Intel NUC 8 Core i3 Tall Mini PC Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This intel nuc 8 mainstream kit review focuses on the NUC8i3BEH, a compact tower designed for users who need reliable daily performance without excessive bulk. It is defined by its 8th Generation Intel Core i3 8109U processor and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655. The unit measures 6.1 by 5 by 4.6 inches and weighs 2.7 pounds. It arrives as a kit, meaning you must supply your own memory, storage, and operating system. This approach offers flexibility but requires a bit of setup effort on your part before the machine is ready to use.
What stands out
- 8th Gen Intel Core i3 8109U processor for steady multitasking.
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 for basic display and media tasks.
- Dual Channel DDR4 2400 SODIMM support with a 32GB maximum capacity.
- M.2 22x42/80 slot for PCIe NVMe or SATA SSD installation.
- Dedicated 2.5-inch bay for adding an extra SSD or HDD.
Who it fits
Good fit for
This mini PC suits home office workers and students who need a quiet, space-saving computer for web browsing, document editing, and video calls. The i3 processor handles everyday tasks smoothly, while the dual storage options let you balance speed and capacity. If you already have DDR4 RAM and an M.2 SSD lying around, this kit lets you reuse those parts. It is ideal for anyone who wants a small footprint without paying for pre-installed components they do not need.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you plan to play modern 3D games or edit high-resolution video. The Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 lacks the power for demanding visual workloads. Additionally, since this is a kit, you must purchase Windows 10 separately and install it yourself. If you prefer a plug-and-play experience with no assembly required, or if you need dedicated graphics for creative work, this unit will not meet your expectations.
Verdict: The Intel NUC 8 Core i3 Tall Mini PC Kit offers a flexible, compact solution for basic computing needs. It is a solid choice for users who want to customize their storage and memory while keeping their setup small and efficient.
Key specs explained for this unit
Processor: Intel Core i3 8109U
This is an eighth-generation mobile processor with four cores. It handles everyday tasks like web browsing, office documents, and video calls smoothly. You will notice faster app loading times compared to older dual-core chips. It is suitable for students and home office users who need reliable performance without the heat and noise of high-end gaming rigs.
Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
This integrated GPU shares system memory to handle display output and light visual tasks. It supports basic photo editing and older or less demanding games. It is not designed for modern high-fidelity gaming. If you plan to edit 4K video or play AAA titles, you will need a dedicated graphics card in a larger chassis.
Memory Type: DDR4 2400 SODIMM
This refers to the specific type of RAM slots you can upgrade. DDR4 is the current standard for speed and efficiency. The SODIMM format is smaller than desktop RAM, fitting into compact cases. You can add up to 32GB of RAM to keep many browser tabs and applications open simultaneously without slowing down your system.
Storage: M.2 22x42/80 PCIe NVMe
This slot allows you to install a thin, fast solid-state drive. NVMe drives connect directly to the motherboard, offering much faster boot times and file transfers than older SATA drives. This is the primary drive for your operating system. It ensures the system feels responsive when launching programs or saving large files.
Design and Build Quality
According to the listing, this Intel NUC 8 tall model measures 5 inches wide, 6.1 inches long, and 4.6 inches high. It weighs 2.7 pounds. The compact tower form factor allows you to mount it behind a monitor or place it discreetly on a desk. The black finish blends into most office or home environments without drawing attention. This size choice suits users who need more vertical space for internal components compared to shorter variants.
The unit features a sturdy chassis designed to protect internal parts. You can install storage in two ways. The listing specifies an M.2 22x42 or 80 slot for PCIe NVMe or SATA SSDs. There is also a 2.5-inch bay for additional SSD or HDD storage. This dual storage option lets you balance speed and capacity. You can add a fast boot drive and a large secondary drive for files.
Memory support is listed as dual-channel DDR4 2400 SODIMM with a maximum capacity of 32GB. This means you can upgrade the RAM to handle multitasking or light creative work. The tall design accommodates these components while keeping the footprint small. You get a flexible mini PC that fits into tight spaces but offers room for upgrades. The build prioritizes functionality and expandability within a small frame.
Setup and everyday use guide
This unit is sold as a Mainstream Kit, which means you must provide several components yourself. You need to install the operating system, memory, and storage. The processor is an Intel Core i3 8109U, an eighth-generation mobile chip with four cores. It supports dual-channel DDR4 2400 SODIMM memory, with a maximum capacity of 32GB. You will need to purchase compatible RAM sticks and insert them into the internal slots. For storage, the system offers two options. You can use an M.2 22x42 or 80 slot for a PCIe NVMe or SATA SSD. Alternatively, there is a bay for a standard 2.5-inch SSD or HDD. This flexibility allows you to choose the speed and capacity that fits your needs. The graphics are handled by Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655. This integrated solution is sufficient for desktop tasks, video playback, and light creative work. The system ships with Windows 10 pre-installed on the internal drive, though you must install it yourself if the drive is not included. The compact tower design, measuring 5 by 6.1 by 4.6 inches, makes it easy to place under a monitor or in a small desk space. It weighs 2.7 pounds, so it is light enough to move but stable enough for daily use. You can expect smooth performance for web browsing, office applications, and video calls. The four-core processor ensures that multitasking remains efficient without requiring significant power. This setup is ideal for users who want a reliable, customizable desktop in a small footprint.
