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M**R
What's not to love? Big success for a tiny computer!
The Kodlix N42-D is an awesome little computer, best considered a starter-kit for customers looking for something that is a step-up from barebones and know they're going to upgrade the storage and/or memory.The primary differentiator for this product is that it truly is fanless. No moving parts. Passive cooling. This translates to SILENCE! If you don't want to hear your computer, the N42-D is perfect. Bonus points, the N42-D sips power, running around 6-watts. Combine (1) silence with (2) low-power and (3) low cost, and you have a hat trick that delivers a full Windows 10 Pro desktop experience and easily handles modest multimedia demands.Keep in mind, you get what you pay for. If you're looking for a tiny gaming computer with a high frame rate, start with the latest model Intel NUC boxes and work up from there, and expect to pay more than twice the cost of this box... If you're looking to mine Bitcoins, perform graphics design, use AutoCAD, or edit movies, you'll need to invest in something bigger than this box. But, if you're looking to check email, surf the web, watch streaming videos, play casual games (like Solitaire or Candy Crush), or need a small box for any number of mini-server utility functions, the N42-D is a great pick!The N42-D is more powerful than most of the small Android multimedia boxes, and will run either Windows or Linux. The Intel Pentium N4200 chip inside this box is quad-core and runs between 1.1-Ghz and 2.5-Ghz depending on what you're doing. Many laptops or desktops bought new today will have more horsepower than the N42-D, but those other computers are going to cost more, make more noise, and eat more power.There are several products from different manufacturers available in this space today, based on the Pentium N4200 or something a bit weaker such as an Atom or Celeron processor. I don't recommend going below the N4200 for general purpose computing. The Atom and Celeron processors today are best for purpose-built single task platforms, not your typical Windows desktop user. To ensure you're not spending a lot of time waiting on the computer, be sure to install an SSD (Solid State Drive). The slowest SSD drives are still faster than the fastest mechanical Hard Disk Drives. Also, the built-in 32GB eMMC storage included in the N42-D isn't going to be sufficient to run Windows on the Internet (32GB isn't enough space for the latest Windows Updates), and that eMMC storage isn't very fast. You'll feel sluggish moving around the Windows desktop if you insist on using the eMMC storage. Best to upgrade the storage immediately. Install a 2.5" SSD or an M.2 2280 SSD as the primary drive to run Windows. If you need gobs of space, install an M.2 for Windows (C:), and use the 2.5" drive for secondary storage (e.g. movies, music, photos, video surveillance, etc.).Recommended upgrade options - buy these components to install in the N42-D:Scenario 1 finish line: 4GB RAM and 250GB 2.5" SSD (only upgrading storage, very easy)1) Samsung 860 EVO 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (250GB)Scenario 2 finish line: 8GB RAM and 250GB M.2 SSD (upgrade RAM and M.2, moderate effort)1) Timetec Hynix IC 4GB DDR3L 1600MHz PC3L-12800 Non ECC Unbuffered 1.35V CL11 2Rx8 Dual Rank 204 Pin SODIMM (low density)2) Samsung 860 EVO M.2 SATA Internal SSD (250GB)Scenario 3 finish line: 16GB RAM and maximum 2.5TB SSD storage (max out the box, most effort)1) Timetec Hynix IC 16GB Kit(2x8GB) DDR3L 1600MHz PC3L-12800 Non ECC Unbuffered 1.35V CL11 2Rx8 Dual Rank 204 Pin SODIMM2) Samsung 860 EVO M.2 SATA Internal SSD (500GB)3) Samsung 860 EVO 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (2TB)In any of the above scenarios, replace the Samsung 860 with your M.2 or 2.5" SSD of choice. Keep in mind, you're not necessarily looking for the ultimate fastest SSD, as the N42-D is a low-budget computer, not a race horse. Go for a highly reliable, long-lived, proven SSD, that will give you years of operation when combined with the N42-D. If you're on a super tight budget, avoid the SSD and get a 2.5" HDD, but I'm not a fan of mechanical drives now that SSD prices are reasonable.I opted for 16GB, installing the Timetec Hynix IC 16GB DDR3L kit, which is two 8GB SODIMM modules. Upgrading to 16GB requires opening the case and removing the heat sink to replace the 4GB module that ships with the N42-D, whereas adding one 4GB or 8GB module and/or the M.2 SSD only requires opening the case, but the heat sink stays on. Anybody who has done PC surgery in the past can accomplish these tasks, and will find the experience not to be a big deal. None of this is hard, but if you don't know how to upgrade a full size PC with new memory (which is trivial, less work than changing the oil in