NUC 8 Mainstream-G - Desktop computer INTEL - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Desktop Computer (Mini PC)
Brand	Intel
Model	NUC 8 Mainstream-G
Processor	Intel Core i5-8259U or i7-8559U (up to 4.5 GHz)
Graphics	Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
Memory	Dual-channel DDR4-2400, up to 32 GB (2 SO-DIMM slots)
Storage	2.5" SATA HDD/SSD, M.2 NVMe/SATA SSD support
Wireless Connectivity	Intel Wireless-AC 9560 (WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0)
Ports	2× USB 3.1 Gen2, 2× Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 2.0a, Ethernet 10/100/1000, SD card reader
Power Supply	External 90W AC adapter
Dimensions (W × D × H)	4.6 in × 4.4 in × 1.5 in (117 mm × 112 mm × 38 mm)
Weight	Approximately 1.2 lbs (550 g)
Operating System	Compatible with Windows 10/11, Linux
Cooling	Active fan cooling
Cleaning Instructions	Unplug device, use soft dry cloth. Avoid liquid cleaners.
Safety Warnings	Do not block ventilation; use only provided power adapter; keep away from moisture.
Spare Parts & Repairability	RAM and storage upgradeable; SSD and fan replaceable; no internal battery.

Frequently Asked Questions - NUC 8 Mainstream-G INTEL

How do I power on the NUC 8 Mainstream-G?

Press the power button on the front panel. Ensure the power adapter is connected and the device is plugged into a working outlet.

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?

Yes, the NUC 8 Mainstream-G has two SO-DIMM slots for DDR4-2400 RAM and supports a 2.5" SATA drive as well as an M.2 NVMe/SATA SSD. Access is via the bottom panel.

Does it support dual monitors?

Yes, it supports dual displays via HDMI 2.0a and Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports.

How do I access the BIOS?

Press F2 repeatedly during boot. To enter the boot menu, press F10.

What operating systems are compatible?

The NUC 8 Mainstream-G works with Windows 10, Windows 11, and most Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu). Drivers are available on Intel's website.

How do I clean the device?

Unplug the NUC and use a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not use any liquid cleaners or compressed air inside the vents.

Can I use a different power adapter?

Only use the original Intel 90W power adapter. Using a third-party adapter may damage the unit or cause instability.

Where can I download the latest drivers?

Visit Intel's support website (https://www.intel.com/support) and search for NUC 8 Mainstream-G. Drivers for graphics, audio, Wi-Fi, and more are available.

Does it support wake-on-LAN?

Yes, the Ethernet port supports wake-on-LAN. Enable it in the BIOS under Power Management settings.

How do I reset the device to factory settings?

If you have Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and choose 'Reset this PC'. For BIOS reset, open the case, remove the CMOS battery for 30 seconds, then reinsert it.

USER MANUAL NUC 8 Mainstream-G INTEL

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Contents

1.0 Introduction ....5
1.1 Before You Begin 5
1.2 Installation Precautions....5
1.3 Observe Safety and Regulatory Requirements....6
2.0 Open the Chassis....7
3.0 System Memory 8
3.1 Upgrade to Different Memory ....Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2 Install Additional Memory......Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.0 Changing the M.2 SSD 9
5.0 Install a 2.5" SSD or Hard Drive....10
6.0 Close the Chassis....11
7.0 Use the VESA Bracket (Optional)....12
8.0 Connect Power 14
9.0 Set Up Microsoft® Windows® 10....16
10.0 Install the Latest Device Drivers and Software ....17
11.0 Operating System Recovery....17

Revision History

Date	Revision	Description
	1.0	Initial release.

1.0 Introduction

This User Guide provides step-by-step installation instructions for these products:

The steps in this guide assume you're familiar with computer terminology and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying computer equipment.

Disconnect the computer from its power source and from any network before performing any of the steps described in this guide.

Failure to disconnect power, telecommunications links, or networks before you open the computer or perform any procedures can result in personal injury or equipment damage. Some circuitry on the board can continue to operate even though the front panel power button is off.

