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
- 【Storage Expansion】Intel NUC Seal is opened for Hardware/Software upgrade RAM+SSD only to enhance performance; Intel NUC 11 i7 has built-in high speed 32GB dual channel DDR4-3200MHz RAM(Can be expanded max to 64GB), 1TB PCle 4.0 SSD (Support of 2.5-inch PCle Gen4 SSD or SATA HDD, not included) that take storage and performance to the next level
- 【Powerful Inside But Small Outside】Newest 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1165G7, 2.8 GHz - 4.7 GHz Turbo, 4 core, 8 thread, 12MB cache meet various work or entertainment needs, and thanks to its small form factor, You can use our included Vesa bracket to mount the intel nuc 11 behind a large screen monitor to save even more space
- 【4K Screen Display and Iris Xe Graphics】Support 4 x 4K screen displays to work simultaneously or 8k screen display to work, while processing multiple streams of incoming video via Thunderbolt 3 technology. Built-in 28W Intel Iris Xe Graphics can easily handles 3D animation, CAD models and video rendering, etc
- 【Multi-Interface Specifications】Get internet connectivity and more. Intel nuc 11 i7 squeeze all the ports and wireless connections you would expect from a nuc 11 i7 - USB, HDMI, Thunderbolt technology（Front and rear Thunderbolt 3 ports）, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi—into the smallest space we can engineer
- 【AFTER-SALE WARRANTY】 We offer a 3-year warranty, and lifetime worry-free user support. If you have any product concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us, and Geekplus support team will reply and resolve the issue at once
- 【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】 The Wall Street Canyon comes with a whopping 32GB of dual-channel RAM and a 1TB 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 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.
- [Perfect Combination of Performance and Power Consumption] Equipped with the latest 13th generation intel core i7-1360P processor (18Mb L3 cache, up to 5.0 GHz) 12 cores, 16 threads, the powerful performance and stable power consumption of intel nuc 13 i7 make it the best choice for office, business, home, gaming and daily use. Powerful heat dissipation achieving 7 x 24 hours of quiet operation. Intel Iris Xe graphics can easily handle 3D rendering, video editing etc
- [Better Mass Storage, Better Storage Scalability] The nuc 13 pro mini pc with Windows 11 Pro takes storage and performance to the next level with 32GB Dual Channel DDR4-3200 SODIMMs Ram and 1TB PCle 4.0 NVMe SSD
- [8K HDR & 4K 4 Screens Support] Intel nuc 13 has dc input, dp2.1, HDMI 2.1, Thunderbolt4 ports, outputs clearer and more advanced picture quality, Intel NUC 13 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 by the mini computers, 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 3 X USB 3.2 Gen 2 type A, 1 X USB2.0 Gen 2 type A, 2 X HDMI2.1, 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 Version 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 2x8GB Premium DDR4 RAM, 512G 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 Version i7-1260P mini pc has already pre-installed Windows 11 Pro system and supports changing the OS to Windows 10 Pro, and Linux.
- 【 Configuration 16GB RAM and 512GB 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).
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.
- Powered by Ryzen 5 3550H: BOSGAME Mini pc E2 equipped with AMD Ryzen 5 3550H processor, delivers lightning-fast speeds up to 3.7GHz with 4 cores and 8 threads, making it the ultimate choice for gamers and professionals in need of a robust desktop computer for gaming, office work, and design tasks
- Pre-in 16GB RAM & 512GB PCIe 3.0 SSD: Mini computers E2 designed with Dual-channel DDR4 RAM (8GB x 2) ,can be upgraded to maximum of 32GB（16GB x 2), and an installed 512GB m.2 PCIe3.0 X4 NVME SSD for lightning-fast performance
- Triple Screen Display: Ryzen 5 mini pc E2 features 2*HDMI 2.0 ports (4K@60HZ ) and 1* USB-C port (supports 1080P ), connecting three high-resolution displays simultaneously. Whether working in the office or entertainment media playback, it can show a detailed and realistic picture effect and provide HD smooth video output
- Versatile Connectivity: Dual Band Wi-Fi provides a faster internet experience for browsing, streaming and gaming. Lower latency Bluetooth 5.0, more stable and efficient to connect to multiple wireless devices such as projector, printer, monitor, speakers and etc
- Reliable Support Service: Already pre-installed with W11 Pro OS and supports changing the OS to W10 Pro or Linux. Professional technical department offers 24h/7d after-sales service and lifetime technical support. Please don’t hesitate to contact Bosgame Support Center when you have any questions.
