This was posted 11 months 15 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Intel NUC 11 Enthusiast Barebones Kit Core i7-1165G7, RTX 2060 $999 + $9.95 Shipping ($0 with mVIP) @ Mwave

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Intel NUC 11 Enthusiast Barebones Kit Core i7-1165G7, RTX 2060 $999 + $9.95 Shipping ($0 with mVIP) @ Mwave
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Skullytor on 21/05/2023 - 17:59 mwave.com.au (848 clicks)
Last edited 21/05/2023 - 18:41 by 2 other users

Mwave's deal is back. $999 plus RAM and SSD & OS to add yourself. This device is also known as 'Phantom Canyon'.

Mwave also do kits.
https://www.mwave.com.au/searchresult?button=go&w=RNUC11PHKI…

Although the ad says 'no power cable included' ours came with 2 (its only the standard kettle cord anyways).

There doesn't seem to much love for these devices but they get great reviews.
https://youtu.be/tX5xCQcHbPE
https://youtu.be/-C92G5fOfRY

Ours came a week ago and my partner is very happy with it. Goal was to buy something that takes up the least desk space and has decent upper mid range gaming functionality.

I realise there is more value vs power out there when opting for larger case size computers.

Specs
NUC 11 Enthusiast Barebones Kit - CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7 4-Core 2.8GHz, 4.7GHz (Turbo) - GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6 - Memory: 2x Dual-Channel DDR4-3200 SODIMM Slots - Storage: 2x M.2 (1x 2280/22110, 1x 2280 Key M) PCIe x4 Gen3 NVMe/SATA3, Intel Optane Memory M10/H10, microSDXC - I/O: HDMI 2.0b, Mini DisplayPort 1.4, 2x Thunderbolt 4, 6x USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 - Network: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 + Bluetooth 5, 2.5GbE

Full spec list for Intel
https://www.intel.com.au/content/www/au/en/products/sku/2027…

Computing Computer Intel Small Form Factor Computer

Related Stores

Mwave Australia
Mwave Australia

closed Comments

  • chrism238 on 21/05/2023 - 18:06

    Barebones? How expectations have changed!

    • Skullytor on 21/05/2023 - 18:08
      +4

      It's only the SSD plus RAM hardware you need to add. And it's very simple and straightforward. As explained in the post - they also sell kits. OS is needed too of course.

      I'd imagine most people want the option to add their own brand SSD and RAM, given there are various speeds, sizes and quality.

      I had a look at their 32GB and 1TB kits but didn't go for it. Proffered a Samsung EVO SSD over their offering.

      • chrism238 on 21/05/2023 - 18:23
        +1

        My comment was more about what is considered barebones specs these days.

        • Skullytor on 21/05/2023 - 18:32
          +2

          Ah I see. Good point. But with that size case, it's hard to make more items removable

  • chops on 21/05/2023 - 18:16
    +1

    Not sure this is a deal on an old NUC 11 when NUC 12 and NUC 13 are out … this also forces your choice on GPU with other Barebones kits not including the GPU … overstocked on Nvideas?

    • Skullytor on 21/05/2023 - 18:23
      +2

      I do agree - the limitation to swap out the GPU is a negative. Like I posted, it's really for people who want those specs in the most compact case. I have the 'Beast Canyon' which has a GPU slot - I'm running a 3060 in it. It is about 4-5 times larger

      This thing is tiny - exactly the size what we were after for her home office
      https://i.ibb.co/4JcpkhY/IMG-4977.jpg

    • Marrk on 21/05/2023 - 19:03
      +1

      This is a laptop RTX 2060 which is basically on a chip whereas the other NUC’s take a traditional graphics card. They aren’t directly comparable in terms of their size/compactness, there are definitely better options out there if size doesn’t matter to you.

      The newer NUC’s not including a GPU also means that you need to spend an extra $500-600 on a GPU, quite a bit more expensive than this deal.

    • Skullytor on 21/05/2023 - 18:25
      +3

      Yep! That's the one I got on my desk. Larger size but better value. You're paying for the compactness with the 'Phantom'.

