In recent years, tablets and laptops have become increasingly popular over conventional desktop systems. But sometimes they cannot provide sufficient performance for little money and functionality. And the PCs themselves are not mobile enough and take up too much space.

Therefore, there was a need to create computers that would be both compact and, at the same time, allow you to use most of the functions without restrictions. A minicomputer from Intel called the Next Unit of Computing () is one of those. The company really considers such systems to be the future of computers, and not at all the next implementation of the concept of nettops, monoblocks or anything like that.

What is NUC

NUC is essentially a kind of personal computer form factor. The device is a small box-case, usually measuring 10 by 10 cm. Despite their small size, they are absolutely not inferior in power to most PCs. NUC is convenient to use as a home multimedia center, for use at work and at home at the same time, and even for games. It can easily be placed next to a keyboard on a desk, or attached to the back of a monitor using the included VESA bracket.

Working with a mini PC will require connecting a keyboard, mouse and screen - this can be done in a matter of minutes. At the same time, the prices for such devices, depending on the configuration, are quite affordable: they start from 3-4 million rubles.

What are these devices capable of?

As described above, the NUC is capable of doing everything that modern PCs can. At the same time, the entire line is implemented in computers. Intel processors from mobile Atom processors to professional Core i7. Intel NUC can display an image on a monitor in resolution from Full HD to 4K, depending on the power of the device. The NUC comes standard with multiple USB ports (version 3.0 with support for fast charging), an HDMI output for connecting a screen and audio, an input for memory cards, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, an audio input (7.1 support is available), and DisplayPort ports are also present. that can be used to connect multiple monitors. There is also an Ethernet input, through which you can use a network LAN cable for data transfer and Internet connection.

After connecting all the necessary components and installing the OS, the NUC works like a full-fledged personal computer. At the same time, unlike the same laptops, the mini-PC from Intel practically does not heat up. Many NUC models have a built-in ventilation system, but there are kits without a direct fan that also show excellent temperatures under high load. And the use of such a cooling system, coupled with the use of SSD media, makes the NUC absolutely silent - the most comfortable use.

What are the benefits of using such a system?

Being quite small and portable enough, the NUC is great for those who travel frequently. The device will appeal to those who like to select components individually: in the kit, in fact, there is a case, a motherboard and a processor, RAM modules and a drive are purchased separately - all this, although it requires purchase costs and installation time, but allows you to choose and configure it yourself device for your own use. NUC can be attached to the back of your monitor and TV - it will neither make noise nor overheat, and most importantly - take up a minimum of space. This is a great option for offices and home users. Development of online services and cloud technologies allows you to abandon bulky computers with noisy hard drives and a bunch of fans. Based on the NUC, you can also implement, for example: a meeting room solution, a video surveillance system, an automated retail kiosk, information panel(for restaurant, airport, shop).

The use of such a device allows you to practically get rid of wires that are so annoying and unpleasant to the eye: the connection to the Internet is via Wi-Fi, with peripheral devices via Bluetooth. You just need to connect the display and power. It's especially pleasing to note, given rising utility costs, that the Intel NUC has low level power consumption (12 Wh) - almost 3 times less than laptops, and 20 times more economical than PCs.

What's Included

Usually, in addition to the mini-PC itself, the box contains a power supply, a mounting cover and a set of bolts. For the full operation of the device, you will have to purchase a SO-DDR RAM module, an mSATA (or 2.5 ”SATA) form factor drive. Therefore, just unpack the device and immediately start using it will not work. The latest generation device is a black and silver cuboid with rounded edges. By the way, the top black cover is decorative and can be used for branding or applying other information or decoration: engraving, thermal printing, stickers and many other options. On the side faces are various ports and ventilation slots. Power is connected to the NUC through a special socket, located among other connectors on the back of the case.

What technologies are supported by Intel NUC

The mini-PC for image processing uses its own graphics system Intel® HD Graphics, which is built into the processor - thanks to it, you can easily work with photos, videos and even play on the NUC (the same World of Tanks will comfortably run in FullHD resolution). As described above, the devices have a DisplayPort input, with which you can connect up to 3 monitors at the same time. The sound is also handled by its own Intel® High Definition Audio system - some models are equipped with connectors for connecting acoustics / microphone, some use sound transmission via HDMI. At the same time, 7.1 surround sound is also available, which is very convenient when using the NUC as a home theater.

The device works with full versions of the OS - from Windows 10 to Ubuntu and Linux. For wireless connection uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, and Intel® Wireless Display 6.0 technology.

Output

It's high performance in a small, attractive package. If you need a small desktop system for your main PC or home theater then the Intel NUC with the latest processor solutions is a great option. This is an ultra-convenient option for both productive and mobile device, which is suitable for both corporate solutions, retail outlets, and for the home. Small size, minimum wires and ease of use will allow you to find a lot of options Intel applications NUC.

Intel NUC Mini PC Review | Introduction

Until recently, if you wanted the power and versatility of a desktop PC, you had to prepare a lot of free space on the floor or on the table to install a tower case. But today, compared to mini PCs like Intel NUC(Next Unit of Computing) even ultraportable laptops look big. These systems are fast enough to replace your main computer and small enough to fit anywhere. The $390 NUC5i5RYK model uses the fifth generation of Intel Core i5 processors based on the Broadwell architecture, supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and high-speed PCIe SSDs. We bought and installed our own set of RAM, storage, and operating system, which ended up costing $670 for our test unit. For that amount, Intel's new mini PC has a lot to offer.

