Courtesy of CCL Computers we take a look at Intel’s Mini-PC; NUC Kit NUC5i3RYK. Featuring the 5th generation Intel Core Processor – Core i3-5010U.
Product on Review: NUC Kit NUC5i3RYK
Manufacturer Intel
Street Price: £399.98 GBP / $400 USD
The era of the mini-PC is certainly upon us. We’ve recently reviewed a considerable number of these compact, palm-sized systems and have certainly been impressed by what’s on offer. Numerous brands opt use Intel-based systems and today we are to turn to this hardware giant (courtesy of CCL Computers) to investigate what they have to offer by way of the new lineup of NUC kits.
The NUC Kit NUC5i3RYK is a petite computer system which takes advantage of Intel’s Core i3-5010U. Under today’s review configuration, CCL Computers are supplying 8GB of 1600MHz DDR3 and a Crucial MX2000 250GB SSD. By all accounts an initial look at the hardware specification, features and size allude to a rather exciting piece of kit!
Intel on their NUC5i3RYK
The 4-inch square Intel® NUC NUC5i3RYK takes the powerful capabilities of a desktop system and packages it into a computer that fits in the palm of your hand. This fully scalable system comes with the latest 5th generation Intel® Core™ i3 processor and integrated Intel® HD Graphics with 4K display support. Whether you want a digital jukebox, home hub, or light gaming PC, the Intel NUC NUC5i3RYK gives you the power to play, create, entertain, and inspire. The system is designed to hold a lightning fast and compact M.2 SSD so you can quickly stream music or movie files, and also features consumer infrared and a Mini HDMI* video interface. With Intel® WiDi1 you can connect your monitor without any additional cables and Bluetooth* lets you place wireless speakers where you want—all the features you want in a space-saving, clutter-free design. A replaceable lid gives you plenty of options to create the Intel NUC you want—with amazing style and features. There’s also a high-speed USB 3.0 charging port that lets you easily charge your tablet or smartphone quickly. And for peace of mind you’ll get embedded security that helps keep threats out, user identities and credentials safe, and your data protected.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
115mm x 112mm x 33mm
Processor
Intel Core i3-5010U (2.1 GHz – 3MB L3 Cache)
Memory
8GB 1600MHz SO-DIMM DDR3L 1600 MHz
Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 5500
Storage
250GB Crucial MX200 2280SS (M.2 SSD)
Network
Wireless 802.11ac + Wired 10/100/1000 Mbps
I/O Ports
4x USB3.0 (1x Charging Port)
1x Mini HDMI 1.4a (4K not recommended)
1x Mini DisplayPort 1.2 (4k @ 60Hz)
Headphone/Microphone jack
OS Support
Windows 8.1/7 and Linux
CCL Computers Warranty
3 Year Collect & Return
3 Years Parts
3 Years Labour
115mm x 112mm x 33mm
Processor
Intel Core i3-5010U (2.1 GHz – 3MB L3 Cache)
Memory
8GB 1600MHz SO-DIMM DDR3L 1600 MHz
Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 5500
Storage
250GB Crucial MX200 2280SS (M.2 SSD)
Network
Wireless 802.11ac + Wired 10/100/1000 Mbps
I/O Ports
4x USB3.0 (1x Charging Port)
1x Mini HDMI 1.4a (4K not recommended)
1x Mini DisplayPort 1.2 (4k @ 60Hz)
Headphone/Microphone jack
OS Support
Windows 8.1/7 and Linux
CCL Computers Warranty
3 Year Collect & Return
3 Years Parts
3 Years Labour
Packaging & Bundle
Our Intel NUC is presented in a small box which adopts a familiar design to that of the Intel Core family of processors. On each of the sides there is more than adequate information and detail surrounding the product – there is a schematic diagram of the front and rear of NUC showing the ports which are available and the hardware specification listing.
All of the included items are well-packaged inside.
The accessories bundle features all of the items you need in order to get up and running in next to no-time. Under the current configuration from CCL Computers, this NUC includes:
• Instructions manual
• FSP slimline power adapter
• VESA mounting plate w/screws
• HDMI to Mini-HDMI cable
• PNY 8GB USB drive (Windows 8.1)
When purchasing the Intel NUC, the HDMI cable isn’t usually included, neither is the operating system but with this assembled unit, CCL Computers supply both items to assist in getting started.
Closer Look
Unveiling the NUC, we have a rather dainty little mini-PC. The actual dimensions for this unit are a mere: 115mm x 112mm x 33mm. NUC is two-tone in its physical appearance, the chassis is metal in its construction while the top uses glossy plastic.
