In recent years, although ITX cases have become better and stronger, if you really want to pursue the best balance of small size and high performance, Intel’s NUC series mini computers are undeniably a more “hands-off” choice for most non-DIY players. Among them, the Extreme series NUC has a relatively compact case, while its hardware performance and load capacity are not inferior to self-assembled ITX hosts, so in a sense, this is what players often refer to as a “mini powerhouse” computer.
Of course, Intel has also gone through many iterations in the development of high-performance NUCs to gradually mature. It wasn’t until the previous generation, called Beast Canyon, that the NUC 11 Extreme reached a relatively high level of completion: with a compact volume of about 8L, it can accommodate a high-end graphics card that is 305mm long and has dual slots. The only criticism might be that the CPU performance is still not top-tier. Coinciding with Intel’s 10th anniversary of NUC products, the NUC 12 Extreme upgraded to the 12th generation platform truly achieves perfection.
Intel NUC’s 10th Anniversary Work: Dragon Canyon
Minor Modifications, Major Upgrades
The NUC 12 Extreme, codenamed Dragon Canyon, has a Chinese name of “飞龙峡谷” (Dragon Canyon). However, the new generation can basically be considered as an upgraded CPU version of Beast Canyon. It retains the same shell, thanks to Intel’s Compute Element design, where the CPU and motherboard are integrated into a computing board module, installed into the case using a PCI-E slot similar to a graphics card. Intel likely envisions that in future upgrades, users only need to replace the computing module while retaining the case and other components. Additionally, OEM manufacturers can also develop various types of computers based on the computing board module.
Many people are aware that one of the most distinctive features of Intel NUC is that it is sold as a barebone system, meaning it does not come with memory, SSD, or graphics card (after the 9th generation), allowing users to configure based on their needs, preserving a bit of the DIY fun. This time, Dragon Canyon takes a big step forward; its CPU can now also be upgraded and replaced. The computing module uses a desktop version of the 12th generation Core’s LGA 1700 socket, theoretically supporting upgrades to the 13th generation Core in the future, so its DIY potential is now not much different from ITX assembly.
In fact, in previous generations, the NUC as a desktop computer has always used mobile CPUs from laptops. Although the TDP is higher than that of laptops, offering better performance, there is still a significant gap compared to true desktop CPUs. Therefore, Dragon Canyon’s ability to directly use the 12th generation desktop CPUs is a major upgrade, thanks to the new Alder Lake architecture and better power consumption and heat control under Intel’s 7 process technology, allowing it to fit into a small form factor.
Small Size, Big Power
Currently, Dragon Canyon offers two CPU options: Core i9-12900 and Core i7-12700, both without the K suffix, with a nominal TDP of 65W. After all, this new NUC does not have a significantly improved cooling system, still using a turbo fan-equipped air cooler, and has three 92mm fans pre-installed at the top of the case for airflow. This cooling system can easily handle a 65W TDP, but if you want to install a higher performance, higher TDP CPU, then the next generation NUC will likely need to use a water cooling system.
Of course, Intel’s Core i9-12900 is already quite capable, with a mixed architecture of 8 P-cores and 8 E-cores, providing up to 24 threads of processing power, and a maximum single-core turbo frequency of up to 5.1GHz. The maximum turbo frequencies for P-cores and E-cores are also 5.0GHz and 3.8GHz, respectively. These specifications not only far exceed all previous NUCs, but even place it among the top in mainstream desktop computers.
However, under default settings, the Core i9-12900 in Dragon Canyon is limited to 65W PL1, while PL2 is set quite high at 221W. This creates a strange situation: after a brief output at PL2, the CPU stabilizes at 65W, with the CPU temperature only at 72 degrees Celsius. For most players, it seems that the CPU has not yet unleashed its full potential?
Fortunately, Intel allows users to modify PL1 and PL2 limits in the BIOS, preserving some DIY fun. However, we only recommend modifying PL1, as PL2 is a short-term power consumption that does not last long, and the default limit of 221W is already quite high. The CPU will intelligently adjust based on the load, which is actually more reliable than manual adjustments. Therefore, the CPU performance tests are conducted under three PL1 settings: 125W, 90W, and the default 65W, to see which is most suitable for Dragon Canyon.
From the benchmark and gaming performance test results, apart from the higher multi-threaded scores, increasing power consumption does not seem to be as meaningful as everyone imagines. After all, this is still a benchmark; in actual usage, it is even harder to show performance differences, especially in GPU-intensive gaming applications, which are basically unaffected. Additionally, running at 125W can lead to significant fan noise, which is not worth it. Therefore, unless you are constantly running benchmarks, just playing games and doing content creation normally, there is really no need to change PL1; the default 65W setting is already well-balanced by Intel.
It is worth noting that in the GPU section, the Core i9-12900 is also equipped with UHD 770 integrated graphics. Although the gaming performance of the GPU is mediocre, due to its Iris Xe architecture, it can provide good capabilities for ultra-high-definition video encoding and decoding, and supports up to 8K60Hz output, allowing Dragon Canyon to meet the needs of some audio-visual enthusiasts without installing a discrete graphics card.