Intel NUC Mini PC Review | Use cases

Intel NUC fast enough to replace the main PC for students, office workers and other users. By uniting Intel NUC with a high-resolution monitor (or two), you get all the benefits of a compact all-in-one, but with the ability to keep the old monitor when you upgrade your hardware.

If you install a large capacity hard disk or connect it via USB, Intel NUC can easily cope with the role of a powerful home theater. BUT outlets can use Intel NUC at terminals or kiosks.

Intel NUC Mini PC Review | Design

Measuring 114 x 112 x 33mm and weighing 453g (with drive and RAM), the NUC5i5RYK is shaped and sized like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The unit is thin enough to fit even in miniature entertainment systems. It can easily be placed next to a keyboard on a desk, or attached to the back of a monitor using the included VESA bracket.

Most competitors in the mini PC segment are significantly larger, including Mac number Mini (36 x 197 x 197 mm, 1200 g), ThinkCentre M83 Tiny PC (178 x 183 x 34 mm, 1315 g) and HP Stream 200-010 Mini (146 x 145 x 53 mm, 635 g). Even the power adapter Intel NUC very small - only 45 x 83 x 23 mm and weighing 184 g.

Although Intel NUC can be easily placed on a shelf or tucked away behind the display, its compact size and attractive appearance are unlikely to spoil the design of your office or living room if it is placed on a table. The main body of the case is made of aluminum in a matte silver color with a glossy black plastic lid and a matte black plastic bottom. There are ventilation holes on the sides and back, and a neat silver power button is located on the top cover.

The top cover can be easily removed without the use of additional tools. Intel itself does not produce replacement covers, but keeps their parameters freely available, so that any company or person can make a cover not only with their own design (including printing it for themselves on a 3D printer), but also with additional functionality. At CES 2015, the company showed several prototype covers, including versions with a TV tuner and NFC.

Intel NUC Mini PC Review | Connectors

With such small sizes Intel NUC has very wide communication capabilities. The front panel has a 3.5mm audio jack, an IR receiver, and two USB port 3.0, one of which is designed to charge devices even when the system is in sleep mode. The rear panel has a power connector, a Gigabit Ethernet port, mini-HDMI and mini-DisplayPort outputs, and two more USB 3.0 ports. On the right is the Kensington lock slot.

Intel NUC can display the image on the monitor in Full HD resolution. With a combination of video outputs, the Intel Mini PC can support up to three monitors simultaneously. The DisplayPort connector supports the DisplayPort 1.2 protocol and is capable of outputting images to three displays with a resolution of up to 1920 x 1200 pixels through a special splitter or using a daisy chain connection. However, it's easiest to connect one monitor to each connector with mini-HDMI and mini-DisplayPort cables.

Wireless Internet connection is provided by the Intel 7265 card, which supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0. In addition, the card can stream video to a set-top box using the Intel WiDi standard.

Intel NUC Mini PC Review | Required accessories and their cost

Intel sells Intel NUC in the form of a platform: without RAM, drive and operating system. So get ready to spend at least another $250 and some time to select and order the missing components.

The system has two DIMM slots that support 1.35V DDR3L SODIMM modules. You can install one or two sticks with a total capacity of up to 16 GB. 8 GB of this type of RAM will cost about $55, although in order to save money, you can buy a 4 GB stick for $28.

Although some configurations Intel NUC In addition to the M.2 slot is equipped with a 2.5" SATA drive bay, our NUC5i5RYK sample only has M.2. It is compatible with M.2 SSD 22 x 42, 22 x 60 or 22 x 80 with M or B + M key. The motherboard supports M.2 SSDs using SATA or PCIe x1, x2 or x4 bus. In this way, Intel NUC will work with almost any SSD type M.2 on the market.

Most of these drives work with the SATA bus, which has an upper speed limit of about 540 MB / s. A 250 GB drive can be found for $120. Alternatively, 120 GB solutions are available for up to $100.

More expensive PCIe x4 drives are sometimes twice as fast as SATA. For our tests, we used the Samsung XP941 256GB PCIe x4 interface, which costs around $250 but has a read speed of over 1000MB/s and a write speed of over 800MB/s.

If you want to install Windows, then the OEM version will cost about $100. Don't forget about the various free options Linux like Ubuntu.

Intel NUC Mini PC Review | Prices and competitors

If you buy a standard 256GB SATA M.2 SSD with 8GB of RAM and a copy of Windows, then a full-fledged computer from Intel NUC$390 will actually cost $670. If you limit yourself to 4 GB of RAM, a 128 GB SSD and a free OS, then the final price will drop to $490. However, Intel NUC has a lot of specification options, and if you take something inexpensive with a Celeron processor, the price will be noticeably lower.

In a situation with Intel NUC you pay for a combination of small size and high performance, especially if you use a PCIe x4 SSD. If you want to get a mini PC ready to go right away, you can find less expensive systems with much slower processors and no SSDs. For example, the HP Stream 200-010 mini costs $179 but is 220 grams heavier and about 2.5 cm larger. Intel NUC Plus it has a slow processor. Intel Celeron, 2GB RAM and 32GB storage.

Lenovo ThinkCentre M83 Tiny Desktop is almost twice as big and three times as heavy Intel NUC, but comes immediately in a complete set for $483. It includes a fourth generation Intel Core i3 processor and a 500 GB hard drive. The version with Core i5, SSD and 8 GB of RAM will cost $1000 already. Macbook Mini also looks great next to Intel NUC, and the price for the model with Core i5 and hard drive starts at $499. The SSD version costs $699.

