Gigabyte BRIX Pro GB-BXi7-4770R
Intel Core i7-4770R
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Pros
Cons
2 reviews
Compact, portable low-power part. Nevertheless a ...
Compact, portable low-power part. Nevertheless a fast (quad core) desktop PC incl. GPU and HDMI/miniDP interfaces. Clock speed is dynamically adjusted.
Quiet when idle. Under load, the fan increases its speed => audible, can be disturbing in a home theatre / media player application.
Caution - not all DDR3L RAMs (1.35V, SODIMM 204) are compatible with the BRIX Pro. Before ordering RAM, be sure to check the "Memory Support List".
http://www.gigabyte.com/products... support list
before ordering! The BRIX works with the
Kingston KVR16LS11/8 (SODIMM 204, 8GB, 1.35V),
currently listed as "Kingston ValueRAM (1x, 8GB, DDR3-1600, SODIMM 204)".
The BRIX does NOT work (no video, no BIOS) with the
Kingston KVR16LSE11/8KF (SODIMM 204, 8GB, 1.35V, "E" = ECC version)
although this is also a DDR3L RAM with SODIMM 204.
Storage: Samsung SSD 840 EVO (m-SATA)
OS: Fedora 20 (installed via USB, UEFI Secure Boot deactivated.)
28.10.: The BIOS "F5" (current version) still has quirks: After installing a 2nd 8GB module, the part no longer starts. The otherwise blue backlit power button remains dark, no fan noise, nothing. Remove the new RAM again, but the problem remains. Device dead? - Power supply is OK with 19 V DC.
29.10.: Problem solved by firmware reset! You have to remove the MoBo (!) to get to the CMOS battery connector on the back - remove it for 15 minutes. After reassembly, the power button worked again and the new RAM was also OK. Removing the MoBo is tricky and only recommended for skilled hands with intact fingernails.
To digitec: I have a manual for this, but I can't post it here because comments <= 2000 characters. I will gladly pass on these instructions on request.Pro
- Fast i7 quad-core processor, yet low power
- Good graphics support (4K, HDMI, miniDP)
- 2 x SATA: m-SATA for an SSD and a 2.5" slot for an HDD
Contra
- Dynamic start-up of the fan can possibly be disturbing
- Firmware teething problems (Intel NUC has the better firmware)
Amazing value for money. Great performance from a tiny box!
The computer works fantastically well! I used the Kingston ValueRAM (1x, 8GB, DDR3L-1600 (PC3-12800), SODIMM 204) as memory (also sold by Digitec) and the Samsung 850 EVO (1000GB, mSATA) as the hard drive (also sold by Digitec). You can install any OS, but I installed Windows 10 (purchased separately). Installation of memory and drive was easy, as was OS from USB stick.
Computer is very quiet and highly performant. The i7 is quite powerful. The small size makes it easy to place anywhere. If you get a certain type of monitor, you can even mount it on the rear of the monitor!
Very pleased with my purchase. It's a fantastic computer, and I highly recommend it.Pro
- Very quiet (even when single fan kicks in)
- Very small size, so cool!
- i7 processor is very powerful
- Supports multiple operating systems; could even run it with both Mac and Windows dual-OS
Contra
- Memory, hard drive, OS not included
- Video editing generates heat for the tiny fan to cool
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