Intel Next Unit of Computing Kit with Dual HDMI, Gigabit LAN, Core i3-3217U DC3217IYE
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093LINVK/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Purchased 6 of these after getting first one and being excited how small yet powerful this computer is. It is not comparable with my main workstation that is running 6-core s2011 Sandy Bridge-E CPU but it is great machine for general (and not only use).
Here is what I use these for.
First one is running Linux Ubuntu at this moment, will install SuSe later to try. I have very limited experience with Linux but I definitely want to expend it since this is the OS (or variant of OS) that Android is based on and it is the one used for Raspherry PI, various video streaming devices, smart TVs, Synology NAS etc. Everyone should be familiar with Linux unless you're willing to be one devices command. Personally, I am willing to learn how and command/control my devices.
Second one is my Windows 8 system I use to test.
Third one is a Windows 7 system with Advanced Host Monitor software installed that I use to monitor multiple networks/devices, both internal and remote via probes. Works great for this purpose as it consumes very little and it is powerful enough for hundreds and thousands test that are checking servers, computers and network gear.
Two other are running VMware ESXi 5.1 and acting as hosts for my growing park of test lab devices I use to test high availability and other features of vSphere. Since all these computers are in my home office it was a mandatory requirement to be very quiet and energy efficient. Intel NUC fits the bill nicely for this purpose. Since the LAN adapter is not in vSphere list, custom driver is required but it is very easy to buid your own ISO, just use web search engine of your choice.
Sixth is running a ESXi and vSenter in virtual machine that manages my test lab virtual infrastructure. You can install ESXi on SSD or run it off USB stick without any other storage device installed on NUC.
I understand that 6 NUCs is not a typical setup for average user but I was just wanted to show you a possible use for this amazing small computer.
Some notes:
Not USB 3.0 but so far I am not affected by this in any way since there are just a few occasions I need to communicate with a USB 3.0 device and the speed is imperative.
Like that there is no power cord in the box. This way you can re-use the one from any old device like Dell laptop. This is better for environment since we will reduce the waste. Since I had only one such a cord I ordered the rest from Amazon, there is a nice deal for 2ft long cord that cost just couple bucks each.
I would prefer the power supply inside the case as it is on Mac Mini instead of external power brick. The Mini's case is larger but if you have multiple devices you'll create a big mess with all cables and transformers lying around.
Default settings for fan speed and CPU temperature are too low (and temperature set too high) and unit becomes how after a while. Just go into BIOS (and update it first) and change the CPU threshold to 60C or so, retation from 20 to 30% and your NUC will be almost as cold as the walls in your room without fan being noisy at all. I can't hear any of my NUCs 1m away; the only noise I hear is coming from the fan of my RabbitAir A2 filter on "3".
Unfortunately, video resolution is 192-x1080 max on this model, I'd like to see 2560x1600 to match my 30" Dells native resolution. There is a nuc with thunderbolt port that is capable up to 2560x1440 resolution but it doesn't have a NIC (Samsung USB to LAN adapter can help with this issue).
Components:
As this is a barebone kit, you'll have to add at least a memory and some type of storage to make it work. UEFI is OK, I've decided to use legacy BIOS for compatibility.
I have Patriot for Ultrabook 8GB DDR3 1600MHz PC3-12800 CL11 SODIMM Memory PSD38G1600L2S installed on each NUC (16GB total).
Intel Network 6235AN.HMWWB Centrino WiFi Card Advanced-N 6235 Dual Band Bluetooth works well for my monitoring system (the one with Advanced Host monitor). I use inSSIDer and some other utilities to discover and monitor wireless network around and this module is great for this.
I use Plextor M5M PX-128M5M mSATA 128GB and Plextor PX-256M5M mSATA 256GB SATA III MLC SSD for NUCs that require internal storage. I m going soon to test a setup where I will boot OS from a NAS (I have Synology 1812+ and couple of 712+ and DS212j for tests).
Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 with Built-In Multi-Touch Touchpad works great; unfortunately no one sells the original K400 model (even Amazon, I ordered twice and all I got is K400r). K400r has a bit different key layout and to get function keys work you should press and hold FN key.
Overall, it is a good multifunctional computing device and definitely made my office and lab environment much quieter than it was before. I play with computers professionally all day long and having 10-15 computers around is an concern noise, heat and energy-wise. It is much more powerful than old Atom-based nettops which makes it suitable for a light work and other "special" tasks as listed above.
| Screen Resolution | 4k |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1.8 GHz core_i3 |
| Hard Drive | 16 GB SSD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel Integrated Graphics |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11a |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