Intel NUC Mini PC Review | Installation and setup

It takes no more than five minutes to install RAM and SSD. To get to the inside of the system, just flip it over Intel NUC and unscrew the bottom panel, which is secured with four standard Phillips head screws. After that, it remains only to install the RAM modules, insert the SSD into the M.2 slot and tighten the fixing screw.

Windows installation takes 10 to 20 minutes. The installer must be on a flash drive. Be sure to download the latest drivers from the Intel website.

Intel NUC Mini PC Review | Performance

The base clock speed of the Core i5-5250U (Broadwell) is 1.6 GHz, but with the turbo boost it rises to 2.7 GHz. With a relatively powerful Intel chip, the NUC5i5RYK is great for serious tasks like spreadsheets, web surfing, watching 4K videos, or even video editing.

During testing, it took only 1 minute and 8 seconds to transcode a 2 min 30 sec 1080p movie trailer to 720p with Windows Movie Maker, a 4K video was playing in another window at the same time. However, the platform uses a dual-core mobile processor, so the benchmark scores Intel NUC more comparable to ultraportable laptops than desktops, which use more power, have quad-core processors running at higher clock speeds.

Having a mobile processor has its advantages, even on desktop systems. During testing Intel NUC maintained a fairly low temperature, while the fan was very quiet.

Our test unit is equipped with 8 GB of RAM and a fast Samsung SSD XP941. On the Geekbench 3 synthetic benchmark, which measures overall system performance, it scored 5611. This is slightly below the average for all-in-ones (7013), but above the average for ultraportables (4037). Dell XPS 13 with Core processor i5-5200U 2.2 GHz scored 5530, showed almost the same result Apple iMac 2014 (5464) with Core i5-4570R 2.7GHz chip. The Lenovo C560, equipped with a 2.9GHz Core i3 CPU, was ahead with a score of 6209.

Overall Performance (Geekbench 3) - CPU and Memory Speed ​​Test (More is Better)

Intel NUC with the Broadwell chip showed it was more than adequate for serious office tasks, completing our spreadsheet test (matching 20,000 names with addresses in Open Office) in just 5 minutes and 2 seconds. The result is identical to the XPS 13 and more than double the ultraportable average (10:17). It also outperforms the all-in-one average (7 minutes), but lags slightly behind the iMac (4:47).

Spreadsheet speed. Time spent matching 20,000 names with addresses in Open Office Calc (less is more)

NUC5i5RYK took only 12 seconds to cold Windows boot 8. With an incredibly fast PCIe x4 SSD, the mini PC completed the File Transfer Test, which includes copying 4.97 GB files, in just 16 seconds. That is, the speed was 308.8 MB / s - this is one of the fastest indicators we have ever seen on a PC. It far outperforms the average results for all-in-ones (58 MB/s) and ultraportables (120.5 MB/s).

File transfer test. MB/s (more is better)

Intel NUC Mini PC Review | Graphics Performance

The power of the integrated GPU The Intel HD Graphics 6000 is more than adequate for watching 4K video, but in terms of gaming, don't count on anything more than casual video games. In the 3DMark Fire Strike synthetic benchmark, which measures the overall level of graphics performance, Intel NUC scored 888 points. That's slightly more than the average ultraportable laptop (670.31) and the Dell XPS 13 (704). The average in the category of monoblocks was slightly higher - 1053 points.

3DMark Fire Strike is a synthetic test that measures graphics performance (more is better)

When we played World of Warcraft with automatic settings in a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, Intel NUC managed to maintain a frame rate of 37 FPS, but when the resolution was increased to 1080p, the figure dropped to 26 frames per second. It ends up being roughly on par with ultraportables, which averaged 33.7 and 31.5 fps, and close to the Dell XPS 13, which hit 33 fps at 1080p. But when we hit the ultra graphics quality settings, the Intel mini PC was only capable of 16 and 17 FPS slideshows at the aforementioned two resolutions.

Intel NUC Mini PC Review | Options and configurations

In the 2015 lineup, Intel has several versions Intel NUC with different components. The base model costs $295 and is equipped with a 2.1GHz Core i3-5010U processor. The version, which has a 2.5" drive bay, is only 15mm taller and $5 more expensive. Our Core i5 system retails for $391, but there's also a 2.5" bay version called the NUC5i5RYH for $383.

Intel NUC with a Core i7 processor (NUC5i7RYH) will appear this year, but the price is still unknown. Also, each configuration is presented in a version for business, which is distinguished by the presence of control technology Intel vPro and two mini-DisplayPort connectors instead of mini-HDMI + mini-DisplayPort.

We highly recommend buying Intel NUC with a 2.5" drive bay because it allows you to use two drives: a high-capacity mechanical hard drive for file storage and a fast M.2 SSD for system and applications.

Intel NUC Mini PC Review | Summing up

Intel NUC It's high performance in a small, attractive package. For those who don't want to mess around with installing RAM, storage, and OS, there are larger, more expensive mini PCs like the MacBook Mini or ThinkCentre M83. Advanced gamers tend to prefer desktop computers or laptops with discrete graphics cards. But if you don't mind working with a screwdriver and need a small desktop system as your main PC or home theater system, then Intel NUC with Broadwell chips is the best option.

Advantages:

• Attractive compact design.
• High performance.
• Support fast SSD M.2.
• Interchangeable covers with additional features.
• Image output in 4K or on 3 monitors.

Disadvantages:

• comes without RAM, OS and storage.

