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[eBay Plus] Intel 8th Gen Core i5-8259U 2.5" NUC $449, Core i3-8109U NUC $361 Delivered @ Shopping Express eBay

650
PANTHER

Cracking price for a cracking current gen NUC (SKU BOXNUC8I5BEH). The best non-eBay price I could find online today was $530, with >$600 being not uncommon.

Note: prices bumped after initial out of stock. Deal expired

System:
  • Core i5-8259U mobile CPU (4C/8T, 2.3-3.8 GHz, 28w, 14nm, Iris+ Graphics 655)
  • two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots (you fill) (*)
  • M.2 PCIe x4 SSD slot (you optionally fill)
  • accepts 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD (you optionally fill)

(*) specs say max 2x16GB, but this Whirlpooler claims to be using 2x32GB.

Ports:
  • Thunderbolt 3 (type-C)
  • HDMI 2.0a
  • DisplayPort (via TB3)
  • internal CEC header
  • microSDXC with UHS-I
  • 5 x USB 3.1 Gen2
  • 2 x USB 2.0 (internal headers)
  • 7.1 digital audio
  • integrated L+R front mics
  • gbe ethernet
  • infrared receiver
Wireless:
  • Intel Wireless-AC 9560
  • Bluetooth 5.0
Software
  • No OS license provided
  • No dramas running Windows, Linux or ESXi

Full specs here, reviews here, here (i7 SKU), and from Amazon buyers here.

IMHO this is the sweet spot of current generation Intel NUCs - substantially faster than the Core i3 SKU (which isn't much cheaper), and not much slower than the Core i7 SKU (generally about $200 more). Benchmarks of all three here.

EDIT: the Core i3 SKU is also available from them, using the same code, at $361.

Original Coupon Deal

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closed Comments

  • Ive been looking for some nuc / mini pc deals. This seems promising even though overkill for my current use but would like to future proof.
    Do i just need to look for any ram as per specs?
    DDR4-2400 1.2V SO-DIMM

    • +3

      RAM and storage

    • If that's overkill, you can use the same code to get the Core i3 version for $361 from the same people.

      Yes, or you can look at the Intel recommended RAM list (see specs). I'm just going to buy some used ones from gumtree.

    • -2

      Just found this deal with i7 even cheaper (refurb)

      https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HP-Desktop-Mini-Prodesk-600-G2-I…

      • +1

        Hmm that HP unit is 2 gens behind…

    • +1

      Depending on your use case, maybe look into the Raspberry Pi 4 for about $100.

    • I added 16gb RAM on my NUC. freaking beast even with i5 :)

  • It does look nice, but does it get hot and/or noisy?

    • +1

      The reviews I've read say the Core i5 doesn't, but I'm not sure I'd trust the Core i7 SKU. They've implemented a better cooling solution than they provided in the 7th gen, apparently. You can also use the Intel tuning utility to undervolt a little, which I plan to do. Keep in mind these are laptop CPUs, not desktop.

    • +2

      No it doesn't. I use it as my daily work machine and it's really powerful for such a small form factor. Has not been too hot nor noisy even when under a lot of load.

      • What temperatures are you getting?

    • They run cool and silent as far as I can tell. I have one running 24/7.

    • +1

      I ran some benchmarks on my NUC7i3 and the fan is quite audible at full tilt, but wasnt too annoying though. I cracked it open and replaced the stock TIM with some Kyronaut and thermals have dropped by about 10degs on load. I also adjusted the fan profile to suit the lower temps so the fans arnt so bothersome.

      • Good work

  • Anyone know where to get a sweet deal for ram?

    • hyper X 2x 8gb sodimm , 16gb total on amazon from usa cost me $120 last week, 2666mhz and 15cl

  • This code can't be applied to your order. =(
    Anyone else having this issue?

    • +1

      It's only for ebay plus accounts.

      • +1

        Yep, good time for a 30 day trial!

      • Thank-you!

