Terminal Thoughts

Although at that place's no avoiding the fact that the Core i5-3337U International Relations and Security Network't up to snuff with Intel's desktop chips, often falling keister level the Pentium G2020, the GB Brix is jolly snappy for a system that measures only 4.5 x 4.24 x 1.18". Both the i5-3337U and the G2020 are based on Hedera helix Bridge deck and feature two cores with a 3MB L3 cache. They differ in clock speed and number of lendable duds.

The Pentium G2020 is set at 2.9GHz and lacks HyperThreading which limits it to two threads, piece the i5-3337U runs at only 1.8GHz but can parachute to 2.7GHz with Turbo Promote and supports four threads courtesy of HT. These configurations made for some competing results between the two parts, though it's Worth noting that the G2020 is still pretty slow by desktop standards, indeed still if the i5-3337U was consistently faster -- and it ISN't -- it would be a small victory in the grand scheme of things.

Although they may contribution performance margins, the i5-3337U's value comes into question when you consider the fact that the G2020 is practically cheaper at $70 versus the i5's manufacturer suggested price of $225. As we mentioned earlier, Intel's NUC systems have witnessed limited enthusiast occupy and we fear the Brix will endure a similar fate considering it's $420 up front sans RAM, SSD and OS.

Dedicated TechSpot readers May recall a recent clause in which we elaborated the litigate of building a lowly form divisor gaming, and that makes for a timely comparison to this barebones kit out. If we crammed 8GB of RAM, a 128GB SSD with Windows 8, the Pentium G2020 along an Asrock Z77TM-ITX into the fanless Akasa Euler shape, IT would cost $620. You could even do a similar i5 Haswell build for under $750.

In addition to being cheaper and faster, selecting each component provides more options all around, not least in customizability and connectivity. As a drawback, the Akasa Euler is bigger, but you put up still backing it to the back of a monitor and hide it from view if that's a priority -- few carry on breaker. If you insist on avoiding building a system from scratch, we'd also seriously take buying a laptop over the Brix.

An i5-3337U-powered laptop keister Be had for to a lesser extent than $750 and that price includes everything you need for a exhaustive experience: an integrated display, input hardware and an operating organization. Notebooks also accompany a assault and battery which is obviously useful for mobile computing, but it can also serve as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) when the notebook computer is docked with full-size peripherals.

For its size, the Brix's functioning managed to impress a few of my tech-savvy friends, but that doesn't necessarily make it a interoperable choice. After all, WHO needs a pouch-sized desktop computer? The point of such a machine becomes moot when its first-string advantage isn't really in question. Monitors typically span 24" these days and that's big enough to skin just about any ultra-compact PC.

With such high pricing, NUC barebones systems motionless don't seem rather ready for primetime. That isn't to say nobody should own a Brix -- just not those who can't instantly benefit from its impressively diminutive body. Although the simple machine is fast enough for general habit, we'd be fools not to recommend one of the better value options over Intel/Gigabyte's resolution to small-form-factor computing.

Pros: Decent everyday operation in a laughably compact package that's at least somewhat customizable as you outfit the barebones outfit with your own RAM, SSD, Wi-Fi module and OS.

Cons: Poor value compared to similar desktops/laptops, specially after you factor in the monetary value the above-mentioned parts. Our build would possess cost $750, which is severe to rationalis in our opinion.