Intel’s new entry-level mini PCs, codenamed Pinnacle Canyon, have appeared in retail channels and will start at $140. The new NUCs, NUC5CPYH and NUC5PPYH, will replace the Baytrail-M versions that were available in 2014 and add an SD card slot, optical audio output, optional VGA and replaceable lid modules. A consumer IR receiver is included on the front of the unit.
Intel’s Braswell-based NUCs for 2015
NUC5CPYB and NUC5PPYB include a fan
The entry-level NUC5CPYH features a 1.6 GHz Intel Celeron N3050 dual-core processor and is showing in US retail channels for about $140 which roughly matches the price of the outgoing N2830 model. The higher-end NUC5PPYH has a 1.6 GHz Intel Pentium N3700 quad-core chip and is showing for $180.
The new processors are part of the Braswell line that replaces the Baytrail-M family and include upgraded graphics, improvements in audio processing efficiency and are built on the 14nm process. Clock-for-clock comparisons with Baytrail-M won’t show much CPU improvement but improved efficiency will mean that either Turbo Boost can run for longer or that the units can run without a fan for longer. The improved graphics system means you could be looking at entry-level desktop gaming (Minecraft, World of Warcraft) but that’s not really where these units are targeted.
The new units will include a fan so these aren’t silent PC systems although the fan on the Baytrail-M models was almost silent so it shouldn’t worry home theater users.
Performance will be good enough for Kodi [I use Openelec with my Baytrail-M NUC] and you have the option of booting from USB or installing a SATA drive in the 2.5 inch slot inside. Transcoding streamers like Plex might see some limits in the processing power.
NUC5CPYB, NUC5PPYB block diagram
The NUC5CPYH and NUC5PPYH can take up to 8GB of RAM in the single SO-DIMM slot. (RAM and storage are not included in the NUC.)
The Intel HD graphics controller features the following:
- HDMI 1.4b
- 3D graphics hardware acceleration supporting DirectX*11, OCL 1.2, OGL ES Halti/2.0/1.1, OGL 3.2
- Video decode hardware acceleration supporting H.264, MPEG2, MVC, VC-1, WMV9 and VP8 formats
- Video encode hardware acceleration supporting H.264, MPEG2 and MVC formats
- High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) 1.4/2.1 support for content protection.
- Max output resolution: 1920×1080 at 60 FPS.
A Dual-band AC (1×1) wireless module is included with the NUCs.
The Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165 module provides hi-speed wireless connectivity with the following capabilities: • 2nd Gen 802.11ac, Dual Band, 1×1 Wi-Fi + Dual Mode Bluetooth 4.0 • Maximum Transfer speed up to 433Mbps • Supports Intel® Wireless Display (WiDi) • Supports Intel® Smart Connect Technology • Pre-installed in M.2 2230 slot
Full technical specifications available in this Intel PDF.
Hat-tip: Fanlesstech, NotebookItalia