Everything flows, everything changes, but the passion for miniaturization remains constant. At first, computers were room computers, since they occupied huge areas and worked at a speed slightly higher than a simple adding machine. Then they moved into the category of floor-standing ones, somewhat reminiscent of an ordinary household refrigerator. But progress did not stand still, and they quickly began to fit under an ordinary table. In this capacity, they often remain to this day. But as it usually happens, not all users dream of a big PC, because now the fashion has come to powerful laptops, since many do not raise their hands to install an ATX form factor box (the standard for motherboard dimensions is 305 × 244 mm), developed back in 1995. The race for miniaturization demanded new "heights", and manufacturing companies responded by developing their own mini- and microcomputer formats. This is how Mini-ITX, Nano-ITX, Pico-ITX and other UTX, ETX and XTX appeared. Intel also did not stand aside, which releases its mini-PCs based on its own UCFF format board, which has dimensions of 4 × 4 inches (approximately 100 × 100 mm), the first models of which appeared at the beginning of this decade. These Mini PCs are called NUC (Next Unit of Computing). And if at first it was planned to use them in various digital kiosks and as a small auxiliary computer, now these kids have already begun to confidently win their place on the tables of office workers and ordinary home users. And what is encouraging, this impulse (or breakthrough) was picked up by some of the leading manufacturers of computer equipment, starting the production of mini-PCs of this form factor.

Currently, Intel has launched the seventh generation of these indispensable assistants. The Intel NUC 7 lineup includes more than 15 models and kits, as well as two motherboards for DIY enthusiasts. They are based on the latest generation Intel Core i3, i5, i7 processors, which have absorbed all the best that is on this moment: Full support for Thunderbolt 3 technology, new Intel Iris and Iris Plus graphics, support for Intel Optane storage technology, and more technical solutions, which make full-fledged computers out of the Intel NUC mini-PCs capable of replacing the usual boxes with ATX standard boards in the office and at home.

This review will look at two mini PCs made by Intel, which essentially differ only in the processor used. One of them has an Intel Core i3-7100U (NUC7i3BNHXF) processor, and the second one has an Intel Core i5-7260U (NUC7i5BNHXF), but both have more than just support for the modern technology data storage - Optane, and installed modules made using this technology.

The mini PC comes in a small box, done in Intel's usual bluish-blue colors. On the front side there is an image of the device and a large inscription indicating that the mini-PC belongs to the Intel NUC family. The model name is indicated in the upper left corner. It is not entirely correct, because the box contains not NUC7i5BNH, but NUC7i5BNHXF. The situation is similar with a computer based on the i3 processor. Probably boxes for new computers from this series are not ready yet. This, of course, will be corrected for mass sales, but in any case, you should pay attention to the sticker (in our case, it is located on the bottom side of the package) where the product model is exactly indicated, serial number and other necessary information, which is often very rarely paid attention to by the buyer.

On the left side of the package it is indicated that this PC is based on an Intel Core i5 processor (or i3 for the second device); has integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics with support for 4K resolution (in the case of the i3 processor, the integrated graphics are Intel HD Graphics 620); has Windows 10 Home OS preinstalled; that the PC RAM is based on 4 GB DDR4-2400 modules; that in addition to a 1 TB hard drive, it has a 16 GB Intel Optane memory module; and also has all the necessary ports for connecting external devices.

The back of the Intel NUC 7 packaging lists the standards supported by the mini PC and specifically emphasizes that, unlike many similar devices, this device has a manufacturer's warranty of 3 years, which is a lot in our age of rapidly obsolete morally computer equipment.

On the right side of the box, the back side of the Intel NUC 7 mini-PC is shown, from which the buyer can evaluate the number and range of connectors for connecting external devices.

The box contains both the mini PC itself and a metal mounting plate for mounting the Intel NUC 7 to the wall (all necessary screws are included), very good block power supply from a reliable FSP manufacturer with a set of plugs for different types of connectors and, of course, all the necessary instructions for use and connection. Nothing extra. Network adapter FSP065-10AABA works in networks alternating current from 100 to 240 V with a frequency of 50-60 Hz and provides an output voltage of 19 V at a current of up to 3.43 A (i.e. almost 65 W). Separately, it should be said about the installation panel for mounting the mini-PC to the wall. This makes it possible to completely free the table from the computer, fixing it and the monitor on the wall, and connect the keyboard and mouse wirelessly. This is the future of office and home computing, and it's already knocking on the door.

SpecificationsIntelNUC7 models NUC7i5BNHXF and NUC7i3BNHXF

	ModelNUC7i5BNHXF	ModelNUC7i3 BNHXF
CPU	Intel Core i5-7260U (4M Cache, 3.4GHz)	Intel Core i3-7100U (3M Cache, 2.4 GHz)
Operating system	Windows 10 Home, 64-bit
GPU	Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 (1 GB)	Intel HD Graphics 620
		1×4 GB (DDR4, 2400 MHz) (maximum - 32 GB). Two SO-DIMM sockets
		2.5" hard SATA drive III up to 1TB (WDC WD10JPVX-22JC3T0) 16 GB Intel Optane module installed in M.2 socket
Wireless interfaces		WiFi 802.11b/g/n with Bluetooth enabled 4.2 (Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265)
Interfaces	1 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) 1× DisplayPort 1.2 (USB-C) 1×Infrared receiver 1×Audio Jack (L+R+mic)	1× DisplayPort 1.2 (USB-C) 1×RJ45 LAN (Ethernet 10/100/1000Mbps) 1×Infrared receiver 1×Audio Jack (L+R+mic)
card reader

Unlike the design of the sixth generation, the new Intel NUC 7 is focused primarily on desktop use and the power button is therefore moved from the top to the front panel, which is illuminated with dim LEDs during operation, which only decorates this device. This front panel also houses USB 3.0 and 3.1 connectors, which many consumers will use to connect a keyboard and mouse; as well as an Audio Jack connector, which is required to connect a headset. In other words, all the minimum required connectors are placed on the front panel and are always in the direct access zone.

