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r/buildapc•
MuMuMuMuMu

[Build help] webcam and microphone for an intel NUC (DC53427HYE)

Hello everyone,

I have an intel NUC DC5327HYE and would like upgrade it so that I Skype, i.e., add a webcam, mic and a headset. Sadly, I am not very knowlegable about hardware (especially audio/video) and my search on the web left me more confused than before.

Specifications of the NUC and my setup:

  • NUC 53427HYE running Ubuntu 14.04 LTS
  • Dual Mini-DisplayPort* 1.1a ports
  • HDMI port supporting 1.4a
  • High Definition Audio 2 subsystem in the following configuration: 8-channel (7.1) digital audio via HDMI 1.4a output and via one DisplayPort 1.1a connector
  • 1x USB 3.0
  • 2x USB 2.0

I have never connected audio devices to this machine before, so I have no idea how one would go about this. Right now, I have my monitor connected to the HDMI port. Thus, the displayports and the USB ports would, in principle, be available. However, my assumption is that just buying a webcam + headset and connecting them via USB will not do, which is why I turn to you before buying some X-to-Y adaptors + hardware that will ultimately not run.

What options, if any, do I have if I want to connect a webcam (with built-in mic, if that simplifies things) and a headset (or speakers) to my NUC if the only available ports are USB/displayports?

Thanks so much in advance for any advice, help or clarification.

Posted Sep 13, 2014, 12:28 PM UTC

23
thurst0n•

Almost every webcam I know of is USB and has a built in microphone.

There are also plenty of USB Headsets (Earphones w/ Microphone built in)

Are you worried about drivers? I see you don't have the typical 3.5mm jacks - is that correct?

I don't think you'll need adapters as long as you have drivers.

Logitech makes decent webcams/mics. Just depends how much you want to spend.

I'm not sure where you live, but all the box stores here sell webcams w/ mics built in (Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target, etc)

1
MuMuMuMuMuOP•

Right. I'm worried about whether the audio will actually work if I plug it in via USB, as I don't have audio jacks.

So what you are suggesting is to go ahead and just buy a webcam w/mic and try to simply plug it in and see what happens?

1
thurst0n•

More or less..

The only reason the audio wouldn't work is because of driver issues, so you might want to troll around on some unix forums to see what devices other people used without any issue.

I haven't used linux in a while so I can't comment on that but basically any USB device should work as long as you have a driver(that can be the tricky part) but if I'm not mistaken Ubuntu has a ton of drivers already built in - you can get a webcam for ~30 bucks so it's worth a shot.

I found this link that might be useful to you https://wiki.ubuntu.com/HardwareSupportComponentsMultimediaWebCameras

Here is another one pertaining to skype https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SkypeWebCams

Best advice I can give you is to google and read all the links you can because I guarantee that you're not the first person to want a webcam/mic working on ubuntu. It looks like many work plug n play already.

1