A UCFF PC is an ultra-compact form factor PC that is smaller than a typical desktop or laptop. UCFF PCs are designed to be portable, energy-efficient, and versatile. Some of the latest UCFF PCs are powered by AMD Hawk Point and Intel Meteor Lake processors, which are the next-generation mobile APUs from both companies. Here are some of the UCFF PCs that feature these processors:
ASRock Industrial supports a lineup of ultra-compact form-factor machines. These machines are available in the 4X4 BOX (AMD-based) and NUC BOX (Intel-based) series.
Intel has integrated support for NPUs in the recently released Meteor Lake SKUs. The Phoenix series of notebook chips by AMD, released in early 2023, had NPU components on the die in a few SKUs (AMD’s XDNA).
A separate bracket enables the M.2 2280 support, which is identical to the brand’s earlier-generation UCFF systems. Intel’s WLAN module appears to have obtained a slight upgrade from the AX210 to the AX211, so it provides Bluetooth 5.3 support. Still, there is no sign of Wi-Fi 7 / 802.11be support. However, the industry is perhaps waiting for notebook manufacturers to take the lead. The wired LAN subsystem is more significant for industrial PCs than the wireless one.
Most of the new models of these UCFF PCs have dual RJ-45 ports. Moreover, most of them come without a glossy chassis. It is replaced with the matte design apparent in the NUCS BOX-1300 series. However, these systems lack an effective thermal solution for cooling down the M.2 NVMe SSDs
- 4X4 BOX-8840U Fanned BOX (ASRock):
Features:
- This fanned box PC contains AMD Ryzen 8040 series APUs that support up to eight Zen 4 cores and sixteen threads. It also comes with AMD Radeon 700M graphics and AMD Ryzen AI, which offer reliable performance and AI PC features.
- The built-in AMD Ryzen AI has 39 TOPS (CPU+NPU+GPU) and 16 NPU TOPS. So, the AI processing performance reaches up to 1.6 times. Also, there will be a 40% speed improvement in operating AI LLM models compared to earlier-generation AMD APUs. This PC facilitates the path for accelerated generative AI workloads and brings AI PCs into our lives.
- The I/O options from the earlier generation of NUC(S) BOX and 4X4 BOX are retained as they are. However, the key updates are associated with the availability of an NPU in the internal platform. Just like the earlier generation products, this PC is the thick version with a height of 49mm.
Specifications:
| CPU | AMD Ryzen™ 8040U-Series 4X4 BOX-8840U (AMD Ryzen™ 7 8840U, 8Cores, Max Speed up to 5.1GHz) |
| BIOS | AMI SPI 256 Mbit |
| Memory Technology | Dual Channel DDR5 5600 MHz |
| Capacity | 96GB (48 GB per DIMM) |
| Socket | 2 x 262-pin SO-DIMM |
| Controller | AMD Radeon™ Graphics |
| HDMI | HDMI 2.1; Max resolution up to 7680×4320@60Hz |
| DisplayPort | DisplayPort 1.4a; Max resolution up to 4096×2160@60Hz |
| MultiDisplay | Max 4 display (Included 2 outputs from Type-C) |
| M.2/WLAN | 1 x Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax + BT 5.2 |
| Interface | Realtek ALC256, High Definition Audio |
| Controller/ Speed | LAN1: Realtek RTL8125BG with 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps; LAN2: Realtek RTL8111H with 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Connector | 2 x RJ-45 |
| Front I/O | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A), 2 x USB4 (Supports DP1.4a display output), 1 (headphone & microphone jack) |
| Rear I/O | 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x 1 Gigabit LAN, 1 x 2.5 Gigabit LAN,2 x USB 2.0, DC Jack |
| Storage | 1 x M.2 (KEY M, 2242/2280) with PCIe Gen4x4 for SSD,1 x M.2 (KEY M, 2242) with PCIe Gen4x4 for SSD |
| Watchdog Timer Output | From Super I/O to drag RESETCON# |
| Watchdog Timer Interval | 256 Segments 0,1,2….255sec |
| Input PWR | 12V~24V DC-In Jack |
| Power On | AT/ATX supported; AT: Direct PWR on as power input ready; ATX: Press button to PWR on after power input ready |
| Operating Temp | 0ºC ~ 40ºC |
| Mounting | VESA mount |
| OS Support | Windows 10/11 |
| TPM | AMD FW TPM |
| Certifications | CE, FCC |
| Dimensions and weight | 4.63″ x 4.33″ x 1.93″;1 kg |
- NUC BOX-155H Fanned BOX:
Features:
- NUC BOX-155H operates on the Intel Core Ultra processors of the Meteor Lake-H lineup. The processor’s foremost 3D performance hybrid architecture supports up to 14 cores and 20 threads. Also, it supports the integration of GPU, CPU, and NPU to explore the limitless AI computability.
- With the latest Intel ARC Graphics architecture, this PC offers an outstanding graphics display with a maximum of 8 Xe cores (128EU). It also offers AI performance that is twice that of the earlier generation CPU. The integration of NPU offers dedicated AI acceleration, providing up to 20x performance enhancement per watt. This improvement in AI PC experience extends it to limitless realms for creators, editors, and gamers.
