Powerful yet compact, quiet and economical

Video at Amazon.com View The Intel NUC is with Atom, Core i3 and Core i5 processor available. The version with Atom is however even as office PC a bit sluggish and has only one USB 3.0 port, while the variants with Haswell Core i3 and i5 offer four USB 3.0 ports. Since the i5 with 25 to 30 percent lead not much faster than the i3, but with around 100 euros extra is much more expensive, I recommend the version with Core i3 processor. The i3 NUC ​​simply represents the best compromise between performance and price, as well as ports on the other side.

For NUC you need in any case even memory and storage. When RAM only such matches with 1.35 Volts - a compatibility list can be found on the website of Intel. But be careful! The listed as compatible Crucial CT51264BF160BJ produced with me reproducible memory error. I tested the four NUC and eight RAM-bars. Work well with me of Kingston has KVR16LS11 / 8 proven. As SSD mSATA cards to offer. There is also the WYK WYKH with space for a 2.5 "drive of the NUC in addition to the variant. When ordering you should make sure that variant with a 2 at the end to buy (or WYK2 WYKH2), because there is only a appropriate power cord included in the box.

The NUC itself is very quiet, high-quality workmanship from solid materials and simply a gem. Intel often brings updates to the UEFI, which are easy to install with a USB stick or directly from mass storage via the graphical UEFI. In UEFI you can adjust the fan speed. Up to 40 percent of the unit is anyway almost inaudibly. Performance, the device supplies a surprising amount ready when you consider the size. Since Intel is well with the open source community, problem-free operation is giving without much fumbling under Linux (and Linux Media Centers). In short: This minicomputer real pleasure and is no cause for complaint.