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krause734

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 30, 2010
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Anyone switched to Intel NUC? How does it compare to the Mac Mini? Are you running Windows 10 or Linux?
I tried out a HP Tower recently and it was an awful experience. I might try out a NUC if there's no new Apple desktop by 2018.
 
I'm using a NUC5i5 with 16gb, 256gb NVME SSD and 2tb 2.5" (Windows 10) and really rate it.
It's just a general use PC that also doubles as the Plex server.
I'd say the fan noise is slightly more audible that the 2012 Quad I had, but not so much to be problematic.

I guess it depends on what you need to do with it, but I'd imagine a Kaby Lake NUC with plenty memory would be pretty great.
 
I had a 6i3 as a htpc and recently bought a 7i5 to replace it. I messed with hackintosh a little with the 6i3 but i would say it is NOT worth the effort since every update or every time it sleeps, its a nightmare.

Windows 10 works great and works with 4k at 60hz all the time is a great plus. I use it with a 250gb nvme, 32gb ddr4, 5tb 2.5" barracuda and it feels more in line with the current tech rather than sata ssd, ddr3 and 4k at 30hz. The boot up from power on to a usable windows interface is ~9secs with fast boot on, UEFI only.

I'm an Apple Mac mini fanboy but if Apple is not going with current tech, NUC is where I'll go.
 
Hate it? Or how do you rate it?

A couple of years ago before I settled a Synology DS214Play for home media streaming, I thought I'd re-enter the PC world via an NUC. If I remember correctly, it was an NUCi5RYH, 16Gb, 128Gb M.2 and a 1Tb HDD - I was excited. It had been a good 6 years since I had used a Windows PC and I had nostalgic memories of something I can't quite put my finger on (X-Wing vs Tie Fighter? Wing Commander III?).

What I clearly remember is just how much I couldn't stand Windows compared to macOS and within a week I'd sold it to a friend. The machine was fine, the 'high grade' Logitech keyboard / trackpad was plasticky and tacky, and I very sorely missed my Apple UX and feeling of design and aesthetics.

I keep wondering if I'll ever be able to look at a Windows machine again with anything but derision - this is purely my experience and opinion, mind you.

For me, the hardware specs were exciting - as always with PCs - it was everything else that was a letdown.
 
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