Intel's new form-factor PC isn't great for high-end gaming, but still packs a punch

A mini, form-factor PC code-named Skull Canyon NUC (next unit of computing) was announced by Intel at Game Developers Conference specifically aimed at the PC gaming audience.

The Skull Canyon is packed with some decent hardware for such a small size — only 8.5 inches long, 4.6 inches wide and less than an inch tall. But something that small surely can’t house the graphics power necessary to run today’s demanding PC games like Grand Theft Auto V and The Witcher 3, right?

Right, it can’t. But it still packs a decent punch. The Skull Canyon has a sixth-generation Intel Core i7-6770HQ, which is a pretty high-performing CPU, but it’s paired up with Intel’s integrated Iris Pro 580 for graphics. With graphics hardware like that, don’t expect to be able to play anything very demanding, although you’ll be fine if you’re looking to watch videos in 4K or stick to games with simpler visuals. Read more...