- This PC comes with two Intel 2.5 Gigabit LAN ports and an M.2 Key E slot (With a Wi-Fi 6E module for supporting Intel Wi-Fi 6E). It supports a 6GHz spectrum that guarantees seamless wireless Internet traffic, reduced latency, and quick data transfer.
- Intel offers two extra low-power efficiency cores in this PC on a distinct die in the package.
Specifications:
| CPU | Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Meteor Lake-H) NUC BOX-155H (6P+8E) Chipset |
| BIOS | AMI SPI 256 Mbit |
| Memory Technology | Dual Channel DDR5 5600 MHz |
| Capacity | 96GB (48 GB per DIMM) |
| Socket | 2 x 262-pin SO-DIMM |
| Graphics Controller | Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics |
| HDMI | HDMI 2.1 TMDS; Max resolution up to 4096×2160@60Hz |
| DisplayPort | DisplayPort 2.1/ 1.4a, DP++; Max resolution up to 4096×2160@60Hz |
| MultiDisplay | Quad-Display (Included 2 outputs from Type-C |
| Expansion slot: M.2/WLAN | 1 x Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax + BT 5.3 |
| Audio Interface | Realtek ALC256, High Definition Audio |
| Ethernet Controller/ Speed | LAN1: Intel® I226LM with 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps; LAN2: Intel® I226V with 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps |
| Ethernet Connector | 2 x RJ-45 |
| Front I/O | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type A), 1 x USB4/Thunderbolt™ 4 (Supports DP 2.1 display output), 1 x USB3.2 Gen2 (Type-C, Supports DP1.4a display output), 1x (headphone & microphone jack) |
| Rear I/O | 2 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS, 2 x 2.5 Gigabit LAN, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A), DC Jackx1 |
| Storage: M.2 | 1 x M.2 (KEY M, 2242/2280) with PCIe Gen4x4 for SSD, 1 x M.2 (KEY M, 2242) with PCIe Gen4x4 for SSD |
| Storage: SATA | 1 x SATA3.0 (6.0 Gb/s) |
| Watchdog Timer Output | From Super I/O to drag RESETCON# |
| Watchdog Timer Interval | 256 Segments, 0, 1, 2, …255sec |
| Input PWR | 12V~24V DC-In Jack |
| Power On | AT/ATX Supported; AT: Directly PWR on as power input ready; ATX: Press button to PWR on after power input ready |
| Operating Temp | 0ºC ~ 40ºC |
| Mounting | VESA mount |
| OS Support | Windows 10/11 |
| TPM | Intel® PTT |
| Certifications | CE, FCC |
| Dimensions and weight | 4.63″ x 4.33″ x 1.93″; 1 kg |
- NUCS BOX-155H Fanned BOX:
Features:
- NUCS BOX-155H works on the Intel Core Ultra processors having Meteor Lake-H. The processor is implemented with a 3D performance hybrid architecture that supports up to 14 cores and 20 threads. Integrating GPU, CPU, and NPU explores the unlimited AI computability.
- Implemented with the latest Intel ARC graphics architecture, the PC offers an outstanding graphics display supporting up to 8 Xe-Cores (128 EU). The latest integrated NPU offers dedicated AI acceleration that provides up to 20x performance enhancement per watt. So, the AI PC experience is enhanced to prolong the infinite realms for creators, editors, and gamers.
- It boosts creativity, productivity, and collaboration in various scenarios, such as real-time content creation, AI gaming environments, automated AI inferencing, and AI image/video.
- The matte material used in the chassis packing adds a beautiful texture to this AI PC powerhouse.
- The PC’s LAN port, M.2 slot, and Wi-Fi 6E module support a 6 GHz spectrum, guaranteeing seamless wireless Internet traffic, low latency, and quick data transfer.
Specifications:
| CPU | Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Meteor Lake-H) NUCS BOX-155H (6P+8E) |
| Chipset | MCP |
| BIOS | AMI SPI 256 Mbit |
| Memory Technology | Dual Channel DDR5 5600 MHz |
| Capacity | 96GB (48 GB per DIMM) |
| Socket | 2 x 262-pin SO-DIMM |
| Graphics Controller | Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics |
| HDMI | HDMI 2.1 TMDS; Max resolution up to 4096×2160@60Hz |
| DisplayPort | DisplayPort 1.4a/2.1, DP++; Max resolution up to 4096×2160@60Hz |
| MultiDisplay | Quad-Display (Included 2 outputs from Type-C) |
| Expansion slot: M.2/WLAN | 1 x Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax + BT 5.3 |
| Audio Interface | Realtek ALC256, High Definition Audio |
| Ethernet Controller/ Speed | Intel® I226LM with 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps |
| Ethernet Connector | 1 x RJ-45 |
| Front I/O | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type A), 1 x USB4/Thunderbolt™ 4 (Supports DP 2.1 display output), 1 x USB3.2 Gen2 (Type-C, Supports DP1.4a display output), 1x headphone & microphone jack |
| Rear I/O | 2 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS,1 x 2.5 Gigabit LAN, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A), DC Jack x 1 |
| Storage: M.2 | 1 x M.2 (KEY M, 2242/2280) with PCIe Gen4x4 for SSD, 1 x M.2 (KEY M, 2242) with PCIe Gen4x1 for SSD |
| Storage: SATA | 1 x SATA3.0 (6.0 Gb/s) |
| Watchdog Timer Output | From Super I/O to drag RESETCON# |
| Watchdog Timer Interval | 256 Segments, 0, 1, 2, …255sec |
| Input PWR | 12V~24V DC-In Jack |
| Power On | AT/ATX Supported; AT: Directly PWR on as power input ready; ATX: Press button to PWR on after power input ready |
| Operating Temp | 0ºC ~ 40ºC |
| Mounting | VESA mount |
| OS Support | Windows 10/11 |
| TPM | Intel® PTT |
| Certifications | CE, FCC |
| Dimensions and weight | 4.63″ x 4.33″ x 1.5″; 1 kg |
Other UCFF PCs:
- Geekom IT14 Pro:
Features:
- The IT14 Pro is expected to hit the market in early 202413. It promises a blend of high performance and energy efficiency, suitable for office and work-based applications1.
