NovaCustom Launches Coreboot-Powered NUC Box Mini PC with Intel Meteor Lake and Quad Display Support

NovaCustom has recently unveiled the rebranded version of ASRock NUC BOX-100H mini PC known as the NUC Box mini PC having Quad-display support. This new mini PC designed as a full featured workstation in a compact size pairs an Intel Core Ultra “Meteor Lake” SoC with dual 2.5G RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet and booting using Coreboot for an intriguing combination whether it’s for a lightweight Linux desktop PC or a small office/home server.

In terms of hardware, the NUC Box mini PC features the latest generation Intel Core Ultra 5 125H or Intel Core Ultra 7 155H Meteor Lake-H processor and has two SODIMM slots with support for up to 96GB of blazing-fast Dual-channel DDR5-5600 memory, dual PCIe SSD slots, and offers a wide range of connectivity options including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and multiple USB ports.

NovaCustom NUC Box mini PC specifications:

• SoC: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (4P+8E cores) or Ultra 7 155H Meteor Lake-H (6P+8E cores)
• GPU: Intel Arc Graphics DirectX 12 compatible, Intel DLBoost (DP4A)
• System Memory: 2x 262-pin SO-DIMM socket for Dual-channel DDR5/5600MHz up to 96GB RAM
• Storage:
  • 1x M.2 (Key M, 2280/2242) PCIe Gen4x4 SSD slot
  • 1x M.2 (Key M, 2242) PCIe Gen4x4 SSD slot (not configurable)
  • 1x 2.5″ SATA 3.0 (6Gb/s) connector (not configurable)
• Video Output: 2x HDMI 2.1 TMDS with Quad-display support
• Audio: Realtek ALC256 High Definition Audio | 1x 3.5mm Audio jack (headphone & microphone combo)
• Networking:
  • 2.5GbE Dual Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port (Realtek LAN controller)
  • LAN1: Intel I226LM (10/100/1000/2500 Mbps)
  • LAN2: Intel I226V (10/100/1000/2500 Mbps)
  • Optional Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 via M.2 Key E (2230)
  • Intel AX210/211 card supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 (Optional)
  • Intel BE200 card supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 (Optional)
• USB:
  • 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A)
  • 1x USB4 / Thunderbolt 4 (supports DisplayPort 2.1)
  • 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (Type-C, supports DisplayPort 1.4a)
• Security:
  • Kensington Lock Slot
  • Intel PTT (TPM 2.0): integrated TPM functionality without a dedicated chip
• Expansion:
  • 1x M.2 (Key M, 2280/2242) PCIe Gen4x4 SSD slot
  • 1x M.2 (Key M, 2242) PCIe Gen4x4 SSD slot (not configurable)
• Power Supply:
  • Core Ultra 5: 90W (19V/2.37A)
  • Core Ultra 7: 120W (19V)
  • AC input: 100~240V, 50~60Hz
• Design:
  • Compact fan-cooled chassis
  • VESA mount compatible (100 × 100 mm)
• Weight: 1.0 kg (without power adapter)
• Dimensions: 117.5 mm × 110 mm × 49 mm

According to NovaCustom, the tested operating systems which can be used for the NUC Box mini PC are Ubuntu (latest LTS version), Fedora, Linux kernel 6.8 or higher and Windows 11 Pro. The company also mentions that the compatibility and certification for Qubes OS is currently under investigation. The mini PC offers open-source coreboot firmware provided by Dasharo and Firmware updates can be obtained via Dasharo Tool Suite (DTS).

The NovaCustom NUC Box is up for pre-order for about $913, and it should begin shipping in September. Barebones model with an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H Meteor Lake processor but no memory, storage, or wireless card represents a pre-order discount: customers who place an order before August 1st can use the code PRESALE to save 10%. NovaCustom also offers a 3-year warranty and free shipping for repairs covered by that warranty.