The successor to this first mini-PC from the company based on quad-core processors were two models of the "eighth" generation, which appeared in early 2018. On the other side, heirs they can be counted only in terms of indicators, since in the processors of the family Kaby lake-g also four (relatively) high-frequency processor cores and a powerful GPU. But the GPU has changed radically: it is no longer just an integrashka, but a separate Vega M with 4 GB of HBM2 memory. Integration into in this case lies in the fact that all the crystals are located on the same substrate as the processor with the chipset, but according to the logic of operation (and also in terms of performance), this is a completely real discrete solution, comparable to individual video cards of the middle class.

However, we have already written about how this happened and why, when we tested the processors of the Kaby Lake-G family, which are used in a pair of "eighth" generation NUCs. But what these computers themselves are - have not been studied in detail before. The time has come to correct this injustice.

Completion and packaging

The delivery set is similar to that of the "junior" compact models: the computer itself, VESA mount, a small amount of laconic printed instructions, and a power supply. The latter, of course, has changed - instead of a compact unit, similar to chargers for mobile phones, with replaceable plugs and a power of 65 W, the box contains a solid box, comparable in size to the computer itself: 19.5 V 11.8 A, that is, all 230 W. Note that the power supplies for the 6i7KYK, although they had a similar design (a large box with a detachable power cable to the outlet), were smaller, and gave out only 120 watts. In general, already at the stage of unpacking, there is a feeling that we are not talking about a mini-PC, but about an ordinary computer... Even if it is a little more compact than it is customary, but once (for a long time) a power supply unit of such power was enough for top desktops.

Design and communication with the outside world

The computer itself still has less big sizes, although so far this is the largest NUC: dimensions of 221 × 142 × 39 mm give a solid volume of 1.2 liters. Again, compare with the 6i7KYK: that one has 211 × 116 × 28 mm, that is, less than 0.7 liters. In general, the appearance is similar, but the new NUCs have become a little larger and noticeably thicker, so you cannot confuse them with the old ones. Models of the "square" series continue to fit in 115 × 111 × 51 mm or 115 × 111 × 35 mm (with support for two or one disk drive, respectively), that is, they occupy only 0.45-0.65 liters of volume, and most of the presented mini-PCs on the market are similar in size (or even smaller). In general, even if we ignore the prices (and they look impressive for gaming NUCs), it is clear that there is no point in buying such computers just “to have it” - more compact (and cheaper) solutions can cope with everyday tasks. Such a computer is needed when, despite the (relative) compactness, you still need performance and communication capabilities at the level of a good desktop or laptop.

The interface ports here are, to a first approximation, the same as in other models of 2016-2017, but there are more of them. In particular, already on the front face one can find three USB port(two of which are "honest" USB 3.1 Gen2) of both current form factors: Type-A and Type-C. There is also a connector for an audio headset, a slot for "full-size" SD cards (and not for microSD, as in "square" NUCs of the "seventh" and "eighth" generation) and ... an HDMI 2.0a connector. Its somewhat unusual location is due to the fact that Intel actively linked the fate of these computers with “ virtual reality", The benefit of the platform's performance (especially in the older version) is quite enough for rendering an image in high definition... And it is more convenient to connect the helmet from the front.

In any case, this is not the only video connector on the new NUCs, so other display devices will not be left to waste. There is another HDMI 2.0a connector on the back, a pair of Mini-DisplayPort 1.2 in pure form and two more Thunderbolt 3 connectors - also including this interface. Accordingly, up to six TVs / monitors / projectors / etc. Can be connected to any NUC, and four of them can have 5K resolution and only two are "limited" to 4K @ 60 Hz. In general, not every desktop with a single video card can boast of this, as well as Thunderbolt 3 ports, which, recall, not only video, but also USB 3.1 Gen2 and / or PCIe 3.0 x4. At the same time, the classic USB ports on the back were also not without: there are four of them, and all comply with the specifications of version 3.0 (aka USB 3.1 Gen1).

Thus, the possibilities for connecting peripherals are amazing (we repeat: not every desktop computer is capable of this), so Intel also added a couple of network ports here - let it be. Moreover, against the background of the price of the device, this does not greatly affect - as well as another audio output that supports the connection of analog stereo speakers or multichannel acoustics with a digital optical input. Such connectors are rare in NUCs and are currently not needed much - modern receivers use HDMI. However, by offering customers an initially expensive mini-PC, Intel tried to make sure that no one (or almost no one) was left offended. Even if he want strange, such as connecting a pair of speakers for one and a half thousand rubles - well, let him connect and rejoice :)

So, even an external examination of the computer shows that they did not save on it. The body filling also matches the first impression.

