GUIDE: Mini PC / NUC Essential KNOWLEDGE! I wish I knew this before buying one.
14Small / Mini PCs / NUCs have their role to play when it comes to modernising your home network.
Where it use to be simple to buy your PC Hardware - Desktop or Laptop or Tablet, technology is becoming more complicated. If you are not keeping up-to-date on the latest tech. the hunt for the perfect Mini PC / NIC becomes 10 fold more challenging!
Let's start with the basics:
1) Intended Use:
Novice: Identify its purpose - basic tasks (browsing, documents) or 1080p gaming?
Pro: Specify if it's for HTPC, Home Server / NAS, Mobile Workstation, or Development Work.
2) Performance Requirements:
Novice: Understand basic processing needs - not laggy when playing 1080p Cyberpunk.
Pro: Consider CPU architecture, core count and clock speed, idle vs max power use.
3) Processor (CPU):
Novice: Choose between Intel (Core i3/i5/i7/i9) or AMD (Ryzen 3, 5, 7 or 9) processors.
Pro: Consider CPU architecture, core count and clock speed, idle vs TDP power use, and cache size.
4) RAM (Memory):
Novice: Decide on 8GB, 16GB or 32GB.
Pro: Consider if DDR4 or DDR5, RAM speed (e.g., 2666 MHz, 3200 MHz, 4800MHz or 5200MHz), and CAS latency.
5) Storage:
Novice: Choose between HDD and SSD.
Pro: Consider # of NVMe slots, SATA III ports, total PCIe lanes from the CPU, SATA Chipset present and write endurance for storage drives.
6) Graphics:
Novice: Review the capability of the integrated graphics of the unit.
Pro: Can it accept an eGPU, VRAM amount, and CUDA cores, integrated or discrete GPU.
7) Ports and Connectivity:
Novice: Check for 3.5mm Audio jack, USB and HDMI ports.
Pro: Consider the specification and bandwidth of each port, Thunderbolt 3 or 4, DisplayPort or HDMI version, and USB Type-C 10Gbps or 20Gbps, 1-10GbE Network ready?
8) Form Factor and Size:
Novice: NUCs are small, Mini PCs can be slightly larger in volume.
Pro: Consider motherboard design: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, or NUC, modular or proprietary connections, rack mountable?
9) Operating System Compatibility:
Novice: Check if it supports Windows or Mac OS.
Pro: Consider ease of OS adaptation, Linux kernel compatibility, TrueNAS or ZFS or UnRAID ready, driver support for add-ons or expansion.
10) Upgradability:
Novice: Check if any components can be upgraded / replaced.
Pro: Consider if soldered RAM or 1 / 2 DIMM slots, the number of A/E/B/M Key M.2 slots for expansion, clearance for M.2 adapters or internal drives, and socket type for CPU upgrades.
11) Cooling and Noise:
Novice: Consider if it is fan-less or if it has a fan.
Pro: AIO liquid cooling ready (lol), heatsinks upgradable, and fan RPM adjustable, Case-Swap ready.
12) Brand Reputation and Reviews:
Novice: Check user reviews.
Pro: Consider RMA process, build quality and reliability, and firmware updates.
13) Power Consumption:
Novice: Check power requirements.
Pro: Consider TDP (Thermal Design Power), PSU efficiency ratings (e.g., 80 PLUS), and power phases on the motherboard.
14) Warranty and Support:
Novice: Check the warranty period.
Pro: Consider terms like extended warranty, on-site support, and manufacturer support forums.
🛠Amazon / Ebay / AliExpress Affiliate Links:
(Please note- links will direct you to Amazon.com or Ebay.com or AliExpress.com. I will receive a commission if a purchase is made through these links. Thank you.)
TIER 1 Entry Mini PC / NUC (under $200):
Search: https://amzn.to/48AyhwH
Search: https://ebay.us/5fPZ4B
XCY Fanless Mini (Intel 4th -5th gen): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDRiYgv
GenMachine Ren4000 (Ryzen 5 4500U): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDEKdGN
TexHoo Mini PC (Intel 12th gen): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dnb9SmV
GenMachineRen5000 (Ryzen 5 5500U): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeFieLr
TIER 2 Value Mini PC / NUC (under $400):
Search: https://amzn.to/48wNpLh
Search: https://ebay.us/jNsM41
Yohirs Mini PC (Intel 7th - 10th Gen): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDpBOoZ
TIER 3 Modern Mini PC / NUC (over $400):
https://amzn.to/3tz3OQB
https://ebay.us/3hUHZl
Yohirs Mini PC (Intel 13th Gen): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEik8wz
VIDEO INDEX:
0:00 Extended Intro
1:35 Section 1: Hardware Overview
6:25 Section 2: NUC Guide (Reference model: Intel NUC8CCHKR worth ~$200)
7:15 Step 1 -
16:28 NUC schematic (based on Intel NUC13VYKi5 - 2023 release worth ~$600)
19:31 Step 14.
20:25 Outro
💻 HSPEC DataBase (for parts, upgrades, video summaries and more):
https://www.reddit.com/r/HSpecWorkstations/
🎯 Support: https://buymeacoffee.com/RACERRRZ
#NUC, #minipc, #server, #NAS, #Computereducation, #Computer, #Gaming, #Gamingcomputer, #budget2024, #Review, #Tutorial, #zworkstation, #RACERRRZ, #NVME_ssd, #HDD, #SSD, #NVMEAdapter, #PCIE, #CPU, #RAM, #GPU