- [AMD RYZEN 7 5700U PROCESSOR] ACEMAGICIAN Micro PC is equipped with AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor (8C/16T, 16M Cache, up to 4.3GHz). Compared with AMD Ryzen 5(5600U/5500U), K1 MINI PC 5700U CPU performance +35%, GPU +38%, more powerful performance and smoother running
- [MINI PC PERFECT FOR GAMING] Powered by AMD Zen3 Ryzen 7 5700U and Radeon RX Vega Graphics(2000 MHz), our mini computer delivers up to 3.4% better performance in multitask computing compared to previous Zen 2 processors. Play your favorite games like APEX, CSGO, PUBG, COD, DOTA2, RUST, GTA5, and more with ease
- [1G 2.5G RJ45 PORTS] Fast Network Speeds: Enjoy up to 1000Mbps data transmission speed without worrying about lagging. Ideal for working, gaming, and surfing the internet. Great for Untangle or Pfsense or as a basic office PC
- [16GB RAM 512GB SSD] Mini Computer is equipped with high-speed 16GB DDR4 and 512GB SSD, which allows the small PC to run several high performance operations simultaneously. If you want more storage space, you can also add a 2.5" SSD (no included) to expand the memory upgrade storage to 2TB to suit your needs
- [4K TRIPLE DISPLAY OUTPUTS] Mini PC office supports triple display output with HDMI, DisplayPort and Type-C ports. The GPU adopts Radeon Graphics (8 GPU cores), the clock speed is 2000MHz, supports ultra-realistic 4K visual effects, which can provide incredible clarity and maximum work efficiency
- New Breakthrough Designs: Beelink EQR6 mini pc is built in with 85W power supply, simplify your space with less cable clutter. The MSC2.0 cooling system brings stronger heat dissipation and help the AMD mini pc runs smoother and quieter. The dust filter prevents dust accumulation inside the small pc, making cleaning the EQR6 less cumbersome and ensuring trouble-free operation
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600H: This Beelink Mini PC is equipped with AMD Ryzen 5 6600H (6 cores 12 threads, 3.3 GHz - 4.5 GHz, 16M L3 Cache). The performance of 6600H mini pc is improved by 24% compared to 5560U. This mini computer is integrated with an AMD Radeon 660M 6 core 1900 MHz graphics, ideal for office work, editing high-resolution videos and images, multimedia playback with KODI or IPTV up to 4K and light gaming
- 16GB DDR5 & 500GB PCIe4.0 SSD: EQR6 mini pc comes with 16GB DDR5-4800MHz RAM (8GB * 2, dual-channel, expandable up to 64GB) and 500GB M.2 2280 PCIe4.0x4 SSD (two SSD slots, max 4TB * 2, speed up to 7000MB/S, 2 times faster than PCIe 3.0). Large capacity helps to save more large programs in the computer and brings smoother operation of multi-tasking. High-speed SSD enables quicker load time of large files and high resolution content
- Reliable & High-speed Connectivity: Ryzen 5 mini pc features dual 1000M LAN ports, WiFi 6 (Intel AX200) and Bluetooth 5.2. WiFi 6 is up to 2.4 Gbps transmission speed, three times faster than WiFi5. Lower latency Bluetooth 5.2 offers more stable and efficient connections to multiple wireless devices such as projector, printer, speakers and etc. The dual LAN mini pc is perfect for video conference, browsing, streaming, large file transfers, and online collaboration
- Meet Deeply Needs: Beelink EQR6 measures 4.9x4.9x1.8 inches, only 1/40 th size of standard desktop pc, it's convenient to bring it for flexible working. This mini desktop computer supports 4K 60Hz dual displays via two HDMI ports for efficient multi-tasking. 3 * USB3.2 and 1 * Type-C ports support data transmission up to 10Gbps, enabling transfer files in seconds. Beelink pc supports a wide range of OS, Wake On LAN and Auto Power On, a great to use as a server for media (Plex or FTP)
- 【Powerful AMD CPU and GPU】AMD Excavator A9-9400 processor ( clocking up to a blazing 3.2GHz) provides you with an extraordinary smooth office experience. Incredibly efficient processing speed can respond to your commands extremely quickly, and a faster CPU can help you handle effortless multitasking. The visually stunning AMD Radeon R5 series Graphics will dazzle your senses with breathtaking 4K UHD display. Whether in work, study or entertainment, this Mini PC will be your great partner.
