As always, Rob, I like your balance of metrics and your personal reactions. I have two gen 10 NUC's and three 11's, and I love them. I ordered an ASUS PN51 and returned it the next day: it may have been a good performer but I couldn't deal with the noise and cheap it felt compared to the NUC's. That surprised me as I think ASUS motherboards are terrific and had hoped for a similar feel about their minis. I'm also very glad you're still posting reviews, of whatever, as I enjoy them even if I'm not especially interested in all of the products. Thanks.
My NUC12WSHi5 is due to arrive tomorrow. I'll be upgrading from a NUC8i5BEH unit so I'll be jumping over several generations. Looking forward to lots of incremental improvements (CPU, GPU, TB4, NVMe 4 to name just a few).
Good review. My original plan was to buy the Asus PN 64. One main reason is because I'm a loyal Asus fan. Have a Asus laptop, Zenfone, router, custom PC has Asus MB and vid card, Asus monitor, everything is virtually Asus. But after reading multiple reviews on the NUC 12 Pro i5 1240P, with WIN11 Pro, I decided this was a better route to go. Especially during Amazon Prime days, got it for $720 CDN. A bargain that just could not resist.
Also, while you ding the NUC 12's for having such a physically large power brick (120 watt), if you look at the customer reviews of some of the other SFF PC's that you've reviewed, like the UM560 which you rate fairly highly, you'll find several complaints from people whose systems were unstable or shut off at load, which they solved by having to buy a larger USB-C power adapter (around 100W), since the units ship with only 65w adapters and apparently their systems need to draw that or more. I think GaN adapters, while small and pretty, would add a fair bit to the cost of a NUC. So I'm OK with a lower price point with a larger brick since the brick will be tucked away out of sight anyway. And I'd rather that Intel go "too large" (even physically) than "too small" and spare me from having to buy a larger-capacity power adapter. Plus, the power adapter needs to do more than just power the NUC, powering all of the power-hungry things plugged into it (not every accessory will have its own power adapter) so IMHO going big with a 120W power brick is just fine in my books, even if it does dwarf the NUC.
Posts like this? A couple users were above stock TDP of their systems which put them over the limit. I had no stability issues at stock settings and the power draw didn't reach higher than 63W from the wall under a full core load in all my tests, so I don't know what else to tell you. As for NUCs, I've seen smaller equivalent wattage power supplies on plenty of laptops. It's a profit margin increasing exercise. The Delippo PSU I reviewed puts all the NUC ones to shame and isn't even GaN. I actually used it for this review. Intel bundles the cheapest PSU they can find. www.reddit.com/r/MiniPCs/comments/wac8i4/sudden_shut_downs_with_minisforum_um_560/
Nice review as always Rob. Bought the PN64 12700H a few weeks back, but had to return it since I couldn't get it to boot with 64 GB (tried three different kits). ASUS later changed the spec of the unit, stating that it actually doesn't support 64 GB. So now have a NUC12 i7 incoming instead.
Hmm, they might have tweaked memory support with the BIOS update. You probably still wouldn't be able to use it without updating with a smaller sized stick. Anyway, I think it made for a good swap.
Mini PCs are my go to form factor from here on out. New AMD processors max out at 95c right out of the gate, and I don't want a desktop CPU with that high of a TDP heating up my room. Give me a 35-40w CPU and that'll do the job.
Hi Rob, one-question, how is possible that you had almost 98w power draw as maximum? i thought that 64w is the maximum cap on this NUC 12 product? did you change the bios set-up? i never had more than 50w cpu power during egpu used via thunderbolt 4
@@Robtech hmm i tried to use cpu bench stess test via cpuZ, but the maximum cap is 64w (same as bios PL2), but during the gaming via Thunderbolt 4, the maximum is around 50w (due to fact, that igpu is disabled and the additional power is drawing from egpu box)..., so, therefore i am asking if there is some workaround to use more wats during gaming?! :)
Thanks for the review Rob! I just bought an Intel NUC 12 Pro (NUC12WSHi5 with Core i5-1240P 4.4GHz) but I'm getting really low scores. And I never see those 4.4Ghz in any software. I've considered this to be a nice upgrade from my old Dell OptiPlex 7080 MFF (with Core i5-10500T), but I see even lower scores on Intel NUC. For example, in Winrar Benchmark, my old i5-10500T is crushing the new i5-1240P. And that should be impossible! I've did the BIOS update, I've checked if something is wrong in the BIOS... using the latest drivers... What else can I try?
