Is there a better alternative?

That depends on what you want.

　　If you just want a desktop and don’t care about size, then the world is filled with options to choose from. Dell’s XPS desktops have consistently ranked among our best desktops and remain our go-to selection.

　　Apple’s Mac Mini is the most high-profile alternative. It’s a fair bit larger, though, at nearly 8 inches wide and deep. While you can grab a six-core Mac Mini for $1,099, that model has only 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. A Mac Mini with similar RAM and storage to the NUC will set you back $1,500.

　　Should you want a small desktop, particularly one running Windows, the NUC 10i7FNHAA – and NUC models in general – remains a very solid option. The brands most commonly available in the United States, like Dell, HP, and Lenovo, do offer small PCs. However, they’re mostly designed for the business-to-business market, which leads to a high price for many models.

　　

How long will it last?

You can’t replace the NUC 10i7FNHAA’s processor, but the Core i7-10710U is fast enough to remain relevant for at least a few years. The RAM and hard drive can be easily replaced. I think you’ll get at least five years of use from it.

　　Intel provides a standard 3-year warranty. That’s unusually good in the PC space, where a 1-year warranty is standard.

　　

Should you buy one?

Yes, if you’d like a powerful desktop PC that fits just about anywhere. The Frost Canyon NUC, like past models, fits a niche. But if its that niche perfectly.