your car), stick to scenario 1 and avoid having to fully open the case on the N42-D. The scenario 2 and 3 options involve small parts, tiny wires, and frustratingly tiny screws, equivalent to putting together a small model airplane, building a ship in a bottle, or repairing a drone. YouTube is your friend - there is a video where a guy takes the N42-D apart, upgrades it, and puts it back together.After you install an M.2 or 2.5" SSD and optionally install upgraded memory, re-assemble the N42-D, connect the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but not the Internet, and power everything on. Run through the initial install wizard and get to the Windows desktop on the N42-D. On a different computer, download MiniTool Partition Wizard (it's free) and copy the install file to a USB drive, and use that USB drive to copy the install file to the N42-D. Use the MiniTool Partition Wizard application to clone the 32GB eMMC drive to your new boot drive (M.2 or 2.5"), resizing partitions, keeping the boot partition at 100MB and the recovery partition at 808MB, while the rest of the space on the new drive will be used for Windows (C:). After the clone process is finished, reboot again, hit DEL to enter BIOS prior to Windows start, and change the boot sequence to use the new drive. Best to now disable the eMMC drive, as you won't need it unless something bad happens in the future.If you prefer to install Windows from scratch, download Windows 10 and create a bootable USB install drive, then hit F7 while booting the N42-D to select boot device, pick the USB install drive, and run through the Windows 10 installer to prepare the new M.2 or 2.5" drive for Windows.You want to keep the N42-D off the Internet when running on the 32GB eMMC drive, because Windows will try and Auto Update, and the default Microsoft settings require more space than is available on that 32GB drive given recent Windows patches (as of the time of this review). Once you have Windows installed on the new drive, let it run through Windows Update several times, requiring several reboots. Depending on the speed of your Internet connection, it may take a long time (hours) to finish all the necessary Microsoft patching.In summary:Positives:1) Fanless - absolutely silent operation, no noise, ever.2) Easily upgraded with additional memory and storage, and supports both M.2 and 2.5" drives.3) Sufficient computing power to run Windows 10 for knowledge-worker use cases (e.g. email, web, Office, video streaming, casual games).4) If you plan to run Windows, the N42-D includes genuine Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, worth ~$142 if purchased separately.5) No bloatware, no spyware, just Windows 10 Pro installed from the factory, no worries.Negatives:1) If you need 4K video resolution, the HDMI port is limited to 4K at 30-Hz. Competitors support up to 60-Hz.2) If you need multi-monitor support, the VGA port doesn't lock via VGA connector screws and easily comes disconnected.3) The screws to remove the heat sink are especially small, similar to what's needed for eyeglasses. Most non-hardware-geeks may not have a screwdriver set with tips small enough to work, so consider buying: Jakemy Screwdriver Set, Precision Repair Tool Kit.4) Manufacturer name, Kodlix, is a poor choice for English-speaking markets... competitor names like Minix are sexier.Reviewing the Pros vs Cons, the cons aren't significant for most customers. The majority of users are going to connect a single HDMI video output and install a 2.5" drive, and love this product everyday. Those of us that push a little further will upgrade the RAM and install an M.2 drive (and maybe install a 2.5" drive for secondary storage), and love this product everyday. In terms of value, this product is worth its cost, and there is nothing else on the market at the time of this review that does more for less.My experience:I bought this knowing that I'd upgrade the RAM and storage before turning it on. I remember at least three different sizes of screws while taking it apart the first time... The two screws to access the 2.5" bay are easy to work with, obvious to access under the unit, and about the same size as the screws we commonly see for hard drive mounts. If all you plan to do is add a 2.5" drive, that's the easiest of the upgrades. The four screws to open the case are smaller and located beneath the plastic feet under the unit, so use a small flat-tip or equivalent to pry up the glued-on rubber feet, and down inside the tiny holes there are screws to undo (the rubber feet will stick back afterwards no problem). You need to open the case to install an M.2 drive, and/or add one DDR memory module. If you want to install a second DDR memory module, replacing the included 4GB DDR memory module, then the heat sink must also be removed, and it has three of the