Start by checking the Cinebench numbers compared to mine if you haven't already. If they're way off, run Hardware info with the sensor's summary on and check if the mini is overheating while running Cinebench. You'll see the CPU package power drop as it gets too hot. Almost 100C is not anything strange for a full core load though, but the performance should be similar.
@@Robtech I did a small test, and mine gave 3845 points in Cinebench score, while you got 4009. Have you tweaked yours, somehow? Or you are testing at default settings? Also, noticed mine is really super noisy when in full load... I've benchmarked them both at the same time, and my old Dell Optiplex 7080 MFF I couldn't even hear it running...
i5 costs 160 eur less than i7. Is i7 worth the extra because the performance gain seems to be negligible both for single and multicore. Any other reasons why I should buy i7 instead i5 ?
Do you recommend the slim/short or tall chassis NUC? Does the taller one dissipate heater better and is thus quieter? Or both same? I only need NVMe, no SATA.
I'd go with the tall. I've never had both models with the same CPU at the same time. But having tested them apart, I do know the tall does have better heat dissipation. However, it still won't stop the fan from ramping up if you have it under load for a long time, it just delays it.
Hi Rob. Beelink is claiming that their new SEI12 with an i5-1235P is doubling 3DMark scores vs the 1235P. Granted, it has 2 fans, but given that Passmark shows the 1240P as he more powerful processor, I'm wondering what you think and if you might be able to review and compare their new SEI12. Just a suggestion, and again, always thanks for your reviews.
Hey Dave, appreciate the heads up on this one. I will grab it for review. Even if I ignore the score, what benchmark/score are they comparing in 3DMark? Whatever the case, I don't see how it's possible. But we'll find out soon 😉
How's the wifi connectivity performance? Any drop in speed or disconnections noticed? I'd like to replace my existing Beelink J45 mini pc with J4205 Processor since it is giving only 10-15 Mbps on my 100 Mbps connection
Nice little unit. Probably the i7 could be ahead in R23 multicore with a proper undervolt with ThrottleStop, instead of the stock frying setup hahahaha
Any budget 3200MHz kit is fine. The high end kits (Crucial Ballistix) won't work at 3200 since NUCs don't support XMP (Xtreme Memory Profile). 16GB (2x8GB) should be enough for most users.
No, I don't review minis that outdated. The 3550H is almost 4 years old now. I've been offered a few 3000 series minis for review this year and I've declined.
Intel still can't make power efficient computers ARM64 computers have now become superior over Intel's consumer market. I'm running an 8 core OrangePi 5 Plus 16GB DDR4 RAM Wifi6 with an NVMe drive playing FHD 1080p high detail FPG games at 60FPS rockstable and smooth as butter using only 10 Watts of power at roughly 40 degrees Celsius costing less than 200 Euro
As always, Rob, I like your balance of metrics and your personal reactions. I have two gen 10 NUC's and three 11's, and I love them. I ordered an ASUS PN51 and returned it the next day: it may have been a good performer but I couldn't deal with the noise and cheap it felt compared to the NUC's. That surprised me as I think ASUS motherboards are terrific and had hoped for a similar feel about their minis. I'm also very glad you're still posting reviews, of whatever, as I enjoy them even if I'm not especially interested in all of the products. Thanks.
Greetings from the eye of hurricane Ivan, thanks for posting and keeping my mind of the looming threat, even for just a few minute. Cheers
Stay safe! Leave the NUC behind if you have to 😅
Fantastic review! Really great balance of games and charts
My NUC12WSHi5 is due to arrive tomorrow. I'll be upgrading from a NUC8i5BEH unit so I'll be jumping over several generations. Looking forward to lots of incremental improvements (CPU, GPU, TB4, NVMe 4 to name just a few).
Oh, you're in for a treat with that upgrade.
Good review. My original plan was to buy the Asus PN 64. One main reason is because I'm a loyal Asus fan. Have a Asus laptop, Zenfone, router, custom PC has Asus MB and vid card, Asus monitor, everything is virtually Asus.
But after reading multiple reviews on the NUC 12 Pro i5 1240P, with WIN11 Pro, I decided this was a better route to go. Especially during Amazon Prime days, got it for $720 CDN. A bargain that just could not resist.
