Question 1

Does it come with the processor installed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mine did. You should be aware that the i3 model can only accommodate 1 hard drive or ssd while the i7 version can have 2. My wife has been using the i3 for moderate tasks and is quite pleased with it.

Question 2

does it have an hdmi connection?

Accepted Answer

Tom,

Yes, the GB-BXi3-4010 come with a HDMI port and a Mini-display port.

Question 3

Does this unit pass audio over HDMI or does it require the use of the headphone jack on the front?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I have one connected to TV via HDMI and it does pass audio.
BTW: It also supplies audio over front headphone adapter, which I use with wireless headphones when the HDMI - to AMP - to TV is too loud at night for sleepers.  Both work great.  The HDMI audio is 5.1 in my case because that what my amp is.  I have not tested optical via adapter yet.

Question 4

Do I need to buy RAM and an OS?

Accepted Answer

Yes you have to provide your now operating system, I installed windows 7 professional. You also have to provide your own ram for the system also, which i went with G.Skill Ripjaws 1.35v part # F3-1600C9D-8GRSL ddr3l -1600 pc3l - 12800 cl9-9-9-28 4096MD x 2.

It been a great setup with no problems as of yet. 
good luck with your decision.

Question 5

What kind of storage comes on this device?

Accepted Answer

None. It is a barebones kit and you have to provide the memory and storage for it. The type of storage compatible for this unit is mSATA SSDs.

If you would like to use a 2,5in Drive. The GB-BXi3H version is designed to accomidate one as well as a mSATA SSD.

Question 6

Can I put a 2.5" sata hard drive into the box?

Accepted Answer

No, but you can w/the BRIX GB-BXi3H-4010 (note the "H" in the model name). The model without the H is msata only.

Question 7

does it come with the cpu?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it comes with an Intel Core i3 4010U. The only thing you need to purcahse seperately for this unit is memory (DDR3L SO-DIMMS @ 1.35v) and mSATA SSD.

Question 8

hi, does this have WiFi card?

Accepted Answer

yes it does.but I can not say anything about its quality.some have said it doesn't pick up signal very well.I use the LAN.hope that helps.

Question 9

Do I need to buy mSata card?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as I understand the question. The mSATA card serves as the "system disk" holding the operating system for the brix, thus making the whole thing "solid state" to use an archaic term, now meaning no "mechanical parts!"

Now you might to be able to load an operating system (Linux) onto an SD card and set the BIOS to boot from that but I haven't tried it. I really don't think SD cards are a good substitution for a SSD.

Hope this helps

Question 10

Is there any way to change/increase the RAM allocated to video memory use?  Is it "stuck" at 64 mb?

Accepted Answer

In Windows 7/8 the amount of Video memory is dynamically controlled by the GPU. The base amount is set in the bios either at 64MB or 128MB and as needed will increase the VM allocation up to ~ 1.7GB. Intel calls this Dynamic Video Memory Technology or DVMT.

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