Introduction
ASRock Industrial recently announced the launch of two innovative NUC Ultra 100 motherboards, incorporating the latest Intel Core Ultra Meteor Lake-H processors. These motherboards, namely the Core Ultra 5 125H and Ultra 7 155H, are notable for their powerful configurations, encompassing up to 16 cores and 22 threads. They also feature integrated Intel ARC Graphics and the innovative Intel NPU AI engine, positioning them at the forefront of motherboard technology.
Design and Specifications
The NUC Ultra 100 Motherboard Series adheres to the NUC form factor, supporting up to 96GB of dual-channel DDR5-5600 MHz memory. This series is equipped with three distinct storage interfaces, the capability to support up to four 4K displays, and includes two 2.5GbE networking ports, one USB4/Thunderbolt, and four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. These features render the motherboards exceptionally suitable for various applications, including smart retail, kiosks, digital signage, smart cities, embedded industries, and Edge AIoT applications.
Detailed Specifications
- Processor Options:
- Intel Core Ultra 7 T4 155H 16-core processor with a frequency range of 1.4 / 4.8 GHz, equipped with a 24MB cache, Intel 8Xe LPG graphics, and Intel AI Boost NPU; TDP: 28W
- Intel Core Ultra 5 T3 125H 14-core processor operating at 1.2 / 4.9 GHz, featuring an 18MB cache, Intel 7Xe LPG graphics, and Intel AI Boost NPU; TDP: 28W
- Memory Support: Up to 96GB dual-channel DDR5 5600 MHz through 2x 262-pin SO-DIMM sockets
- Storage Options: Multiple M.2 sockets and a SATA 3.0 port, alongside a 256 Mbit SPI flash for AMI BIOS
- Video and Audio Capabilities: Dual HDMI 2.0b ports, DisplayPort 2.1/ 1.4a via USB-C, and a Realtek ALC256 audio codec
- Networking and Connectivity: Dual 2.5GbE RJ45 jacks, optional WiFi and Bluetooth via CNVi module, and multiple USB ports including a Thunderbolt 4 port
- Expansion and Security: Various M.2 sockets for expansion and TPM support for security
- Power Supply: 12V to 24V via DC jack; AT/ATX supported
- Physical Dimensions: Compact NUC form factor measuring 10.4 x 10.2 x 3.8cm
Operating System Compatibility
While there is no explicit mention of operating system support for the NUC Ultra 100 motherboards, similar models in the company’s lineup support Windows 10/11. It is anticipated that support for Linux will be implemented shortly, expanding the versatility of these motherboards.
Performance Metrics
Performance evaluations indicate a 10% to 23% improvement in CPU performance over previous generation models. Notably, the internal GPU demonstrates a substantial increase in efficiency, with improvements ranging from 76% to 115% in benchmarks such as 3DMark Time Spy. The inclusion of the Intel AI Boost NPU marks a significant advancement, potentially enabling novel applications in AI PC technology and offering a notable enhancement in performance per watt.
Availability and Further Information
ASRock has not yet released details regarding the availability and pricing of the NUC Ultra 100 Meteor Lake-H motherboards and the related NUC BOX series. However, interested parties can find more information on the product pages dedicated to these motherboards and mini PCs, including the NUC BOX-155H and NUC BOX-125H models. Additional variants, such as the NUCS BOX-155H and NUCS BOX-125H, feature modified motherboard designs with different connectivity options.
