Question 1

How do install the OS if there is no Optical drive?

Accepted Answer

Using a different computer, you could create an install USB Thumbdrive using the original install disks or iso (Microsoft website has instructions).  Or you can use an external DVD Drive (search NewEgg for External DVD Drive).

Question 2

So it has a soldered in cpu but there is no memory or hard drive with it correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct, it is a barebones system.

Question 3

What resolution HD does this produce? 1080p? 720p? Thanks.

Accepted Answer

I've used it on both 720p TV and 1080p projector.  Also used it on a 1920 x 1200 monitor.  Just make sure you adjust your TVs overscan settings or it will trim a small amount off all 4 sides of the normal windows display.

Question 4

can i put an internal harddrive in this?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can mount a 2.5" (laptop) size hard drive. I recommend a 5400 RPM or SSD drive. (I run a SSD drive). The reason is this small case tend to run hot.

Question 5

How much RAM does it have?

Accepted Answer

It's barebones, which means it doesn't include memory. It had one SODIMM slot and requires 1.35v memory. I have 4GB in mine running Windows 8.1 and it is great. I love this little machine.

Question 6

Is RAM included?

Accepted Answer

No, you add your own 1.35V memory module - like those used in newer laptops.  You also need your own hard drive - preferably a SSD.

Question 7

Can Ubuntu work on this device without tweaks?

Accepted Answer

I downloaded Ubuntu 14.04.1 Desktop 64bit for this test,and made a bootable USB stick out of it. The Brix had USB mouse & keyboard, speakers plugged into the speaker/mic jack, and HDMI to a 1920x1080p monitor, and Ethernet in the RJ45 jack. I booted the USB stick and selected 'Try Ubuntu'
It played the startup sound, and brought me to a 1920x1080 desktop. (I did not test the microphone.) The Ethernet LAN automatically connected to let me surf. I disconnected the LAN, and connected to my WiFi (WPA/WPA2) with no problems. (My router only does b/g/n, so I don't know if it connects to 801.2ac.)
Bluetooth did not appear to work (at least not 'out of the box'), but I know very little about it. My Win7 laptop saw devices around it, and the Ubuntu Brix (sitting next to it) did not.
I don't know anything about testing hardware acceleration under Ubuntu, so I just ran the 'System Testing' app that comes with Ubuntu. I ran it for Bluetooth, and Graphics. It says Bluetooth passed, so maybe I just didn't know how to use it. It passed the 6 graphics tests also, but I'm not sure what was tested.
I hope this helps. I really like my Brix; I've got 3 of them now.

Question 8

Is it possible to replace the CPU in this computer? I had this unit for two weeks now. Everything is OK with it, except it is not powerful enough to play 1080p videos.

Accepted Answer

On 32 bit Windows, the included video driver does not install, but Windows does support the chip, making one think the drivers are OK. They're not. One should do the following for x64 Windows too:

Go to the Intel Site

downloadcenter DOT intel DOTcom/SearchResult.aspx?lang=&ProductID=3319&ProdId=3319

and download the latest driver. It's called an HD graphics chip, so it should play 1080p just fine

Question 9

would any of you think the cpu of the system be powerful enough to run steam in home streaming to it?

Accepted Answer

I have mine fleshed out with a 60GB SSD and 4GB of RAM, and I use it to play 1080p video across the network from my NAS, it is actually running Kodi (formerly XBMC), on Windows 8.1 and works flawlessly.  It is on 24/7 and only reboots for OS Updates.

Hope that helps.

Question 10

64 Bit OS or 32 Bit? I Might get one of these but I don't know which arcitecture to use.

Accepted Answer

Bios on device recommends 64 bit win 7 , 32 or 64 bit win 8.x. Ubuntu 32 bit was ok. Ensure 1.35V RAM and msata to 2.5" sata converter if buying SSD with mSata. Well designed machine.

Questions & Answers