On the left side of the case, discreetly (although the necessary signatures are present) is an SD card reader (SDXC) and Kensington Security Lock, which directly indicates that this mini PC is primarily intended for office use. This lock is not any reliable protection against targeted theft, but often saves from "passing".

The image shows the back panels of both Intel NUC 7: top - on the processor Intel Core i3 and the bottom one is on an Intel Core i5 processor. They almost do not differ from each other. Both have connectors: for connecting power, an HDMI output for connecting a monitor, RJ45 LAN for connecting to a network, two USB 3.0 ports. The only difference is that a PC based on an Intel Core i5 has a Thunderbolt 3 port with a connector type-C, while its less powerful sibling has a Type-C connector with USB 3.1/DisplayPort 1.2 support in its place. Therefore, the buyer of the older version should pay special attention to the purchase of a cable for this connector (not included in the package), since according to the specification, the Thunderbolt 3 port supports data transfer up to 40 Gb / s, while USB 3.1 is only up to 10 Gb / s. Therefore, in order to successfully implement all the capabilities of the device, the buyer will need to do right choice cable for the port it has. Above the connectors in the case of these mini-PCs there are holes for forced ventilation, but not from the entire board (they are located on both sides of the case), but exclusively from the processor.

At the bottom of the Intel NUC 7, in addition to four rubberized feet, which are necessary to ensure stability and reduce slippage when it is placed on the table, there are technical stickers that indicate the model, its serial number, by whom and when it was produced.

The case is not protected from curious users. If you unscrew the screws that secure the rubber feet, you will immediately have access to the installed hard drive. This will allow, if necessary, it is easy and simple to replace it at home. Fortunately, no serious knowledge on the part of the user is required for this.

Under the hard drive is the Intel NUC 7 mini-PC motherboard, which has a double-sided mounting and is only 4 × 4 inches in size. It is fixed on a metal chassis, which is inserted into the case, which allows you to freely remove it if necessary. Access to memory modules is completely free, which is convenient for replacing or expanding them. To replace or expand the RAM, the Intel NUC 7 provides two SO-DIMM slots, which allows you to expand it from the standard 4 to a maximum of 32 GB. It is unlikely that anyone will decide to replace the Intel Optane module made using the most modern 3D XPoint technology, which is installed in the M.2 slot and has a form factor 2280.

The processor is located on the back of the motherboard. Depending on the model, either an Intel Core i3 or the latest generation Intel Core i5 is installed, supporting all the latest technological innovations. The processor is covered by a small but efficient and at the same time quite quiet radial-type fan manufactured by Delta Electronics BSB05505HP-SM with a diameter of 55 mm. The cooler supports fan rotation control via PWM and in its essence is very similar to models used in modern laptops.

Intel Optane

Intel is known for its love of innovation, especially when it comes to SSDs. Talk about a new generation of devices has been going on for a very long time, and not so long ago, the first products for the consumer market under the Intel Optane brand appeared, based on the 3D XPoint technology jointly developed by Intel and Micron. It's not NAND or DRAM. If you do not go into the nuances, then it is distinguished from the first by more high speed and significantly increased wear resistance, and from the second - increased data storage density. One of the main strengths of 3D XPoint memory is its longer durability, which experts say is about 20 times higher than that of current flash memory chips. type MLC NAND. The only thing that has not yet allowed this technology to conquer the computer components market is a very high price, and therefore, Intel currently produces only one type of modules for the consumer market with a capacity of 16 and 32 GB, designed for installation in the M2 slot (form factor 2280 ). Since the price of new types of memory is very high, Intel decided to follow the path already beaten and position the new drives not as a replacement for full-fledged SSDs, but as a kind of accelerator for the installed drive. In fact, such an SSD is a huge cache for a much slower regular hard drive or even another SSD. We saw the same approach when the first SSDs appeared - some manufacturers released hybrid solutions, uniting HDD capabilities and SSD. Some traditional disk manufacturers have used flash memory as a cache to read data quickly. Then Intel released the Z68 chipset with support for Smart Response technology, which used the SSD as a cache for any HDD, but using the capabilities of its proprietary driver. Subsequently, HDD manufacturers, trying to catch the outgoing SSD train, released new models of SSHD drives with write support. Now history is repeating itself, and Intel is releasing a cache for SSDs and HDD drives based on a new generation of flash memory. Most likely, after a fairly short period of time, due to the development of this technology, new Optane products with low production costs will appear on the market. Consequently similar devices will be able to seriously compete with the current generation of SSDs, which in turn will displace classic HDD drives from the user segment.

IN currently two models were released for the consumer market with a capacity of 16 GB (one 3D XPoint memory chip) and 32 GB (two 3D XPoint chips). Each of the models complies with the NVM Express 1.1 specification and uses only two out of four possible PCI-Express lanes. It is worth noting that the controller for Intel Optane is an internal development of the company, but we may still see it in similar solutions from Micron - QuantX. According to technical specifications, models are claimed to last 100 GB of recorded data every day for 5 years.

