Hardly a year goes by without the announcement of a truly compact gaming PC. Marketers immediately attribute all conceivable advantages to the new product: it consumes little, does not heat up, does not make noise, everything goes without brakes ... Practice shows that at least one plus was attributed in vain: it either heats up, or makes noise, or slows down in resource-intensive tasks. In fairness, it should be noted that some specimens are very personal, but they rarely appear and cost space money. This is because just taking a ready-made OEM solution, wrapping it in a beautiful case plastic and pushing it to the shelves is not enough - a lot needs to be developed from scratch, debugged and edited. Seriously, only large companies with their engineers, production and other things can do this.
One such company is Intel. In a short time by the standards of the IT market, she agreed with AMD on the development of a graphics core, received the product, put everything together on one substrate and presented it to respected users. The new Intel processor with the Vega graphics core is installed in the NUC "Hades Canyon", which came to the tests Treshbox.ru.
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core i7-8809G (4 cores, 8 threads, 3.1-4.2 GHz, 100W).
- RAM: 2 × Kingston HyperX KHX2666C15S4/8G.
- Video card: Intel HD Graphics 630 / Radeon RX Vega M 4 GB.
- Drive: SSD KINGSTON SKC1000240G.
- Wired network: 1 Gb Ethernet (Intel I219-LM + i210-AT).
- Wireless network: Wi-Fi 802.11ac (Intel 8265).
- Power supply: 19.5 V, 230 W.
- Dimensions: 221 × 142 × 39 mm.
- Case volume: 1.2 liters.
Packaging and equipment
The small-sized gaming platform arrived in a huge suitcase, decorated with a branded illuminated skull.
Inside the suitcase is the so-called Intel NUC Kit - a set of the NUC itself, input devices, a power supply and a virtual reality helmet. Each element is placed in its own niche, carved in dense foam rubber. Protection against mechanical damage is excellent, it looks brutal and presentable.
In the center is the NUC itself (Next Unit of Computing).
It comes with a 230-watt power supply, as well as a wireless keyboard and mouse.
Another add-on is the Oculus Rift CV1 Touch virtual reality helmet, designed to show the capabilities of the integrated graphics core.
Looking ahead a little, I will say that the idea is great. Now - in detail about the NUC itself
NUC in detail
The dimensions are modest - 221 × 142 × 39 millimeters. Numerous weak nano-PCs for print-browser needs are produced in the same format. The 1.2-liter case, according to Intel, accommodated an entry-level gaming station.
Previous versions of the NUC looked more ascetic, but this one no longer looks like a strict office machine due to beveled corners and curved side panels.
On the front panel, there is a power button, three LED indicators, USB 3.1 Type-A, USB 3.0, HDMI 2.0a, one USB 3.1 Type C, a four-pin 3.5 mm audio jack for a stereo headset, an SD card reader and an IR port. Below are ventilation holes.
On the reverse side of the connectors there is even more - an audio output (including optical), a power jack, two Thunderbolt 3 ports combined with USB 3.1 Type-C, two miniDisplayPorts, a gigabit network connector, four USB 3.0, HDMI 2.0a. Below are wide ventilation slots through which the fins of a long radiator are visible. By all indications, these are “windows” for the release of heated air.
The intake of cold air is carried out through the holes in the metal bottom. The necessary clearance for a horizontal installation of the case is provided by rubber feet.
The NUC can also be installed vertically, for which the serial version will have a steel platinum adapter with holes for a VESA mount.
The label suggests the NUC model is NUC8i7HVK, aka NUC8i7HVB.
It's time to take an interest in the internal device, and at the same time make a configuration. The top plastic cover can be easily removed, as well as the shielding plate under it with RGB illumination of the skull. The back side of the motherboard opens up.
It soldered SO-DIMM slots for two DDR4-2666 Kingston HyperX memory modules with a total capacity of 16 GB.
On the right, the Wi-Fi 802.11ac Intel 8265 module is clearly visible.
Mounted above it are two 2280 form factor M.2 drives.
