Intel NUC5i5RYK Broadwell-U Mini-PC Review

Throughout all of our benchmarking and testing, we also monitored how much power our test systems consumed using a power meter. Our goal was to give you all an idea as to how much power each configuration used while idling and while under a heavy workload. Please keep in mind that we were testing total system power consumption at the outlet here, not just the power being drawn by the processors alone.

This is where the NUC5i5RYK really shines. The Broadwell-based CPU in this little machine sips power. When idling, the rig consumed only 6 watts. And under a full CPU load, that number jumps up to only 22 watts--much lower than any other system.  We should note, that when gaming, when the CPU and GPU and both being taxed, power consumption got into the mid-30 watt range, but it was still relatively low.

With such minimal power consumption, it should come as no surprise that the NUC5i5RYK is relatively cool and quiet. The CPU idles in the 30'C range and when under load, the system's cooling fan generates very little noise. It DOES spin up and generate an audible hum, but it is certainly quiet and suitable for any environment, including a home theater.