However, it is believed that a discrete graphics card is the best way to use Dragon Canyon. The dual-slot and 305mm length compatibility for graphics cards is already good for a small case, and with a built-in 650W gold-rated power supply, it can support most mid to high-end graphics cards on the market, as long as they are not overly exaggerated triple-fan cooling graphics cards, such as the RTX 3090; others can be relatively easily accommodated.
If you want to play games on Dragon Canyon, the performance of the Core i9-12900 will definitely handle gaming without any pressure. The support for long graphics cards allows it to play AAA titles at maximum settings, even ray-traced games, unlike the previous 9th generation Phantom Canyon, which was limited to installing only dual-fan short cards, thus restricting the use of high-end graphics cards. Therefore, although these two generations of Extreme series NUCs are not small, they are actually more friendly to gamers.
Small Size, Big Coolness
As for the appearance of Dragon Canyon, both generations have adopted a gaming style, with the entire chassis covered in honeycomb mesh texture, giving it a strong performance vibe. The front panel features an RGB light with a skull pattern, which is the iconic logo of high-performance NUCs. However, if you do not want to present such an aggressive image, you can turn it off via software. In fact, Intel launched a more understated version for creators and work users called Quartz Canyon in the NUC 9 Extreme series. It remains to be seen whether Intel will release a more “serious” version in this generation.
Since Dragon Canyon is a semi-DIY barebone system, Intel has made many considerations for easy hardware installation. By removing a fixed panel at the back (the screws are still anti-fall), the side panels with mesh holes can be detached, and the top cover adopts a flip design integrated with the fan bracket, allowing access to the internal components. Intel has even reserved an M.2 SSD slot on the side of the machine for quick installation, and it can install up to three M.2 SSDs, which is quite excessive.
The internal structure of Dragon Canyon resembles an A4-sized ITX computer, but the motherboard is Intel’s computing module unit. The power supply position and vertically mounted graphics card are laid out in a conventional manner, while the front of the motherboard features a duct to guide airflow from the turbo fan on the CPU cooler from the back of the case into the computing module, along with the three fans at the top of the case to expel heat, forming an independent cooling airflow system.
The most important part of the case is naturally the computing module unit. The model for the Core i9 version is NUC12EDBi9. If users only install memory and SSD, they do not need to remove the entire computing module unit from Dragon Canyon; they can simply remove the turbo fan part to install components, which is relatively convenient. Here, it can also be seen that the CPU section uses a copper pipe and heat spreader cooling system.
Speaking of this generation’s computing module unit, Intel has achieved a high level of integration. The standard LGA 1700 socket occupies most of the area, and there are also two M.2 SSD slots, two SODIMM memory slots, and a network card, PCH, and another M.2 SSD slot that can be directly installed on the side. Thus, the new generation computing module unit is not just a simple addition of slots to the previous generation’s motherboard.
Finally, users familiar with NUC should not forget to praise the interface section. As a series tradition, Dragon Canyon has USB-C and Type-A ports, a full-size SD card slot, and a headphone jack at the bottom of the front. On the back of the motherboard, there are also four Type-A ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two LAN ports (one of which is 10GbE), and one HDMI port, providing a very complete configuration that is both convenient and ample for daily use. This is what a “pro” personal computer should be.
A Satisfied Choice for Niche Players
As Intel NUC’s top mini computer product, the Extreme series has incorporated a lot of their technology and design. Each generation showcases improvements in various aspects, from size control, appearance design, RGB lighting, numerous interfaces, to internal hardware upgrades, cooling, and component installation, all done with care and reliability, creating a product that sits between DIY and branded machines, highlighting its unique features. While some aspects may not be suitable for everyone, it still demonstrates Intel’s exploration of mini computers and what personal computers can be.
As mentioned at the beginning, the previous generation Beast Canyon achieved near perfection, and Dragon Canyon, with the comprehensive upgrade of the 12th generation Core CPU, has fully addressed the previous shortcomings of CPU performance not being “desktop-class” and has brought better DIY and upgradeability. Everything about it is so “cool” that, without considering the price, I believe this is the most worthwhile Extreme series NUC from Intel to date; choosing it is the right choice.
But what if we consider the price? To be honest, Dragon Canyon is indeed difficult to become a cost-effective option. Based on the price of 10,599 yuan for the Core i9 version, after equipping the necessary memory and SSD, plus a mid to high-end graphics card that matches its identity, it will easily cost over 15,000 yuan to get it running. If you were to DIY assemble a similar configuration ITX computer with a comparable size, it would clearly be much more economical.
However, if we compare this way, then there is no point in continuing the discussion. This Dragon Canyon always has its unique position in the computer market. From the short sales period on e-commerce for just half a month, Intel’s mini monster computer has sold reasonably well, and users who have purchased it have generally given it good reviews. After all, for those who love it, seeing such a compact size housing such powerful performance creates a delightful contrast, which I believe is what its target audience seeks.
Interestingly, this year marks the 10th anniversary of Intel’s launch of the NUC (announced in 2012), and this generation, Dragon Canyon, is precisely their most complete answer after ten years of refinement and progress. I hope that in the next generation and the next 10 years, Intel will continue to bring players even cooler and stronger NUC products.
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