. It also comes with built-in hardware acceleration for virtual machines.
Overall, the Intel NUC server is a good option for virtualization, but it can overheat if it’s overloaded.
Another related guide: The Best Computer for a Virtualization Homelab…
Can you use Oracle VirtualBox on a NUC?
Oracle VirtualBox is a powerful x86 and AMD64/Intel64 Type 2 hypervisor that is perfect for homelab use and it allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical computer.
VirtualBox also has a feature called “snapshots” which allows you to take a snapshot of a virtual machine while it is running and revert to that snapshot later.
This can be very useful if you make changes to a virtual machine that you don’t like and want to go back to the way it was before.
One of the biggest benefits of using the Oracle VirtualBox on a NUC is its flexibility.
But that’s not all. It’s also very user-friendly, making it easy for even beginners to get up and running quickly. And it also offers a wide range of features and functionality, which can be customized to meet your specific needs.
Best of all, if you run into any VM problems, VirtualBox comes with excellent support from the developers.
So, is the Oracle VM VirtualBox the best software for virtualization?
It certainly has a lot to offer, and it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a powerful and flexible option. However, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone is different, and you may need something that the Oracle VM VirtualBox doesn’t offer.
Be sure to do your research and compare different virtual machine software before making a decision.
Conclusion
The Intel NUC is a great platform for virtualization. Its small form factor makes it perfect for homelabs and its performance is suitable for most use cases.
If youâre looking to build a powerful home lab on a budget, the Intel NUC should be at the top of your list.
Thanks for reading! I hope this guide has helped you in your quest to find the best NUC for virtualization.
Please feel free to share comments and questions below. Happy homelabbing!
VMinstall.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.ca, and other Amazon stores worldwide. *Best Sellers last updated on 2025-05-01 at 18:08.
