Comparison Gigabyte BRIX GB-BPCE-3455 vs Intel NUC BOXNUC6CAYH

The type of RAM used in the computer. This indicator describes both the general level of "RAM" and the possibilities for replacing and upgrading it: different types of RAM are not compatible with each other.

Here are the types of memory that are relevant for modern PCs:

— DDR3. The third generation of RAM with the so-called double data transfer. Some time ago, this standard was the most popular in computer technology, but now it is increasingly losing ground to newer and more advanced standards, primarily DDR4. In compact computers, there is a "mobile", energy-saving version of this memory standard — LPDDR3.

— DDR3L. A modification of DDR3 memory that supports operation at a reduced voltage — 1.35 V instead of 1.5 V (Low Voltage — hence the index L). Lower voltage improves performance. These modules are compatible with classic DDR3 slots.

— DDR4. Further, after DDR3, the development of the DDR standard, released in 2014. It features both increased performance and increased volumes — the capacity of one bar can be from 2 to 128 GB. Thus, the maximum amount of RAM in most PCs is limited more by the capabilities of the motherboard than by the characteristics of existing brackets. DDR4 is very popular in modern computer technology, including desktop PCs.

The clock speed of the RAM that comes with the PC. This is one of the parameters that determine the capabilities of RAM: with the same amount and type of memory (see above), a higher clock frequency will mean faster performance. However such details are rarely required by an ordinary user, but they are important for enthusiasts and professionals.

Also note that this indicator can be used to determine the possibilities for upgrading the system: the motherboard will be able to work normally with brackets that have the same or lower clock frequency, but compatibility with faster memory should be specified separately.

Audio format supported by the PC sound card. Specified depending on the device type. For classic PCs (see "Type"), the sound format corresponds to the largest number of channels that a computer can output through analogue outputs — the possibility of using one or another set of acoustics directly depends on this. And for devices with built-in speakers, primarily monoblocks (see "Type"), this paragraph usually specifies the format of the built-in acoustics.

Also note that digital interfaces like SP / DIF (see "Connectors") can provide more channels, but such a signal cannot be directly output to the speakers — you need an audio receiver or other additional converter. So the main parameter is considered to be the number of "analogue" channels or speakers. The options here might be:

— 2.0. Traditional stereo is the most modest format that can provide the effect of surround sound. Of course, such a sound cannot be compared in terms of “presence effect” with advanced standards like 5.1 and 7.1, but in many cases even it is more than enough. Note that the 2.0 format is most often provided for in monoblocks — it means the presence of a pair of built-in speakers; it can be difficult to provide more extensive acoustics in such PCs.

— 2.1. Two-channel stereo sound (see above) with a subwoofer to enhance the bass sound. For a number of reasons, it has not received much distributio...n, it is found, again, mainly in monoblocks — in such devices two ordinary speakers and a “sub” are installed.

— 2.2. Extended version of the 2.1 format with two subwoofers. Theoretically capable of delivering more powerful and authentic bass, but at a higher cost, these benefits are rarely seen in fact. Therefore, it is used even less frequently than 2.1 — again, mainly in monoblocks.

— 4.0. Theoretically, 4.0 is a surround sound format with two front and two rear channels. At the same time, in a PC this format is found exclusively among monoblocks and usually means the presence of two additional speakers, in addition to the standard stereo speakers. The effect of "sound from all directions" on such a system cannot be achieved, but the sound is still better and more reliable than with 2.0 systems. However, the price also comes out higher, despite the fact that the difference in sound is not fundamental for everyone. Therefore, this format has not received distribution.

— 4.2. An extended version of the 4.0 described above, where a pair of subwoofers has been added to an improved 4-speaker stereo system. Due to this, the quality of the bass improves, but the dimensions and cost of acoustics increase even more, and therefore such systems are even rarer.

— 5.1. The classic format of full-fledged surround sound ("from all sides"): two front channels, one centre, two rear and a subwoofer. A lot of content has been released under this sound, and games often provide compatibility with 5.1 systems. At the same time, support for this format in its pure form is relatively rare among modern PCs. 7.1 audio cards are used much more often: having more advanced features, they almost do not differ in price and are quite capable of working with 5.1 as well.

— 7.1. Further, after 5.1, improvement of the idea of surround sound. Such systems have 5 traditional sound channels (2 to the front, 1 front centre and 2 rear), and 2 additional channels can be placed in different ways — as side, as "add-ons" above the front or rear, etc. In any In this case, the 7.1 format allows you to achieve a more reliable sound than 5.1, and its support in modern sound cards is very inexpensive.

— 10.2. A specific audio format used in some high-end multimedia monoblocks. The 10 main speakers in such devices are combined into a soundbar under the screen and provide as authentic surround sound as possible in systems without rear channels. In addition, such acoustics are often made multiband — that is, they include specialized speakers optimized for a specific frequency band and reproducing only it. This further improves the sound quality. And two subwoofers, in turn, allow you to achieve the corresponding bass characteristics. At the same time, this option is extremely rare — both because of the high cost and because it is easier to achieve the desired sound quality on separately selected acoustics.

The power of the power supply installed in the PC.

Theoretically, if you buy a ready-to-use computer, the power of the block installed in it is guaranteed to be enough for the normal operation of the system. However, even in such cases, it's ok to pay attention to this parameter: other things being equal, a more powerful PSU provides an additional margin in case of high loads and emergency situations. And if the system is bought understaffed (for example, without RAM or a drive), or it is planned to be upgraded (especially with the installation of “gluttonous” components like a discrete graphics card), you should definitely clarify whether the PSU has enough capabilities for this. The power of the power supply should definitely not be lower than the power consumption of the system, and ideally it should exceed it by at least 100 – 150 W — again, in case of unforeseen situations.

Also, this parameter must be taken into account in some situations when catering — for example, when calculating the total load when connecting a computer to an uninterrupted power supply (UPS).

— Steel. The most popular desktop case material (see "Type"), used in all price ranges of desktop PCs. This is due to the relatively low cost and good strength of steel, which makes it suitable for fixing rather massive parts in the case (motherboards, hard drives, video cards with powerful cooling systems, etc.). However steel has a rather large weight, but in this case this drawback is not critical. But for monoblocks and nettops, the design features of which allow the widespread use of plastic, steel cases are a sign of a high-end model.

— Plastic. For classic desktop PC cases, plastic is poorly suited due to its relatively low strength. The exceptions are individual game models (see "Type"), where this material can be used to provide an original design — plastic easily takes the most bizarre shapes; however, in such cases, special high-strength varieties are usually used, and such cases are expensive. But for monoblocks and nettops, this material, on the contrary, is very common: the strength of plastic for such cases is more than sufficient, it is cheap, light and easy to process.

— Aluminium. Aluminium is characterized by a combination of high strength with low weight, in addition, it provides the case with an aesthetic appearance and improves heat dissipation to the environment. On the other hand, such cases are very expensive. Therefore, aluminium is rarely used, mainly in premium models, and often plays the role of an image material — to empha...size the high level of the device.