  • Was looking around for mini PCs found this deal on i7 refurb eBay:
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HP-Desktop-Mini-Prodesk-600-G2-I…

    • +2

      Not bad for something ready to run. 2015 CPU though, about 75% of the grunt of the above Core i5. I wonder how much mileage is on the SSDs. I'm thinking of one for the folks.

  • Can you build a NAS with these?? How many hdd can you fit??

    • +1

      1 m.2 and 1 SATA3 so you cannot really do a NAS with this. The only way is to use the Thunderbolt 3 ports or the USB 3.1 gen 2 ports, but either way will be quite costly.

      • Many thanks!

      • I bought a couple of 12TB 3.5" drives (on a deal, naturally) and stuck em in a cheap USB 3 external enclosure which will be connected to the NUC. I figured this was the way to go, rather than have a single case that everything could fit into, as the NUC is likely to outlast my need to have large mechanical storage. And it's damn sexy.

    • +2

      Keep in mind that the single internal 2.5" HDD is limited to 7.5mm and therefore 2gb. Which is a real shame as you can currently pick up 4gb drives on eBay for $160ish, but they're 15mm.

  • Perfect, thanks OP. Been waiting for an i5 deal.

  • Very nice prices.
    These NUCs are better then previously gen and better then the newest ones they released too.
    They have 28w CPUs, top of the line Iris graphics with 128MB Level 4 cache, Thunderbolt 3 & 2 x RAM slots.
    Even the i3 is better than most previous i7s. It has the same specs but just 2 cores instead of 4.

  • external GPU via thunderbolt3?

    • Yep.

    • +1

      Can confirm. Have mine running with the AORUS Gaming Box GTX1070. Works like a charm.

  • can i use this for gaming like dota?

    • probably but its not going be a good gaming experience. If you dont mind all settings turned down etc.
      someone else who dota's on a laptop may be able to have better insight.

      https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/intel-hd-graphics-compari…

      Core i5-8259U mobile CPU (4C/8T, 2.3-3.8 GHz, 28w, 14nm, Iris+ Graphics 655)

      Can I play games with Intel HD Graphics?

      Depending on how demanding the game is, you should be able to play it at medium or low settings at 1080p or, perhaps, with a lower resolution. When we fired up a session of Overwatch on a Dell XPS 13, which had Intel HD Graphics 620, we were able to play at medium settings on 1080p as the system vacillated between a high of 54 fps and a low of 26 fps. On high settings, we could not hit 30 fps, the bare minimum for a decent experience. However, the same XPS 13 only managed a mediocre 28 fps on Dirt 3.

      • According to most benchmarks, the Iris 655 is about on par with the Geforce 930M or so. Realistically this is the same CPU/GPU combo as the default Macbook Pro 13".. So it's pretty decent from that perspective.

    • Unless you are willing to buy an external graphics card via Thunderbolt 3, NUC isn't suitable for gaming.

      • thank you, would you know what is the cheapest build to play at maximum settings?

        • +1

          Maximum settings at what resolution? If you don't need the small form factor the deals from techfast are better and cheaper for gaming.

  • Any idea how an i7 or i5 would go as a steam box (not expecting high end graphics) and for retro gaming?

  • Pity there's no AMD based tiny PCs.
    Integrated AMD graphics is a lot better.

    • +1

      Not quite as small as a NUC but Asrock have the Deskmini A300, supporting AMD APUs. I'm building one soon with a 3400G.

      • Do you know where you are going to order your Deskmini from? I've only found them on ebay for about 300AUD which is quite a mark up from the release price of 150USD.

        • I ordered from eBay UK for about $280 AUD, they don't seem to be sold at all in Aus (probably because of the power adapter/plug they're supplied with). I really tried to get one from Newegg as they had a much better price but they absolutely refused to sell me one. Good luck!

  • +1

    Great for Hackintoshing!

  • +3

    this NUC performance is insane, exact same as 2018 Macbook Pro 13.
    CPU is Apple customised, very close performance to 9400F.
    GPU is Intel's best intergrated atm.