Hardware configuration

The Kaby Lake-G line includes five processor models, but Intel uses only two of them in its products - top-end Core i7-8809G and (almost) junior Core i7-8705G. Their processor part is almost the same up to clock frequencies, but the GPUs are different - Vega M GH and GL, respectively. However, we wrote about all this in detail in, so we will not repeat ourselves. Just note that, unlike other models, the Core i7-8809G can be overclocked, and the top-end NUC provides all the necessary tools for this.

The storage approach is completely inherited from the 6i7KYK: only two M.2 slots, but with support for both NVMe and SATA drives. In one of the slots you can install only "long" 2280 devices, in the other - both them and "short" modifications 2242. In principle, this allows you to cover 99% of models of solid-state drives "card" format, but the top-end Optane with gaming NUCs. .. turned out to be incompatible. Even a brand new 905P for 375 GB M.2 format - it needs a slot with support for 22110. The other models of the 900P and 905P lines are even larger, so the maximum for 8i7HNK and 8i7HVK is only 800P with its ridiculous (taking into account the purpose of such a computer) 118 GB and only PCIe 3.0 x2. Such are the grimaces of fate :)

We have already mentioned the presence of two gigabit wired controllers. Both, naturally, of Intel's own production, can be used both for connecting to two different networks, and for Teaming mode (to double the bandwidth of a connection with a router, for example). There is also support wireless networks, fully consistent with other modern NUCs, and indeed most computers: in two bands at speeds up to 867 Mbps.

As mentioned above, the new NUCs are simply strewn with USB ports, and high-speed: you can simultaneously connect as many as four full-speed USB devices 3.1 Gen2. It is clear that due to the capabilities of the HM175 chipset alone, this cannot be realized: like all Intel products of 2017 or older, it only supports USB 3.0. Five chipset ports of this type (and in most NUCs there are only four or five of them) can be left for low-speed peripherals, since they are conveniently located - four in the back, one in front (the latter also supports charging mobile devices when the computer is turned off, and "Current up to 1.5 A, and not standard according to the" basic "standard 0.9 A). High speed USB ports evenly distributed: a pair at the back, a pair at the front. To support the rear, an Intel Alpine Ridge controller is used, so it's not only USB 3.1, but also Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort. The front ones are implemented using ASMedia ASM2142 - the controller is no longer new, but it is quite relevant now, since it is connected to two PCIe 3.0 lanes (unlike earlier ASMedia products, which used either PCIe 2.0 x2 or PCIe 3.0 x1) and one device it can definitely give out everything "put" in the SuperSpeed10 mode, and two (and there are just two ports) operating simultaneously devices will receive only 20% less than the theoretical maximum.

All of this is packaged in a suitably sized case - and requires powerful block nutrition. However, all the cooling and power characteristics of the computer were calculated for the older model, and even with a margin: the i7-8809G has a TDP of 100 W (for the entire assembly, together with the GPU and HBM2 memory) and is suitable for overclocking. The Core i7-8705G, with its 65W "for everything", would have cost a more modest environment, but unification in production is useful. And what is the cooling efficiency, we will now talk in detail.

Work under load and idle

In principle, the large (relatively, of course) dimensions of the case are connected precisely with the need to accommodate a serious cooling system - it takes up more than half (!) Of the internal volume, since it includes two fans and a massive aluminum radiator(with a copper insert, of course). However, the practical meaning is not how it works, but how it works. Which we checked, at the same time measuring the power consumption of the system "from the socket".

The processor component of the Core i7-8809G and Core i7-8705G is formally almost the same, but in fact behaves a little differently: the older model tries to increase the clock speed more aggressively under load, which in fact does not lead to anything good. But there is enough cooling for this processor with a margin, since the cooling system had to be calculated based on the GPU's appetites. The two Vega M modifications differ by about a quarter in the number of execution units and by 15% in frequency (both execution units and memory), so the difference of ≈45 W under load is not surprising. Note: this difference in the consumption of two GPUs, but the processor cores need just that much Total.

Gaming performance meets expectations (specs), but the younger NUC handles them, albeit worse, but without undue noise. The elder one is too noisy, getting out beyond 40 dBA, although with processor loads it is limited to about 35 dBA. The younger model for 35 dBA never comes out.

In principle, in this case, the noise level is less critical than for laptops: the computer is not necessarily located directly next to the user, but ideally hangs behind the TV, at the same time being shielded by the latter. There is no throttling in any of the modes, so the cooling system copes with its tasks. But if you want to build a truly quiet solution, you will have to sacrifice compactness.

Performance research

We studied this issue in detail in, where just these two NUC models were used. Here we restrict ourselves to only conclusions: “Kaby Lake-G graphics can be considered integrated in performance, but remain discrete in ideology. Moreover, the solutions applied are head and shoulders above the entry-level and even mid-level discrete video cards, since the "ultra-wide" HBM2 bus allows you to get throughput memory at a level attainable only by video cards with "wide" GDDR5. As a result, for example, NUCs on Kaby Lake-G are comparable in size and power consumption to one only a video card based on Radeon RX 480/580 "... However, the performance of such video cards nevertheless turns out to be somewhat higher, and the processor component of these models is slightly below the (already formally outdated) Core i7-7700, but be that as it may, this is the level of good desktop computer... The computer, however, is a little skewed: the processor is above average, and the video card is slightly lower. A desktop system can be more productive in both directions, even at a lower end price - but it won't be that compact.

