Intel will release a 4.5-inch-wide Intel-branded desktop PC for do-it-yourselfers later this month.

Available in two versions - the DC3217IYE and DC3217BY - the product or the "Next Unit of Computing" (NUC) according to Intel, is geared to home theater/home media center or can be alternatively slapped on the back of a wide-screen display as a bare-bone.

Inside the 4-inch x 4-inch x 2-inch chassis there is the Core i3 3217U dual-core ULV Ivy Bridge CPU, rated at 17W TDP, a 1.8GHz frequency and offering HD 4000 graphics running at 350MHz - 1.05GHz. It is also equippded with dual HDMI Ports, USB 2.0, Intel 10/100/1000 Ethernet, 1 full mSATA slot and 1 half-length mini-PCIe slot.



The device does not include memory or storage, as it will not be sold as a full system.

According to Anandtech who had access to a device sample, it's performance is in line with other 17W mobile Ivy Bridge CPUs.

Pricing is expected to be around $300.