- 【Seamless Multi-OS Compatibility】this mini PC effortlessly supports Windows 10, support home/office/games/education
- 【Easy Expandability】 Packed with 8GB of RAM and a blazing-fast 128GB SSD, this compact desktop can be effortlessly upgraded to astounding 16GB of DDR4 RAM in each of its two slots. And that’s not all! With the option to expand storage up to a staggering 2TB using either an M.2 2280 SATA SSD or a 2.5-inch SATA HDD, this powerhouse is ready to deliver the performance required for any workload.
- 【Speedy Network & Consumption-efficient】 This tiny pc is with 802.11ac Dual Band 2.4 & 5GHz Intel WiFi, it offers speeds up to 867Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and Provides double newly faster internet experience. Superb heat dissipation with built-in large fan and Advanced AMD SenseMI Technology. AMD Ryzen processor monitors its own energy consumption and temperature with smart sensors to automatically adjust speed of fan and always keep small form PC cool and quiet.
- 【Near-Zero Footprint Yet Powerful】Compared to a giant PC tower, the footprint of the WO-WE mini portable pc is close to zero, yet incredibly powerful. The palm-sized Mini PC can be placed anywhere, from behind a monitor, on your desk, to tucked discretely into your home entertainment center. With silent fan design and efficient heat dissipation, you can enjoy daily work with a peaceful mind.
- 【Small and Powerful】The size of the beelink mini pc is 4.96*4.44*1.65 inches,palm sized,perfect for placing next to a monitor and easy to carry.The beelink ser5 5825u mini pc is equipped with AMD Ryzen 7 5825U 8core/16thread(up to 4.4GHz),stable and reliable performance.This compact yet powerful 5825u mini pc provides satisfactory results in productivity,office,and gaming.
- 【 Large Capacity and Expansion Options 】The Beelink Ser5 mini pc is equipped with 32GB DDR4 RAM (upgradable to 64GB,with 2 available memory slots).It also comes with a 1TB M.2 2280 NVME SSD that supports upgrading storage to 2TB (not included).You can also replace up to 2TB of 1TB NVMe SSD or add 7mm HDD (maximum 2TB,not included) to expand storage.This Ryzen 7 mini pc can quickly start and load applications,and has enough storage space to meet your daily work and entertainment needs.
- 【4K Triple display】The 5825u micro computer is equipped with AMD Radeon Graphics 8-core 2000 MHz,providing powerful graphics processing capabilities that can easily handle complex design software,4K UHD video editing and playback,or light gaming needs.HDMI+DP allows you to connect two monitors simultaneously,equipped with Type-C support for video output,making it easy to expand the use of three screens,simplifying and improving your productivity.
- 【 Heat Dissipation & WIFI 6 & BT 5.2 】The beelink ser5 5825u pro uses a radiator+cooling fan to dissipate heat in all directions,and its heat dissipation performance is improved by 19%.Our ser5 5825u mini computer is equipped with an internal wireless network card that supports WiFi6 and Bluetooth 5.2, and an RJ45 LAN port that supports 1000Mbps Ethernet,providing strong wireless signals and bringing you a better Internet experience.
- 【Auto Power On & Beelink Technical Support】If you want to auto power on,please send us the barcode at the bottom of the machine first,and we will send the corresponding tutorial file.All our mini pc have obtained FCC,CE ROSH certification.We also provide lifetime technical support,7 Day/24 hours service.
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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