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)
- [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 jack—all packed into a range of flexible, customizable form factors
- 【Original NUC12WSHi7 Pro Genuine Intel NUC mini PC kit】 Intel NUC 12 Pro Wall Stree Canyon i7 1260P Mini PC Kit is equipped with Intel 12th Gen core i7 1260P CPU and Intel Iris Xe graphics,pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro Operating systems, Configuration with 2x16GB Premium DDR4 RAM, 1TB Genuine Brand SSD. No need to purchase additional RAM and SSD, just plug in your monitor, mouse, and keyboard and you're ready to go, very convenient and fast.
- 【Compact size only 4.6 x 4.4 x 2.2 inches】 Intel NUC 12 Pro mini PC measures only 4.6 x 4.4 x 2.2 inches, just about the size of your palm, don't take up much space and can easily to take with you on the go. Matching VESA brackets, making it easy for you to mount your mini PC on the back of a large screen display, saving more space and looking more beautiful.
- 【Upgraded Performance with core i7 1260P Processor】The small form factor mini PC featuring the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1260P processor 12cores 16 threads, max turbo frequency up to 4.7Ghz in burst mode, high-performance CPU can meet your different daily demands, homework, web-surfing, home-classes, music editing, and program editing.
- 【Pre-installed Windows 11 Pro OS】Intel NUC 12 Pro i7-1260P mini pc has already pre-installed Windows 11 Pro system and supports changing the OS to Windows 11 Pro, , and Linux.
- 【 Configuration 32GB RAM and 1TB M.2 SSD】 Intel NUC 12 i7 Pro Wall Stree .Canyon mini PC kit built-in high speed 16GB premium DDR4 RAM(max speed 3200 MHz, 2 x SODIMM slots can be expanded max to 64GB) and 512GB Intel NVMe M.2 SSD(can be upgraded up to 2 TB), support the small PC running the multiple high-performance operations at the same time. Fast read and write speed for daily office and gaming use. You can expand the storage with M.2 SATA SSD or 2.5-inch SATA HDD up to 2TB(Not included).
- 【13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P CPU】Intel NUC 13 Pro Mini PC offer the perfect combination of size, performance, sustainability, and reliability to drive modern business.
- 【Intel NUC 13 pro configured with 32GB DDR4 RAM & 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD,Win 11 Pro】The Mini computer loaded with 2*16GB SODIMM DDR4(3200MHz). Dual channel DDR4 upgradeable to max 64GB(2 * 32GB), And 1024GB M.2 22x80 PCIe x4 Gen4 NVMe SSD. M.2 22x42 key B slot for PCIe x1 Gen3, USB 3.2 Gen2 and SATA SSD expandability. Reduce latency, powerful loading and processing capabilities for a smoother experience. Preinstalled with Windows 11 pro.Just plug it in and go
- 【Thunderbolt, Wireless,Other Features & Tech.】2x Thunderbolt 4 ports (incl. DisplayPort 2.1 and USB4) via back panel type C connectors,Intel i226V 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet port, 2*front and 1*rear USB 3.2 Gen 2 type A ports 1*rear type A and 2*internal USB 2.0 headers, 2* HDMI 2.1 TMDS Compatible (4K@60Hz), with built-in CEC per port. 3.5mm front stereo headset jack, Up to 7.1 multichannel (or 8-channel) digital audio on HDMI and DP type C ports, Intel Wi-Fi 6E (Gig+),Bluetooth 5.3
- 【Business Driver, Space Saver】 The Intel NUC Pro Software Suite (NPSS) helps to ensure digital signage applications keep running during any unexpected system failures. Businesses also benefit from advanced features including power control, hardware alarm clock, hardware KVM, boot redirection, beyond firewall support, cloud-based manageability, remote PC remedy, and unattended system control. NUC 13 Upgradable, repairable, and reusable.To provide an eco-friendly foundation for businesses.
- 【3-Year Global Coverage from Intel & GEEK+】We are the Intel NUC Authorised Agent on Amazon. All products sold by GEEK+ automatically get a complimentary 3-year service coverage from Intel. If the NUC Barebone part has issues, you can go straight to the local Intel NUC in-person after-sales hub, or send us a message for help. Warm Tips: To ensure your privacy and security, please remove the Memory and SSD before after-sales service. A 3-year coverage for RAM, SSD, OS is provided by GEEK+.
