Choosing the right edge computing hardware is all about matching performance to your environment.
Are you crunching AI data on the edge of a factory floor? Or just need something reliable for daily business tasks in a tight space? Maybe you're deploying systems in a dusty warehouse or outdoors where fans won’t cut it, powering real-time video analytics for an AV setup in a busy conference center, or running edge devices in vehicles where vibration and temperature swings are constant. Perhaps you’re setting up hundreds of digital displays across retail locations and need something compact and easy to manage. Or maybe you just want the peace of mind that comes with full remote access, even when the device is powered off.
For heavy workloads and future-ready AI projects
Top Pick: NUC 15 Pro Cyber Canyon
With AI modeling, deep analytics, and demanding visual applications Cyber Canyon is your go-to. It’s built on Intel’s latest Core Ultra chips, with up to 99 TOPS of AI performance. Great for running multiple workloads or scaling up an edge AI deployment, this compact system handles it all without breaking a sweat.
Best for:
- AI-powered edge inference
- Real-time analytics
- Multi-display digital signage
- Performance-heavy industrial tasks
Why it works:
You get serious power in a footprint that still fits behind a screen or on a rack. It’s reliable, efficient, and won’t need upgrading anytime soon.
Find out more about NUC 15 Pro Cyber Canyon
For essential day-to-day edge tasks
Top Pick: NUC 14 Essential Mill Canyon
Sometimes you just need something simple that works. Mill Canyon is designed for everyday edge computing needs like signage, kiosks, and general business operations. It runs quietly, consumes very little power, and tucks easily into any setup.
Best for:
- Point-of-sale and kiosks
- Digital signage
- Back-office systems
- Light analytics or sensor hubs
Why it works:
It’s straightforward, energy-efficient, and affordable, perfect for rolling out at scale without the overhead cost.
Find out more about NUC 14 Essential Mill Canyon
For all-around flexibility across workspaces
Top Pick: Onyx
Onyx is an adaptable option for multiple scenarios. Whether you’re setting up an office deployment or integrating into a school or industrial space, this system offers balanced performance, optional vPro support, and flexible connectivity.
Best for:
- General office or education environments
- Multi-role IT deployments
- Secure management (with optional vPro)
Training labs or smart classrooms
Why it works:
It’s reliable, versatile, and comes in different form factors to suit different needs—without overengineering the solution.
Find out more about Onyx
For teams that prefer AMD power
Top Pick: Moonstone
If AMD is your platform of choice, Moonstone delivers smooth multitasking with Ryzen processors. It’s a great fit for teams that rely on responsiveness, whether they’re managing data or working across multiple apps.
Best for:
- AMD-based deployments
- Visual and creative workflows
- Mid-range business operations
- Mixed OS environments
Why it works:
You get solid AMD performance in a compact form with modern connectivity and strong multitasking capabilities.
Find out more about Moonstone
For rugged environments and remote AI operations
Top Pick: extremeEDGE Servers™
Some edge environments aren’t friendly. For deployments in transportation, factories, energy, or remote monitoring, extremeEDGE Servers™ are purpose-built to handle it all. With fanless designs, wide temperature tolerance, and AI acceleration modules, these are designed to keep running no matter where you put them.
Best for:
- Harsh outdoor or industrial environments
- Remote operations or mobile units
- AI inferencing at the edge
- Distributed sensor hubs or gateways
Why it works:
With BMC-enabled remote access (even when powered off), you can manage fleets without sending
Find out more about extremeEDGE Servers™
FAQs
What kind of hardware do I need for edge computing?
It depends on your environment and workload. If you’re deploying IoT edge devices in a harsh location, you’ll want rugged, compact devices with strong processing power, like our extremeEDGE Servers™. For everyday business tasks or inventory management, a fanless unit like Mill Canyon does the job with minimal fuss. Edge computing hardware refers to the physical components; edge computers, edge routers, and storage, that enable localized data processing.
How does edge computing compare to cloud computing?
Cloud computing stores and processes data in large, centralized data centers. It’s great for backups and scalable storage. But edge computing processes data locally, at the network edge, making it faster and often more secure. In many cases, a hybrid cloud setup works best, combining edge performance with cloud scale.
Can edge computing work in remote or low-connectivity areas?
Yes. That’s one of its biggest advantages. Edge solutions like Simply NUC’s ruggedized systems are designed to operate reliably even when network connectivity drops. They continue to process critical data on-site, making them ideal for remote locations like oil fields, utility stations, or mobile fleet operations.
What industries benefit most from edge computing?
Industries that generate large volumes of operational or visual data, like manufacturing, healthcare, retail, transportation, and energy, see big wins with edge computing. From enabling predictive maintenance on machines to analyzing video footage for safety compliance, edge technology is helping businesses move faster, reduce downtime, and improve service delivery.
How does edge computing help with real-time data processing?
By processing data on the spot, edge computing reduces latency and enables split-second decisions. This is especially important for machine vision, autonomous systems, and time-sensitive tasks like equipment monitoring or public safety responses. Edge computing devices don’t need to wait for the cloud to respond, they handle it locally.
What features should I look for in edge computing devices?
Look for compact devices that balance performance and durability, like Onyx or Cyber Canyon. Key features include solid-state drives for faster data access, wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi or 5G, energy efficiency, and compatibility with common operating systems. You might also need remote management tools, especially for managing devices across multiple edge locations.
Is edge computing secure?
Yes, especially because it processes data closer to the source. This limits how much sensitive data is transmitted across networks, reducing the chance of breaches. Many Simply NUC systems also offer secure boot, TPM modules, and remote management tools that help maintain tight control over your computing hardware.
Can edge computing support AI or machine learning?
Absolutely. Edge nodes equipped with the right compute resources can run AI models locally, enabling things like real-time image recognition or anomaly detection. Our Cyber Canyon and extremeEDGE solutions are built with this in mind, supporting high-performance workloads where data needs to be processed quickly and locally.
How do I know which edge solution is right for my business unit?
Start with your environment. Are you working in an AV installation, a smart warehouse, or a retail floor? Then consider the data volumes, the need for real-time processing, and your power/network limitations. From there, we can help you choose a device, from basic, energy-efficient setups to powerful systems with full AI acceleration.
Useful Resources:
Edge computing in manufacturing