On the right in the photo you can see the SATA power connector and the blue signal connector. A splitter for two cables is connected to it, allowing you to connect a pair of 2.5 '' form factor drives to the system. Drives are mounted above the motherboard.
One Intel 760p SSD (SSDPEKKW256G8) is included as standard.
Two antennas are spaced at the corners of the metal inner chassis, they are covered by an outer plastic case
Four more screws off, and the front side of the board opens.
Three crystals are clearly visible on the substrate - the central processor, graphics and HBM2-memory with a capacity of 4 GB. The CPU die is slightly lower than the GPU and VRAM. The step can also be seen on the sole of the standard cooling system.
CPU - quad-core Core i7-8809G capable of running in 8 threads. Core - Kaby Lake-G, 14 nm manufacturing process.
There are two graphics cores: integrated into the HD 630 CPU and developed by AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL with 1536 universal processors and 4 GB of video memory. Frequencies from 225 to 1190 MHz.
The entire bundle has a TDP of 100 watts, and it's clear that both the CPU and Vega graphics have been underclocked to curb power consumption. Cools their cooler, consisting of an evaporation chamber with fins ...
... And two 12-volt turbines fixed on the base.
Test results
The capabilities of the NUC were evaluated in two blocks of applications - processor and gaming. In the processor unit, i7-8809G added i3-8350K as a reference point to the results of i7-8809G, no comparisons were made.
The eight-thousandth mobile stone is unexpectedly nimble, at the level of a vigorous socketed quad-core. The frequency under load is high - from 3800 to 4200 MHz, which makes it possible to show good results in older applications that are not used to spreading tasks across all available cores. For a mid-range gaming station, this is more than enough.
The game block consisted of four popular games, the numbers are given without comparison - by the average FPS it is easy to understand whether the video card has enough power in one mode or another for comfortable gameplay.
Games that are simple in terms of graphics go with a bang even at 2560 × 1440. It is clear that there will not be hundreds of FPS on ultras, but stable 50-60 frames at high settings - please. More power-demanding video cards play games in 2560 with difficulty, the brakes are visible to the naked eye. In FullHD, things are better - at medium or high picture quality settings, it is quite possible to get 45 or more average frames.
Fraps cannot measure VR fun with games from the Oculus branded store, it remains to rely on subjective impressions. I liked the game Robo Recall, a nice fast-paced shooter.
I didn’t notice the brakes, I compared it with a powerful assembly on the 8700K and GTX 1080 Ti. There are no complaints about the Oculus Rift CV1 Touch helmet - with proper adjustment to the head, many hours of fun do not cause discomfort, the sticks (or joysticks) work stably and are almost not felt after one or two hours of getting used to.
The measurement was carried out before converting to 19.5 V, so the losses of the PSU itself should be included in the figures obtained. Typical efficiency ranges from 75 to 95 percent, depending on load power and platform. Some may call the results on the last graph too high - the NUC itself consumes less! But, in my opinion, it's better this way - you can evaluate the system as a whole, and not individual components or nodes.
Just 14 watts at idle is an excellent indicator for both the system and the PSU. Processor tasks "consume" no more than 115 watts, and further jumps up to 175 watts should be attributed to the video core. There is one but: almost all the power consumed by processors is emitted in the form of heat. And with temperatures, the picture is not so joyful.
A small load on the video core and a serious load on the processor - we get 86 degrees. I note that the mutual influence of the crystals on each other is small - 50 degrees on the GPU, despite the fact that they have a common copper heat sink.
Summing up
The Intel NUC Hades Canyon, or, to be more precise, the NUC8i7HVK model, met expectations - you can work, play in FullHD or a virtual reality helmet, and after playing, throw the PC in a backpack and not differ in weight from an average working laptop with a 15-inch screen. Minus one - the high temperature of the processor in the boot. It does not lead to failures, but inspires some fear for the life expectancy of the crystal.The official price for it is $ 1,000, at the time of preparing the material, it was not possible to find a novelty in retail. Are they asking too much for it? Judging purely by test results, yes. If we take into account the size of the NUC, then the price is quite adequate, you also have to pay for compactness.