Before You Buy This Mini PC
Since this is a Mainstream Kit, you must source the operating system, RAM, and storage separately. The listing specifies support for DDR4 2400 SODIMM memory with a maximum capacity of 32GB. You need to ensure your chosen modules fit the dual-channel architecture. For storage, the unit includes an M.2 22x42 or 80 slot for PCIe NVMe or SATA SSDs, plus a dedicated bay for a 2.5-inch SSD or HDD. Verify that your selected drives match these physical dimensions and interface types before purchasing. This tall form factor offers more internal space than the shorter variants, making it easier to manage cables and cooling. It sits between the compact Bean Canyon and larger towers in the NUC lineup. Regular dust cleaning will help maintain performance. The included Windows 10 license allows immediate setup once hardware is installed.
Check before you buy
- Confirm you have DDR4 2400 SODIMM memory ready for installation
- Check that your SSD fits the M.2 22x42 or 80 slot
- Ensure you have a 2.5-inch drive for the additional bay
- Verify Windows 10 installation media is available on another device
The product at a glance
Intel NUC 8 Core i3 Tall Mini PC Kit
Best for: Compact desktops needing storage expansion
- Processor
- Intel Core i3 8109U
- Memory Type
- DDR4 2400 SODIMM
- Graphics
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
- Operating System
- Windows 10
- Dimensions
- 6.1 × 5 × 4.6 inches
- Weight
- 2.7 pounds
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This Intel NUC 8 Mainstream Kit uses an 8th Generation Core i3 8109U processor and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655. It supports up to 32GB of dual-channel DDR4 2400 memory. The tall chassis includes a 2.5-inch drive bay and an M.2 slot for storage. You get Windows 10 pre-installed. It suits users needing compact desktop power with expandable storage options.
Pros
- 8th Gen Intel Core i3 8109U processor
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
- Supports up to 32GB DDR4 2400 RAM
- Includes 2.5-inch SSD/HDD bay
Cons
- Sold as a kit without RAM or storage
- Limited to 8th Gen i3 performance
- Heavier at 2.7 pounds
Good fit if
- You want a compact PC with room for multiple drives
- You need reliable office performance with integrated graphics
- You prefer pre-installed Windows 10
Skip if
- You require a pre-built system with included memory and storage
- You need high-end gaming or heavy video editing capabilities
- You prioritize the lightest possible desktop footprint
Verdict: Intel NUC 8 i3 Tall Mini PC offers solid 8th Gen performance in a compact chassis. It fits users who value expandable storage and do not mind assembling their own RAM and SSD.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Intel NUC 8 Core i3 Tall Mini PC Kit |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3 8109U |
| Memory Type | DDR4 2400 SODIMM |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 6.1 × 5 × 4.6 inches |
| Weight | 2.7 pounds |
| Color | Black |
| Model | NUC8i3BEH |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Intel NUC 8 i3 Tall suitable for office work?
Yes, it is well-suited for office tasks. The Intel Core i3 8109U processor provides four cores for smooth multitasking. You can handle web browsing, document editing, and video calls without significant lag. The compact design also saves valuable desk space in a small home office setup.
What is the exact size of this mini PC?
The unit measures 5 inches in width, 6.1 inches in length, and 4.6 inches in height. It weighs 2.7 pounds. These dimensions allow you to mount it behind a monitor or place it discreetly on a desk without taking up much room.
Can I upgrade the storage on this model?
Yes, the system supports storage expansion. You must install your own SSD or hard drive since it is sold as a kit. This allows you to choose the capacity and type that best fits your data needs, making it ideal for users who require extra storage space.
Does this Mini PC include RAM and storage?
No, it is sold as a Mainstream Kit without pre-installed components. You need to source the operating system, RAM, and storage separately. The listing specifies support for DDR4 2400 SODIMM memory with a maximum capacity of 32GB, so you must purchase these parts independently.
Is the Intel NUC 8 i3 Tall black?
Yes, the chassis is black. This neutral color helps it blend into most office or home environments. The compact tower form factor allows for flexible placement, whether mounted behind a display or sitting on a desk surface.
What graphics does this NUC model use?
It uses Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655. This integrated graphics solution handles everyday visual tasks and light media playback. It is sufficient for standard desktop use, though it is not designed for heavy gaming or intensive 3D rendering workloads.