WTB: inexpensive streaming pc

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Forums › Offers and Wanted › WTB: inexpensive streaming pc

Rikkitic

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#168524 17-Mar-2015 11:03

I am looking for a *cheap* desktop/mini pc, etc. to run Windows for video streaming to TV. No monitor or keyboard. Must have HDMI out and at least 2 core. The rest doesn’t matter much as long as it will do the job. Preferably under $100 but I could go a little higher for something special.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

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#1260858 17-Mar-2015 11:03

Hey, have you listed a price, location and how much shipping would be to other parts of New Zealand? Also if you are asking for a PM make sure your Privacy settings allow your account to receive PM otherwise people can't contact you. Also note if you are selling something we ask you to offer to other members first. Links to private sales (including Trade Me posts) aren't accepted anymore and will be removed.

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Batman

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#1260880 17-Mar-2015 11:14

Make sure it's at least a core2duo and not a Celeron. And a cheap separate gpu is best. Away you go! Good luck. I'd like one too... For $100... Count me in as second in line.

PS i need to have a few HDD bays and gigabit LAN.

ubergeeknz

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Vocus

#1260884 17-Mar-2015 11:16

I've an HP Pro small form factor, C2D 2Ghz, 2Gb DDR3, GTX 210, 320Gb WD Black, 250W PSU, Windows 7 Pro. I'd need to confirm the exact model, if you're interested?

dimsim

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#1260898 17-Mar-2015 11:30

I've got an HP dc7700 Small Form Factor with Intel C2D E6300, GEForce 8600 GT with DVI/HDMI, 1GB DDR and SATA3Gb/s WD 160GB.

PM if interested.

timmmay

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#1260901 17-Mar-2015 11:33

Why does it need to be Windows? If it's just for streaming get the latest R.Pi, for $35 it's incredible value (plus $10 for a case, $10 for a USB PSU, $10 for a memory stick, for any items you don't have). I have the original one running XMBC and it does a good job, the newest version would be fantastic - quad core and I believe Windows 10 may run on it. It's small, silent and uses virtually no power. This software.

sep11guy

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#1260911 17-Mar-2015 11:35

Pls count me in the line too, as I really need a destop, as mobile applications and chrome doesnt cut the cheese always.

desktop can just sit there and do it s work day in day out. no questions.

if we have a confirmed number of people, I can hunt a supplier and talk about a deal ?

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#1260942 17-Mar-2015 11:57

joker97: Make sure it's at least a core2duo and not a Celeron. And a cheap separate gpu is best. Away you go! Good luck. I'd like one too... For $100... Count me in as second in line.

PS i need to have a few HDD bays and gigabit LAN.

anyone in Dunedin? don't think shipping is worth it

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davidcole

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#1260966 17-Mar-2015 12:30

timmmay: Why does it need to be Windows? If it's just for streaming get the latest R.Pi, for $35 it's incredible value (plus $10 for a case, $10 for a USB PSU, $10 for a memory stick, for any items you don't have). I have the original one running XMBC and it does a good job, the newest version would be fantastic - quad core and I believe Windows 10 may run on it. It's small, silent and uses virtually no power. This software.

But can you use lightbox, quickflix, netflix etc with something like that? When someone asks for a windows box, I'm assuming to access browser based streaming sites (unless it's the only thing they know).

Previously known as psycik

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timmmay

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#1260977 17-Mar-2015 12:33

davidcole:
timmmay: Why does it need to be Windows? If it's just for streaming get the latest R.Pi, for $35 it's incredible value (plus $10 for a case, $10 for a USB PSU, $10 for a memory stick, for any items you don't have). I have the original one running XMBC and it does a good job, the newest version would be fantastic - quad core and I believe Windows 10 may run on it. It's small, silent and uses virtually no power. This software.

But can you use lightbox, quickflix, netflix etc with something like that? When someone asks for a windows box, I'm assuming to access browser based streaming sites (unless it's the only thing they know).

It's probably more difficult. You can do W10 on R.Pi2, but not sure if you can do all the streaming stuff.

davidcole

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#1260986 17-Mar-2015 12:41

timmmay:
davidcole:
timmmay: Why does it need to be Windows? If it's just for streaming get the latest R.Pi, for $35 it's incredible value (plus $10 for a case, $10 for a USB PSU, $10 for a memory stick, for any items you don't have). I have the original one running XMBC and it does a good job, the newest version would be fantastic - quad core and I believe Windows 10 may run on it. It's small, silent and uses virtually no power. This software.

But can you use lightbox, quickflix, netflix etc with something like that? When someone asks for a windows box, I'm assuming to access browser based streaming sites (unless it's the only thing they know).

It's probably more difficult. You can do W10 on R.Pi2, but not sure if you can do all the streaming stuff.

And given none of these places will write, or allow to be written a kodi/plex plugin it leaves people having to implement or connect laptops, other machines for streaming.

mattwnz

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#1260992 17-Mar-2015 12:45

Heaps of exlease ones on trademe for $100 and under. I picked up a lenovo small form factor one, core 2 duo, 3GHz, and it runs off a 160w power block. Installed windows 10 on it, and it runs lightbox perfectly with no stuttering. Only has a 160GB drive in it, but these days the primary drive size doesn't matter, and you may want to put in an SSD.I probably wouldn't go below a core2duo 3GHz these days. i3s are next next step up, but you will likely be paying over the $100 mark

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#1261005 17-Mar-2015 13:08

Why not use an HDMI stick PC

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2GB-RAM-MEEGOPAD-T01-Mini-PC-TV-stick-Quad-Core-Intel-Atom-Z3735F-Windows-8-1/32299983115.html

Something like these would save on power and be as good if not better than an old PC in the same price range

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gzt

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#1261006 17-Mar-2015 13:08

Chromecast? ; )

mattwnz

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#1261008 17-Mar-2015 13:12

gzt: Chromecast? ; )

They are nowhere near as good. Can't stream lightbox. Streaming over a tab is jittery. Also regularly disappears from the network or freezes, so not very reliable. You also do need another device to run it. If you want something rock solid, a PC is the way to go, espeically when you are paying the same as or not much more than a chromecast.

sep11guy

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#1261010 17-Mar-2015 13:16

I agree, chromecast is giving me 50-50 results, as it sometimes works, sometimes buffers and it doesnt give a full solution to what needs to be done .

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