In any case, the company shows the world and its partners how to do it. The latter, we hope, will develop the idea and also show their variations.
Pros:
- Small dimensions, low noise level under load.
- Good performance in games and work tasks.
- Stable work.
- Thoughtful layout of connectors and controls.
- Rich (for form factor) upgrade options.
- Not detected.
- Price.
- High processor temperature under load.
Intel is exactly the company that was 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 based on Intel processors and, of course, the company understands perfectly well what 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 arrangement 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, you can clearly see the exhaust of the cooling system, the power connection connector, full-sized 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 rubber feet that prevent the mini-PC from sliding on the table and transmitting unnecessary vibrations, because this option 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 much effort. 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 for wireless networks Intel Wireless-AC 8265 with the ability to work 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. Since the board can also be installed in a custom case, for example, with passive cooling, the PCB provides a connector for connecting two case USB 2.0 and standard case wires. 
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 the safety of the 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 stand
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.
The external and internal device 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 for 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 programs on this operating system, but it did not work out.
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 you can also watch the review on the 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.
I plan to buy +35 Add to favourites Liked the review +23 +60Test 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 sticks of DDR4-2133 RAM with a total capacity of 16 GB and a 240 GB Intel SSDSCKHW240A4 solid-state drive allowed turning the NUC NUC6i7KYK into a full-fledged computer. 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 case. In all cases, DDR3 / DDR4 RAM was used, operating in dual-channel mode and operating at an effective frequency of 2400 MHz. The list of games and settings is attached. 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
To begin with, we will study the features of the operation of the NUC NUC6i7KYK. In idle, the noise emitted by the mini-computer is noticeable. It's not annoying at all, but it's there. The sound level meter, located half a meter away from Skull Canyon, recorded 36.8 dB, which is 0.8 dB higher than the noise level in the room. So without load, the desktop is relatively quiet. I'm quite satisfied. 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 shhhhhhhh is immediately noticeable. Finally, in LinX, the turbine begins to frankly howl. There's nothing to be done: the load is extremely high, and here you have full-fledged four cores and eight threads, striving to work stably for 3000 MHz. The fan spins up to 4800 rpm.
The company's first quad-core mini PC is followed by two "8th" generation models that launched in early 2018. On the other hand, heirs they can only be considered in terms of indicators, since the processors of the Kaby Lake-G family also have four (relatively) high-frequency processor cores and a powerful GPU. But the GPU has changed radically: it is no longer “just an integrated”, but a separate Vega M with 4 GB of HBM2 memory. Integration in this case means that all the chips are located on the same substrate as the processor with the chipset, but in terms of the logic of operation (and in terms of performance) this is a completely real discrete solution, comparable to individual mid-range video cards.
However, we already wrote 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 is not previously studied in detail. It is time to correct this injustice.
Completion and packaging
The delivery set is similar to that of the “younger” compact models: the computer itself, a VESA mount, a small number of concise printed instructions, and a power supply. The latter, of course, has changed - instead of a compact unit, similar to charging for mobile phones, with interchangeable plugs and a power of 65 W, there is a solid box in the 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 6i7KYK even had a similar design (a large box with a detachable power cable to the outlet), but they were smaller, and they gave out only 120 watts. In general, already at the unpacking stage, there is a feeling that we are not talking about a mini-PC, but about a regular computer. Albeit a little more compact than is customary - but once (long ago) a PSU of such power was enough for top-end desktops.