- This UCFF PC contains an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H Meteor Lake processor. It includes 16 cores and 22 threads. It includes 6 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores, and 2 extra efficiency cores. Hence, the IT14 Pro guarantees a blend of energy efficiency and high performance.
- An Intel Arc iGPU with 8 Xe cores is present.
- It also contains dual SSDs and dual-channel DDR5 RAM.
- It includes a 0.7-liter chassis and supports an Intel Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This support improves the system’s AI performance.
- With an integrated Intel Arc graphics card having 8 Xe cores and an NPU, this PC redefines user experiences.
- The desktop depends entirely on the maxed-out Arc iGPU, having enabled all its 8 Xe cores (128 EU).
- Geekom A8 Max:
Features:
- Geekom A8 Max provides two options for the AMD Hawk Point processor. These options are the Ryzen 7 8840HS or the Ryzen 9 8940HS. Both of them include 8 cores and 16 threads.
- A Radeon 780M iGPU (RDNA 3 architecture implemented) with 12 compute units is included.
- The included AMD NPU is implemented with the updated Ryzen AI NPU. It provides 39 TOPS of AI inference performance compared to 34 TOPS of the Intel “Meteor Lake” chips.
- A 1-liter chassis is included.
- The implemented AMD SmartShift technology dynamically assigns power between the GPU and CPU.
- These APUs come with the mentioned GPUs that are still quite powerful and include a powerful driver ecosystem supporting them too. Moreover, these iGPUs have, till now, been the most well-known choice for small form factor gaming PCs that include hand-held consoles.
- Geekom APro8 Max:
Features:
- The APro8 Max is more considered a gaming console than a conventional Mini PC due to its big chassis. It is based on a bigger chassis that resembles a game console.
- It provides the same processor options as the A8 Max, i.e., the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS Hawk Point processor and Ryzen 9 8940HS.
- The Radeon RX 7600M XT discrete graphics card elevates the gaming performance to provide a full HD immersive gaming experience.
- The mentioned GPU can operate seamlessly on most AAA games at 1080p resolution or power-demanding workloads at 4K UHD resolution.
- An AMD NPU and SmartShift technology is implemented.
- The storage and memory options are yet unrevealed. So, GEEKOM recommends focusing on higher storage capacities, considering its gaming-centric design.
- It is mainly based on the same hardware as the A8 Max but has an additional Radeon RX 7600M XT discrete GPU. So, it can provide maxed-out AAA gaming at either 1080p or 4K UHD resolution.
Conclusion
The ultra-compact form factor (UCFF) PC market is evolving rapidly, heralding a new era of computing that emphasizes portability, energy efficiency, and high performance. With the introduction of AMD Hawk Point and Intel Meteor Lake processors, the latest UCFF PCs, such as ASRock Industrial’s 4X4 BOX and NUC BOX series, are setting new standards in compact computing solutions. These processors promise enhanced AI capabilities with integrated NPUs and significantly improve connectivity and thermal management.
The advancements in memory technology, with support for up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM, alongside cutting-edge graphics and AI processing capabilities, are pushing the boundaries of what ultra-compact PCs can achieve. Including features like dual RJ-45 ports and upgrades in wireless connectivity, despite the absence of Wi-Fi 7 support, underscores a commitment to versatility and performance in diverse use cases.
Moreover, the shift towards matte chassis designs and the challenge of effectively cooling M.2 NVMe SSDs without compromising the compact size highlight ongoing efforts to balance form and function. These UCFF PCs are redefining the expectations for miniaturized computing platforms and paving the way for advanced applications in AI, gaming, content creation, and industrial use.
As we stand on the brink of a new chapter in compact computing, the significance of these developments cannot be overstated. The ultra-compact form factor PCs powered by AMD Hawk Point and Intel Meteor Lake processors are a testament to technological innovation and a beacon for the future of personal and professional computing. With each leap forward, these tiny titans are proving that size is no longer an indicator of power when it comes to computing.