    Hackintosh is dead easy on this device, I spent 2 hours on installing Mojave.

    • +1

      You had me at hackintosh :D

  • Just bought the i5,

    Should I go with this Ram below? It's on sale with Papa20 coupon as well
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Kingston-Valueram-16GB-DDR4-2666…

    Not sure which RAM to choose as NUC specs say it does 2400MHz

    • There is no real benefit of getting DDR4-2666. It only supports up to DDR4-2400. However, if the price is good, then there is no harm getting DDR4-2666 SODIMM.

      Also, there are two RAM slots. It is better to run dual channels.

  • I'm looking for a cheap small nuc like this for front ending some IP security cameras (2 or 3 4k cameras around the house). I have the storage (NAS), just need a front end. This may be suitable. I might also put xymon on it to monitor stuff if I decide on a linux build…
    Any thoughts OzBargainers?

    • +1

      I actually have Shinobi, an open source CCTV software, running as a virtualised guest on one of these NUCs. 5 IP cameras are outputing to it, and I'm storing the recordings on a NAS via Glusterfs. So far so good.

      • I'm currently running a Windows VM just for the free (but very heavy) Milestone suite for 4 cameras. Will take a look at Shinobi as a lighter-weight alternative - thanks!

  • +1

    Can confirm these things take 32GB RAM sticks, I have 2 at home both with single 32GB Samsung SODIMMs

    • Any specific Ram you'd suggest? because the specs say it only does 2400 not 2666 as some are suggesting

      • https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-2666MHz-Memory-Computers-M471…

        Don't even bother trying to buy these in Australia. I got mine via Ebay, took like a month to deliver but they arrived and worked fine.

        Using them in Proxmox (linux):

        root@proxmox1:~# dmidecode —type 17

        dmidecode 3.2

        Getting SMBIOS data from sysfs.
        SMBIOS 3.1.1 present.

        Handle 0x003C, DMI type 17, 40 bytes
        Memory Device
        Array Handle: 0x003B
        Error Information Handle: Not Provided
        Total Width: 64 bits
        Data Width: 64 bits
        Size: 32 GB
        Form Factor: SODIMM
        Set: None
        Locator: SODIMM1
        Bank Locator: Memory Channel A
        Type: DDR4
        Type Detail: Synchronous
        Speed: 2667 MT/s
        Manufacturer: Samsung
        Serial Number: 036FEF44
        Asset Tag: 9876543210
        Part Number: M471A4G43MB1-CTD
        Rank: 2
        Configured Memory Speed: 2400 MT/s
        Minimum Voltage: 1.2 V
        Maximum Voltage: 1.2 V
        Configured Voltage: 1.2 V

        • Was going to opt for this
          https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/362723797360 does the MOBO downgrade the RAM to 2400Mhz ? Not sure with RAM what difference the CL number means

          • @Choogz: Considering the above output shows that the RAM speed is 2667 MT/s, and that the configured speed is 2400 MT/s, I'm assuming that the mobo is throttling the speed that it can support.

            • @MiLKMaNRoX: I was going to say, looks like it can support the 2666Mhz but chooses to downgrade

              • +1

                @Choogz: No, The RAM module is rated 2666, but the system only supports 2400. It is typical Intel. Treat this as having a B or H chipset where Intel locks the memory frequency and does not offer any overclock.

                • @netsurfer: Gotcha now I need to find local stock with the eBay papa20 coupon code haha

  • Anyone knows any difference between the i3 and i5 version other than cpu?

    • Just the CPU. If it is just for general Web surfing, then i3 will be fine. The 8th gen i3 NUC can rival the 7th gen i5 NUC.

      Do bear in mind the 8th gen i5 NUC CPU has 2X the cores and threads over the i3 version.

  • +2

    For anyone looking for a decent deal on an M.2 NVMe SSD for one of these, the Crucial 1TB can be had for $143 using the code PAPA20.

    • Awesome, thanks!

