I have the n100 model and did a reload of w11 pro. Not all of the drivers exist on the w11 iso, including the network I believe. I used a usb nic for the load if i remember correctly. You can download the drivers from the vendor or directly from the manufacturer of the hardware.
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I did and license was activated without a problem. Neither did I run the factory install at all to "initialize" it--I just wiped the factory install, did a new install of Win 11 24H2, and when it went online for the first time, Win 11 Pro became activated.
There are a few drivers missing from a generic Win 11 install that you have to seek out and load manually to have all the hardware fully detected (like Intel 2.5GB NIC, Realtek RTL8522BE wireless NIC, and a couple of ACPI things). I have this documented--I'll try to post the details later. |
Ok, so if you do a fresh install of Win 11 2024H2 (like using an ISO sourced from Microsoft), you will have four unknown items in the Device Manager at the end because the drivers are not included in the ISO. The wired and wireless NICs are two of those devices so, unfortunately, you are left unconnected. But you can download the four necessary drivers from the Microsoft Update Catalog easily. Then just unzip the CABs onto a USB and bring them over to the G3 Plus for updating. Here are the four drivers with their Hardware IDs, and the links for downloading the CABs at the Microsoft Update Catalog website:
Intel I226-V Ethernet NIC PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_125C&SUBSYS_00008086&REV_04 Code:
https://catalog.s.download.windowsupdate.com/c/msdownload/update/driver/drvs/2024/07/1df2b7e8-c6fc-4b8f-b46e-25cf4d3e4a35_fdc6278f1523a260cc580daec812fb176300c877.cab PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_B852&SUBSYS_B85210EC&REV_00 Code:
https://catalog.s.download.windowsupdate.com/c/msdownload/update/driver/drvs/2025/02/e223d514-d1f0-48f1-9b69-94bcb1738291_b5c8edb4bf731851eb47a58674893093f6cef7b3.cab ACPI\VEN_INTC&DEV_1070 Code:
https://catalog.s.download.windowsupdate.com/c/msdownload/update/driver/drvs/2024/11/6d8f0c59-d577-45ec-a0e0-115901aeef77_23bf78a5b1869d923349d395451a3358539441cd.cab ACPI\VEN_INTC&DEV_1057 Code:
https://catalog.s.download.windowsupdate.com/c/msdownload/update/driver/drvs/2024/09/f830e3d7-f3ae-48c9-8e90-f60d2a02d98e_c3b3dc96668204ea78d9b8c98635dcfec2f20e7d.cab |
I opted for 16GB MEM+512GB SSD for $30 more, and received mine last night. Reading all the horror stories about spyware/malware on minipcs from China, I determined to re-install Windows 11 Pro on my machine. Here's some key points that you need to be aware of if you decide to take this route:
Next up: Make a new partition in the SSD to dual-boot Linux. BTW, I did set up the pre-installed Windows 11 Pro without connecting to the network, seeing if I could see the spyware/malware in action. I have to say it looked very clean; I didn't see any suspicious processes or services, or bloatware. I also did the virus scan a couple of times and nothing turned up. If I wasn't killing time while watching Grammys on the side, I probably would have left the pre-installed Windows 11 Pro alone. |
Thanks for the good info. As an alternative for the NIC drivers can also be downloaded from Intel here:
Intel I226-V Ethernet NIC - https://www.intel.com/content/www...-pack.html Intel Graphics Drivers - https://www.intel.com/content/www...ndows.htm For other Intel Drivers - https://www.intel.com/content/www.../home.html Intel Automatic Drivers Assistant - https://www.intel.com/content/www...etect.htm |
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Anyway, if your goal is retro gaming, a Raspberry Pi is smaller and more energy-efficient for these types of tasks, but honestly, once you add in a case, a good power supply (RPi's are picky with respect to power...), and storage, it is probably at the same price or even more than this $130 machine. But if you are interested in more modern gaming or more powerful emulation, this system would be better and give you more flexibility for future upgrades.
Just saying buyers might want to read up.
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On a related note, the other type I've been trying to research, is if something as old as an 8th gen Core processor would also be able to work as this type of server. Thanks for any info.
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My stance remains that TDP is only really valuable for deciding how big of a heatsink to slap on something, and outside of that is just something for nerds to argue about.
It kind of defeats the purpose of reinstalling.
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Ended up paying a bit more and got a beelink and it's been great, for what it's worth.
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my friend has a jailbroken Firestick that he pays a service for live streaming + every movie possible but the service is kind of laggy. also, what is the best way to start streaming for free on a Windows machine?
Anyway, not saying that one should or should not do this--just commenting that plenty of folks have had success with it despite the *official* guidance.
BTW, it doesn't stop at 32 GB. 48 GB DDR5 SODIMM is on the market and can be used with Alder Lake-N. ODROID even advertises that for their H4. However, there could be speed/reliability issues.
https://www.hardkernel.
https://old.reddit.com/r/UgreenNA..._for
The market has been preparing for the arrival of 64 GB DIMMs since late 2023, with motherboard makers adding support for them in advance. I don't know if/when we'll see a 64 GB DDR5 SODIMM stick, but if we do, maybe someone will get it running in single-channel with an N100 just for laughs.
Whatever the case, it does seem to be somewhat picky about what 32GB sticks (brand/model/specs) work versus those that do not. At least this is the case with its N100 predecessor. So if one is not willing to tinker, accepting the 16GB limit makes sense. But if you are daring and intrepid, 32GB also seems to function well if you have the right combination.
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also, uses barrel plug. I bought a different n100 with a type c pd charger. easier to mount behind a TV.
You can buy a USB-C to barrel plug adapter for $5
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