Design and communication with the outside world
The computer itself is still not that big, although so far it is the largest NUC: dimensions of 221 × 142 × 39 mm give a solid volume of 1.2 liters. Again, compare with 6i7KYK: it 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 can’t confuse them with the old ones. Models of the “square” series continue to fit into 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 to them in size (or even smaller). In general, even if we ignore the prices (and they look impressive on gaming NUCs), it is clear that there is no point in buying such computers just “to have it” - more compact (and cheaper) solutions also cope with everyday tasks. Such a computer is needed when, with a (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 side you can find three USB ports (two of which are “honest” USB 3.1 Gen2) of both current form factors: Type-A and Type-C. There is also an audio headset jack, a slot for "full-size" SD cards (not for microSD, as in the "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 connected the fate of these computers with "virtual reality", since the performance of the platform (especially in the older version) is quite enough to render high-resolution images. 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 out. On the rear panel there is another HDMI 2.0a connector, a pair of pure Mini-DisplayPort 1.2 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 a resolution of 5K 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, we recall, are not only video, but also USB 3.1 Gen2 and / or PCIe 3.0 x4. At the same time, there were also classic USB ports on the back: there are four of them, and all comply with version 3.0 specifications (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 multi-channel acoustics with a digital optical input. Such connectors are rare in the NUC and are currently not really needed - modern receivers use HDMI. However, by offering customers an initially expensive mini-PC, Intel tried to make sure that absolutely 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 filling of the case also corresponds to the first impression.
Hardware configuration
| NUC 8i7HNK | NUC 8i7HVK | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-8705G | Intel Core i7-8809G | |
| RAM | 2×DDR4 SO-DIMM | ||
| Video subsystem | integrated | ||
| Sound subsystem | Realtek ALC283 | ||
| Storage device | 2×SSD M.2 2280 (SATA600 or PCIe 3.0 x4) | ||
| optical drive | No | ||
| card reader | SDXC UHS-I | ||
| Network interfaces | wired network | Intel i219 + Intel i210 (2×Gigabit Ethernet) | |
| Wireless network | Intel Wireless AC 8265 | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | ||
| Interfaces and ports on the front panel | 1×USB 3.0 (Type-A) | ||
| 1×USB 3.1 (Type-A) | |||
| 1×USB 3.1 (Type-C) | |||
| 1×HDMI 2.0a | |||
| headset audio jack | |||
| 2 microphones | |||
| Interfaces and ports on the rear panel | 4×USB 3.0 (Type-A) | ||
| 2×USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3.1) | |||
| 2×RJ-45 | |||
| 1×HDMI 2.0a | |||
| 2×Mini-DisplayPort 1.2 | |||
| 1 audio (analogue stereo / S/PDIF) | |||
| PSU connector (19.5 V) | |||
| Dimensions | 221×142×39 mm | ||
| Power Supply | 230W 19.5V | ||
The Kaby Lake-G line includes five processor models, but Intel uses only two of them in its products - the top-end Core i7-8809G and the (almost) junior Core i7-8705G. The processor part they have 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 NUC provides all the tools necessary for this.
The approach to the storage system is completely inherited from 6i7KYK: only two M.2 slots, but with support for both NVMe and SATA drives. In one of the slots, only "long" 2280 format devices can be installed, in the other - both them and "short" modifications of 2242. In principle, this allows you to cover 99% of the "card" format solid-state drive models, however, the top Optane with gaming NUCs. .. turned out to be incompatible. Even the brand new 905P 375 GB M.2 - it needs a slot with support for 22110. The rest of the 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 as many as 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 (for doubling the communication bandwidth with the router, for example). There is also support for wireless networks, which is fully consistent with other modern NUCs, and indeed with 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 ones: you can connect as many as four full-speed USB 3.1 Gen2 devices at the same time. It is clear that due to the capabilities of the HM175 chipset alone, this cannot be realized: like all Intel products from 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 at the back, one at the front (the latter also supports charging mobile devices even when the computer is turned off, and "serves "current up to 1.5 A, and not regular according to the" basic "standard 0.9 A). High-speed USB ports are 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 quite relevant even now, since it connects 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 “required” in the SuperSpeed10 mode, and two (and just, let us recall, two ports) devices working simultaneously will receive only 20% less than the theoretical maximum.