    • +2

      Intel 660p 1TB NVMe (SKU SSDPEKNW010T8X1) also available for $152 with PANTHER code. This is basically the same as the above Crucial except that it can do hardware encryption, which the Crucial cannot. Probably worth the extra pennies.

      • Thanks. Already got the Crucial. Found any good deals for RAM? 2 x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR4. Had a quick look on eBay without spotting any 'major' deals.

        • +2

          Just the ones above so far, eg. $110 for 2 x 8gb "value". Not exactly earth shattering. Am looking for some that the PAPA20 20% off code works on.

          • @NeBlackCat: Did you find any? I'm also looking

            • @snapper: Nah, that PAPA20 code seems to be useless for anything useful, so still stuck on PANTHER 15%.

              I'm thinking of going for a couple of Crucial 8gb 2666MHz.

              That looks OTT given that they'll run at 2400MHz. However two of them gets the price into PANTHER territory (unlike two of the Crucial 2400MHz ones, which end up being more expensive). Maybe they'll end up in another system once there's a good deal on 2400s for the NUC.

              Also someone described the i5 unit as a "beast", so I might as well have a 666 in it somewhere.

              • @NeBlackCat: Thanks for the info. I haven't put together a PC for quite a few years so I'm not up to date with the best brands/speeds/etc.
                Is it better to have 2x 8GB than 1x 16GB?
                And no real point getting above 2400 unless as you stated above it is a better deal and you might have some other use for them elsewhere later?
                What are the best brands? Crucial? Kingston?
                Thanks for your advice.
                lol @ 666

      • Intel 660p VS Samsung evo or adata thoughts?

        • I went for a 2TB 660p @ $300. Speeds look good enough (and wayyyyy better than my laptop's 1TB 850 EVO mSATA), reviews are good, and it's a lot cheaper than a 2TB Samsung or Adata. Hardware encryption, and I confidently expect the QLC to outlive me…

  • +1

    I bought this during the last sale in June. This thing is fast! I bought the Samsung M.2 970 evo and this unit basically stays on 24/7 since I bought running several of my server services with no problem.

  • Currently showing OOS. Looked like a great deal however.

  • Can someone with more knowledge advise on this..
    I am thinking of getting the Dell Optiplex 7040 mini PC (Refurbished for around $450-500) the slim line version with just 2 USB three connection at the front.
    Will this be better?
    I am just wanting it replace my PC with this, and just plug it to my TV and use it with wireless keyboard and mouse)
    Hope someone can help.
    Thanks

    • 7040 Mini PC has optical drive.

      • Not the one I’m looking at..
        https://www.australiancomputertraders.com.au/Dell-Optiplex-7…
        I don’t really want DVD Player, just quiet PC and Small size with USB 3.
        I will connect to TV via HDMI.
        Would instal windows 10 pro.

        • Yes that’s the ‘Micro’ model. The ‘Mini’ PC comes in two sizes and both have optical drive.
          I previously looked around for a mini PC as well. I was leaning more towards the Dell model design since I wanted optical drive.
          Regarding the NUC, my understanding is it’s a new modern design and you pay a premium for it.
          Also Dell is i5 6th gen CPU, NUC is 8th gen.

  • Does the box that the NUC comes in still make the 'intel sound' when you open them?

    Also, out of stock.

  • Arrg. Paid 399 for the i3 last week direct from shopping express website.

    Added Samsung 970 EVO Plus 250GB 3500MB/s NVMe M.2 SSD for $105

    Crucial 8GB DDR4 2400 SODIMM Laptop Memory $59. Runs windows 10 good everythingnis instant for a office/retail pos pc

    Has bit if a hum sound but it was sitting on desk close by when setting up.

  • Back in stock but at a higher price? $483

    • +1

      Disappointing that they bumped the price by $40. I know they know about this ozbargain deal. Still a good price though - $50 lower than the best I could find in the real world.

      I've updated the deal.

  • For anyone still looking for RAM, here's a couple of decent deals on 32gb (2x16) using the PEACHY15 code - these at $98 per module for CL19, and these at $100 per module for the (ever so slightly) faster CL17.

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