Remember the recent review we did on the new Xiaomi mini PC? We even released a video review for it:
This video is also the most viewed Xiaomi mini PC review on Bilibili, feel free to check it out!
(Just search for the model to find it)
While reviewing that computer, we also bought an Intel NUC Wall Street Canyon for comparison. The sizes of these two computers are very close, and their interfaces and cooling designs are identical, but since the Intel NUC does not come with memory or storage, it is a
“barebones system”
product, which makes it cheaper.
So which one is more worth recommending, the Intel NUC or the Xiaomi mini PC? Let’s analyze it briefly today:
Intel NUC Wall Street Canyon (barebones system)
Swipe left to see the interfaces
Side view of the device
Front view of the device
Back view of the device
Its specifications are as follows:
i5-1240P processor
No memory
No storage
Length 117.0mm
Width 112.2mm
Height 33.6mm
Weight 532g
Adapter weight 345g (no standard power cable included)
Reference price 3199 yuan
Its pros and cons are as follows:
Advantages!
1. Compact size, supports VESA mounting
2. Rich interfaces
3. Good internal expandability, dual M.2 + memory slots
Disadvantages!
1. Barebones version lacks a standard power cable (some stores may offer it as a gift from customer service)
2. Interfaces are too dense, prone to conflicts
3. No memory or storage, not friendly for beginners
Upgrade Suggestions
Disassembling this NUC is not difficult; simply unscrew the back cover after removing the D-shell screws. And since it is a barebones system, users will inevitably need to open it upon receipt, so some disassembly skills are required.
Based on daily usage needs, we installed dual-channel 16GB DDR4 3200MHz memory during testing. If users have a high demand for software quantity, it is recommended to upgrade to 32GB or more.
We installed a solid-state drive with a capacity of 512GB, model Yangtze Memory PC300, supporting PCIe4.0×4 and NVMe. Considering that disassembly can be cumbersome, it is recommended to go for a 1TB or larger capacity all at once.
Note that the second slot only supportsB-KEY interface,SATA bus,2242 length solid-state drives.
Purchase Suggestions
1. Seeking compactness that doesn’t occupy desktop space
2. Not needing to use it anywhere like a laptop
3. Having some hands-on ability
The biggest feature of the Intel NUC Wall Street Canyon barebones version is its configuration; it comes standard without memory or storage, and even lacks a power cable, making it not “ready to use” upon arrival.
Regarding interfaces, the front of the device has two USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A interfaces and a 3.5mm audio interface;
the back of the device has a power interface, two Thunderbolt 4, two HDMI2.0b, RJ45 network port, USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A interfaces, and a USB2.0 interface, which is much richer compared to thin laptops with integrated graphics.
Regarding noise, at an ambient noise level of 35.2dB, in Cool mode, its full-load decibel level is 49.8dB; after manually unlocking the power consumption, its full-load decibel level is 53.4dB, overall slightly lower than the Xiaomi mini PC.
The test point is the same as a laptop, and actual usage noise will be lower since you will place it further away.
The Intel NUC Wall Street Canyon offers many configuration options, but JD’s self-operated store only has the barebones version available, which requires some hands-on ability. If you are a computer novice and like this device, you may consider the Xiaomi mini PC with a shared design, or find a third-party store that sells a “pre-installed” version. However, if you are already a computer expert, then the barebones version’s customizability is stronger and more worth recommending.
The Final Thoughts
The above image shows the disassembly photos of the Intel NUC Wall Street Canyon, featuring a single fan and dual heat pipes combination.
Room temperature 25℃
Reflectivity 1.0
BIOS version: WSADL357.0085.202
In Cool mode, using Stress FPU for testing, under full load, the CPU temperature peaked at 97℃, stabilized at 81℃, with a power consumption of 43W, and the P-core frequency maintained at 2.9GHz, while the E-core frequency maintained at 2.6GHz.
If testing with unlocked power consumption in the BIOS, the CPU maintained at 100℃, power consumption 58.7W, P-core frequency 3.3GHz, E-core frequency 2.9GHz.
Temperature behind the machine after stress testing
Temperature above the machine after stress testing
The surface temperature is shown in the above image, with heat sources mainly concentrated near the rear exhaust vent, the highest temperature being 51.2℃, and the temperature near the rear interfaces around 45℃, with the center point directly above the device being 36.4℃.
Overall, the Intel NUC Wall Street Canyon’s cooling performance is average, aggressive in performance release, but with higher temperatures and noise. Considering you won’t be touching it often, the higher temperatures aren’t a big deal, and placing it further away will reduce the perceived noise.
Since it is a sibling of the Xiaomi mini PC, let’s do a simple comparison between the two to see what differences exist:
1. First, let’s clarify that, whether it is the Wall Street Canyon or the Xiaomi mini PC, both use Intel’s original motherboard and cooling design, and the interface specifications are the same. Therefore, their usage experience is 90% identical, with minimal differences.
2. In terms of appearance, the Xiaomi mini PC is more refined, while the Intel NUC Wall Street Canyon has a more “industrial” look. However, the Wall Street Canyon supports VESA mounting, allowing it to be hung on a monitor, a feature that Xiaomi does not offer. Additionally, the Wall Street Canyon has a “thick version” that supports 2.5-inch hard drives, which Xiaomi lacks.
3. In terms of price, Xiaomi is currently priced at 3999 yuan, which is more expensive, but they have previously offered a crowdfunding “barebones version” for 2799 yuan, which is much cheaper, although that has already ended. Intel doesn’t have many pricing options, just a price of 3199 yuan, and they don’t provide a power cable. (Yes, I care about this point)
4. In terms of after-sales service, Xiaomi’s after-sales service points are nationwide, so there’s no worry about lack of support. Intel NUC seems to have limited after-sales service, but we also experienced their service; it is managed by Digital China, and they offer replacement services within 180 days (JD self-operated), so it is quite reliable.
In summary, although the two computers are 90% similar, there are still many differences in details.
Actually, I am currently also an Intel NUC user; the one I use in my studio is theIntel NUC Phantom Canyon:
From my personal perspective, I am not a “price-sensitive consumer”; I do not have a demand for cost-effectiveness, and I do not even have high requirements for specifications (I just write drafts in the studio), but I have a relatively high demand forpersonalization in computers, and I do not like mainstream products. So if you are like me and want a relatively niche and unique computer, then this type of product is definitely worth considering.