Currently have a R-Pi Model B in the lounge hooked up to a TV. Runs XBMC at a not-that-fantastic speed for the interface, does 1080p streaming to/from alright.
Looking at changing things up. Have some thoughts but definitely could do with input. I am fully aware that with my low budget of $250 I wont be getting some sort of beastly machine, I'm just outdoing a R-Pi and for that end it should suffice, no?
What I want it to do:
1. XBMC
2. NAS
3. Steam Game Streaming
- Not cost over $250
- Stay powered on 24/7
- Let me control the OS (not just XBMC) via the TV's remote for easy switching between Steam / XBMC / Other things. Or a different solution that is similarly appealing.
What I have:
- 32GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive (Transcend Jetflash 700) - Quite fast for a flash drive
- 2TB USB 3.0 Wall-Powered External HDD
- A fully wired gigabit network excl. mobile devices
What I intend to buy (input, please!):
- This Intel NUC - "INTEL DN2820FYKH CELERON, 1.35V SODIMM"
What I intend to do:
- Run Windows 7 from a USB connected to the single USB 3.0 slot - the USB 2.0 should be sufficient for the external as long as it hits over 40MB/s but can get USB 3.0 hub if not
- Unless fully intended should only ever be in XBMC (on boot) with remote buttons mapped to switch between XBMC/Steam/Etc and I will gladly write my own applications for external functions that will assist this
- Connect the two PS4 controllers lying around for Steam Game Streaming via Bluetooth (If necessary will get another USB 3.0 Hub for this, but bluetooth should work fine)
- Mount it on the back of the TV with VESA mount
What I don't know (besides everything):
- The infrared sensor, will it do what I want as outlined in the final point under 'what I want it to do' ? This is a particular concern for me especially with switching between TV and PC control. Could definitely use some input here.
- My R-Pi transfers at around 8 MB/s over a wired gigabit network due to processor capabilities, my router hits a 4 MB/s which is almost like downloading them twice! I need at least 20 MB/s from the new equipment.
Notes:
- I tested game streaming on a Asus T100 windows 8.1 tablet (with USB ethernet adaptor) and it worked really well. I mention this because a lot of you may not be sure of the performance in this regard.
