Hi All, looking for ideas to replace an ageing laptop+monitor setup. I have an ultrabook now so mobility is not a problem, was thinking of an AIO or NUC or SFF desktop.
AIO lacks future proof-ability. So was thinking NUC or SFF, but I have not keen able to find them in shops like HN or JB.
Any idea of online sites that do sell SFF or NUC packaged or in parts?
Any other configuration I can investigate?
Looking for speedy boot up time for excel, browsing, word-processing.
Thanks in advance!
So Ebay and refurbished, thanks will do a bit of research there.
Yep. They seem pretty popular on here.
I've one myself and am pretty happy with it, although the most intensity I've put it under is as a Plex Media Server. Seems fine.
If you want future proof, just buy into micro-ATX or mini-ITX cases. Unlike NUC, you are not stuck on the motherboard limitations.
i didn't want to have to build the damn thing from scratch, any site that builds micro-ATX ready to go?
If you are going for a NUC, wait a bit. Current models are using 7th Gen Intel chip. Intel just released 8th Gen NUC in US back in August. It's not here yet. Intel has doubled the cores in their 8th Gen chip.
Agree, the new gen NUC's looks very promising, specially with Thunderbolt ports and little bit higher RAM speed.
I was personally keen on the entry level i3 variant NUC8i3BEH, however bit dissapointed to find that the current gen i3-8109U has 2 cores and 4 threads {unlike the full desktop variant i3-8100 which has 4 cores and 4 threads}
Note: the current gen CPUs has higher TDP (28W instead of 15, but using the same 14nm technology)
Here is a comparison of the i3 and i5 models from current gen and previous gen NUCs.
Personally I'd rather pick the previous gen i5 NUC than the current gen i3. The best buy would be the current gen i5.
Cool, thanks for this advice
Why not use the ultra book you have now and plug in your peripherals or use a usb3 dock?
I thought about this but I think i prefer having 2 systems sharing the workload (when at desk vs when on the go) - rather than having the ultrabook on every waking hour. You are right tho, i might give this a go for now before considering another system, it does make best financial sense of course…other than taxing the ultrabook too much, shortening it's life…and lose data…ultimately that's what i am scared about i guess.
TBH a NUC doesn't have much future proofing either… you only can change the RAM and storage.
ITX is the smallest you can go and still have some semblance of future proofing.
Is there any site / seller that builds pre-configured system with micro-ATX or ITX? I don't have time to find all the compatible parts and put one together.
Most online stores will put together any configuration you want for a fee.
The stores I personally use are MSY (convenient drop-in store, but their website is shit and the online inventory never seems to match with actual stock), IJK and Mwave. I prefer the last two if I'm getting more than a single component.
It will take you less than 1 hour to put them together.
Here's a good list for your cheap, low powered, future proof computer: https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/
Want more power? swap to any i5 i7 cpu to fit your budget.
Been running first gen NUC for 3 years 24/7. Slap in a SSD and its neat system. Make sure if main rig i3 and up
Now looking at speccing out a mini ITX system… not going to be cheaper than All in One system IMO… :(
You didn't give us a budget to work with.
Regarding mini ITX, there a bit of a quirk with pricing… the price of a motherboard tends to decrease when you go from ATX to micro ATX. But then it increases again when you go to mini ITX.
Edit: Just specced out what I feel is a pretty good basic mITX system for a fair price: https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/Ntqw8Y
Btw, which AIOs are you comparing it to? I've just had a look at JB's website, and the cheapest AIO with a SSD is $1400 (a very small capacity one at that). If you're looking for speedy boot up, you'll definitely need a SSD.
i was looking at a 27 inch system (with whatever NUC, micro, mini, SFF, usff) aiming to keep under $1000. Considering monitor is around $299, that gives me $700 to work with.
items needed
case
mobo
cpu
ram
PSU
fan
misc cables
video card if affordable
I already have spare windows license, no need DVD, built in sound and misc wifi bt etc is ok. Ideally an upgraded video chip than onboard. I have Sandisk ssd already. need RAM.
Why do you need a discrete GPU for browsing, excel and word? In the build above, I deliberately choose a Ryzen 3 2200G because its iGPU is pretty good.
@onevstheworld: oh cool, sorry I did not realise that was a build list. Thank you!
Would I need 500W PSU?
I just checked the case on YouTube and it's still massive! i was hoping htpc or sff size…i dont know how big the mobo is, would it just be shopping for a smaller case?
@hippo2s: I picked that PSU on the basis it was the cheapest 80+ with modular cables… you don't need 500W, but I like modular cables :)
mATX is still quite a big form factor… can't get much smaller. But a mITX may get small enough for you.
Here's another build based on what you say. I still don't see the reason for a discrete GPU for your use case, but if you must… anything less than a 560 is just a glorified extra HDMI port.
https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/RCcyQZ
@hippo2s: You'll have to do a bit of research on this one… there's a chance the stock CPU heatsink is too tall for the case… I've included a low profile one just in case.
@onevstheworld: yeah don't need GPU card, hence looking for an even smaller case…guess it's a hunt for the smallest possible case for me then.
Thanks so much for your help speccing this out, saved me hours of research I am sure.
@hippo2s: TBH, if you're looking for very small, a NUC may be what you need after all. As you get too small, trying squeeze everything plus cables within an ITX case will become a nightmare. You'll just have to accept the upgrade path is limited. But since you're using it for fairly low power uses, that may be all you need.
@onevstheworld: combined with above advice I might get a 27inch monitor (or 32) first, test drive that with my ultrabook as a setup.
will goto the shops to check out actual physical sizes of how small are mini ITX cases vs NUC.
Whats a modern day fast and good value for money SSD? Evo 860?
@hippo2s: I don't think there are significant differences between brands anymore, the tech is pretty mature.
There is a new form factor though. M.2 is essentially a SSD on a small circuit board. Most modern PCs will support it, including NUCs. These come in 2 favours, regular SATA and faster nvme. Nvme is more expensive, and for your uses, probably not worth it.
@onevstheworld: So i've looked at NUC, DIY build and even USFF like Lenovo M710Q, looks like
Surprisingly the pricing for all 3 works out to around $750 anyway.
A Q on a set of suitable RAM for Ryzen 3 2200G, what kind speed should i look for? I know to look for DDR4. But there is a big price difference but specs sounds like same?
@hippo2s: https://www.anandtech.com/show/12621/memory-scaling-zen-vega…
Faster RAM does improve performance on Ryzen. However it probably won't be noticable for what you intend to use out for.
Ryzen did have compatibility problems with RAM when first launched. I think it's been improved, but to be on the safe side, have a look on your motherboard's website… there'll be a compatibility list (or QVL, qualified vendor list).
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/402974
I'd say keep an eye out for one of those on sale. A bit more you can do to it than a NUC. Just chuck in an SSD and you're good to go.