smallest screws I've run across in a computer intended for the DIY customer. Make sure you have a precision screwdriver set with a tiny Philips (size 1?).When opening the case, be mindful of the battery and Wi-Fi wires. The plastic took some effort to pry apart... I was starting to think it might break, but eventually one corner started to give and then the remaining clips were easy to work loose. Best if you have a splunger (flat piece of plastic to help pry apart the case after screws are removed; plastic-on-plastic won't leave tool marks; using a metal tool like a flat-tip screwdriver to pry open the case may show dings afterwards). Note - the Jakemy Screwdriver Set comes with splugers and needle-point-tweezers. Tweezers are useful in unplugging the battery connector and plugging it back in afterwards. If you're careful, the Wi-Fi wires can remain attached, just keep the two halves of the case close together while working.Alternatives:If you're looking for other options, compare to the Minix Neo N42C-4. The Kodlix N42-D is fanless and has both an M.2 slot and 2.5" bay, and supports up to two monitor outputs via HDMI and VGA. The Minix Neo N42C-4 has a small fan for active cooling, an M.2 slot, no 2.5" bay, but adds a mini-DisplayPort and video-enabled USB C-port plus HDMI, supporting up to three monitor outputs. Both units have two SODIMM slots for up to 16GB of DDR3L memory, and both units support up to 512GB SATA storage via M.2 slot. The N42C-4 is smaller. I prefer the N42-D for single-display (HDMI) use cases, as it has no fan, and has the 2.5" drive bay. I recommend the N42C-4 if you have a requirement for multi-monitor support, or need the smallest possible product that includes a VESA bracket to mount directly on the back of a monitor or television. At the time of this review, the N42-D and N42C-4 are the same price, and both are available via Prime for quick shipping.Note 1 - if your use case demands 4K resolution, the Minix Neo N42C-4 can do 4K at 60-Hz via mini-DisplayPort and USB-C, plus 4K at 30-Hz via HDMI, while the Kodlix N42-D is limited to 4K at 30-Hz via HDMI.Note 2 - there are laptops available with the N4200 and an SSD that cost not a lot more than a N42-D or N42C-4, and overall price may be lower versus upgrading an N42-D with storage and buying a monitor, keyboard and mouse. If you want a mobile computer, best to buy a laptop.Example laptops available on Amazon with N4200 processor:1) 2018 Lenovo ideapad 320 15.6" Backlight HD Laptop Computer, Intel Pentium N4200 Quad-Core up to 2.5GHz, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, DVD-RW, 802.11ac WIFI, Bluetooth 4.1, USB 3.0, HDMI, Windows 102) 2018 Newest ASUS Vivobook 15.6 Inch Laptop Computer Intel Quad Core Pentium N4200 up to 2.5Ghz, 4GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Intel HD Graphics 500, DVD/CD+RW, USB Type-C, Webcam, Windows 10Good luck!
J**M
Works great as a Plex Server with security camera recording
I bought this computer to be my workhorse server. My rising power bills led me to seek a replacement for my desktop running as a Plex Server and monitoring 2 security cameras using ispyconnect. I use Teamviewer to remote into the computer from my desktop or android tablet, so no display is needed. Performance wise, while running 2 security cameras in motion detection recording mode, I was able to stream a movie to 2 different Rokus and a TV show to my phone, all using Plex without any buffering. These were all on my local network.The standouts for me on this machine is the newer Intel chip set, Windows 10 Pro, expandable RAM and the ability to add a HDD. I knew that the included 32gb will cause issues with Windows updates so there is a good order to do things in.1. Get a laptop HDD. I used a 1TB drive from a store that starts with 2 B's in it for 50 bucks. Install the HDD into the slot on the bottom.2. Hook up your monitor, mouse and keyboard. Do not attach a network cable.3. Go through the whole windows set up without being connected to the internet.4. Install from a USB (or connect to the net long enough to accomplish) MiniTool Partition Wizard.5. Format the new HDD and clone the C drive over to it.6. When complete, reboot into BIOS and change the boot media to the new drive.7. You are now running Win 10 Pro on a larger drive.8. Install the updates. The Fall Creators update (1709) will install. Plan on a long time getting this done.I will be stress testing it some more, switching the cameras over to a timelapse recording and I will probably max out the RAM at the 16 GB just because. I am not running office or emails or internet on mine, it was not purchased for these tasks. But I do not see why I could not do that. I think this is a good little computer for an environment that does not demand power hungry applications or gaming.
Trustpilot
5 days ago
4 days ago
