Which NUC to buy?

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Monza

299 posts

Ultimate Geek

#146778 28-May-2014 21:45

Want to use a NUC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_Unit_of_Computing) for an HTPC but there are quite a few models to choose from. It has to be able to handle XBMC/Plex client that has a large library (this requirement has put me off the Rasberry Pi), the odd indie game from Steam. It must have IR support so that I can use my Logitech Harmony universal remote too.

60GB HD might be a bit tight, so might have to have at least 120GB SSD. Is 4GB RAM enough?

One of the cheapest is the sub $200 Celeron powered one (http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?r=p&partid=21334) or should I get an i3 or i5 powered one?

Monza

299 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1055504 28-May-2014 21:55

Forgot to mention that I'm would be keen to get Steam in home streaming (http://store.steampowered.com/streaming/) working too, so can play full AAA titles on the TV.

JamesL

956 posts

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#1055519 28-May-2014 22:08

I would go with the i5, which I did

Buy the ram and msata ssd from Amazon, its cheaper.

http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-240GB-mSATA-Internal-CT240M500SSD3/dp/B00BQ8RKT4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1401271647&sr=8-2&keywords=crucial+m500+240gb

http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-PC3-12800-204-Pin-Notebook-CT2KIT51264BF160B/dp/B005LDLVAO/ref=pd_sim_pc_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0RYPSJ4RMBPFWMWJSJVK

freitasm

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#1055524 28-May-2014 22:16

I have a BRIX here which is similar to the NUC. It's an I3 and it handles Windows Media Center, including live HD TV and HD movies on iTunes and Amazon...

pedrogarcia

250 posts

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#1055593 29-May-2014 05:15

I think the i7 HP Chromebox launching in June will be better than Brix or NUC for an HTPC. And hopefully cheaper.

gjm

808 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1055609 29-May-2014 07:28

I just got an i5 NUC and spec'd it out with 16 gigs ram, a 120 gig msata and 500 gig crucial m550. It works really well and is able to run the 3 VM's on hyper-v that I have on continuously while still being fine to run office / web / other apps at the same time. Only thing I'd look out for is that there appears to be a problem with the Intel drivers when running it headless in that you cant rdp to it. I use the generic windows drivers that came with Windows 8 and it works fine. This isnt a problem if a monitor is always plugged in to it.

I also hear good things about that Gigabyte Brix but couldnt find anyone locally who had it in stock.

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freitasm

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#1055621 29-May-2014 08:00

I bought my BRIX on Amazon. They ship to NZ.

shall0w

80 posts

Master Geek

#1055870 29-May-2014 13:03

I've got the older Celeron model (pre built-in IR port), 4GB ram, 60gb msata ssd and it handles openelec / XBMC no issues with full HD / DTS and large media library.

Can't help with the steam / gaming performance side....

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Monza

299 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1056230 29-May-2014 21:03

shall0w: I've got the older Celeron model (pre built-in IR port), 4GB ram, 60gb msata ssd and it handles openelec / XBMC no issues with full HD / DTS and large media library.

Can't help with the steam / gaming performance side....

Is that the DCCP847DYE with the Celeron 847?

Monza

299 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1056231 29-May-2014 21:06

I've put together a quick google spreadsheet to help compare all the models quickly with the features I'm interested in...

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1REND187IkFpcCV3Brlk-f91Y6pvEWFUL7Ce0eKpaT9k/edit?usp=sharing

Used Ascent pricing just as a guide.

lomenak

119 posts

Master Geek

#1056248 29-May-2014 21:59

I am looking for one myself at the moment. Thinking about going with DN2820FYKH as it should be enough for streaming beIN Sports in HD, Netflix and play videos from NAS.

shall0w

80 posts

Master Geek

#1056472 30-May-2014 12:27

Monza:
shall0w: I've got the older Celeron model (pre built-in IR port), 4GB ram, 60gb msata ssd and it handles openelec / XBMC no issues with full HD / DTS and large media library.

Can't help with the steam / gaming performance side....

Is that the DCCP847DYE with the Celeron 847?

Sure is