Total

As you can see, with functionality and performance in these NUC models, everything is fine: they can replace a mid-range desktop with ease. In practice, a lot will depend on prices, which cannot be called frightening, but certainly cannot be called low: the younger model (8i7HNK) at the time of this writing cost about 60 thousand rubles in Moscow retail, and the older one (8i7HVK) - 15 thousand more expensive ... To this you will need to add at least 16 GB of memory (from 11 thousand rubles) and at least a budget SSD for half a terabyte (from 6 thousand), because otherwise purchasing a computer of this level makes no sense. The same components would be required for a desktop buyer, but there you can “play around” with the configuration - in the direction of economy (smaller SSD plus a large hard drive - here such hybridization of storage systems “won’t work”) or increase in performance.

As far as performance is concerned, it is, of course, limited. Individual processors have already acquired 6-8 cores, and top-end discrete video cards are noticeably faster. And this applies not only to desktops: as testing has shown, a laptop based on the Core i7-8750H with a GTX 1060 runs stably faster than even the older NUC 8i7HVK in both "normal" applications and games. True, such a solution will cost even more, but not fundamentally more expensive: about 120 thousand rubles already with memory, SSD, terabyte hard drive, as well as a display, keyboard and touchpad. A desktop system can be both cheaper and faster at the same time. Yes, the new NUCs are quite capable of modern games, but you shouldn't raise the resolution higher than Full HD at the same time, and even now it will not always be possible to use the maximum quality in it, and tomorrow it will be worse.

In general, as usual, a compromise. Good - but a compromise. Interesting for those who are looking for a "companion computer" for the TV, not wanting to get by with a low-power solution, but not too much on modern games. And as a desktop high-performance mini-PC, both new NUC models are not bad - especially the younger 8i7HNK: it is powerful enough, but still quiet, and communication capabilities he has the same as the older one.

There are no complete analogs to "gaming nuka" on the market, but there are alternative solutions. They are better in some way, worse in other ways - a lot will depend on priorities. But if you limit yourself purely technical issues, then the first is more important - no complete analogs are observed... Once upon a time the idea of ​​"shoving" more or less gaming computer at least in a ten-liter case seemed revolutionary, but now such a computer can be reduced in volume by almost an order of magnitude. Not without flaws and limitations - but you can.

Test stand:

• Platform: Intel NUC NUC6i7KYK;
• RAM: 2x DDR4-2133 (15-15-15-36), 2x 8 GB;
• Storage: Intel SSDSCKHW240A4 240 GB;
• Operating system: Windows 10 x64.

I already wrote that two bars allowed turning the NUC NUC6i7KYK into a full-fledged computer random access memory DDR4-2133 with a total volume of 16 GB and solid state drive Intel SSDSCKHW240A4 240 GB. Operating system - Windows 10 x64.

To determine the performance of the Iris Pro 580 integrated graphics, I took four CPUs: AMD A8-7670K, AMD A10-7890K, Intel Core i5-6400, and Intel Core i5-5675C. On the basis of these "stones" it is quite possible to assemble a compact desktop and even call it "gaming". For example, in such a building. In all cases, DDR3 / DDR4 RAM was used, operating in dual channel mode and operating at an effective frequency of 2400 MHz. I attach a list of games and settings. Additional screenshots -. Resolution - Full HD.

List of games:

• Bioshock Infinite - Medium;
• Battlefield 4 - Medium;
• Far Cry 4 - low;
• Fallout 4 - Low
• GTA V - standard;
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Low;
• DiRT Rally - high;
• Rise of the Tomb Raider - low;
• Need for Speed- low;
• XCOM 2 - Low.

Heating, throttling, noise level, power consumption

First, let's study the features of the operation of the NUC NUC6i7KYK. When idle, the noise emitted by the mini-computer is noticeable. It is absolutely not annoying, but it is there. The sound level meter, located half a meter from the Skull Canyon, recorded 36.8 dB, which is 0.8 dB higher than the noise level in the room. So the desktop is relatively quiet when idle. It suits me perfectly. But in games, the impeller spins up to 4400 rpm. The noise level increases to 40.3 dB. Not a record, of course, but the characteristic shh-sh-rumbling is noticeable right away. Finally, in LinX, the turbine begins to howl openly. There is nothing to be done: the load is extremely high, and here you have full-fledged four cores and eight threads, striving to work stably at 3000 MHz. The fan spins up to 4800 rpm.