A few words about how this technology works. So work Intel technologies Optane is supported on motherboards Intel 200-series chipset and above with 7th generation Intel Core processors. At the same time, UEFI Board BIOS should be updated to latest version, that is, include the UEFI driver Intel RST 15.5 and higher. Since this technology can only work through a driver in UEFI, in a regular Legacy BIOS mode she won't work. Declared Windows support 10 64-bit with Rapid Storage Technology driver version 15.5 or higher installed. In addition, the HDD or SSD that will be accelerated with Intel Optane must be GPT-partitioned and have a few MB of free space to store metadata. The Intel Optane module itself must be installed in an M.2 slot connected to the AHCI controller built into the chipset. After connecting, installing all the necessary applications (it can be either a separate utility or just the RST driver) and activating the Intel Optane mode, the system will change the SATA controller mode in UEFI to Optane or RST (depending on the UEFI shell), and in the system a new combined Optane Volume array will appear, equal in volume to the accelerated drive.

In fact, all these installation steps are similar to activating the Intel Smart Response feature, but the process of how these technologies work is somewhat different. It should be noted right away that the 16 GB Intel Optane caching technology differs from the 32 GB version. If the former uses caching at the block access level, then the older model uses file caching in parallel, which allows you to achieve more impressive results by transferring only the most necessary files to Optane. The caching principle itself remains the same - at the moment the Intel Optane mode is activated, the driver transfers the data for loading the OS to the Optane Memory drive and places its metadata on the drives, after which the system reboots. The user will immediately notice the effect of acceleration, however, the transfer, rather than copying, implies that if at some point the Optane drive fails, the system will no longer be able to boot, and the data on the accelerated drive will be difficult to recover. Subsequently, the driver will monitor the most frequently loaded data and copy it to the Optane caching drive. If in the case of block access, the decision to cache a particular block occurs instantly at the time of the I / O request, then in the case of file caching, the driver intelligently manages the cached data and caches them when idle. This, for example, allows you to exclude caching of video and other large files. In this case, the driver gives priority to the data requested by random access, since sequential read operations mainly concern large files.

If we talk about testing this technology, then everything is not so clear. Synthetic tests can show completely opposite results, since caching algorithms are unpredictable. Yes, you can certainly get very high results, as in the first picture. At the same time, after a short period of time, the result can be quite the opposite.

It should also be noted that the strange point is that disabling / enabling Intel Optane technology does not always work correctly. Sometimes the utility shows that the technology is inactive, although in fact the newly minted combined drive is present in the system. However, all this can be attributed to the dampness of the software, since the drives themselves entered the market quite recently and have just appeared on sale.

Since the Intel NUCs we received have 16 GB modules installed, statistics on cached data and the ability to quickly reset the cache are not available in the utility.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the release of Optane Memory is a good attempt by Intel to revive a somewhat stagnant SSD market and HDD drives. If more capacious and, most importantly, affordable models appear in the future, which can be used not only as an intermediate caching solution, but also as the main drive, then the company may be able to gain a foothold in this market even more strongly. On the other hand, a very strict framework for the requirements for the hardware and software of a PC for installing this type of media nullifies its advantages. And the gain in caching speed is not so obvious, especially in comparison with last generation high speed SSD drives.

UEFI BIOS

By itself, the UEFI BIOS used in these models is quite functional. Of course, there are no overclocking settings here.

According to the BIOS, idle temperatures are around 44 and 53 C (Core i3-7100U and Intel Core i5-7260U respectively), but it is possible to control the built-in fan using PWM.

There are some settings related to power consumption, booting from drives, and even infrared and TV.

Hardware stuffing

Intel NUC mini PCs come preinstalled with Windows system 10 64-bit. In addition, on those devices where Intel Optane modules are already installed, they are activated by default, the user does not need to go through all the steps to connect them. In general, such a computer is ideal for leisurely work in the office or at home, because its characteristics are similar to modern laptops.

As mentioned earlier, the Intel NUC models that came to us are based on Intel Core i3-7100U and Intel Core i5-7260U processors. These processors can be found in laptops, and their performance is enough to run modern office applications and even play some popular games. Recall that the processors of this family are distinguished by improved power consumption without switching to a new technological process. Since the Intel Core i3-7100U is the youngest in the line, it has a very modest power consumption, but at the same time it has a good integrated graphics core - Intel HD Graphics 620. The older model of the Intel Core i5-7260U processor has a more powerful graphics core- Intel Iris Pro.

At peak load, the processors heat up to 65 and 72 C, and the cooling system works almost silently. However, the cooling system is designed for even more powerful processors, so it does an excellent job.

But in fact, it only seems so at first glance. In reality, under prolonged stress load, the cooling system of these mini-PCs does not cope with the task. The output of hot air towards the cables is not a very good solution. If we assume that the Intel Nuc will be suspended behind the TV, then at some point the cooling system will pick up so much dust that it will work at the limit. Given the lack of throttling in the younger model, this can lead to disastrous consequences. However, these are only assumptions, time will put everything in its place.

conclusions

In general, according to the characteristics, the Intel NUC models we reviewed are an excellent solution for replacing an office PC. Everything is here modern interfaces, including wireless communication, good processor performance and ultra-compact design. On the other hand, such a computer is not yet able to compete in price with monoblocks, because often a monoblock has more productive processors, and its cost, even taking into account the monitor, may be lower. That is why, with great care, the new generation of mini-computers can be positioned precisely as a replacement for the traditional PC.

On the other hand, we can confidently say that the new models are a worthy successor to the Intel NUC series of compact computers. The device has a balanced set of extensions and features with a very small volume. It is also so quiet that it can even be used in a child's room. Yes, since the device is very limited in size, it initially does not have the same upgrade options that the vast majority of PCs have. But in everyday life, at home or at work, we do not need super-super-computing power or exotic capabilities that we, at best, use once a year, if ever. Therefore, such a “baby” is of considerable interest to both the average user and entrepreneurs who want to have small and reliable devices in their offices.

