Get the Ultimate Gaming Experience with Intel NUC Hades Canyon

Get the Ultimate Gaming Experience with Intel NUC Hades Canyon

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Hades Canyon Nook: A Compact Gaming PC
3. Design and Hardware Specifications
4. Customization Options for Enthusiasts
5. Impressive Port Selection
6. Performance: Processor and Geekbench Scores
7. Gaming Performance with AMD Radeon Vega Graphics
8. Real-World Gaming Experience
9. Pricing and Value for Money
10. Conclusion

🎮 The Hades Canyon Nook: A Compact Gaming PC

In the world of gaming PCs, size matters. The smaller, the better. And that's precisely what the Hades Canyon Nook aims to deliver - a compact yet powerful gaming machine. Six years ago, Intel started producing a line of compact PCs known as Nook, initially targeting businesses. However, they have now ventured into the gaming arena, introducing the new Hades Canyon Nook. This gaming PC packs a punch with its impressive specifications, including an Intel Core i7-8809G processor with AMD Radeon Vega graphics. Let's take a closer look at this pint-sized gaming wonder.

Design and Hardware Specifications

Despite its powerhouse performance, the Hades Canyon Nook doesn't compromise on its sleek and compact design. Measuring only about 8 inches by 5 inches and less than 2 inches thick, it easily blends into any gaming setup. The black box design, when turned off, looks elegant and unassuming. However, when you power it up, you're greeted with a cool surprise - skull lighting that adds a touch of Flair to your gaming experience. The lights are not too bright to distract but create an impressive aesthetic.

Customization Options for Enthusiasts

One unique aspect of the Hades Canyon Nook is its customization options. Intel is not selling the system with pre-installed RAM or a hard drive. Instead, they are targeting enthusiasts who want to build their own system. The conveniently located screws on the top panel allow easy access to the RAM and hard drive, giving users the freedom to choose components that suit their preferences and upgrade them whenever needed. While this may seem unusual for a pre-built gaming PC, it adds an extra level of flexibility for those who want to tinker with their setup.

Impressive Port Selection

For a compact gaming PC, the Hades Canyon Nook boasts an impressive array of ports. On the front, you'll find two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, a USB Type-C port, a headphone jack, and even a card reader. But the connectivity options don't stop there. Turning the PC around reveals additional ports, including four USBs, Ethernet jacks, Thunderbolts, dual DisplayPorts, and another HDMI port. With this vast selection of ports, you can easily connect multiple displays simultaneously or even set up a virtual reality (VR) gaming experience.

Performance: Processor and Geekbench Scores

While the Hades Canyon Nook may not match the speed of larger gaming PCs like the Core i7-8700K, it holds its own in terms of performance. The Intel Core i7-8809G processor, coupled with its Radeon Vega graphics, packs quite a punch. In Geekbench 4, it achieves a respectable multi-core score of over 16,000. This score puts it on par with entry-level gaming tower PCs available at a similar price range. The processor handles demanding tasks and ensures smooth multitasking, making it an attractive option for gamers and power users alike.

Gaming Performance with AMD Radeon Vega Graphics

The highlight of the Hades Canyon Nook is its AMD Radeon Vega graphics, which delivers exceptional gaming performance. It sits somewhere between a GTX 1050 Ti and a GTX 1060, allowing you to play almost any Game at 1080p resolution with high detail settings and a solid 60 frames per Second. Even demanding titles like Deus Ex: Mankind Divided run smoothly, although ultra detail settings may require some compromise in frame rates. However, considering the size of this compact PC, the overall gaming experience is commendable.

Real-World Gaming Experience

To put the Hades Canyon Nook to the test, we spent a weekend indulging in some intensive gaming Sessions. Games like Overwatch ran flawlessly, with no hiccups or performance issues. While it may not have the power to handle cutting-edge titles at 60 frames per second on high-resolution monitors, the Hades Canyon Nook proved to be more than capable for mainstream gaming needs. Its compact size and powerful performance make it an ideal choice for gamers who prioritize convenience without compromising on gameplay quality.

Pricing and Value for Money

The Hades Canyon Nook doesn't come cheap. Priced at $1,000, this compact gaming PC does not include RAM, a hard drive, or an operating system. The customization options offered by Intel come at a cost, and potential buyers should factor in the additional expenses of purchasing and installing these components. However, for gaming enthusiasts looking for a powerful and compact gaming machine, the Hades Canyon Nook justifies its price with its impressive performance and upgradeability.

Conclusion

In the world of gaming PCs, the Hades Canyon Nook shines as a compact yet powerful gaming machine that offers customization options to cater to the needs of enthusiasts. Its sleek design, impressive port selection, and AMD Radeon Vega graphics make it a standout choice for gamers who value both performance and convenience. While it may not match the capabilities of larger gaming towers, the Hades Canyon Nook delivers a solid gaming experience, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of titles at 1080p resolution. With its power-packed performance, flexibility, and compact size, the Hades Canyon Nook sets a new benchmark for pint-sized gaming PCs.

Highlights

• Compact and sleek design
• AMD Radeon Vega graphics deliver impressive gaming performance
• Customization options for enthusiasts
• Vast port selection for enhanced connectivity
• Solid processor performance for multitasking
• Real-world gaming experience exceeded expectations
• Pricing may be a deterrent for some buyers
• Upgradeability adds value for money

FAQ

Q: Can I customize the RAM and hard drive on the Hades Canyon Nook?

A: Yes, the Hades Canyon Nook allows you to customize the RAM and hard drive according to your preferences.

Q: How many displays can the Hades Canyon Nook support simultaneously?

A: The Hades Canyon Nook can support up to six displays simultaneously, making it a suitable option for multi-monitor setups.

Q: Does the Hades Canyon Nook come with an operating system?

A: No, the Hades Canyon Nook does not come with an operating system, allowing users to choose their preferred OS during customization.

Q: Can the Hades Canyon Nook handle VR gaming?

A: Yes, the Hades Canyon Nook has enough ports to connect all currently available VR headsets, providing an immersive virtual reality gaming experience.

Q: Is the Hades Canyon Nook worth the price?

A: The Hades Canyon Nook offers a powerful and compact gaming experience but comes at a higher price point. Buyers should consider their needs and budget before making a decision.

Resources:

• Intel NUC: Hades Canyon NUC8i7HVK
• Geekbench