Good day to all. This is my first review on this site.

Some information about myself, and why I decided to buy this Chinese mini PC.

I am engaged in video production. I work in Edius, Photoshop, Adobe After Effect programs.

Configuration of the previous computer:
Intel Core Duo E7500 2.93Ghz
Built-in video card
4GB memory
SATA screw

The performance of my PC is good enough for normal operation. Only one drawback of my computer is STRONGLY NOISE... Recently, this has become very stressful, so I began to look for an alternative to him.

There were not so many alternatives, and not all of them met my criteria.

First option.

Computer from the manufacturer Apple. I tried several times to master programs on this operating system but it didn't work out.

Second option.

Buy a laptop or netbook. I can't stand this form factor.

The third option.

Intel NUC, the price seems to me a bit overpriced.

These were the options I had. They all didn't quite fit my small needs.

While shopping on the alliexpress website, I came across some interesting aluminum mini pc ( Chinese counterpart Intel NUC). The most important thing for me about these PCs was that they didn't make any noise !!!

We started looking for reviews on the Internet, but, unfortunately, there were very few of them. I found only two in Russian, and then they were not quite informative.

Since I was not interested in the latest advances in the computer industry, it was difficult for me to determine which system is Celeron, iCore 3, i5, etc. today. meets my requirements. I had them very simple, the main thing is that the computer should work no slower than the old one.

I had to spend a lot of time looking for the information I needed, but I never found it.

Then I decided to focus on the price. Set the price bar to 250 dollars. The PC had to be with 4GB of RAM, 32GB SSD screw. For the rest of the money, it was necessary to find a processor with a motherboard.

There were several options for Celeron 1037U, Core i5200u, Pen j2850 and others, but I chose the Core i3 4010U (4015) processor.

Several days were spent looking for the best seller and price. After correspondence with them, I chose this one (the link is at the beginning of the review), the price and responsiveness in the comments suited me.

Due to changes in customs rules in our country, the limitation for one parcel without a declaration is 150 euros, since the cost of the Chinese miracle was higher, there was a small problem with the registration of the parcel. The problem was solved very simply, the seller wrote the cost of the mini pc a little less :) than it actually was.

I asked for 4GB of Samsung and Win7 memory. He sent the package via EMC courier service. The track number on the official website was tracked only on the third day. After 12-13 days, the track appeared on the EMC website of the city of Kharkov.

Thank you for reading this far, now let's move on to the mini pc review.

I missed a few details in the text, so you can additionally look at the review at youtube channel.

The package contained:

White packing box.
Aluminium case.
Computer stand.
HDMI cable
Power supply unit with euro plug.
Wi-Fi antennas

Let's start with the case.

It is made of thick die-cast aluminum with holes on the sides and top. Case thickness is 29mm. Dimensions 197 * 197 * 29mm. Very neat and beautiful. Weighs about 1.2 kg.

Now let's go through the connectors.

2 x USB 2.0
4 x USB 3.0
Video outputs: HDMI, VGA
Ethernet port 1 Gbps
Audio input and output
Connectors for Wi-Fi antennas 150 Mbps (for an additional $ 3, the seller will make 300 Mbps)
On and off button.

Now let's take a look at the stuffing.

Motherboard with Core processor i3 4010U
RAM DDR3L 4GB Samsung and SSD 32GB hard drive.
Built-in video card.
Wi-Fi module

The case cover has holes for another SSD screw and for a special VESA mount. With this mount, the PC can be attached to the back of the monitor or to the wall.

If you ask the seller to insert bluetooth 4.0, he will do it for you free of charge. I, unfortunately, did not know this and therefore I had to buy USB bluetooth for $ 3 in order to connect a mini keyboard.

After the first boot of the system, there was not as much free space as I expected. With our Chinese friends Win7 installed, the free space was 11.3 GB. Having installed all the programs for work, there is only about 2GB left, which is very, very little. So I decided to order another ssd screw.

For people who want to buy such a PC just because of the Internet and watching movies on-line, I think 11 GB is quite enough for normal work.

Now let's see some screenshots of the system.

Test results.
I have never tested my computers, so I had to look at what other authors are testing, and here is the result.

I have been working on this computer for over 1.5 months. On this moment, everyone is very happy. He performs all the tasks that I need. As it is written on the site, the power consumption of the PC is 15 W.

These mini computers will find their buyer. I think this is a compromise between a stationary PC and a laptop. They will be in demand both in enterprises and for people who do not need large, powerful and noisy personal computers. One of these I.

For myself, I have not found any minuses in this PC.
The pros are SILENCE and calmness (I work at night when my family is already asleep). A small bonus is low energy consumption.

I filmed the opening of the parcel on the video below.

If you have any questions or find technical inaccuracies in my review, please write them, I will try to answer them and correct the errors. Thanks.