The NC02U doesn't set new performance records, that's for sure, but it is a decent choice as a media PC or for some basic stuff like net surfing or simple office tasks. If you need a system for heavier workloads, you had better stay away from this one and take a look at its larger siblings, the NC02U3, NC02U5, and NC02U7 with more horsepower thanks to their i3, i5, or i7 processor. The Intel Celeron 3855U might be very efficient, but it is pretty weak, which is clearly shown as it is put through several tasks, including Windows Update, which can in some cases take ages until it completes. Actually, it is very easy to hit peak CPU utilization with the 3855U, so it would be wise to minimize the number of start-up applications and processes to those that are absolutely essential in order to let it breathe. The 3855U CPU's embedded Intel HD Graphics 510 solution is able to easily handle 4K multimedia content, though, and thanks to a very low 15 W TPD, the NC02U's single cooling fan doesn't have to spin fast, which keeps things very quiet. With such small dimensions, I believe a stronger CPU's cooling needs to notably increase noise output, which would negate the silent operating advantage. Strong CPUs need good cooling and given the lack of internal space, which doesn't allow for large heatsinks, the only option is a fast and noisy blower. I didn't have a chance to take a look at one of this line's higher-end models, but suspect that they will be pretty loud once properly stressed.

The NC02U has earned a place in my noise-measurement setup as the PC that will remotely control my sound analyzer inside an anechoic chamber, meaning that remote control is the only option. As I already stated, its weak CPU is able to cope with simple tasks - you shouldn't expect much even if you use a decent SSD and enough RAM as I did. CPU utilization is significant with nothing more but network file transfers, and during the initial Windows update procedure, I even thought something had gone wrong because it took ages for the update to finish. I have seen this before in a laptop equipped with a weak Celeron CPU like this one, so I left the NC02U alone for a couple hours or so and did something else in the meantime. I think you should choose the NC02U over its stronger siblings only if you plan to use it for simple tasks that don't require a strong CPU, but, rather, a dead-silent mini PC. The Intel Celeron 3855U doesn't have a problem with handling HD and 4K multimedia content, so if you need something more advanced than an android box for your multimedia needs, the NC02U could fit the bill so long as you don't have a problem with buying a large SSD and don't want to go with a NAS instead.

To wrap up today's review, I have mixed feelings for the NC02U. It is dead silent, needs very little power, is tiny, and its set-up is a piece of cake since you only need RAM and storage, but its weak CPU sets the performance bar quite low, making it unfit for any task that needs even mid-level CPU power to run efficiently. I would like to take a look at one of the stronger Shuttle mini-PCs to check on how much these stronger CPUs affect noise output. If noise is kept at reasonable levels, the NC02U3 with at least the i3-6100U is definitely worth considering. For those of you who need such a small PC for highly demanding applications (gaming not included, of course), there is the NC02U7 which packs the i7-6500U CPU, while the middle solution is the NC02U5 with the i5-6200U.