Intel NUC DC3217IYE (Next Unit of Computing) Review 0

Intel NUC DC3217IYE (Next Unit of Computing) Review

Value and Conclusion

  • The Intel DC3217IYE NUC retails for $289.99 or £199 excluding taxes as a barebone unit. It requires one or two DDR3 SODIMM RAM modules and an SSD to operate.
  • Tiny footprint
  • Excellent overall performance
  • Priced below other Core i3 SFF systems out there
  • Dual HDMI out
  • Quiet if not pushed hard
  • Excellent power / performance ratio
  • Available in multiple configurations
  • Ready for Wireless and Bluetooth--with antennas in place
  • Easy access to the interior
  • UEFI BIOS
  • Gigabit Network included
  • Metal VESA mount included
  • Solid construction
  • Rubber feet as an anti-vibration measure
  • Can only take mini-PCIe SSDs (expensive)
  • No Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity out of the box
  • Drivers come on optical media
  • No USB 3.0 connectivity
  • No extras like a card reader or IR receiver
  • Loud under heavy load
  • Gets pretty toasty
The Intel DC3217IYE NUC is tiny at just 4 x 4 inches, but it packs quite the punch. It reminded me of the Zotac Nano units as those are of a similar size, but the NUC has an actual Intel i3 CPU, while the Zotac variants have to make do with Atoms or E2s. The CPU and speedy SSD within the NUC ensure excellent overall performance, and the total power consumption--being a bit higher than other SFF systems--is still more than acceptable. The NUC is also the only device of its size with two HDMI outputs, which allows you to connect such a display without an adapter. These displays are then driven by the HD4000 IGP that is more than capable at providing a full 2D and casual 3D gaming experience, as it is roughly on par with the AMD Radeon HD7600G found in the Sapphire Edge VS8. So, overall, the NUC seems to have no shortcomings, but all this raw power in a tiny form factor comes at a price as the small fan is quite loud under load and temperatures nearly hit 90° during stress testing. This generation of Intel's Next Unit Computing also does not feature USB 3.0 yet, and lacks extras others manage to offer, like an IR receiver or card reader. That said, The NUC really is a splendidly powerful and versatile computer the size of my hand.
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Dec 29th, 2024 05:37 EST change timezone

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