NUC 9 Pro 2.5 inch drive

[brasoveanul]

The user manual for the NUC 9 Pro NUC9VXQNX2 specifies that the unit supports, supplementary from the 3 M.2 SSD units, a fourth 2.5 inch SSD unit, without giving any instruction on how to actually install it, which is unprofessional. Is this true, what accessories should be bought in order to install a fourth 2.5 inch drive and from where? Eventually, can you give parts number?

An additional question, considering this system uses a Xeon processor, would it run fine with a non-ECC memory kit? Is it less stable in a non-ECC memory configuration? Should I buy a 3200 MHz kit or a 2666 MHz kit?

Thank you!

[brasoveanul]

I would just like to up this. The manual is not at all helpful, so if you could clarify this, it would be very helpful, please read the first message. Thank you.

[AndrewG_Intel]

Hello brasoveanul

Thank you for posting on the Intel® communities. Your feedback is really appreciated it and we will share it with the proper department so they may review it.

Just to make sure, is this the User´s manual that you are reviewing?

https://www.intel.com/content/dam/support/us/en/documents/intel-nuc/nuc-kits/NUC9xyQNX_UserGuide.pdf

Regarding your concerns, the Intel® NUC 9 Pro Kit - NUC9VXQNX has a one SATA 6.0 Gb/s powered port but it is not usable on the NUC 9 Extreme/Pro Kit. This SATA header is for use with the NUC 9 Extreme/Pro Compute Element only. For more information please refer to the Technical Product Specifications document, sections:

• 2.8 Storage Options
• 2.15 NUC 9 Extreme/Pro Element Headers and Connectors, component D >> Internal FPC Style SATA/Power connector.

https://www.intel.com/content/dam/support/us/en/documents/intel-nuc/nuc-kits/NUC9xyQNX_UserGuide.pdf

However, we will check this further regarding the options to install and use a 2.5 storage drive and we will post back in the thread as soon as we have more details available.

Regarding the memory RAM, the Intel® NUC should work fine with non-ECC memory. ECC (Error Correction Code) RAM is theoretically more stable and reliable than standard RAM; however, different sources claim that there is a little impact in speed when using ECC RAM. Basically, if planning to use the system as a server or other "mission-critical" machine, the recommendation is ECC. If looking for maximum speed, the recommendation is non-ECC since most average users don't have a need for ECC RAM.

Also, it is worth mentioning that the Intel® NUC 9 Pro Kit - NUC9VXQNX neither supports memory RAM at 3200MHz nor it supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (Intel® XMP). The Intel® NUC supports the following memory types:

• DDR4 2133/2400/2666 MHz SDRAM SO-DIMMs

For more details, please refer to the Technical Product Specifications document, section 2.4 System Memory.

Best regards,

Andrew G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[brasoveanul]

Hello,

Thank you for getting back. Regarding the 2.5 inch drive, it is the user manual, indeed, that specifies, in a separate section, that an additional 2.5 inch drive can be installed, but the user should get the necessary cable and adapter by himself, without mentioning anything about what the cable and adapter is all about, or concerning the installation procedure. If it is possible to add a 2.5 inch drive, please come back to me with the necessary information, or if it is not, please correct the manual and provide the information here, so that other users clarify themselves. It is important to find the correct information, as this will influence the decision to purchase.

[brasoveanul]

I would add that it is important that this is clarified till Monday, at the latest, so that I can proceed with the purchase or cancel it altogether.

[MRoss5200]

The cable and adapter required are the same used in the CY and IN NUC products. I have tried it and it does work fine with this cable but there is no place to put the drive while it is connected since there is no room for a 2.5" device in the case. Plus, getting the cable will be a challenge since it is not sold separately.

[Ronny_G_Intel]

Hi everyone,

I apologize if the documentation is not clear enough about the system integration. The SATA ports are available on the system but with the intention to be used when integrating the system on a third-party or custom chassis. As mentioned by MRoss5200 the SATA Cable and the drive bay are not provided with the Kit and should be purchased separately.

In summary, the 2.5'' SSD option (as it's mentioned in the User Guide) is intended to be only available for the Element so costumers can use their own chassis solution, for the Kit only m.2 drives are supported.

In regards to memory support, please refer to https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000055830/intel-nuc.html non-ECC will run fine and maximum speed is 2666 MHz, anything faster than that will default back to 2666 Mhz.

Regards,

Ronny G

[brasoveanul]

Do you have any ideas where such a SATA cable can be purchased? Is it a chance that, as a last resort, Intel could send it, I am willing to pay postage.

[brasoveanul]

Hello,

I was wondering, isn't there any space in the nuc 9 extreme chassis for a 2.5 inch drive to be placed, although not a dedicated space? I refer to spare space with the 2-slot GPU installed in the PCIe slot. Seeing the pictures and movies, I can't figure this out, for example in the front of the unit, among the cables.

Furthermore, supposing I can source a SATA cable, what is the procedure to connect it to the available connector, is there anything special, like a latch that should be open?

[n_scott_pearson]

With an 8" long, 2-slot-wide graphics card installed, no, there isn't room (I tried all over the place).

As far as I know, you just stick the ribbon cable into the connector (which should be in the open position by default) and squeeze it closed. I haven't actually tried doing this yet; I checked for drive fit first and stopped before taking the plunge on cable installation (these bare ribbon cable connectors give me the friggin' willies; I haven't a good track record getting these kinds of cables perfectly aligned).

