HTPC Setup & Purchase Advice

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Oddball

65 posts

Master Geek

#154024 15-Oct-2014 18:57

Hi everyone,

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.

D.W

726 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1155736 15-Oct-2014 22:25

Use AutoHotKey or similar application to launch applications via remote, no need to write your own software.

Also what remote will you be using? The standard media center remote is a good option on a budget and will pretty much work out of the box in xbmc.

Don't forget you'll need to add RAM to the NUC, which will put you over-budget unless you can find some cheap/second hand. Otherwise that NUC is fine for an HTPC, and the IR works fine with media center remotes.

Oddball

65 posts

Master Geek

#1155788 16-Oct-2014 00:08

D.W: Use AutoHotKey or similar application to launch applications via remote, no need to write your own software.

Also what remote will you be using? The standard media center remote is a good option on a budget and will pretty much work out of the box in xbmc.

Don't forget you'll need to add RAM to the NUC, which will put you over-budget unless you can find some cheap/second hand. Otherwise that NUC is fine for an HTPC, and the IR works fine with media center remotes.

Thanks for the AutoHotKey tip.

Was going to use the XBox remote, was recommended for XBMC when I checked a few years back, had it lying in the closet gathering dust.

Yeah.. Forgot I needed RAM rather than just storage :/ Needs to be v1.35 laptop DDR3L RAM, reduces options a bit.. I'll work it out

Edit:
Ascent seem to have adequate RAM for this: http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=424608 is $44 - that should work, yes? Doubt I need more than 2GB but I am aware it'll be reduced to around 1GB due to video card leeching from it etc.

Oddball

65 posts

Master Geek

#1156895 17-Oct-2014 15:15

Would RAM with this label work? "Crucial 2GB LAPTOP DDR3 1600Mhz SODIMM 1.35V/1.5V 204pin 256M X 8 Non ECC PC3-12800 laptop RAM"

The factor I'm concerned about is the "1.35V/1.5V" - the 2820 specifically says it must be 1.35V and can't support 1.5V. Will this RAM work? Will it automatically just run at 1.35V?

Also the requirements say "DDR3L" - is that just saying DDR3 laptop memory, or is the DDR3L something more?

D.W

726 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1157006 17-Oct-2014 18:06

the L stands for Low Power, such as 1.35v. The fact that memory states 1.35v in the description would suggest it should be fine, but sometimes (particularly with the likes of a NUC, or any other non-standard desktop PC) it pays to find someone else using the same model of RAM in a NUC. Shouldn't be hard if you have a model/part# for the RAM you are looking for, just google that + 'Intel NUC' or similar. Or check Intel's RAM Compatibility list for that model of NUC, it may be listed on there too. Failing that just buy something you know works if you want to play it safe (either off the compatibility list, or something you've seen others say they have used). 95% of the time you won't have any problems, but if you're on a budget it may pay to play it safe.