Intel is exactly the company that stood at the origins of the beginning of the development of personal computers, since the first successful mass-produced IBM PC computer worked on the Intel i8088 processor. Most of the servers, computers, laptops around the world are powered by Intel processors and, of course, the company is well aware of how a modern PC should look like and I’ll say right away that a modern PC does not have to be big. We are reviewing the Intel Next Unit of Computing mini-PC, and if abbreviated as the 7th generation Intel NUC based on the Intel Core i5-7260U processor, complete with a 16 GB Intel Optane module, and we will not only evaluate its performance, but also consider in detail his device.

Characteristics

Model	Intel NUC BOXNUC7i5BNX1
CPU	Intel Core i5-7260U (4 MB cache, up to 3.40 GHz), TDP 15 W
video processor	Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, max 950 MHz (Built in processor)
Operating system	Not preinstalled
RAM	2 SO-DIMM DDR4 slots (not included)
Storage device	Bay 2.5″ (SATA 6 Gb/s) + M.2 (22 x 42 / 80 mm) (not included)
Support for microSD cards	There is
Wireless data transfer	Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, CIR infrared receiver
Wired	LAN 10/100/1000
Interfaces	4 x USB 3.0; 1 x Thunderbolt 3; 1 x HDMI 2.0a; 1 x 3.5 mm jack (headphones / headset)
Dimensions, mm	111 x 115 x 51
Weight, g	651 g (Without installed RAM and ROM)

Packaging and equipment

Intel NUC comes in a bright cardboard box with high-quality printing and informative content on all sides. On the packaging you can see the appearance of the device, learn about the main supported technologies and characteristics of the device. It is also worth noting the emphasis on support for Intel Optane modules on three sides of the package, and such a frequent mention of the technology is quite justified, why - we will consider it in a separate review a little later.




As we can see, the package is small, but everything you need fits in it. The package includes:

• a set of instructions;
• a metal plate for installing the Intel NUC on a monitor with a VESA mount;
• a set of necessary screws and a bushing for installing an M.2 drive;
• power supply FSP065-10AABA;
• set of four interchangeable EU/UK/US/AU plugs;
• processor logo sticker.

Appearance and location of functional elements

The 7th generation Intel NUC received a slight change in appearance compared to the previous generation. The layout of the elements and the color of the case have changed quite a bit from silver to graphite. To start the review, it is immediately worth noting that the Intel NUC can be in two case options: a small one with dimensions of 115 × 111 × 32 mm without the possibility of installing a 2.5″ drive, and a large one with dimensions of 115 × 111 × 48 mm with the possibility of installing a 2.5″ drive. We are testing a “large” Intel NUC with the ability to install a 2.5″ drive.
The top cover of the Intel NUC is made of black glossy plastic and can be removed quite easily, but, unlike the previous generation, there is no possibility of customization by replacing the cover, which is even a little strange.
The base of the case is made of aluminum alloy, painted in dark gray. On the front side there are two USB 3.0, one of them is marked yellow and is designed to charge other devices without turning it on, a 3.5 mm four-pin Mini-Jack with the ability to connect both playback and recording devices, a power button. In addition to these elements, there is also a well-hidden infrared port and two microphones, which will come in handy for controlling a PC through voice assistants. After the power is turned on, the blue LED on the power button and the blue frame around the functional elements light up.
On the left side of the case there is a perforation for air intake, a MicroSD form factor card reader and a hole for a Kensington lock. The right side is occupied only by perforation, which is good, as it gives hope for good air circulation inside the compact case.
On the back side, the exhaust of the cooling system is clearly visible, the power connection connector, full-size HDMI, Ethernet, two USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatible with USB type C.
On the metal bottom cover there is a sticker containing service information and trademarks, as well as four more rubber feet that prevent the mini-PC from sliding on the table and transmitting unnecessary vibrations, because in this option you can install a hard drive, which can be quite noisy.
The Intel NUC is a device in which there is nothing superfluous in design and everything is businesslike, at the same time, high-quality case materials are used, and the assembly is not to be found fault with. A photo with an Intel Core i5-8600K processor is shown below for clarity of dimensions.

Internal organization

Intel NUC can be found in several modifications: only a board, a board with a case, and a ready-made solution with installed RAM, a drive, and an operating system. It is for this reason that the Intel NUC Kit is disassembled without special efforts. To start disassembly, you need to unscrew the four screws at the bottom of the case - this will allow you to effortlessly remove the bottom cover.

After removing the bottom cover, a slide immediately becomes available for installing a 2.5″ drive with a maximum thickness of 9 mm, however, now almost all SSDs and most HDDs are 7 mm thick.

To remove the sled, all you need to do is disconnect the power connector and the SATA connector. After removing the sled, access to two SODIMM slots is opened, so that the maximum amount of RAM is limited to 32 gigabytes. You can notice that I already have an M.2 module installed and this is the same Intel Optane, which we will return to a little later. The M.2 slot is designed to install both SATA and NVMe drives, as well as Intel Optane modules 42 or 80 mm long.

What if we look even further? This is not a problem at all, and even in the spirit of iFixit, we will give the Intel NUC Kit a maintainability score of 10 out of 10 in advance. Further disassembly is possible after removing the Intel Optane module and unfastening the power button and microphone cables. To dismantle the printed circuit board, all that remains is to unscrew the two screws and carefully remove it from the case.

Next, we'll take a look at the features of the Intel NUC PCB. Here we can see a soldered dual-band controller wireless networks Intel Wireless-AC 8265 with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac capability. Since the board can also be installed in a custom case, for example, with passive cooling, on printed circuit board a connector for connecting two case USB 2.0 and standard case wires is provided.
Another interesting thing is the BIOS_SEC jumper used to reset the UEFI password, as well as the CEC connector, which is designed to connect external control panels.