All this is packaged in a case of the appropriate size - and requires a powerful power supply. However, all the characteristics of the cooling and power supply 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 65 watts "for everything" would have cost a more modest environment, but unification in production is useful. And about 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 place a serious cooling system - it occupies 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 significance is not how it works, but how it works. Which we checked, at the same time also measuring the power consumption of the system “from the outlet”.
| NUC 8i7HNK (Core i7-8705G) | NUC 8i7HVK (Core i7-8809G) | |
|---|---|---|
| idle | ||
| Frequency, MHz | 3100 | 3100 |
| Temperature, °C | 38 | 38 |
| 15 | 18 | |
| Stress CPU | ||
| Frequency, MHz | 3700 | 3900 |
| Temperature, °C | 65 | 73 |
| Total system consumption, W | 62 | 71 |
| Stress FPU | ||
| Frequency, MHz | 3700 | 3100—3900 |
| Temperature, °C | 74 | 88 |
| Total system consumption, W | 102 | 104 |
| Stress GPU(s) | ||
| Frequency, MHz | 3700 | 3900 |
| Temperature, °C | 49 | 83 |
| Total system consumption, W | 76 | 123 |
| Stress FPU + Stress GPU(s) | ||
| Frequency, MHz | 3700 | 3100—3500 |
| Temperature, °C | 80 | 95 |
| Total system consumption, W | 138 | 172 |
The processor component of the Core i7-8809G and Core i7-8705G is formally almost the same, but in fact it behaves a little differently: the older model tries to increase the clock speed more aggressively under load, which actually does not lead to anything good. But there is more than enough cooling for this processor, since the cooling system had to be calculated based on the appetites of the GPU. The two modifications of Vega M 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 just need so much Total.
Gaming performance is in line with expectations (specs), but the younger NUC copes with them, albeit worse, but without excessive noise. The older one is too noisy, getting out over 40 dBA, although with processor loads it is limited to about 35 dBA. The younger model never comes out for 35 dBA.
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 assemble a truly quiet solution, you will have to give up compactness.
Performance study
We have studied this issue in detail in , where just these two NUC models were used. Here we confine ourselves to conclusions: “Kaby Lake-G graphics can be considered integrated in execution, but remain discrete in ideology. Moreover, the applied solutions are head and shoulders above discrete entry-level and even mid-level graphics cards, since the “ultra-wide” HBM2 bus allows you to get memory bandwidth at a level achievable only by video cards with the “wide” GDDR5. As a result, for example, NUCs on Kaby Lake-G are comparable in size and power consumption to one only a graphics card based on the Radeon RX 480/580". However, the performance of such video cards still turns out to be somewhat higher, and the processor component of these models falls short of the (already formally outdated) Core i7-7700, but be that as it may, this is the level of a 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 powerful on both fronts, even at a lower end price, but it won't be that compact.
Total
As you can see, with the functionality and performance in these NUC models, everything is fine: they can replace the middle-class desktop with ease. In practice, a lot will depend on prices, which cannot be called frightening, but certainly cannot be called low either: the younger model (8i7HNK) at the time of writing the article cost about 60 thousand rubles in Moscow retail, and the older one (8i7HVK) - 15 thousand more expensive . To this you will also 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 the acquisition of a computer of this level makes no sense. The buyer of a desktop would also need these components, but there you can “play around” with the configuration - in the direction of saving (smaller SSD plus a large hard drive - here such hybridization of storage systems “will not work”) or increase performance.
As for performance, 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 works consistently faster than even the older NUC 8i7HVK both in “regular” applications and in games. True, such a solution will cost even more, but not fundamentally more: about 120 thousand rubles already with memory, an SSD, a 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 quite “pull” modern games, but at the same time, you should not raise the resolution above Full HD, 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 make do with a low-power solution, but does not lean too heavily on modern games. And as a desktop high-performance mini-PC, both new NUC models are not bad - especially the younger 8i7HNK: it is quite powerful, but still quiet, and it has the same communication capabilities as the older one.
There are no complete analogues of “gaming nukes” on the market, but there are alternative solutions. They are better in some ways, worse in some ways - a lot will depend on priorities. But if we confine ourselves to purely technical issues, then the first is more important - complete analogues are not observed. Once upon a time, the idea of “shoveling” a more or less gaming computer into at least 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 it is possible.
