Hardware: NUC

[admin]

Hey, I need a new PC (and a new Windows version ) and I think of replacing my old tower with a NUC (Mini PC). Is that a good idea? Any experiences out there?

[highend]

I'm using an i3 with 8 GB as my linux server and a i5 with 16 GB as my second pc.

I'd always buy the H model type so that you can not only use a NVME but a 2,5 SSD/HDD internally as well.

If not under heavy load both of my models are very silent. Just buy the barebones and get the necessary amount of ram + mass storage devices extra, saves money...

[admin]

Alright!

Since you are in the know (and I'm not), let me shortly list my requirements:
- ports for 2 monitors
- ports for external hard disks
- ports for mouse, keyboard (of course)
- good stereo audio out
- my humble use: windows 10, coding, web, youtube, music, photo editing, (no gaming)

Can you make me a shopping list? I like to buy best/good quality even if it costs something.

[highend]

E.g.: https://www.amazon.de/Windows-Desktop-I ... XXNZ/?th=1

The NUC11PAHi5 barebone model. The descriptions are a bit messed up, this is the i5, not the i7.

This is the ram that you should buy:
https://www.amazon.de/Kingston-KVR32S22 ... 07ZVHBSNG/

Seems only one is still in stock so maybe buy it elsewhere. Do NOT buy only a single module!

Regarding an internal NVME, e.g.: https://www.amazon.de/Samsung-7-000-Int ... 08GS7748F/
Choose the size you want...
Depending on how much space you get for this first NVME, plan to get a 2,5 SATA-SSD for pure storage / backup space.
E.g.: https://www.amazon.de/Samsung-Internes- ... 08PC5ZYB1/
Again, choose a size...

Monitors: It has a HDMI, a Mini-DP (Displayport) and a USB-C ports (that also allows to fire an external monitor).

It does not have a toslink sound output (but via HDMI, or stereo at the front)^^

Take a look at all the youtube videos regarding this device (search for: NUC11PAHi5) to see if this is really what you want

Regarding old usb ports, buy an USB hub (maybe: https://www.amazon.de/Anker-Datenhub-Ul ... 00Y211AFM/)
...

[admin]

Great, thanks!

Now, given that I'm dumb and lazy when it comes to hardware, wouldn't this one work as well? Comes with Win 10 and 16GB RAM and 512 GB SSD so I think the deal is not too bad:
https://www.amazon.de/Windows-Desktop-I ... RT2Y/?th=1

[highend]

That depends.

They don't mention if this is a single 16 GB ram module or 2 x 8. Additionally, neither the brand nor the model of the SSD is stated.

You said you want to have the best/good quality and I don't know if this is the case or not when you buy that one fully assembled.

But hey, it's Amazon, try it if you want^^

[admin]

Found one more, more expensive and fatter: 32GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD:

Intel Nuc Mini PC | Intel i7 10710U up to 6X 4.70GHz, 32GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, Intel UHD graphics, WLAN AX201, BT 5.0, Thunderbolt 3, USB3.1, HDMI 2.0a, Windows 10 Pro, Complete PC, Micro PC

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Intel-Nuc-gr ... =1-14&th=1

Anything wrong with it? Only 1 left in stock...

[highend]

That's the old generation.

Small version, no space for an additional internal 2,5 drive.

Slower ram, slower graphics.

2nd monitor only via USB-C

I wouldn't buy it

[admin]

Ah.

[admin]

Just to be sure: This 2TB drive (https://www.amazon.de/Samsung-Internes- ... ZYB1/?th=1) could be built into that NUC (https://www.amazon.de/Windows-Desktop-I ... RT2Y/?th=1) as 2nd internal drive, right?

[highend]

Yepp

[Filehero]

Just to be sure: This 2TB drive (https://www.amazon.de/Samsung-Internes- ... ZYB1/?th=1)

Another option: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B003J5JB12/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Also TLC, TBW a bit better, performance within the same ballpark, currently cheaper (got it myself some months ago).

But Samsung is (still) always a good choice (I have three of them).

[admin]

I like Korea.

Why is the second so much more expensive than the first?
https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Samsung-Inte ... B08PC5ZYB1
https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Samsung-860- ... B078WQT88J

[highend]

MLC vs. TLC
2.4 TBW vs. 1.2 TBW

[Filehero]

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Samsung-Inte ... B08PC5ZYB1

TLC, ~600TB TBW

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Samsung-860- ... B078WQT88J

MLC, 2.400TB TBW