Question 1

Does this item include the i5 CPU?

Accepted Answer

CPUs are included on the Intel NUCS.  they are surface mounted, so you must buy the version with the CPU of interest to you.  i7, i5, i3, etc.  The first number in the model represents the processor generation, in this case 5th Generation.  the next two characters represent the processor model, in this case i5.  The H at the end means it can accept a 2.5" HDD in ADDITION to the m.2 SSD.  Unlike the 4th Gen NUCS, the 5th Gen Nucs have the wireless already installed (surface mount) and the SSD interface is m.2 instead of mSATA

Question 2

Is this fanless (passive cooled)?

Accepted Answer

It is Completely quiet and it's been some months since I've started using it so honestly I don't remember (I'm old) but there is ZERO noise from unit and I believe it is. Too, mine has been on all morning 5 hours, and is  cool to the touch

Question 3

Does it come with Windows?

Accepted Answer

Nope. Neither does it come with RAM or storage (no SSD and no hard drive). What you see is what you get. READ THE DESCRIPTION.

Question 4

Does it have EU plug too?

Accepted Answer

The power adapter comes with an assortment of 5 or 6 plug adapters including EU and British. I believe if you were to travel with  it you could easily plug it in anywhere you go as long as you keep the slide on adapters with you. It is a trivial thing to change from one plug type to another and the adapter is 100 - 240 volt auto adjusting on the input while maintaining 19 V 3.43 Amp 65 watt max  out.

Question 5

Will this support an ssd and a hdd simultaneously? I know the older version does but I want to make sure that this one does to.

Accepted Answer

As long as the SSD is M.2 yes. There is an M.2 slot and a SATA port as well with a 2.5" bay. Note that the HDD would have to be 2.5" though

Question 6

I have a 2.5" SSD with Windows 7 on it, currently in another computer. Can I put that SSD into this NUC or will I have to reinstall the operating system?

Accepted Answer

Will it work?  Yes, absolutely.  Do I recommend reinstalling anyway?  Yes.  It is hard to say how exactly the Operating System would behave differently (IF it does at all) after being swapped.  Drivers for your devices could interfere with drivers for the new computer.

I would look up how to swap drives to other computers without reinstalling the OS.  Most people will tell you to reinstall but if you are determined to do it this way you can.

Question 7

Spec indicates there are 6 audio outputs on the rear of unit but the pictures do not show this. So which is accurate? The pictures (my guess) or the specs?

I am considering this as a replacement for a desktop system that has a very nice 2.1 Klipsch that plug into standard audio out and I don't want to run the wire to the front of the PC.

Accepted Answer

The 'up to 7.1 Surround Sound' audio outputs are encapsulated in the mini HDMI and/or mini DP (DisplayPort) video output stream, both of which are on the BACK of the NUC. There is also a stereo headphone jack on the front, as you noted.

The HDMI 'spec' says that there can be up to 8 (7.1) channels of audio embedded in the video stream and that those 8 channels can be available for distribution through a DIGITAL output (COAX or Toslink) on the display (typically a TV). You'd then run a digital (COAX or Toslink) cable from the output jack on the back of the TV to your A/V receiver (digital audio input) for the assigned video input.

That configuration is generally supported on most current generation HD TVs and A/V receivers, where you have a HDMI (primary) input along with a Toslink optical or COAX output in close proximity. I have a 60" LG HD Plasma TV with that exact configuration, and although I haven't tried connecting the NUC to it, I'm sure it would work perfectly.

To answer your specific question, unless your computer monitor and sound system supports the above configuration for extracting 7.1 (or 2.1 in your case) embedded audio from the HDMI/DP video stream, you're stuck using the stereo headphone jack on the front of the NUC, which is what I'm using.

I made my own cable, using an 1/8" right-angle stereo (TRS) plug, along with some fairly light (22 gauge) shielded wire/cable. The cable, which is only slightly larger than 1/8" diameter) tucks UNDER the NUC, comes out the back and plugs into my (also Klipsch) 2.1 speakers.

The right-angle plug sticks out the front of the NUC a bit less than 1/3", so it's not that noticeable, and it works GREAT. If you're unable to build your own cables, shop around on NewEgg (or wherever) for one. It shouldn't cost more than a few bucks. You'll want a 1/8" right-angle stereo plug on one end and a straight 1/8" stereo plug on the other end, in whatever length is appropriate for you setup.

Good luck!

Question 8

What wireless keyboard/trackpad?

I'm planning to use this as a set-top box for my TV; mostly for my bilingual kids to watch streaming videos from Chinese-language web sites (similar to YouTube) via a web browser.

Any suggestions for a wireless keyboard that includes a trackpad (since a mouse won't be usable sitting on a couch)?  I'm aware of the USB/wireless issues, and will use a USB extension cable to circumvent that.

Accepted Answer

I'm not a track pad user, so I can't help with that part.

I often use a Gyration Air mouse.  It's not a track pad.  But it works as an on screen pointer.  It's got good range and,  works both held in your hand and as a mouse.  I know you can get keyboard / air mouse packages from Gyration.

It might be something to consider.

I have had good luck with that product.

Question 9

What is it?

Accepted Answer

It's a computer, processor, mother board, and case.  It's very small. About 4x4x2 inches. With Core i5 power.

Question 10

can i install a ssd drive in addition to a 2.5 hdd and dual boot windows and linux?
Chester Burnet

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is room for one 2.5" drive. There is also an M2 slot, though, so you could install an M2 SSD in that slot as well.

Questions & Answers