When it comes to desktop computers, most people’s impression should be something like the one below:
However, in reality, the smallest desktop computers today can be as small as a portable hard drive, as they do not have a screen or keyboard, allowing for a very compact size.
But this ultra-mini desktop’s cooling is limited by thermal specifications, and its performance cannot be compared to traditional PCs.
Today we are going to talk about this desktop, which is also a mini computer (officially named NUC), but its performance can reach the level of gaming laptops, combining two major selling points: small size + high performance.
How does it achieve this? Let’s analyze it today:
Intel Skull Canyon
Its configuration is as follows:
i7-8809G Processor
Radeon RX VEGA M Integrated Graphics
16GB Memory
118GB Optane SSD
512GB SSD
Thickness 38.1mm
Weight 1.28kg
Launch price unknown
Its advantages and disadvantages are as follows:
Advantages!
1. Compact body, does not take up space
2. Performance has greatly improved compared to the previous generation
3. Strong external expandability, many interfaces
Disadvantages!
1. The discrete graphics power consumption is relatively low
2. Difficulty in cleaning and replacing thermal paste is high
3. The external adapter is relatively large
[Upgrade Suggestions]
This desktop… this desktop’s upgrade difficulty is not high, first remove all screws from the top cover, after opening, remove a screw and ribbon cable from the optical board, then disconnect the LED panel to upgrade the memory and SSD.
The 118GB Optane SSD is Intel 800P, with very strong 4K performance.
The 512GB SSD is from Intel, with SATA speed, mainly used for file storage; if there are special needs, it can also be replaced and upgraded.
PS: The Skull Canyon sold in the market is basically a “quasi-system” version that does not come with memory and SSD, so you can configure memory and SSD based on your budget.
[Purchase Suggestions]
1. Need an ultra-compact desktop machine
2. Require a high number of external interfaces
3. Have a certain level of hands-on ability
Skull Canyon is a unique computer; it uses the i7-8809G processor and integrates AMD’s high-end graphics card, marking the first collaboration between Intel and AMD to launch a CPU, which can be said to be a historic moment.
But to be honest, AMD’s Radeon RX VEGA M integrated graphics has relatively low power consumption, with performance between GTX 1050ti and GTX 1060 MAX-Q, but power consumption is similar to the standard GTX 1060 graphics card.
In terms of portability, Skull Canyon weighs 1.28kg without the adapter and 1.96kg with the adapter, which you can refer to.
In terms of accessories, Intel provides a VESA adapter plate for this machine, allowing it to be mounted on monitors that support VESA mounting. If there is no need for mobility, it can be hung on the monitor as a high-performance all-in-one machine.
Additionally, as mentioned in the [Upgrade Suggestions], most of the Skull Canyon sold in the market are “empty machines” without systems, memory, or SSDs, so if you want to buy a cost-effective Intel Skull Canyon, you can consider assembling one yourself.
However, if you want to experience the true original factory faith, you can consider this type of pre-assembled Skull Canyon + Optane SSD.
[Concluding Remarks from the Pig King]
The above image shows the disassembly diagram of the new Skull Canyon, where the sizes of the two fans are significantly larger than those of laptop computers, and the heat sink is also wide and large. This is the key reason why Intel dares to stuff the i7-8809G processor into such a small chassis.
Room temperature 24℃:
Under full load, the total power consumption can exceed 200W, with CPU temperature maintained at 100℃, power consumption at 45.5W, and frequency at 3.1GHz.
The graphics card temperature is maintained at 71℃, power consumption at 64W, and frequency at 1.19GHz.
Overall, the core power consumption of Skull Canyon is still quite high, with temperatures under full load exceeding 100℃, which is rare in the laptop field.
One advantage of desktop computers is that both the keyboard and screen are external, so the choice of peripherals is entirely up to the consumer, eliminating concerns about surface temperature.
The main purpose of this computer is to “show muscle,” to let everyone know that Intel has the capability to develop such a small size + high-performance machine, and to further enhance the visibility of the NUC series products.
The current PC market is continuously shrinking in shipment volume, and the industry indeed needs more innovative designs to provide consumers and OEM manufacturers with more ideas. Who knows, one day a flash of inspiration might truly revolutionize the industry.
Daily Review of One Product
See you tomorrow
PS: If you want to watch video reviews about this computer, feel free to check the third post, or click the lower left corner 【Read the original text】 to jump directly.