Intel will soon launch the first of a series of new Windows-based mini-PCs (NUCs) that come with a "Cannon Lake-U" series processor. The codename of these models actually is "Crimson Canyon" - and they could bring along an integrated AMD Radeon graphics unit.
At various retailers, the first models with the type designations NUC8I3CYSM2 and NUC8I3CYSM3 are already spotted, with prices starting at around 450 euros each. When they will actually be available remains unclear as the dates mentioned by each day get pushed forwards. However, the spec sheets are already available for the most part. It shows that the Intel Core i3-8121U with its two cores have no Hyper-Threading capability, it will have a clock of 2.2 or 2.4 GHz. TurboBoost does not seem to apply here.
The new base NUC will come in two configurations, each with four or eight gigabytes of memory and a terabyte 2.5-inch hard drive. In addition, the device has an Intel 9560 WLAN module, which also has support for Bluetooth 5.0 and can broadcast via dual-band ac-WLAN, 7.1 surround sound is also provided.
Of course, the interesting part is the Radeon side of things. It has an AMD Radeon 500-Series GPU with two gigabytes of GDDR5 on board. Unlike the "Hades Canyon" NUC with Core i7 CPU, integration of the GPU on the same chip is unlikely, so it's more likely that the graphics unit will be soldered to the motherboard, or is an MXM module. Reports winfuture.de
The guys also have some photos and screenshots, which are supposedly an Intel NUC8i3CYSM2 - including some information on the installed hardware. Specifically mentioned is the Intel "Cannon Lake-U" processor, which is installed together with eight gigabytes of RAM and a 1 TB hard drive. On top of that, there is also a clear mention of an additional GPU with two gigabytes of dedicated GDDR5 memory.
Intel NUC "Crimson Canyon"AMD's Radeon driver identifies the GPU in the new Intel NUC as a Radeon 500
Specifically, it will be a graphics solution from the AMD Radeon 500 series, so a starter version, which fits the use of a Core i3 processor. Although this could not be used for high-end games, the graphics performance is likely to be significantly higher than, for example, Intel's own iGPU. Instead of the usual 65-watt power supply, this special version of the "Crimson Canyon" NUC will get a 90-watt PSU.
Intel Cannon Lake-U NUCs with AMD Radeon 500 Series graphics
