Back in September we posted a review of the latest Intel NUC device (next unit of computing), a tiny 4-in x 4-in barebones computer developed and sold by Intel directly. As a couple of readers pointed out to me today, these units are being discounted by as much as $70 today over at Amazon.com
- Intel NUC D54250WYK – $329 (normally $399)
- Intel NUC D34010WYK – $265 (normally $299)
These units share a lot of the same feature set but they differ in the processor actually embedded in them. The Core i5-4250U comes with the more expensive model and that includes the faster Intel HD 5000 graphics configuration as well. This is the same processor found in the MacBook Air and many shipping Ultrabooks. For the lower priced model you get the Core i3-4010U that runs at a static 1.7 GHz clock speed. The 4250U scales up to 2.6 GHz with Turbo Boost technology.
Both are based on the Haswell architecture and pack a lot of processing punch in a tiny little form factor.
Keeping in mind these are barebones units, you'll still have to add memory, storage in the form of an mSATA SSD, wireless modules (unless you want to use the Gigabit Ethernet) and a power cord. If you are looking for some suggestions from us on those components, check out the lists and pricing below.
| Core i5-4250U System | Core i3-4010U System | |
|---|---|---|
| Barebones System | NUC D54250WYK - $329 | NUC D34010WYK - $265 |
| Memory | Crucial 4GB Single DDR3L SO-DIMM - $40 | Crucial 4GB Single DDR3L SO-DIMM - $40 |
| Storage | Samsung 840 EVO 120GB mSATA - $109 | Samsung 840 EVO 120GB mSATA - $109 |
| Wireless | Intel Dual Band 7260 802.11ac - $32 | Intel Dual Band 7260 802.11ac - $32 |
| Power Cord | 6 ft 3-slot - $4 | 6 ft 3-slot - $4 |
| Total (Amazon) | $514 on Amazon.com | $450 on Amazon.com |
If you are really on a budget and want to save some more cash, you could go with a smaller and less expensive mSATA SSD like the ADATA Premier Pro 32GB option for as low as $39.99 but you are going to be REALLY limited on local storage space.
Still, for $514 you are getting most of the component technology of a high end Ultrabook but in a desktop form factor, ready to be used as your primary PC or connected to your TV for a home theater setup. I built one for my dad for Christmas to play a flight simulator on and its still going strong and he's loving it!
Going to take Intel and Amazon up on these prices? Already have a unit of your own? If so, let me know in the comments what you currently, or plan to, use it for. Happy SFF building!
I have two of these. Love
I have two of these. Love them. You’d think they’re large boxes the way they perform. Outstanding for what you get. Very pleased. Only beef, no V-Pro capabilities.
Do not buy for HTPC because
Do not buy for HTPC because of audio bug. Intel has a beta driver that seems to work at the moment. This bug has plagued the NUC for almost a year now. You can read all about it at https://communities.intel.com/thread/41853?start=45&tstart=0
Issue is if you have the NUC running and the tv/receiver is turned off for a period of time then you turn it back on, the NUC does not have sound until you reboot.