Networking and Storage Performance

Networking and storage are two major aspects which influence our experience with any computing system. This section presents results from our evaluation of these aspects in the Intel NUC6CAYH. On the storage side, one option would be repetition of our strenuous SSD review tests on the drive(s) in the PC. Fortunately, to avoid that overkill, PCMark 8 has a storage bench where certain common workloads such as loading games and document processing are replayed on the target drive. Results are presented in two forms, one being a benchmark number and the other, a bandwidth figure. We ran the PCMark 8 storage bench on selected PCs and the results are presented below.

Futuremark PCMark 8 Storage Bench - Score

Futuremark PCMark 8 Storage Bench - Bandwidth

The Crucial MX200 with its MLC NAND is an impressive performer compared to the other SATA SSDs that we have used in our Atom-class PC reviews.

On the networking side, we restricted ourselves to the evaluation of the WLAN component. Our standard test router is the Netgear R7000 Nighthawk configured with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. The router is placed approximately 20 ft. away, separated by a couple of drywalls (as in a typical US building). A wired client is connected to the R7000 and serves as one endpoint for iperf evaluation. The PC under test is made to connect to either the 5 GHz (preferred) or 2.4 GHz SSID and iperf tests are conducted for both TCP and UDP transfers. It is ensured that the PC under test is the only wireless client for the Netgear R7000. We evaluate total throughput for up to 32 simultaneous TCP connections using iperf and present the highest number in the graph below..

Wi-Fi TCP Throughput

In the UDP case, we try to transfer data at the highest rate possible for which we get less than 1% packet loss.

Wi-Fi UDP Throughput (< 1% Packet Loss)

The 1x1 AC3168 doesn't perform as well as the Cherry Trail Compute Stick's 2x2 AC7260 in the TCP throughput test. The numbers in both cases are typical of what one might expect from a 1x1 WLAN card.

Performance Metrics - II 4K HTPC Credentials
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  • Hulk - Friday, January 12, 2018 - link

    Would it be possible to note the processor in the comparison systems in parenthesis for those of us who don't remember which system has which processor? Also it would be nice to have a fast processor in the metric (7700k or something like that) to get a gauge on how these low power processors compare.
  • MattMe - Friday, January 12, 2018 - link

    I agree with your points. Perhaps a U series would be a better comparison than a K series though?
  • ganeshts - Friday, January 12, 2018 - link

    I will keep that in mind for the next review.
  • mode_13h - Monday, January 15, 2018 - link

    The i3 from the BAPCo SYSmark seemed a good basis for comparison. Or maybe just the next more expensive NUC, in case someone is trying to decide whether to spend the extra money.
  • Mr Perfect - Friday, January 12, 2018 - link

    As an aside, does NUC packaging still come with the little light activated speaker that plays the Intel chime when you open the box? The first gen ones did, and I hid the speaker modules around the office so random things would chime when the light hit them. Good times...
  • ganeshts - Friday, January 12, 2018 - link

    Not in the new ones, unfortunately :)
  • bi0logic - Friday, January 12, 2018 - link

    won't this nuc be replaced by the June Canyon NUC(Gemini Lake) version any day now?

    intel says the NUC6CAYH launch was Q4 '16
    https://ark.intel.com/products/95062/Intel-NUC-Kit...
  • ganeshts - Friday, January 12, 2018 - link

    That is literally the last paragraph in my concluding section :)

    In any case, Intel plans to keep Arches Canyon in production till end of Q2 2018 as per official roadmaps.
  • mode_13h - Monday, January 15, 2018 - link

    Still, I appreciate these benchmarks, since it should help show how much Gemini Lake (Goldmont +) actually improved.
  • ilt24 - Friday, January 12, 2018 - link

    Am I missing something? The $470 price with No OS seems quite high if the NUC starts at $130 and your just adding a pair of 4GB Memory modules and a 500GB SSD.

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