That is my build, that machine is what I was talking about when I gave those power consumption numbers. That is the Athlon 5350 overclocked to 2.1GHz, but undervolted by 0.10v.
At that power consumption level, even if you cut it in half by going with a NUC, you're only saving 10w. It isn't going to make any real difference, and the 5350 performs better than those low powered NUCs.
The machine performs wonderfully. It easily plays 1080p videos and Blu-Ray rips. It stutters every so slightly when playing 1080p Youtube videos when you move the mouse to bring up the controls, but it will play the video smoothly if you just leave it to play. Since it can play high bitrate Blu-Ray files completely smoothly, including fast-forwarding and rewinding, I blame the Youtube stuttering on Youtube's shitty player.
It did get a little warm at first, when I didn't have an exhaust fan installed. The whole case would get warm to the touch, but the CPU would never get close to overheating. Once I added the side fan to exhaust heat out of the case it doesn't even get warm anymore.
One thing I would suggest though is to go with an SSD. Even a 5400RPM laptop hard drive still uses close to 1w just sitting idle, and can go up to nearly 5w when it is reading/writing. Most SSDs use about 0.1w when idle, and usually less than 1w when reading/writing.
Most of the NUCs and small low powered computers are using Laptop/Ultrabook Processors. Heck, even the Athlon 5350 is just a socketed mobile part. It is essentially the same CPU as the mobile A6-5200.
In My Experience , SSDs wear out pretty fast with continuous usage
and as each ssd has a specific limit (Read / Write)
So i think a SSD for OS & HDD for Downloading is Better Alternative
HDDs can be replaced if they go kaput
Nice to Know a first hand experience.
How is a Processor is Overclocked when it is Under Volted ??
is it Stable ?
So if i am not going with a NUC then what do you suggest ?
i agree with
Intel Mobile Celeron 1037U
it draws 17 watt
Mobile Celeron 1037U - is for Notebooks
Is there a NUC having this processor ?
NUCs here. I'd suggest one of the 4th gen (haswell) ones. Depending on whether you want a 2.5inch drive or not, I'd say either of the i3 models would be good. You will need to get a drive and memory for it.
That's about $300 for the nuc, $30 for 4gb ram, $60 for a 2.5 inch HDD.
wait i thought NUCs are a Complete package - along with the ram and hdd
are they bought separately?
Q1.Can you suggest a Model ?
Q2.I cant find any 4th gen Haswell NUCs
According to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_Unit_of_Computing
there are only upto 3rd gen which is again odd as 4th gen cpus are already out
But Intel Website lists all
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/nuc/overview.html
NUC is nice but i prefer normal memory and 3,5 HDD since its easier to get from local shops
Yes , I agree , In India - those are much easier to get .
True, just showing OP his options.
Thanks For That !
This is one of the reasons I didn't go with a NUC when building my system. My entire system,
including the SSD, cost less than just the base NUC.
Thats my point too
NUCs are expensive than the indivisual components combined .
i can custom build a PC within that price with more components in it
But my question is
Are NUCs really worth their Price in the Long Run
Based on - Longevity , Power Save , the use of 2.5 inch hdd , and Heat generated.
You pay for the SFF... It doesn't rule it out as an option.
SFF = ???
The difference in size between the system I built and a NUC that accepts a 2.5" drive is really trivial.
Thats True , Size is Irrelevant to me . as long as it stays silent , quiet , COOL , and runs without any hiccup !
