Joined on 09/29/08
Strong solid workhorse
Pros: My 3rd NUC and no disappointment in this unit. Using it for my office workhorse 8-10 hours per day and no issues ... barely kicks the fan up when loading a serious Power Pivot Excel file. Driving 2 - 27" monitors @ 2560 x 1440 and only wish I could get a 3rd hooked up.
Cons: Maybe another USB or 2 but that's why they make those hubs I guess.
Overall Review: Windows 10 64 bit with no issues. You really don't need to update the BIOS ... everything worked on mine before and after the update so save yourself the worry.
Not so quiet, doesn't fit
Pros: Not much
Cons: Not so quiet for a 14cm fan. Does not fit in Fractal Design Define XL front fan mount. Has nubs at screw holes I'll have to grind off to make it fit.
Overall Review: Air movement is adequate, but have to reduce on controller to keep db down.
Cool and quiet but HUGE!!
Pros: Does what it's supposed to do and quietly ... Noctua is still the go to for quiet fans and this is no exception. But, be forewarned, if you need both fans on this beast you had best research your motherboard carefully and find one with distance between the CPU socket and the DIMM sockets.
Cons: HUGE !!! no eggs off because I knew it going in, but less than 1/2 inch clearance on my old trusty Antec 900 so I couldn't stagger the 2nd fan to clear the DIMM's below it.
Overall Review: I may consider changing to the NH-C14S model if I run into cooling issues but none so far.
Decent mid-level monitor
Pros: 2nd pair of Acer 27" for me. Should have paid more attention to the model number. The CB271HU model has front controls, this model has controls on rear including a joystick-like button which does not instill confidence.
Cons: If you like to have multiple sources to one monitor, this model should be avoided as the little joystick button will most likely not survive frequent use.
Great CPU !! HORRIBLE PACKAGING !!!
Pros: CPU works flawlessly ... no fault to the actual engineers at Intel.
Cons: Absolutely stupidest packaging ever designed. The entire marketing department that came up with this needs to be replaced. 2 eggs off for the total waste of material ... seriously, plastic ball inside cardboard ball and cloth baggie to hold it all.
Too bad it's discontinued
Pros: Bought in Oct. 2009 and use in my office 8 - 12 hours daily. No issues at all. Now have an HZ281 right next to it for the past year and both going great.
Cons: none