On the reverse side, the first thing that catches your eye is the cooling system, the active element of which is the Delta Electronics BSB05505HP-SM fan, the impeller diameter of which is 55 mm. For heat exchange with the processor, a copper heatsink is designed, the quality of which is not satisfactory.


After dismantling the cooling system, you can look at the processor soldered on the board.
On the same side is a battery that maintains safety. BIOS settings. The ITE IT8987VG multicontroller is also soldered here.
The implementation of HDMI 2.0 is possible thanks to the MegaChips MCDP2800BC controller, so the Intel NUC is able to output 4K images up to 60 Hertz without any problems.

The Rialtek ALC283 codec is responsible for the sound and, of course, there is no question of shielding the audio path, and it’s hard to imagine it on such a small board.

The processor is powered by three power phases and this is enough, because the TDP of this processor is only 15 watts.

The last thing I decided to show you is the Intel NUC case with the board removed.

Testing

test bench

Intel NUC, in our case, was delivered without RAM and we used the proven and reliable memory modules from Kingston - KVR21S15S8 / 8, an overview of which.

External and internal organization- this is, of course, good, but we all love numbers and test results, especially when it comes to mini-PCs, because in addition to miniature dimensions, performance is also important to us.

The first benchmark we decided to run is Intel XTU, which is great for comparing the performance of Intel processors, and if you register on HWBot, you can compare your test results with those of other enthusiasts around the world.
The following PC Mark 10 benchmark performs real work tasks and provides an opportunity to evaluate performance in real conditions.
A fairly popular GeekBench 4 benchmark was also held for both CPU and GPU.

To evaluate the graphics accelerator, we used 3D Mark Sky Diver.
Render speed was evaluated using CineBench R15 and Corona Render.
Data archiving speed was tested using WinRAR Benchmark. For testing in games, we used World of Tanks and got the following number of frames in FullHD at medium graphics settings.
We checked the temperature regime at maximum load using the AIDA 64 stress test. The temperature in the room was ∼31°C, and the test was active for more than 10 minutes, during which time the processor warmed up to a maximum of 91°C and, given the initially high temperature, it's quite normal.

conclusions

When it comes to the Intel NUC, you need to understand that this device can "play with different colors", because the list of possible configurations is really large and starts from the "accounting" Celeron, and ends with the top mobile Core i7 and this allows you to use the Intel NUC in many scenarios . Personally, my Intel NUC in the tested configuration confidently took the place of the main working computer, I write review texts on it, edit RAW photos in Photoshop, and in my free time I can play and watch movies up to 4K resolution, and all this works without freezing in the case with with dimensions of 115 × 111 × 48 mm - isn't it a miracle? After using the Intel NUC, you involuntarily start to wonder, do I need a full-size PC? Personally, I felt some advantages from switching to the Intel NUC: less noise, less space, it has a nice appearance and works stably.

When choosing a mini PC, I recommend taking a closer look at the Intel NUC. According to the results of testing, the device receives an award - Editor's Choice!

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

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

I do video production. I work with Edius, Photoshop, Adobe After Effect.

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

The performance of my PC is enough for normal work. Only one drawback of my computer - VERY NOISY. Recently, it has become very annoying, so I began to look for an alternative to it.

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

First option.

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

Second option.

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

Third option.

Intel NUC, I think it's a bit overpriced.

These were the options I had. All of them did not quite fit my small needs.

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

Searches for reviews began 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 developments in the computer industry, it was difficult for me to determine what Celeron, iCore 3, i5, etc. system is today. meets my requirements. They were very simple for me, the main thing is that the computer does not work slower than the old one.

I spent a lot of time looking for the information I needed, but I did not find it.

Then I decided to focus on the price. Set the price bar to 250 dollars. The PC was supposed to be with 4GB 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 limit for one parcel without making a declaration is 150 euros, since the cost of the Chinese miracle was more, there was a small problem in processing the parcel. The problem was solved very simply, the seller wrote the cost of a mini pc a little less :) than it really is.

I asked to put 4 GB of Samsung memory and Win7. He sent the package via EMC courier. 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 left out a few details in the text, so in addition you can see the review at youtube channel.

The package included:

White packing box.
Aluminium case.
Stand for computer.
HDMI cable
Power supply with euro plug.
WiFi Antennas

Let's start with the body.

It is made of thick die-cast aluminum with holes on the sides and top. The case thickness is 29mm. Dimensions 197*197*29mm. Very neat and pretty. 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)
Button on and off.

Now let's look at the stuffing.

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

There are holes on the case cover 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 for free. I, unfortunately, did not know this and therefore I had to buy a USB bluetooth for $ 3 in order to connect a mini keyboard.

After the first boot of the system was made, there was not so much free space as I expected. With Win7 installed by Chinese friends, there was 11.3 GB of free space. Having installed all the programs for work, only about 2GB remained, which is very, very small. Therefore, 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 enough for normal operation.

Now let's see some screenshots of the system.

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

I have been working on this computer for more than 1.5 months. At the moment, everyone is very satisfied. All the tasks that I need, he performs. As written on the site, the power consumption of the PC is 15 watts.

Such mini computers will find their buyer. I think this is a compromise between a desktop 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.

So far I have not found any cons in this PC.
The pros are SILENCE and peace of mind (I work at night when my relatives are already sleeping). A small bonus is low power consumption.

I filmed the opening of the package 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.

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