Also, I think as long as AMD keeps bringing new architectures to mobile/APUs late, and Intel keeps leading their new tech with mobile chips, most manufacturers will prioritize Intel for these systems. Doesn't hurt that they can get sweet bundle deals for WiFi 6 and Ethernet, too.
This looks better than the Nuc to me, but all 4 USB ports on the front, make a no go. There's always 2-3 things plugged in, and I prefer those things in the back of the case. It being a bad value proposition is unfortunate. This is like many tech items, that could have been great, but will end up on sale for 50% off next year. Will cite this article when that happens.
Agree with you on the ports. I have the original LIVA Z for TV / media use and would much prefer to route external HDDs and Skype cameras from the back to keep cords away from grasping toddlers. Only thing I want up front is the wireless keyboard USB. All ports on the back is more of a deal breaker than the price for me...
Generally people need a compact NUC when they are either space constrained (need a reasonably powerful computer in a tight space) or aesthetics constrained (such as a home theater PC). An external USB hub fails on both those needs.
I, for example, am in the market for an HTPC. I need something small enough to sit in the small gap between my TV and my TV stand. I want all ports on the back that go to the external hard drives, the TV, the sound system, the power cord, etc. Except I want for one front USB for the remote control (which works best when the wireless USB is pointing towards the user). Any other USB port in front requires a cable running from the front, dangling down in front of my fireplace, and then routed to the back where the USB port should have been in the first place.
These are always so tempting until I realize for the same price of a OS-less barebones NUC you can get a fully-built micro system with OS from Dell, Lenovo or HP. There's just no getting around the OEM's pricing advantage.
It's strange to see video playback needing dual-channel memory. My LG TV (2020) has no trouble playing that exact video in 4k with HDR on and I doubt it has more HP than an i5.
I'm also on the fence about USB ports. Having them side by side means inserting any USB stick that's not super slim will take out an additional port or two (depending on where you insert it).
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JfromImaginstuff - Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - link
Waiting for the guy who says,"where's the and variant" or something along those linesedzieba - Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - link
And the inevitable "AMD exists so nobody is allowed to review Intel products!!1!" brigade.nandnandnand - Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - link
No AMD, no buy.stephenbrooks - Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - link
The ASRock 4X4 is in the comparison table, so your AMD SFFPC is there.Hul8 - Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - link
Also, I think as long as AMD keeps bringing new architectures to mobile/APUs late, and Intel keeps leading their new tech with mobile chips, most manufacturers will prioritize Intel for these systems. Doesn't hurt that they can get sweet bundle deals for WiFi 6 and Ethernet, too.chrnochime - Thursday, December 24, 2020 - link
Well it'd be AMD and not "and" for starters LOLShowtime - Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - link
This looks better than the Nuc to me, but all 4 USB ports on the front, make a no go. There's always 2-3 things plugged in, and I prefer those things in the back of the case. It being a bad value proposition is unfortunate. This is like many tech items, that could have been great, but will end up on sale for 50% off next year. Will cite this article when that happens.Impetuous - Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - link
Agree with you on the ports. I have the original LIVA Z for TV / media use and would much prefer to route external HDDs and Skype cameras from the back to keep cords away from grasping toddlers. Only thing I want up front is the wireless keyboard USB. All ports on the back is more of a deal breaker than the price for me...Impetuous - Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - link
Sorry, all ports on front*The_Assimilator - Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - link
Allow me to introduce you to a simple and inexpensive device called a "USB hub".dullard - Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - link
Generally people need a compact NUC when they are either space constrained (need a reasonably powerful computer in a tight space) or aesthetics constrained (such as a home theater PC). An external USB hub fails on both those needs.I, for example, am in the market for an HTPC. I need something small enough to sit in the small gap between my TV and my TV stand. I want all ports on the back that go to the external hard drives, the TV, the sound system, the power cord, etc. Except I want for one front USB for the remote control (which works best when the wireless USB is pointing towards the user). Any other USB port in front requires a cable running from the front, dangling down in front of my fireplace, and then routed to the back where the USB port should have been in the first place.
Mr Perfect - Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - link
These are always so tempting until I realize for the same price of a OS-less barebones NUC you can get a fully-built micro system with OS from Dell, Lenovo or HP. There's just no getting around the OEM's pricing advantage.boredsysadmin - Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - link
Dual Wired LAN, decently performing lower TDP CPU, except the price, sounds like good candidate for PFsense boxblppt - Saturday, December 26, 2020 - link
"ECS is a well-known OEM in computing circles, known for building motherboards, computers, and industrial / embedded systems for other vendors"I think just about everybody on here knows ECS for exactly one product---the K7S5A.
bug77 - Wednesday, December 30, 2020 - link
It's strange to see video playback needing dual-channel memory. My LG TV (2020) has no trouble playing that exact video in 4k with HDR on and I doubt it has more HP than an i5.I'm also on the fence about USB ports. Having them side by side means inserting any USB stick that's not super slim will take out an additional port or two (depending on where you insert it).