Intel NUC 8 Enthusiast Mini Desktop Computer

The NUC 8 Enthusiast Mini Desktop Computer from Intel is a VR-capable system that delivers immersive virtual reality and smooth, high-performance gameplay right out of the box. With a chassis that is only 1.2L, the NUC 8 Enthusiast can fit in your backpack or be attached to the rear of a VESA-compliant display. The system is powered by a System-on-Chip, or SoC module, which combines a 3.1 GHz Intel Core i7-8809G Quad-Core processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics with 4GB of discrete HBM2 video memory. There is also 16GB of 2400 MHz DDR4 memory in a 2 x 8GB configuration. If more power is needed, the CPU can deliver extra performance by increasing its clock speed up to 4.2 GHz and the memory can be upgraded to a maximum of 32GB using 16GB in each of the two SO-DIMM slots.

For long-term storage of your files, this system is equipped with a 1TB NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD. If you want to add external storage drives, optical drives, printers, memory card readers, or other peripherals, the NUC 8 Enthusiast features two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port, one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A port, and five USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one of which doubles as a charging port. You can also output video to a maximum of six external displays using its two Mini DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 outputs, as well as DisplayPort 1.2 via the Thunderbolt 3 outputs. When six displays are used, the maximum resolution is 4096 x 2160 @ 30 Hz. With less than six displays, the refresh rate improves to 60 Hz. A 5K (5120 x 2880 @ 60 Hz) display is also supported using either two mini DisplayPort or two Thunderbolt 3 ports.

Whether you are listening to music, watching a movie, or playing a game, the integrated Intel HD audio controller outputs high-definition audio and delivers higher fidelity than standard audio controllers. Both the mini DisplayPort and HDMI outputs support 7.1-channel surround sound. Connect to your local network using dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, or use dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and connect additional wireless peripherals with Bluetooth 4.2 technology. There is also a SD/SDHC/SDXC card reader that supports the UHS-I bus, a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack on the front panel, and a stereo headphone/TOSLINK combo rear jack. The installed operating system is Windows 10 Home (64-bit).

General Features
Unthrottled Performance for Immersive Virtual Reality
The NUC8i7HVKVA utilizes the power of the unlocked 8th Generation 3.1 GHz Intel Core i7-8809G Quad-Core processor, Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics with 4GB of dedicated high-bandwidth memory, 16GB of 2400 MHz DDR4 memory, and a 1TB NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD to handle high-performance gaming so players can enter immersive virtual reality. The NUC8i7HVKVA is unlocked and optimized to provide the speeds necessary for extreme experiences in the virtual world and smooth streaming video on Twitch and other broadcasting sites during live gameplay.

There are seven USB ports and two Thunderbolt 3 ports for connecting to game controllers and additional peripherals, and with front and rear HDMI ports for a VR headset, it’s easy to enter more worlds and explore new frontiers.
Small VR-Capable System
The NUC 8 Enthusiast packs the performance of a desktop tower into a device that can be tucked behind a display and uses less power than an average gaming desktop. Intel redesigned the motherboard, making it smaller, more powerful, and more efficient. This, along with a chassis that is only 1.2L delivers a gaming system that can fit in a backpack and be taken to a LAN party. Plus, the chassis can be customized to glow RGB, it can you don’t want it to sit discretely in your living room.
Thunderbolt 3
Thunderbolt 3 is a hardware interface that utilizes the reversible USB Type-C connector. Doubling the speed of its predecessor, Thunderbolt 3 features a maximum throughput of 40 Gb/s when used with compatible devices. The connector also transmits data via USB 3.1 at up to 10 Gb/s, and dual-bandwidth DisplayPort 1.2 allows you to connect up to two 4K displays simultaneously. Additionally, you can daisy chain up to six devices from a single Thunderbolt 3 port.
Three M.2 Slots
The NUC 8 Enthusiast has three M.2 slots, two of which are in use and one of which is available. The M.2 2230 slot is used for the integrated Intel Wireless-AC 8265 + Bluetooth 4.2 card, leaving two PCIe x4 slots for storage. Both support either PCIe or SATA III SSDs and can be configured for are RAID 0 or RAID 1. One slot supports M.2 SSDs with a 2242 and 2280 form factor, while the other only supports 2280. One of the M.2 slots is used for the 1TB SSD.
Windows 10
Start Menu
After its hiatus in Windows 8, the Start Menu has returned. Utilizing a combination of the traditional menu system and Windows 8’s Live Tiles, the improved Start Menu gives you more information at a glance, showing notification information alongside your applications and other pinned items.
Cortana
Microsoft’s digital personal assistant, Cortana can answer your questions with information gleaned from both your device and the internet at large. You can type or even talk with her, if your system has a microphone. Using her Notebook, Cortana keeps track of your needs and wants, and she learns over time to improve her information gathering skills.
Microsoft Edge
After nearly 20 years, Microsoft has finally replaced its Internet Explorer web browser. With Microsoft Edge, users can write directly on web pages and share notes with friends and colleagues. It also improves the online reading experience by adding a distraction-free mode and read-it-later functionality. Edge also has built-in Cortana integration; you can have her help you find a restaurant, make a reservation, and pull up directions without leaving your browser.
Windows Store
For Windows 10, Microsoft has unified the Windows Store. Now, apps for PCs, tablets, and phones will all be accessible from one place. And with support for Universal Apps, one version of an app can work across all your compatible devices automatically.
Windows Continuum
Windows 10 was designed for a variety of screen sizes and input styles, and with its Continuum feature, it automatically adapts to fit your needs. A Windows 10 tablet on its own requires a touch-centric approach, but attaching a mouse and keyboard will shift everything to a more traditional interface. You can even attach an external monitor to your Windows 10 phone for a near-desktop experience. But it’s not just the operating system; Windows Universal Apps take advantage of Continuum as well.
Xbox on Windows 10
Gaming is a big focus of Windows 10. Xbox integration allows for PC players to match up against Xbox One players on supported games, and if you have an Xbox One, you can even stream compatible titles to your PC. Native support for recording with the new Game DVR feature makes it easy to capture and share your gameplay. The new DirectX12 takes better advantage of multi-core processors, giving games a performance boost, even on older hardware. Windows 10 also features native support for virtual reality headsets, such as the Oculus Rift.
Windows 10 Pro
The Pro version of Windows 10 includes all of the features of Windows 10 Home plus many designed specifically for business users, including Hyper-V virtualization, BitLocker disk encryption, and remote desktop access. Devices will also be able to join domains and the Azure Active Directory, and they can even access a specialized version of the Windows Store featuring custom, company-specific applications.

In the Box
Intel NUC 8 Enthusiast Mini Desktop Computer
120mm VESA Bracket
6 x Screws
Hex Wrench
US Power Cord (6.0′ / 1.8m)
230W AC Power Adapter
3-Year Warranty