Question 1

I understand that there's no RAM or disk, but does this machine ship with the CPU?

Accepted Answer

Zow, yes it ships with a CPU in place. And in addition to the RAM and HD, you also have to purchase a power cable, such as this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200113. Also, there is no WiFi adapter built in, so unless you plan on connecting this to a cable, you have to purchase a WiFi adapter separately also. I can tell you that this little box has been awesome in performance for me. I use it as a media center PC, and I couldn't be happier.

Question 2

Does it have Windows 7 installed or what operating system does it use?

Accepted Answer

No, It does NOT come with an Operating System installed.

You will need to provide the OS yourself, (be it Windows 7, Windows 8, or Linux), as well as a compatible M-SATA SSD card to install it on...

Question 3

How do I put in software?

Accepted Answer

This unit does need a hard drive of some sort. The options would include installing an operating system to:
an mSATA SSD
a usb flash drive
Network Boot...
there is even a spare usb header inside, if you wish to hide the installed usb drive...
CD based install media can be installed with a sata / ide to usb converter making internal drives available as external (usb presented) drive, they also sell usb external cd/dvd rom drives. 
Most Operating Systems (including windows) can be converted from a CD to A USB drive, changing up the install method.

I appologize if I wasn't able to answer your question. Please be more specific. (What software?)

Question 4

what a about the system, if i want to install win7 is that possible? do you have recommended monitor to match this, i just want to solve all the problem at one time

Accepted Answer

I am running Win7 on my machine without any problems. Of course you need either an external USB DVD player or a USB memory stick with booting installation files on it. Regarding a monitor, any unit that will take HDMI input should work, since the computer has HDMI graphics output. I am currently using a touch enabled Dell monitor. In the past I also used an Asus monitor with HDMI input. If you don't have an HDMI monitor, you can get a conversion dongle that can do the job. Its nice if your monitor is VESA mountable. Then you can use the mounting plate supplied with the NUC kit to hang the computer behind it and completely remove the computer footprint. A wireless keyboard and mouse would really make it easier to use.

Question 5

usb 3.0 compatible?

Accepted Answer

No, this unit only supports USB 2.0.

Newer 4th-generation Intel NUCs such as the D54250WYK do support USB 3.0, however.

Hope this helps,

Meri M.

Question 6

This has been around a while now.  Is there a faster model or competing device?  (I'm looking to stay on the Windows platform.)

Accepted Answer

There are a bunch of newer ones. This one is a Core i3. I know there a core i5 model from the same batch as well as newer models with better features. Be aware this is barebones. You need to buy ram and a mSata SSD to run it. You would need to install windows yourself. I use this as a VMware host and it works awesome (especially with 16gb ram). It would run Windows just fine as an everyday PC, but I would not expect it to be any sort of gaming machine.

Question 7

it says 2x204 pin ram is included, but it does not say how big the ram is. please specify the size of the ram. what is the size of the ram?

Accepted Answer

RAM is not included, I think it just specifies what type or RAM you'll need to get for it. You will need RAM, SSD and a power cable (Intel assumes you don't want to plug it in for some reason). If you want WiFi you'll also need a WiFi card.

I'm using it as a VM host for a couple of VMs in my server rack at home. I've had no issues with it, but then I'm not using it as an HTPC. It has been running non-stop for about a year now, so it's pretty dependable.

Question 8

Hello

Does it include an SSD disk? If yes what size?
Is Windows 7e OS embedded?

Thanks

Accepted Answer

No hard drive included, it requires the PCI express SSD hard drives to be purchased separately. OS also not included. You will likely want to look for these types of hard drives: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100008120%20600456322

Question 9

Can Ubuntu be installed on this?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Ubuntu will work on any x86 (32bit) or x64 (64bit) system.

Question 10

Has anyone used this as a Home Theater PC? I'm considering this to stream movies to my TV and was wondering how well it plays full HD content.

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am using it as an HTPC with both sagetv software and TMT software.  It plays HD content fine as long as the refresh rate is set correctly for the content.

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