Picked it up and added 64gigs ram. Will be a nice little VM beast server.
Also, while you ding the NUC 12's for having such a physically large power brick (120 watt), if you look at the customer reviews of some of the other SFF PC's that you've reviewed, like the UM560 which you rate fairly highly, you'll find several complaints from people whose systems were unstable or shut off at load, which they solved by having to buy a larger USB-C power adapter (around 100W), since the units ship with only 65w adapters and apparently their systems need to draw that or more.
I think GaN adapters, while small and pretty, would add a fair bit to the cost of a NUC. So I'm OK with a lower price point with a larger brick since the brick will be tucked away out of sight anyway. And I'd rather that Intel go "too large" (even physically) than "too small" and spare me from having to buy a larger-capacity power adapter. Plus, the power adapter needs to do more than just power the NUC, powering all of the power-hungry things plugged into it (not every accessory will have its own power adapter) so IMHO going big with a 120W power brick is just fine in my books, even if it does dwarf the NUC.
Posts like this? A couple users were above stock TDP of their systems which put them over the limit. I had no stability issues at stock settings and the power draw didn't reach higher than 63W from the wall under a full core load in all my tests, so I don't know what else to tell you. As for NUCs, I've seen smaller equivalent wattage power supplies on plenty of laptops. It's a profit margin increasing exercise. The Delippo PSU I reviewed puts all the NUC ones to shame and isn't even GaN. I actually used it for this review. Intel bundles the cheapest PSU they can find. www.reddit.com/r/MiniPCs/comments/wac8i4/sudden_shut_downs_with_minisforum_um_560/
Nice review as always Rob. Bought the PN64 12700H a few weeks back, but had to return it since I couldn't get it to boot with 64 GB (tried three different kits). ASUS later changed the spec of the unit, stating that it actually doesn't support 64 GB. So now have a NUC12 i7 incoming instead.
Hmm, they might have tweaked memory support with the BIOS update. You probably still wouldn't be able to use it without updating with a smaller sized stick. Anyway, I think it made for a good swap.
Gracias por otro video y por tu sinceridad
Hey Rob, what do you think about the minisforum nucX17?
I will let you know when I review next month. Got it pre-ordered 👍
Super helpful Rob. Thank you.
Mini PCs are my go to form factor from here on out. New AMD processors max out at 95c right out of the gate, and I don't want a desktop CPU with that high of a TDP heating up my room. Give me a 35-40w CPU and that'll do the job.
plus points for the streets of rage shirt!
The thermals and noises are what I care about, thanks.
Come back of the Nuc 👍💪🏆😉
Wow imagine this PC inside an Akasa Case.
Thanks Rob!
Hi Rob, one-question, how is possible that you had almost 98w power draw as maximum? i thought that 64w is the maximum cap on this NUC 12 product? did you change the bios set-up? i never had more than 50w cpu power during egpu used via thunderbolt 4
Try an all core load workload like Cinebench R23 with a wattage meter from the wall. It's why a 120W power supply is included.
@@Robtech hmm i tried to use cpu bench stess test via cpuZ, but the maximum cap is 64w (same as bios PL2), but during the gaming via Thunderbolt 4, the maximum is around 50w (due to fact, that igpu is disabled and the additional power is drawing from egpu box)..., so, therefore i am asking if there is some workaround to use more wats during gaming?! :)
Thanks for the review Rob! I just bought an Intel NUC 12 Pro (NUC12WSHi5 with Core i5-1240P 4.4GHz) but I'm getting really low scores. And I never see those 4.4Ghz in any software. I've considered this to be a nice upgrade from my old Dell OptiPlex 7080 MFF (with Core i5-10500T), but I see even lower scores on Intel NUC. For example, in Winrar Benchmark, my old i5-10500T is crushing the new i5-1240P. And that should be impossible! I've did the BIOS update, I've checked if something is wrong in the BIOS... using the latest drivers... What else can I try?
Start by checking the Cinebench numbers compared to mine if you haven't already. If they're way off, run Hardware info with the sensor's summary on and check if the mini is overheating while running Cinebench. You'll see the CPU package power drop as it gets too hot. Almost 100C is not anything strange for a full core load though, but the performance should be similar.