      Note with the Extreme NUC, you do need to factor in the GPU cost - the Integrated Graphics onboard just doesn't cut it.

      The Extreme also have quite a better processor.

      • Orrelljet on 21/05/2023 - 19:24

        At the price the 11 extreme is at now, would it be a decent bet for a home server? It has 4 x m.2 slots so that caught my eye in particular plus dual usb4 and stacks of 10Gbps usb too.

        Edit. Bought it :-)

  • Dauphin on 21/05/2023 - 18:32

    This will be DOA with a specs like this. Only an NUC Extreme 11 or above is worth it

    • Skullytor on 21/05/2023 - 18:37

      Depends on use I guess. Partner uses it for light gaming, working and casual use. I'd expect she'll get 5 years worth out of it. It handled Diablo IV server slam well she said.

      She replaced a Dell micro form factor desktop - and this was about the same size.

      • Marrk on 21/05/2023 - 19:05

        I currently have a Dell 7060 micro which is why the size of this does appeal to me - would like to do some basic gaming at 1440p.

        • Skullytor on 21/05/2023 - 19:18

          Maybe check out the Enthusiasts 12? Costs more but GPU is better

          • Marrk on 21/05/2023 - 19:46

            @Skullytor: I was considering it though the Intel graphics option sounds hit and miss and the power consumption and noise levels are apparently worse than the 11 Enthusiast.

  • Marrk on 21/05/2023 - 18:54

    I have been eying off this device - still in 2 minds though.

    Pro’s:
    1. Great compact size
    2. As it has a laptop GPU it probably wouldn’t be too horrible energy wise if also used as a PLEX server
    3. Decent enough GPU for games that play better on PC than console (Two Point Hospital, AoE 4 etc)

    Con’s:
    1. You can get a 3060 TI MATX build for around the same cost (much larger though)
    2. Can’t upgrade/repair as well as a desktop with a replaceable GPU
    3. Released in 2021/older Gen CPU

    • Skullytor on 21/05/2023 - 19:02
      +3

      I updated the OP - check out the 2nd YouTube video. A very comprehensive review, he tests games, benchmarking and shows a complete tear down of the system. https://youtu.be/-C92G5fOfRY

      Owning both an Extreme (11) and now the Enthusiast (11) NUC. I would only go the Enthusiast if space saving is your biggest factor. It's a niche product and its value is in its compact size. And that's why we bought it and it's made us happy.

      If you have the desk space, go for the i7 or i9 Extreme and add a GPU. I really love my Beast Canyon with the Asus 3060. Only downside for me is that fans do get noisy and ramp up for no real reason I can figure out.

  • fatjoze on 21/05/2023 - 19:02

    I'm considering NUC 12 Enthusiast
    Anyone know if they will go on sale any time?

    • Marrk on 21/05/2023 - 19:11
      +1

      I have heard mixed things about the Intel Arc A770M, though 16GB is impressive.

      Pricing seems decent for kit (16GB RAM + 500GB SSD + Windows 11 Home):

      https://www.centrecom.com.au/nuc-12-enthusiast-i7-12700h-arc…

      • Skullytor on 21/05/2023 - 19:15

        Yeh that's not bad. 500GB a bit small. Wonder what SSD brand/model they use.

        Also not familiar with this GPU, does look good on paper.

        An impressive kit!

        • Marrk on 21/05/2023 - 19:24

          You would probably need to chuck in another 1TB drive - not bad inclusions for an extra hundred though.

          • Skullytor on 21/05/2023 - 19:54
            +1

            @Marrk: Good point - but go for 2TB not 1. Diablo IV was 80GB on its own!

            We wanted to stick as close to $1000 as possible so didn't consider the '12'. Plus the extra resources would not add much value to what my partner uses the NUC for.

            • Marrk on 21/05/2023 - 20:05
              +1

              @Skullytor: I’m seriously considering this kit:
              https://www.mwave.com.au/product/diy-bundle-deal-intel-nuc-i…

              Probably don’t need 32GB RAM though it feels like a decent option for 3+ years.