Follow these guidelines before you begin:

• Always follow the steps in each procedure in the correct order.
- Create a log to record information about your computer, such as model, serial numbers, installed options, and configuration information.
- Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage components. Perform the procedures described in this chapter only at an ESD workstation using an antistatic wrist strap and a conductive foam pad. If such a station isn't available, you can provide some ESD protection by wearing an antistatic wrist strap and attaching it to a metal part of the computer chassis.

1.2 Installation Precautions

When you install and test the Intel NUC, observe all warnings and cautions in the installation instructions.

To avoid injury, be careful of:

- Sharp pins on connectors

• Sharp pins on circuit boards
• Rough edges and sharp corners on the chassis
  • Hot components (such as SSDs, processors, voltage regulators, and heat sinks)
• Damage to wires that could cause a short circuit

Observe all warnings and cautions that instruct you to refer computer servicing to qualified technical personnel.

1.3 Observe Safety and Regulatory Requirements

If you don't follow these instructions, you increase your safety risk and the possibility of noncompliance with regional laws and regulations.

2.0 Open the Chassis

Unscrew the four corner screws on the bottom of the chassis and lift the cover.

3.0 System Memory

The Intel NUC mini PC NUC8i7INH and NUC8i5INH have 8GB of RAM soldered down

Pre-integrated memory

NUC8i7INH	8GB
NUC8i5INH	8GB

There is no option to upgrade/change the memory configuration.

4.0 Changing the M.2 SSD

The Intel NUC mini PC NUC8i7INH and NUC8i5INH support an 80mm SSD.

Pre-installed M.2

NUC8i5INHJA	One 16GB Intel Optane Memory module
NUC8i7INHJA	One 16GB Intel Optane Memory module
NUC8i5INHPA	256GB m.2 SSD
NUC8i7INHPA	256GB m.2 SSD

Find compatible M.2 SSDs in the Intel Product Compatibility Tool:

• NUC8i5INH
• NUC8i7INH

To install a different M.2 SSD:

1. Remove the small silver screw from the 80mm metal standoff on the board (A).
2. Remove the pre-installed SSD/Intel Optane Memory from the connector.
3. Align the space at the bottom of the new M.2 SSD to the key on the connector
4. Secure the card to the standoff with the small silver screw (C).

5.0 Install a 2.5" SSD or Hard Drive

The Intel NUC mini PC NUC8i7INH and NUC8i5INH support an additional 2.5" Solid State Drive (SSD) or Hard Disk Drive (HDD).

Find compatible 2.5" drives in the Intel Product Compatibility Tool:

• NUC8i5INH

• NUC8i7INH

• Unscrew the four screws holding the current drive in the bay.

• Remove the pre-installed drive from the drive bay.
• Slide the new 2.5" drive into the drive bay, ensuring the SATA connectors are fully seated into the connectors of the SATA daughter card (A).

Technical line drawing of a mechanical housing with a green internal component and a blue directional arrow labeled 'A' (no text or symbols beyond the label)

1. Secure the drive into the drive bay with the four screws that were used in step 1. Set the drive bay bracket down inside the chassis (C).

3D diagram of a battery pack with a blue arrow indicating the process, showing internal structure and mounting points (no text or symbols)

6.0 Close the Chassis

After all components have been installed, close the Intel NUC chassis. Intel recommends this be done by hand with a screwdriver to avoid over-tightening and possibly damaging the screws.

7.0 Use the VESA Bracket (Optional)

Follow these instructions to attach and use the VESA mount bracket:

1. Using the four small black screws that were included in the box, attach the VESA bracket to the back of the monitor or TV.

Diagram of a computer monitor with an inset showing a rectangular device and a circular symbol labeled A (no text or symbols present)

1. Attach the two slightly larger black screws to the bottom chassis cover of the Intel NUC.

Diagram of a screwdriver pressing down on a device with labeled component B (no text or symbols beyond label)

1. Slide the Intel NUC onto the VESA mount bracket.

8.0 Connect Power

Each Intel NUC model includes either a region-specific AC power cord or no AC power cord (only the power adapter).

