Networking and Storage Performance

We have recently started devoting a separate section to analyze the storage and networking credentials of the units under review. 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 ML100G-30 uses a Transcend TS128GMTS800 128 GB M.2 SSD. It is SATA-based and uses the Silicon Motion SM2246EN controller. It is no surprise that the PCIe-based XP941 series SSD in the Intel NUC5i5RYK (Enthusiast) performs much better. The Transcend SSD is not as fast as the 2.5" 840 EVO in the ZBOX CI540 nano, but does perform much better than the SandForce SF2281-based Intel 530-series M.2 SSD in the Haswell NUC (D54250WYK).

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 drywall (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 ML100G-30 uses the Intel AC7260 2x2 802.11ac M.2 Wi-Fi module. Recent driver updates have enabled it to perform as per exepctations. Note that the same module used in the Haswell NUC (D54250WYK) performed much worse. The ML100G-30 is also helped by the fact that it has two 4" dual-band wireless antennae for better signal quality. The other NUCs use their chassis as an antenna. The NUC5i5RYK (Enthusiast) wins on raw throughput because of the use of the latest generation Intel AC7265 802.11ac chipset.

Performance Metrics - II Power Consumption and Thermal Performance
Comments Locked

34 Comments

View All Comments

  • Ammaross - Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - link

    "Logic Supply HTPC use is not the market (I think) of the model they supplied."

    You must have missed the term "Industrial" in the title of the review....
  • mtnman81 - Tuesday, June 23, 2015 - link

    Why would you use and industrial computer for a HTPC. Do you just have too much money? That is the only case I can think of. A regular NUC would be much more appropriate for a HTPC. I have one in that very role now. It is the 4th gen i5 model running a 250GB m.2 drive for xmbc and pulls all media files from the network. Without a actual disk needing to turn inside the enclosure it self, it stays extremely cool. The bios are set by default to only cue the fan when needed and running with 16gb DDR3 1600, displaying dual full HDX I am yet to see the fan be cued. The frame of the case being solid metal you can feel that there is nearly no heat to speak of when you hold your hand to it.

    That being said this is not the application I would ever look at one of the Logic Supply units for. Why would I pay twice as much to get a industrial one for home use when the consumer one fits the bill better anyway since it has built in IR receiver for a remote?

    The Logic Supply models do make sense for the application they were intended for. As far as all of you saying that it doesn't have serial and it doesn't have this or that. It has all the interface ports needed for you to be able to adapt it to any application that this "should" be used for. I find it despicable that serial ports are so prevalent in automation. We are the technology side of industry so lets get with the times. I am glad they didn't waste interface real-estate with a dedicated serial port! As far a redundant network connections, your complaint is ridiculous as most automation controllers and proprietary HMI's don't even have redundant network connections. It does have built in Wi-Fi antenna sockets so you could always utilize that if necessary or use a USB to Ethernet adapter. This may industrial rated but it is not allowable as a safety controller and I can not imagine what other process you have that is so critical that you planning on this unit running as the backbone of a critical system. Perhaps you have not appropriately though out your process before you started specking hardware for install.
  • pekpetrolhead - Thursday, April 30, 2015 - link

    Giada F300 is a similar unit to the above, been using as a HTPC for over a year, totally silent and very solid unit.

    Model
    Giada F300
    OS
    Windows®7,8 & Linux
    Processor
    Intel® Core™ i5-4200U Processor, 2 Cores / 4 Threads
    Chipset
    Integrated into CPU
    Display
    Intel®HD Graphics 4400
    Microsoft®DirectX®11
    Memory
    Not included
    One SO-DIMM slot, up to 16GB of DDR3L 1600 MHz
    HDD
    Not included
    Support 2.5inch SATA Ⅲ or SATA Ⅱ Type HDD
    Wireless
    Not included, optional IEEE 802.11 b/g/n module
    LAN
    1x Realtek®Gigabit Ethernet Controller
    1x Rj45 port on the back pane
    Audio
    Realtek®High Definition Audio
    (5.1) Digital audio via DisplayPort 1.2 connector
    1x Audio out &S/PDIF combo jack on the front panel
    1x Mic in jack on the front pane
    Interface
    4x USB3.0 (two on the back panel)
    2x USB2.0 (on the back panel)
    2x COM Port (one on the back panel)
    1x DC-IN jack (19V /12V )
    IR
    An infrared sensor on the front panel
    1x 3.5mm audio jack for extended infrared sensor
    Not included Remote Control(Optional )
    Size
    10.3in x 6.9in x 1.4in
    260mm x 175mm x 35mm
    Color
    Black
  • Beaver M. - Saturday, May 2, 2015 - link

    These mini PCs all have one huge flaw: Not enough USB Ports. And if you want stability and reliability youre not going to start with USB hubs. Period.
    I rather build an ITX system that wont be much bigger (actually much flatter), has far more power (up to i7) more storage, more RAM and over 3 times as many USB ports.

Log in

Don't have an account? Sign up now