              • Skullytor on 21/05/2023 - 20:13
                +1

                @Marrk: I don't know about those Silicon brand SSDs. Not saying they are bad - I just don't know. I wanted to stick with what I know - Samsung EVO like my 'extreme' NUC. This is why I didn't get a bundle.

                Crucial RAM should be fine. I run 64GB in my extreme kit and zero issues. No one does any hard core gaming or media editing in my household. I did go a bit nuts on maxing the RAM. The 'extreme' was a once in a lifetime pandemic WFH tax deduction.

                The mrs 'Phantom' had 32GB (2x16) Crucial RAM.

                • ubcool on 22/05/2023 - 03:06

                  @Skullytor: My Samsung Evo cooked in my nuc canyon after only a few months.

              • netsurfer on 21/05/2023 - 22:46
                +1

                @Marrk: For you, honestly, too many compromises.

                • Taking a mobile class 11th gen i7 CPU: 4 cores 8 threads
                • RTX 2060 6GB (getting a new PC now and choosing this particular GPU, that feels like a compromise)
                • The RAM modules are slightly over priced
                • Getting this NUC and pair it with second cheapest DRAMless PCIe gen 3 x4 2TB NVMe SSD (with NAND lottery).

                I get the FOMO factor for discounted 11th gen Extreme NUC. The NUC 11BTMi7 at $8xx was a great deal, but do bear in mind the 12th gen laptop class i7 CPU does get close to that CPU with a much lower power usage. So, if power is not an issue, at $8xx, in the current market, that was a much better buy (if you are not after ultra slim form factor).

                • Marrk on 22/05/2023 - 08:18

                  @netsurfer: These are all valid points, below are my general thoughts/why I am on the fence:

                  • Space is an issue/important for me, the smaller the better, without having to resort to an iGPU
                  • Current Dell 7060 Mini has a i5-8500T, as long as the CPU's are comparable I'm not worried: https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i7-1165G7-v…
                  • A laptop GPU may be beneficial to me if wanting the machine on 24/7 as a PLEX server, I am worried about doing this with an MATX case with a 3060 Ti in terms of power consumption
                  • As long as I can play games like AoE 4 and Two Point Hospital on pretty high settings, the occasional game like GTA V, the AAA games can be played on the PS5
                  • Good points with the RAM and SSD, probably better off going for the $999 option and getting better components
                  • netsurfer on 22/05/2023 - 12:20
                    +1

                    @Marrk: I have the cheaper cube version Phantom Canyon NUC since last year. My usage for mini PC is I generally don't game on it. Also, my family members cannot stand plex. They all prefer streaming services. Anyway, my point is, I wouldn't recommend 11th gen NUC now unless it is really at bargain price.

                    I get the dilemma that Intel switches to Arc GPU, but 12th & 13th gen NUC CPUs sure look good. To me, the only thing going for this particular NUC is that RTX2060. Otherwise, there are just some many compromises:

                    • True, compare to i5-8500T, 1165G7 is attractive. However, if you compared to i5-1135G7, you would wonder why Intel hasn't done more. The 12th gen ones, the i7 jump in 12th gen (vs i5 12th gen) is more meaningful.
                    • PCIe gen 3 x4 NVMe m.2 support only. This one puzzles me. Even the cheap cube version supports PCIe gen 4 x4 m.2 SSD. I get this one has 2 m.2 slots. RTX2060 is PCIe gen 3 x16 only so surely that PCIe gen 4 x4 support is available via the CPU.
                    • Only 1.2V SODIMM are supported, 1.35V even if XMP is supported is not going to work (would fallback to 1.2V). This is a minor issue.

                    It's hard to decide as latest gen PC parts seem to go up in price in a consumer unfriendly manner. You are due for an upgrade, it is just this upgrade path doesn't feel very compelling (price wise). However, there isn't a decent alternative at the moment either.

  • Homr on 21/05/2023 - 19:55

    What do you guys use for storage to pair with this? A NAS sever?

    • Skullytor on 21/05/2023 - 19:58

      It has 2x SSD m2 lots. So not really needing more storage than we got.

      My mrs 'enthusiast' runs a 1TB Samsung EVO

      My 'extreme' runs 1TB and 2 TB Samsung EVOs

      I do have another 1TB HDD plugged into my Asus router for shared network data.

