Intel NUC DN2820FYKH with Intel Celeron N2820, 2.5 inch HDD support, Sliver and Black

This is a great little machine for light duty needs. The built in wifi is pretty handy, and with video and audio both carried over HDMI it makes for a clean installation. Built-in IR works great with my Logitech Harmony remote for media playback controls. The Bay Trail-M Celeron CPU runs cool and quiet and has plenty of power for my use, as a Home Theater PC.Keep in mind this *IS A KIT*, not a ready-to-run computer, so you will need to be comfortable installing your memory and disk drive, as well as the OS, drivers, and BIOS updates as you would with any other scratch-built PC. Fortunately you can pick up all the drivers at once from Intel just by searching the model number: DN2820FYKHI went with Windows 8.1 and use Plex Home Theater for its nice couch-friendly interface, which feels every bit as smooth and responsive as it does on the much more powerful i5 machine being replaced. I was concerned whether the little Celeron would have enough horsepower but I've had zero issues playing back 1080P content with DTS or AC3 audio from my NAS drive in the closet. Playing, rewinding and fast forwarding feels instantaneous.The Windows 8 Netflix app allows Dolby Digital Plus surround playback at higher bitrates than supported from the browser, and again the NUC had no troubles keeping up with HD content.All in all this makes a great HTPC and media streamer if you're looking for something a bit more powerful and flexible than a Roku/Apple TV/etc, for less than $200.

Quick Synopsis is: Great if you're going to hardline your internet to it and using it for movies as I only see the occasional stutter. My personal opinion opt for a better processor NUC and buy your own wireless card to install. But this is great for a budget, just far from perfect.Pros:Pretty Cheap, even after a HDD.Great for just browsing the internet or watching movies on your TVFull Size HDMI(other models have a mini HDMI)Cons:Horrible WiFi Card so factor that into your pricingONLY 1 Slot for RAM (Okay in most instances but I had bought RAM with the intention of upgrading later)ONLY 1 m-SATA slot which is occupied by the Wifi card, and the Stand off to screw the card in which means you can't use a m-SATA thereCPU is Slow.... Stutters when watching Netflix or even movies on the SSDNo mini Display port(other models have this)2.5" SSD tray is very tricky to get out witchout pulling it's very short wires.A more in depth scathing review:This is ok, got one as a HTPC and it's working pretty well. I get the occasional screen stutter. I would opt for one with a better CPU if you're watching movies on it. I didn't see that it only came with 1 DIMM slot for RAM, which kinda stinks, but thats my fault for not reading close enough (better models have 2, so I assumed). I also assumed it had an m-SATA port as better models have that. but this only has 1 which is occupied by the WiFi chip, I thought the 2.5" support was in addition to having an m-SATA drive, again, also my fault for not combing through enough documentation. This DOES have a full size HDMI port where as some of the better models have a mini HDMI port AND a display port, this only has full size HDMI. The WiFi chip included is complete garbage ( I have 30Mbps down 5Mbps Up internet and an ASUS AC1750 Gigabit Router as well as everything else working on my network so this has no excuse not to work.). I have my system hard lined and the WiFi disabled. Also the 2.5" hdd/ssd tray is a pain to get in and out and I feel like I'm going to pull the wires out.

This box is a capable little media streamer, and seems to handle all of the media that I throw at it. It does not, however, handle flash based video playback in windows very well. Tried to use this as a little windows box, but the p[layback on any flash based content was absolutely awful.Repurposed this box as a small HTPC with XBMC on it, and I haven't looked back. Playback is smooth, and seeking doesn't seem to cause a problem for it. All in all, a fantastic HTPC box for media on the network. The built in IR receiver works perfectly with my eHome MCE remote. Using the built in receiver allows for turning on and off the box via remote control, which is a must for my HTPCs.This does take the full 2.5" SSD, which saves a bit on pricing to complete the kit.