Logic Supply ML100G-30 Fanless Broadwell vPro Industrial NUC Review
by Ganesh T S on April 29, 2015 11:30 AM EST- Posted in
- Systems
- Intel
- Fanless
- NUC
- Industrial PC
- Passive Cooling
- Logic Supply
Final Words
The Logic Supply ML100G-30 provided us with the opportunity to evaluate a fanless vPro industrial PC. From our evaluation, it is clear that Logic Supply has been able to deliver effectively on the promise of a fanless NUC. The chassis has been designed to adapt the default NUC configuration for the requirements of industrial PCs. The online ordering page provides lots of options for customization.
Despite the excellent acoustics that come with being completely fanless and reasonable power consumption numbers, we didn't evaluate the platform for its media capabilities. We also do not recommend the unit as a passive HTPC. Simply put, the platform commands a premium for its vPro capabilities. In addition, the absence of any HDMI port on the board mean that there are less costly alternatives for the home theater market.
In terms of scope for improvement, we have a spare SATA port on the board. The ability of the chassis to- capability to accommodate a 2.5" drive would be welcome, given that we have already sacrificed on the chassis height. Our review unit also came configured in single channel memory mode, and this leaves performance on the table. In the end, it is a matter of cost to the consumer. Users looking to squeeze every last bit of performance from the machine should definitely be looking at a dual channel configuration. Thankfully, Logic Supply's ordering page allows you to do the same.
On the positive side, the availability of vPro / AMT capabilities is a very welcome feature in the industrial PC space. The chassis design also accommodates serial I/O and digital I/O pins in an aesthetic manner. The thermal performance is also improved, when compared to the Core-ML320 from last year.
Despite a couple of minor quibbles (neither of which are show-stoppers), we have to say that Logic Supply's ML100G-30 is an excellent option for consumers looking for a passively cooled NUC with vPro capabilities. Its industrial components lend itself to a multitude of applications such as digital signage, kiosks and the like (even in harsh environments). RS232 COM port and DIO (Digital I/O) support mean that the unit is also ready to participate as a master controller in the industrial automation / M2M / IoT scene. The remote operation / platform management capabilities that come with vPro / AMT only sweeten the deal.
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Flunk - Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - link
Sometimes, but not now. Right now they're second notch.Jorgisven - Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - link
Given that NUC is an Intel branded product, I'd think seeing AMD in a NUC unlikely. You can get a Brix from Gigabyte that supports AMD options, or the Sapphire Edge. These have done alright, but nothing extraordinary, due to equivalent pricing, but less than equivalent performance. Still functional, but not a great value proposition.der - Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - link
noiceUplink10 - Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - link
What is the most ironic is that this 365/24/7 unit does not come with secondary/redundant ethernet port in case the one fails. I am of the opinion that at least two ports should be on every motherboards from 120$ miniPCs and 70$ motherboards to this one. Some may disagree about that but nobody can disagree about 2 ports in industrial grade NUC.As for HTPC, you have two mDP ports and that is sufficient. If monitor manufacturers do not want to implement future (proof) standard it is their own mistake.
And this is not a barebone because you cannot order it without memory stick.
DarekLogic - Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - link
Darek here from Logic Supply. One of the other models in the ML100 Series, the ML100G-10 (http://www.logicsupply.com/ml100g-10/) does offer Dual LAN. We're also exploring other emerging motherboard options to enable additional dual NIC models.Ammaross - Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - link
Darek, thanks for clarifying. When researching to buy Industrial PCs, it seems you have to dig to find options with dual NICs and is not readily available (findable) on most manufacture's sites.Ammaross - Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - link
Unfortunately, the ML100G-10 is only Bay Trail, and thus not the most ideal solution. :(Uplink10 - Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - link
I like hearing that because dual NIC models are wanted and second one can enable a secondary route in case the first one fails.Ammaross - Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - link
"What is the most ironic is that this 365/24/7 unit does not come with secondary/redundant ethernet port in case the one fails"The dual nic isn't in case one of the nics fail on the device, but in case one of the >>Switches<< fails (or needs to be rebooted/serviced/etc). If a NIC dies on the board, the other one will likely be affected too (since they usually would use the same NIC controller and work like a dual-port add-in NIC).
cjs150 - Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - link
Two points;1. When a manufacturer comes onto the forum, with all the potential to be flamed, I believe they should be complimented and encourage. So well done Logic supply
2. If the model has a mini DP port, surely a simple miniDP to HDMI adapter would be sufficient to allow it to run as an HTPC.
To be fair to Logic Supply HTPC use is not the market (I think) of the model they supplied. Tranquil PC make nice (but pricey) fanless cases for HTPC use