The top-side has a metallic power button with coordinating activity LED and the CCL badge since this unit is supply by them.
Flipping the NUC over onto its reverse, there is a sturdy metal plate which contains the product label with respective serial number and since our product sample is supplied by CCL Computers – we have the Windows 8.1 serial label.
In each corner there are four rubber studs to prevent the unit from slipping on smooth surfaces and within these studs there are four screws which allows access to the internal components.
At the front there are two USB 3.0 ports – one of which (yellow port) allows users to charge devices such as smartphones and tablets by offering greater power. There is also a headphone and microphone jack for audio functionality.
Turning our attention to the rear of the unity there are even more ports to make use of. In order to use NUC it is necessary to marry up the power pack to the 12-19V DC port. Next to this there is a Mini DisplayPort 1.2, a gigabit LAN port for wired network connectivity, another two USB 3.0 ports and Mini HDMI 1.4a port for display/audio purposes.
After detaching the panels on NUC we can inspect the internal hardware of this mini-PC. All of the components are neatly installed onto a miniscule PCB. This unit contains the following:
Processor
Intel Core i3-5010U (2.1 GHz – 3MB L3 Cache)
Memory
8GB 1600MHz SO-DIMM DDR3L 1600 MHz
Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 5500
Storage
250GB Crucial MX200 2280SS (M.2 SSD)
Based on this configuration, NUC is ideal to use for a home theatre and for entertainment usage. The M.2 SSD not only boots into the Operating System extremely quick but we can expect transfer rates to exceed 500MB/s for read and write performance.
Benchmarks: Temperature, Windows 8.1 Boot & Power Consumption
For our first benchmark tests we observe the max. CPU temperature of the system during 3DMark. We also observe Windows 8.1 boot on the NUC, using a digital stopwatch to time the bootup period. To measure the power consumption, we load up 3DMark and then use a power energy monitor to view wattage.
Benchmarks: Cinebench & X264 HD
In order to test the efficiency of the CPU within our NUC, Cinebench is used first of all – this gives a processing score. We then use X264 HD to demonstrate how the CPU performs in terms of encoding media files.
Benchmarks: 3DMark & PCMark 8
The new 3DMark includes everything you need to benchmark your hardware. With three all new tests you can bench everything from smartphones and tablets, to notebooks and home PCs, to the latest high-end, multi-GPU gaming desktops. And it’s not just for Windows. With 3DMark you can compare your scores with Android and iOS devices too. It’s the most powerful and flexible 3DMark we’ve ever created.
Benchmarks: Tomb Raider, Dirt Showdown
Our NUC uses an integrated chip for graphics delivery. To test how effective the 3D capabilities are we run two benchmark tests: Tomb Raider and Dirt Showdown. NUC isn’t really designed for gamers but we still feel it necessary to test the 3D performance.
Conclusion
After spending a full week with the NUC Kit NUC5i3RYK we can confidently affirm its usefulness as a mini-PC in and around the home.
All of the components within NUC5i3RYK fit within a rather sleek, elegant and refined enclosure. This unit will find a comfortable spot in the living room, tucked away behind a large display using the VESA mount or even next to the TV.
Throughout our suite of benchmarks, the NUC5i3RYK demonstrated reasonable prowess with its Intel Core i3-5010U. For general day-to-day tasks, media usage and light gaming this unit is the ideal candidate. Under full-load NUC5i3RYK outputs low temperatures and low-noise thanks to the hardware which has been installed – a significant bonus for those wanting a hassle-free experience.
Under the reviewed configuration this mini-PC is definitely proficient – by having fast memory and an M.2 SSD read/write access times are quick and as such there are no annoying stutters when the system is under full-load. But even so, there is also the opportunity to expand the hardware specifications too.
NUC5i3RYK can be bought from CCL Computers for £399.98. There is also a barebones version for those wanting to customise the hardware specification – this can be purchased for £235.88. Both prices are pretty reasonable considering the capabilities either avenue presents.
The Intel NUC5i3RYK is a rather capable palm-sized piece of kit. This unit will be ideal for avid home-entertainment users that demand the flexibility of a fully-fledged PC in the living room.
Pros
+ Small-footprint
+ Decent media performance
+ Opportunity to expand
+ Charging port
+ Low-temperatures
+ Low-noise
Cons
– Limited 3D capabilities
– Stiff competition from rival offerings
+ Small-footprint
+ Decent media performance
+ Opportunity to expand
+ Charging port
+ Low-temperatures
+ Low-noise
Cons
– Limited 3D capabilities
– Stiff competition from rival offerings
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