      • Homr on 21/05/2023 - 20:00

        2tb storage wont be enough for me lol.

        I got 8tb and 12tb HDD in my SFF PC. If I buy this, what would be the best way to access my 8tb and 12tb HDD?

        • Skullytor on 21/05/2023 - 20:01

          Not sure sorry. I'd imagine some sort of external drive or NAS.

          It has usb c. What size are external fast transfer drives these days?

          Or 8TB m2? Not sure if the system can handle it - better research! https://www.xda-developers.com/best-m-2-ssd/#:~:text=a%20lit….

          A NUC may not be the right device for you if you then need a 2nd system (nas) to run storage

        • netsurfer on 21/05/2023 - 22:43

          3.5 inch USB 3 enclosures. It's silly to go USB-C with external HDDs.

          If you have SFF PC, I reckon your SFF PC has a normal desktop CPU? Bear in mind, the "i7" in this NUC is laptop grade CPU, 4 cores 8 threads. That's the annoying part of Intel, up to 11th gen laptop CPUs, the core count for i7 is still low.

          If your aim is to replace your current SFF home server, then with this, USB 3 enclosures make sense. If you need to get a NAS for this, you might as well forget this and get a quality NAS.

        • Nom on 22/05/2023 - 09:58

          If I buy this, what would be the best way to access my 8tb and 12tb HDD?

          Just share them over your network 👍

          Whilst this will work fine, you're probably better off installing TrueNAS or similar onto your SFF PC to turn it into a real NAS.

          Then you can use the new machine from this deal as your main machine.

          • Homr on 22/05/2023 - 10:15

            @Nom: I plan to sell my SFF if I get this

            • Nom on 22/05/2023 - 10:24

              @Homr: Ok, then as @netsurfer mentioned above, just grab a couple of USB 3 3.5" Drive Enclosures - you can put your existing drives into these, and then just plug them in to the new machine 👍

              But you'd probably be better off buying something a bit bigger with 2 X internal 3.5" bays if you don't want to NAS your storage.

            • netsurfer on 22/05/2023 - 11:54

              @Homr: So your issue with your SFF is its power consumption? You are aware that you are going from 8 cores / 16 threads CPU to a 4 cores / 8 threads mobile CPU? Or the included RTX-2060 is something you really want?

              The $899 i7-11700B version (that version looks like SFF though) sold out very quickly and no longer available.

              • Homr on 22/05/2023 - 12:42

                @netsurfer: There is no issue with my current SFF beside the fact that it can only fit a Small profile card which is limited to 1650 or a2000 RTX

                I didn't know the NUC is only 4cores 8 threads, so maybe i'll pass.

                • netsurfer on 22/05/2023 - 13:46

                  @Homr: Also, when I checked, it seems the NUC only supports 2x PCIe gen 3 NVMe SSDs? I was surprised by that coz. I thought all 11th gen NUC supports at least 1 PCIe gen 4 x4 SSD.

                  That RTX2060 in the tiny form factor sure is tempting. Thunderbolt 4 support is also nice, but the days where you can get a Thunderbolt (3) enclosure for $90 AUD or less is long gone.

  • dfgkhj2380sd on 22/05/2023 - 08:57

    is there going to be an intel nuc 13 enthusiast anytime soon? thinking about a nuc 12 for diablo4 but the prices for that device and this deal arent pulling me yet

    • Skullytor on 22/05/2023 - 15:11
      +1

      Mrs played the D4 Server Slam on the enthusiasts 11 and said it ran well. 12 should run it even better.

  • TheThoughtFraud on 22/05/2023 - 09:31
    +1

    If you're looking for something small and (somewhat) portable that contains a "decent" GPU (that's not a laptop), this is a good deal. (e.g. You want a machine that you'll take from home to work and never want to use it "on the go")

    If you're willing to go even a little bit bigger (and heavier), people have posted other good suggestions.

    • Skullytor on 22/05/2023 - 15:12
      +2

      100% agree. Keeping the PC as small as possible was a big factor for our decision to buy. I got more space on my own desk, so got the Extreme 11.

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