- 【Powerful Performance & Built-in OS】 The Intel NUC 12, model NUC12WSHi7, also known as Wall Street Canyon, is a compact powerhouse. It is equipped with an Intel Core i7-1260P CPU, boasting 12 cores and 16 threads, with a maximum turbo frequency of 4.7GHz. This robust performance makes it ideal for high-demand tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and heavy multitasking. The unit comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, providing a seamless out-of-the-box experience.
- 【Superior Memory & Expandable Storage】 Intel NUC 12 Pro Wall Street Canyon comes with a whopping 16GB of dual-channel RAM and a 512GB SSD, offering swift response times and ample storage for your files and applications. But that's not all. The system supports up to 64GB of RAM and provides space for an additional 2.5-inch SSD or HDD, making it a perfect fit for memory-intensive applications and future storage expansion.
- 【Stunning Display Capabilities】 With the ability to support up to four screens simultaneously, the Intel NUC 12 is perfect for multitaskers and digital creatives. It can display in 4K@120Hz and even 8K@60Hz, offering crystal clear visuals for professional video editing, immersive gaming experiences, or simply streaming your favorite shows in ultra-high definition.
- 【Next-Gen Connectivity】 Equipped with WiFi 6E, the NUC 12 supports 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, ensuring fast and stable internet connections. It also features Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device pairing. The Gigabit Ethernet port provides a reliable wired connection for data-intensive tasks, making it an excellent choice for remote work or online gaming.
- 【Versatile I/O Ports】 The compact design of the NUC 12 packs in a variety of ports. The front features two USB ports and a 3.5mm audio jack, while the back offers two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two HDMI ports, two additional USB ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. This wide range of connectivity options makes it easy to connect multiple peripherals, from monitors to external storage devices.
- 【Superior Performance and Efficiency】 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.
- 【Enhanced Storage and Expandability】 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.
- 【Immersive Visual Experience and OS】 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!
- 【Fast and Reliable Connectivity】 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.
- 【Multiple Interfaces and After-Sales Support】 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 team（For RAM,SSD,OS）will promptly resolve the issue.
Mini PC with AMD CPU (NUC Alternatives)
If you’re looking for a NUC alternative with an AMD CPU, there are a few options available.
- ✅ New SER8 mini PC - Belink SER8 mini PC adopts AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS (TSMC 4nm FinFET, 8-core/16 thread, supporting 16MB intelligent cache), with a benchmark of 3.8GHz and a dynamic frequency of up to 4.9GHz. Combining the Zen 4 architecture with the AMD Radeon 780M graphics card (12 cores, 2600MHz), it provides you with powerful graphics processing capabilities, offering a faster and better experience when playing 3A games, loading graphics software, and creating tools.
- ✅ Support for expanding 256GB RAM and 8TB SSD - SER8 8745HS mini PC is equipped with 32GB (2 * 16GB) DDR5 RAM, and dual channels can be expanded to 256GB (2 * 128GB). DDR5 memory runs at 5600MHz, which is 42% faster than DDR4 at 3200MHz. The speed of PCle Gen 4.0 hard drive is 4500MB/s. Standard M.2 2280 NVMe PCIE4.0 1TB SSD, dual channel expandable to 8TB (2 * 4TB). The Beelink SER8 small PC has ample storage space and fast response time, so you can easily meet your work needs.
- ✅ 4K UHD Three Display and 2.4Gbps Wifi6 - Belink SER8 Mini PC supports three displays (HDMI 2.1+DP1.4+USB4), upgraded HDMI 2.1 and DP ports, supports 4K 144Hz and 3840 * 2160 resolution. More screens can help you efficiently handle work tasks and meet your specific needs. The SER8 mini is equipped with 2.4Gbps WiFi 6 Intel AX200 (802.11ax) and BT 5.2, effectively improving coverage, transmission speed, and connection stability.
- ✅ The All-New Silent Cooling Design - Belink SER8 mini computer is only 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.76 inches, compact and mini. The newly upgraded metal casing has redesigned the air intake and heat dissipation holes. New internal hardware: Steam chamber using MSP+MSC cooling technology. The steam chamber quickly dissipates the heat from the CPU to the circuit board for efficient heat dissipation. The dustproof air intake at the bottom of the chassis is designed for more effective heat dissipation.
