Streaming computer purchase advice sought

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stuartmac

66 posts

Master Geek

#1404240 12-Oct-2015 11:58

The requirements for streaming are fairly minimal I would think (I am looking at suggestions you "need" an I3/I5, SSD, Surface Pro etc) I have used an Acer Revo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_AspireRevo) - mine is quite old - at least 3-4 years on an Atom processor.

Streams Netflix, Youtube , PremierLeaguePass with no difficulties.

reven

3743 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1404242 12-Oct-2015 12:03

an i3 would be plenty for this. Personally I would probably buy a intel i3 nuc.

jonathan18

7413 posts

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#1404264 12-Oct-2015 12:27

I get the point of having a quiet machine if it's in your lounge; one problem is that many of the s/h cheaper PCs that may meet the necessary specs will be relatively noisy, hence why one of the small form-factor PCs may be a good bet.

Have you looked at a Gigabyte Brix? There are a few on here that report good results with these, and they're cheaper than a NUC (which is another option). I put together an earlier Gigabyye system for my sister (running Windows primarily for Kodi) and she loves it. Not the fastest, but that's with a standard HDD; I've suggested she put a small SS drive for the OS etc.

Another option could be a Mac Mini running Windows, if you really need that OS. Personally, I'm happy running OSX on our Mac Mini, and that works out fine...

Rikkitic

Awrrr
18663 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#1404285 12-Oct-2015 13:04

Thanks very much everybody for the useful tips. I will certainly look into all of this. I have been burned by the Pipo so am reluctant to commit my limited funds to anything that in any way resembles it (limited processing power, limited RAM, fanless, buggy firmware, etc.). I don't want to plunge all of my remaining money into another piece of useless (Chinese) crap.

That is why I am focussing on a desktop. It does need to be as silent as possible but at least I know these machines and have some confidence in them. They are also cheap as.

I prefer Windows because I know it and all of the other software that works with it. I have played with Android, Linux and Apple, but am not familiar enough with any of them to be comfortable and I just want a computer to do a specific job. I don't want to have to learn a new OS for that.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

DeepBlueSky

547 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1404301 12-Oct-2015 13:17

Depends on Budget I guess here my 2 cents worth.

Newish Motherboard I used Gigabyte with integrated Intel graphics will work fine, then just add CPU with a Water Cooling unit they are not too expensive sooo quite and work very well add 1 or 2 sticks of RAM and an SSD no spinning disk noises. The case could be second hand to keep the budget down and the Power supply does not need to be huge as you won't be running much hardware. With an optional Blue Ray if you into disk media plus a wireless Keyboard / Mouse I know Logitech make a small unit with integrated track pad specifically for units like this.

OS I would go Windows if you find an old Windows 7 licence then look to upgrade to Windows 10, I have worked with Linux and its very good Mint is a nice distro but if your not too familiar you may find this a step too far.

Your TV will be the monitor connected directly or to an AMP HDMI also transfers sound so one cable for everything.

Other option an old laptop use as is or update it with an SSD some RAM and upgrade the OS, just check it has HDMI for video, you will get fan noise if its under stress but you may not notice it unless you have a quite a seen.

Bottom line poke about and have some fun.

DeepBlueSky

547 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1404304 12-Oct-2015 13:23

Hi Rikkitic Sorry I missed the posts on the PiPo sounds bad. Can you use the box just replace the motherboard and CPU add water cooling, You maybe able to reuse the RAM and the OS plus the Storage SSD or whatever they supplied. I have been building Computers for more years than I care to remember, most parts are modular so you should be able to strip it.

littleheaven

2130 posts

Uber Geek

#1404345 12-Oct-2015 14:05

I've heard extremely good things about the HP Stream Mini desktops. More power than the little Chinese boxes, and made by a reputable well-known company. You can YouShop them over from Amazon - be quick if you want one because I see they've been discontinued so the current stock is the last. The Intel Celeron should be fine for streaming.

Another option is PB Tech pre-build Intel NUC boxes for HTPC use. They would be a step up, budget-wise.

I remain pretty impressed with my Minix Neo Z64, to be honest, but I realise you'd probably run from it like the plague after your recent experiences!

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

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SepticSceptic

2191 posts

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#1404504 12-Oct-2015 16:47

I picked up an off-lease Dell Latitude E6420 from PB Tech for just under $300.00 when they had their laptop sale a few weeks ago.

Intel i5, Win 7 Professional , 250gb HDD, 4GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics, etc. Certainly cheaper than anything I could put together, including the OS.
Needed a DVI to HDMI adapter, added a K-400 Logitech wireless keyboard/touchpad.

Plays 1080p local content via Windows Media Centre, streamed the RWC from SkyGo OK ( which usually maxes out an AMD dual core CPU laptop), and other NZ Streaming FTA channels are all good too.

Using it as a secondary media player for the spare room, and as a test environment for Win10 / Windows Media Centre / Windows Home Server V1 integration.

Apsattv

2390 posts

Uber Geek

#1404730 13-Oct-2015 06:07

Wetek Core looks good?

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