Product codes	Power cord type
BXNUC8i5INHX BXNUC8i7INHX	No power cord included. An AC power cord needs to be purchased separately. Power cords are available at many Internet sites for use in multiple countries. The connector on the power adapter is a C5 type connector.
BXNUC8i5INHJA1 BXNUC8i5INHPA1 BXNUC8i7INHJA1 BXNUC8i7INHPA1	US power cord included.
BXNUC8i5INHJA2 BXNUC8i5INHPA2 BXNUC8i7INHJA2 BXNUC8i7INHPA2	EU power cord included.
BXNUC8i5INHJA3 BXNUC8i7INHJA3	UK power cord included.
BXNUC8i5INHJA4 BXNUC8i7INHJA4	Australia/New Zealand power cord included.
BXNUC8i5INHP6 BXNUC8i7INHP6 BXNUC8i7INHZ6	China power cord included.

*All power plugs may not be included in the box.

9.0 Set Up Microsoft® Windows® 10

Microsoft Windows 10 is already installed on the Intel NUC mini PC. The first time you start the computer, you are guided through the Windows 10 setup steps, including:

• Selecting your region and language.
• Accepting the Microsoft Windows license terms.
  • Personalizing Windows and assign a PC Name.
• "Get Online" dialog to pick a wireless network (this step is optional).
• Choosing Express Settings or Customize.
• Assigning a User Name and Password.

Reinstalling the Operating System

If you upgrade or replace the computer's drive, you may need to install a new version of the operating system. See these resources:

• Supported Operating Systems

- Windows Setup Guide

10.0 Install the Latest Device Drivers and Software

Here are the options for keeping device drivers current:

• Allow the Intel® Driver & Support Assistant (Intel® DSA) to detect out-of-date drivers
  • Manually download drivers, BIOS, and software from Download Center:

- NUC8i5INH

- NUC8i7INH

The following device drivers and software are available.

• Intel® Chipset Device Software
• Radeon Graphics
• Intel® Management Engine
• Intel® Gigabit Ethernet
• Intel® Wireless
• Intel® Bluetooth
• Intel® Serial IO
  • Realtek* High Definition Audio
  • Realtek* Card Reader
• ITE Tech* Consumer Infrared
• Intel® Rapid Storage Technology
• Intel® Software Guard Extensions
• Intel® MPX Runtime Driver

11.0 Operating System Recovery

There's a Windows recovery partition on the Intel NUC. You can use this partition to Refresh, Reset, or Restore Windows. Here is what each of these actions do:

Refresh	If your PC isn't performing as well as it once did, and you don't know why, you can refresh your PC. This action doesn't delete any of your personal files or change your settings. Refresh does the following:Files and personalization settings won't change.PC settings are changed back to their defaultsApps from the Windows Store are keptApps installed from disks or websites are removed.List of removed apps is saved on the desktop.
Reset	If you want to recycle your PC, give it away, or start over with it, you can reset it completely. This process removes everything. Reset does the following:All personal files and apps are removed.PC settings are changed back to their defaults.Windows is reinstalled.
Restore	If a recently installed app or driver is causing problems with your PC, you can restore Windows back to an earlier point in time, called a restore point. System Restore doesn't change your personal files, but it can remove recently installed apps and drivers.

Caution - Before performing a Refresh or Reset:

• Make sure to back up all personal data to external storage.
- Remove SD card from the card slot, if one is inserted.

To access the recovery media:

If Windows starts	From Windows Start, typeRecoveryand select Recovery Options.SeeRecovery options in Windows 10for complete details on how to use the recovery options.
If Windows doesn't start	The recovery process should automatically start. If Recovery doesn't automatically start, you can try to initiate it as follows:Press F8during boot, when you see the prompt “F8 to Activate Windows 8.1/10 Recovery Mode”.Follow the recovery steps.