- ✅【1 Year Warr-anty and 7/24 hours support】-Beelink brand mini computer is suitable for corporate office, gaming, low power consumption and high performance. The mini PC has passed CE, EMC, FCC and RoHS certifications. Beelink Mini PC additional features Wake on lan, Auto power on. Beelink provides one year quality warr-anty, 24/7 manual customer service and technical support. If you have any other questions, please ask for support.
- 【AMD Ryzen 7 MAX 6800H Processor】The Beelink SER5 mini pc is powered by AMD Ryzen 7 MAX 6800H(8C/16T,up to 4.7 GHz,16M Cache),Which can be widely used for home(video,music and Web browsing),office(PPT, AI, PS,PR) and gaming(Call of Duty,Fall Guys,LOL,etc).
- 【High Capacity & Expansion Options】The mini computer is built-in 32GB LPDDR5 RAM.Micron LPDDR5 offers higher performance and lower power consumption to support stable operation of applications.It also comes with 1TB M.2 SSD PCle 2280,support dual-channel M.2 PCIe 4.0*4 up to max 8TB(2*4TB,not included).Unleash gaming performance that reduces latency and allows you to run multiple tasks at the same time.
- 【4K Three-Screen Display】This Beelink mini pc comes with AMD Radeon Graphics 12 core 2200 MHz to support 4K FPS video playback,which provides powerful graphics processing.HDMI+DP allows you to connect two displays at the same time,and equipped with Type-C supports video output,you can easily expand the use of three screens,greatly improve your work efficiency.
- 【Efficient Cooling System & WIFI 6】The Beelink mini pc is designed with heat sink + cooling fan,using the latest MSC technology to accelerate the airflow to provide efficient cooling for RAM and SSD.Equipped with Wifi 6,which is three times faster than WiFi 5,it also comes with lower latency Bluetooth 5.2 and 2.5G LAN to enjoy faster transfer speeds and easily connect wireless devices.
- 【Auto Power On & Beelink Technical Support】If you want to set up Auto Power On,please send us the barcode at the bottom of the machine first and we will send the corresponding tutorial file.All Products has obtained FCC,CE ROSH Certifications.We provide 1 year 7 days/24 hours service and lifetime help with technical issues.
- 【AMD Ryzen 7 MAX 6800H Processor】The Beelink SER5 mini pc is powered by AMD Ryzen 7 MAX 6800H(8C/16T,up to 4.7 GHz,16M Cache),Which can be widely used for home(video,music and Web browsing),office(PPT, AI, PS,PR) and gaming(Call of Duty,Fall Guys,LOL,etc).
- 【High Capacity & Expansion Options】The mini computer built-in 32GB(16GB*2) LPDDR5 RAM.Micron LPDDR5 offers higher performance and lower power consumption to support stable operation of applications. It also comes with 500GB M.2 SSD NVMe 2280 which can be upgraded to 8TB (2*4TB,not included),supporting smoother system operation,faster software launches,and more efficient processing.
- 【4K Three-Screen Display & WIFI 6 & BT 5.4】The SER5 MAX mini computer comes with AMD Radeon Graphics 12 core 2200MHz,delivering exceptional graphics processing.HDMI+DP 1.4 allows you to connect two displays at the same time,and equipped with Type-C supports video output,you can easily expand the use of three screens,the multi monitor setup allows you to deal with multiple programs at the same time,greatly improve your work efficiency.Equipped with the latest WIFI 6 (MT7920) and BT 5.4 and 2.5G LAN,Which ensures high-speed and reliable wireless communication,minimizing latency and improving data transfer rates.
- 【Efficient Cooling System & Rich Ports Design】This 6800H mini pc is designed with heat pipe + heat sink + Silent Fan design, providing efficient cooling for RAM and SSD, with a 19% improvement in cooling performance. It also has rich interfaces, including 1*HDMI 2.0(4K@60Hz)port, 1*DP1.4(4K@144Hz) port, 2*USB3.2 Gen2 ports, 2*USB2.0 port, 1*Type-C(10Gbps/MAX 4K120Hz) port, 1*DC jack, 1*2.5G LAN and 1*3.5mm Phone Jack(Realtek ALC897).