@@Robtech I did a small test, and mine gave 3845 points in Cinebench score, while you got 4009. Have you tweaked yours, somehow? Or you are testing at default settings? Also, noticed mine is really super noisy when in full load... I've benchmarked them both at the same time, and my old Dell Optiplex 7080 MFF I couldn't even hear it running...
@@MonkY2k2 Is your room temperature the same?
i5 costs 160 eur less than i7. Is i7 worth the extra because the performance gain seems to be negligible both for single and multicore. Any other reasons why I should buy i7 instead i5 ?
Do you recommend the slim/short or tall chassis NUC? Does the taller one dissipate heater better and is thus quieter? Or both same? I only need NVMe, no SATA.
I'd go with the tall. I've never had both models with the same CPU at the same time. But having tested them apart, I do know the tall does have better heat dissipation. However, it still won't stop the fan from ramping up if you have it under load for a long time, it just delays it.
I would always choose the tall chassis, because it is more valuable later if you decide to sell it or give it away.
Does not matter if you buy akasa fanless case lol.
What about DDR5? The CPU supports this memory.
DDR4 slots for DDR4 only.
Hi Rob. Beelink is claiming that their new SEI12 with an i5-1235P is doubling 3DMark scores vs the 1235P. Granted, it has 2 fans, but given that Passmark shows the 1240P as he more powerful processor, I'm wondering what you think and if you might be able to review and compare their new SEI12. Just a suggestion, and again, always thanks for your reviews.
Sorry, I meant to say that Beelink was comparing their 1235P to the 1250P in the NUC.
Hey Dave, appreciate the heads up on this one. I will grab it for review. Even if I ignore the score, what benchmark/score are they comparing in 3DMark? Whatever the case, I don't see how it's possible. But we'll find out soon 😉
You'd love the NUC 11 i5 naked boards. You can NEVER hear the fan (I have an AVC fan in mine - good quality)
How's the wifi connectivity performance? Any drop in speed or disconnections noticed? I'd like to replace my existing Beelink J45 mini pc with J4205 Processor since it is giving only 10-15 Mbps on my 100 Mbps connection
Intel minis have some of the best WiFi performance around.
@@Robtech Thank you for the quick response
Nice little unit. Probably the i7 could be ahead in R23 multicore with a proper undervolt with ThrottleStop, instead of the stock frying setup hahahaha
Hey Rob, I went with the i7 tall version, do you know if the samsung 980 pro with heatsink will fit? Thanks
Not sure what size the heatsink is, but might be possible if you rip out the thermal pad from the bottom lid
@@Robtech jejeje, cool. Thanks Rob
Do you think Akasa will come out with a passive cooling case for the NUC 12 Pro?
It's likely. But will need to cover the wattage increase, so unlikely to be the same cases as last gen.
Akasa now has a Turinig WS on its website. Not sure it's actually on the market yet.
twitter.com/FanlessTech/status/1577063704503255040?t=pp6H9tnqZs8tRxPr7ZsZsA&s=19
Do you have advice for RAM kits to pair with this?
Any budget 3200MHz kit is fine. The high end kits (Crucial Ballistix) won't work at 3200 since NUCs don't support XMP (Xtreme Memory Profile). 16GB (2x8GB) should be enough for most users.
Noise? I want silent. Which NUC is quietest?
The i3. But it's definitely not silent.
Do you think it is worth instead of 11
In the end 😊
Sure, but don't like the price increase for features most won't need
the Nuc1217 is way more interesting but also a bit more costly
Minisforum UM350 review coming?
No, I don't review minis that outdated. The 3550H is almost 4 years old now. I've been offered a few 3000 series minis for review this year and I've declined.
I am transferring my Intel NUC girls into a silent Akasa case all! I never ever want fan noise again.
I want one !
The fan is It silent to put this mini PC in my TV room ?! Thank you
Depends what it's going to be used for and how loud the audio is. Anyway, there are plenty of quieter mini PCs out there.
Power supply and no cord?
Mini pc
That is indeed what it is.
Intel still can't make power efficient computers ARM64 computers have now become superior over Intel's consumer market. I'm running an 8 core OrangePi 5 Plus 16GB DDR4 RAM Wifi6 with an NVMe drive playing FHD 1080p high detail FPG games at 60FPS rockstable and smooth as butter using only 10 Watts of power at roughly 40 degrees Celsius costing less than 200 Euro