...S

[MRoss5200]

The SATA port on NUC Element Pro is intended for system integrator use only. Intel is not going to provide cables to end-users. Maybe someone like Gorite, MicroSATA Cables, SimplyNUC will provide this in the future.

[n_scott_pearson]

...And those connector tabs that *will* be broken!

[brasoveanul]

What do you mean by "will be broken"? Will they break by themselves?

[n_scott_pearson]

They are very delicate and even experts have broken them. Do not try to remove the movable part completely.
...S

[Arielmdz]

Hello 

I just bought the NUC 9VXQNX Xeon processor and got a question for Andrew G. On the intel support site shows some ECC memories tested by intel that supposedly run @3200mhz on this NUC 

I'm particular interested in this one, here is the link from intel support Intel® Product Compatibility Tool

Micron

32GB 3200 MHz ECC

MTA18ASF4G72HZ

Intel Validated

Can I run two slots total 64GB ECC???

Also, the two NVME M.2 slots side by side do they run from the CPU or chipset??? I know there is a third NVME slot on the bottom of the chassis, but manual is very basic and doesn't explain anything.

Do they or do they not run memory on 3200Mhz on this Xeon Nuc ?????

Will really appreciate your input on these questions Andrew.

Thanks

Ariel

[hubick]

You should read the previous answers which cover this. Just because the RAM supports operation at up to 3200mhz, doesn't mean the computer is capable of operating it up to that speed. Installing 3200mhz RAM into a max-2666mhz PC gets you... 2666mhz. 

[Arielmdz]

That doesn't answer my question!!!! If it doesn't support ECC ram @3200 why Intel bother to posted in their support site for this Nuc which I left the link on my original post where clearly states Micron ecc 32gb @ 3200mhz said " Intel validated "  besides the post that you r referring to its a year old. Its got to be another answer, thanks for the reply 

[hubick]

I'm guessing because it's been validated running at 2666mhz.

[AndrewG_Intel]

Hello brasoveanul

Thank you for your response.

The type of SATA connector on the board is "FPC,0.5mm,Gold 15u inch,Black,SMD-16P,ROHS,HF". We recommend to find a matching cable for this dimension. Please also check the picture on the Technical Product Specifications, page 27:

https://www.intel.com/content/dam/support/us/en/documents/intel-nuc/nuc-kits/NUC9QN_TechProdSpec.pdf

We also want to inform you that the cable is not available for fulfillment from Intel; however, we will check this further to see if we can provide more details.

In the meantime, you may try checking with the Intel® Authorized Distributors and Approved Suppliers and Intel® Partners:

• Intel® Authorized Distributors and Approved Suppliers >> https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/partner/where-to-buy/overview.html
• SimplyNUC* >> https://simplynuc.com/
• Gorite* >> https://www.gorite.com/

Best regards,

Andrew G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

*Links to third-party sites and references to third-party trademarks are provided for convenience and illustrative purposes only. Unless explicitly stated, Intel® is not responsible for the contents of such links, and no third-party endorsement of Intel® or any of its products is implied.

[hubick]

Hi,

I have a 2.5" Optane 905P U.2 drive I wish to use with my NUC9VXQNX1. I have the U.2 to M.2 adapter bundled with the 905P that requires a SATA power connection. I plan on connecting it to an m.2 in the compute unit (not the m.2 on the backplane) (a Dremel may be required to exit the M.2 cable from the compute unit).

My understanding is that the 8-pin or 6+2 pin PCI Express leads for the GPU are 12 volt and don't contain a 5 volt line that can easily be adapted to a SATA power connection (5 volt), so my best bet is likely this "FPC" to SATA cable?

In this other NUC11 thread:

https://community.intel.com/t5/Intel-NUCs/SATA-cable-for-NUC11TNK/m-p/1271936#M82377

@n_scott_pearson links to an Intel cable "INTL-22FFC-1742", but also talks about 16-pin vs older 22-pin.

The product page at:

https://www.gorite.com/intel-nuc-internal-fpc-fcc-22-pin-sata-power-cable-for-2-5-inch-drives

says "Supports Intel NUC models :10th GEN Intel NUCs and later models", which reads like it should not work with the NUC9 according to the box?

@AndrewG_Intel says "FPC,0.5mm,Gold 15u inch,Black,SMD-16P,ROHS,HF" which seems to indicate 16-pins on the NUC9 which sounds compatible.

Can anyone confirm if that "INTL-22FFC-1742" product above should work with the NUC9VXQNX1, at least just for my 5-volt power (and not data) needs?

Much Thanks.

p.s. I only plan on a single width (not GPU) card in there, so hope I can cram the 2.5" in physically. Are there any photos of 2.5" drives in these before I jerry rig my own mounting?

[AndrewG_Intel]

Hello brasoveanul

We would like to update this thread and inform you that our best recommendation is to follow the suggestion provided in our previous post. Unfortenately, we do not have this cable available for fulfillment. You may also check with online retail sites as the ones in this link:

Where to Buy Spare Accessories for Intel® NUC Products >> https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000024053/intel-nuc.html

We appreciate your feedback and it has been shared with the proper department. If you need any additional information, please submit a new question as this thread will no longer being monitored. Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

Andrew G.

Intel Customer Support Technician