- 【Auto Power on & Beelink Technical Support】Our micro computer is 4.96x4.44x1.65 inches,small and easy to carry.If you want to auto power on,please send us the barcode on the bottom of the machine and we will send the corresponding tutorial file.All products are FCC,CE,ROSH certification.We also provide lifetime technical support,7 days/24 hours service.
- 【High-Performance Ryzen 5 3550H Mini PC】The GETORLI mini PC is equipped with a high-performance 4-core, 8-thread AMD Ryzen 5 3550H processor, boosting up to 3.7GHz. It effortlessly handles daily office tasks, web browsing, 4K video streaming, video editing, gaming, and more—making it the top choice for work and design!
- 【Are You still Worried About Insufficient Memory?】-This mini gaming computer is equipped with 16GB DDR4 RAM (2400Mhz) and supports 512GB M.2 2280 SSD hard drive (expandable to 2T), which can smoothly switch more applications and quickly transfer files, allowing you to say goodbye to the trouble of computer lag.
- 【Multi-Function Connection Port】-The Getorli mini gaming PC is equipped with a full range of ports: 3*USB 3.2 ports, 1 USB 2.0 port, 2*HDMI 2.0 ports, 1*USB 3.2 Type-C port, 1*DC port and 1*3.5 mm audio jack. Getorli computers are also equipped with 1G LAN RJ45 port to enjoy data transmission speeds up to 1000Mbps, which can easily connect to servers, monitors, office equipment, displays, projectors, TVs and other devices without worrying about lag issues.
- 【HDMI 4K@60Hz Triple-Screen High-Definition Display】This compact mini PC features the new-generation AMD Radeon graphics (Ryzen 5 3550H), supporting flexible multi-display setups via HDMI and Type-C ports. Enjoy unrestricted 4K 60Hz triple-screen output for enhanced productivity and immersive entertainment. Its advanced visual architecture delivers precise 4K UHD/HDR playback, transforming your workflow and gaming experience
- 【Smart Fan】-The mini pc only 5.02*4.43*1.57 inches, making it easier to carry around and more flexible to work with. The advanced axial-flow fan and internal heat dissipation technology are almost silent under light loads, and the 360° airflow design allows the fan to remain fairly quiet even under high loads. The honeycomb vents maximize airflow, effectively dissipate heat, save energy, and increase the life of the product.
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS Processor: GMKtec K11 mini pc equipped with the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU, featuring 8 cores, 16 threads, and boost up to 5.4 GHz. It offers superior multitasking performance for demanding tasks like gaming and content creation, with energy-efficient power management at 35W TDP (upgradable to 70W)
- 32GB DDR5 Dual Channel & 2TB SSD Dual Slot Expansion: Installed with DDR5 32GB RAM 5600MHz (Dual Channel 2x16GB), the Nucbox K11 mini pc support expansion to 96GB RAM. Featured with 2TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD, supports dual slot expansion to 2*PCIe 4.0 2TB SSD up to 8TB. (Upgrades not included)
- Oculink Port: The K11 Oculink port enables higher bandwidth capabilities, better frame rates and lower lag. The standard also operates at PCIe x4 speeds, compared to Thunderbolt's x3. Gamers and content creators can benefit from OCuLink's higher bandwidth, resulting in better performance and lower lag for eGPU setups.
- Mini PC Computer with 8K Quad Screen Display: Nucbox K11 is equipped with Dual USB4 USB-C Video output. The latest HDMI 2.1 port can connect to large screen TV and Display Monitors and output up to 8K@60Hz resolution. The Type-C DisplayPort Video output can connect to the latest monitor displays utilizing 4K@144Hz. Features simultaneous four screen display.
- Dual NIC Intel i226V 2.5Gbps + WiFi 6 + BT 5.2: Dual Intel NIC 2.5G LAN port design provides more applications, such as firewall, multichannel aggregation, soft routing, file storage server, etc. WiFi 6 provides a faster internet experience for browsing, streaming and gaming. Built-in Bluetooth 5.2 is more stable and efficient to connect multiple wireless devices such as projector, printer, monitor, speakers and etc.
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 Intel’s 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, Intel’s 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 you’re 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!
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