[lakhataria]

I recently played around with XBMC on one of my desktop and i pretty much loved it. I want to buy a new small factor desktop which will have Windows / OpenELEC with XBMC. I was wondering if following configurations are good enough for my purpose. I have few dell gift cards with me so i was thinking these 2 desktop for my purpose.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K0K9R36/ - 232 USD

Quad-Core Intel Pentium J2900 (2.41GHz, Bay Trail-D)
4GB DDR3 Memory
500GB Hard Drive
Intel HD Graphics
HDMI Out/DVD Burner/Media Card Reader
Gigabit Ethernet/USB 3.0/Windows 8 64-Bit

http://bfads.net/Item/Dell-Home-Home-Off...-OS/212331 - 379 USD
Inspiron Small Desktop w/ Intel Core i3 Processor
4GB RAM
1TB HDD
Windows 7 OS

Any suggestions on which one would be value for money and good for my purpose ?

I am open to any other suggestion for similar price range if available. Any inputs will be highly appreciated.

Thanks !!

[GoodOmens]

What precisely are you trying to do? Are you hoping to dual boot into either windows or OpenELEC?

If you are just looking for a dedicated XBMC box I'd do a HP/Asus chromebox custom loaded with OpenELEC. You can pick those up for <$130 on sale.

[lakhataria]

What precisely are you trying to do? Are you hoping to dual boot into either windows or OpenELEC?

If you are just looking for a dedicated XBMC box I'd do a HP/Asus chromebox custom loaded with OpenELEC. You can pick those up for <$130 on sale.

I want to use this as a dedicated XBMC box. Another desirable feature is to run my Plex Server on it. but its desirable not a priority.

[GoodOmens]

What precisely are you trying to do? Are you hoping to dual boot into either windows or OpenELEC?

If you are just looking for a dedicated XBMC box I'd do a HP/Asus chromebox custom loaded with OpenELEC. You can pick those up for <$130 on sale.

I want to use this as a dedicated XBMC box. Another desirable feature is to run my Plex Server on it. but its desirable not a priority.

Check out the thread: http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=194362

I picked one up last week to replace my Dune Smart HD1. The chromebox is powerful for it's size as it uses the Celeron 2955U. I can play my blu-ray ISOs, HD Audio passthrough etc without issues.

Audio/Video is HDMI only so that might be a limitation depending on what your setup is.

[lakhataria]

I dont have issues with HDMI only audio. How does ASUS/HP Chromebox compared to Dell Chromebox ? I have few gift cards for Dell with me.

[kdnoel]

I dont have issues with HDMI only audio. How does ASUS/HP Chromebox compared to Dell Chromebox ? I have few gift cards for Dell with me.

The Dell Chromebox is not as noisy regarding the fan. I'd take advantage of the coupon.

[Matt Devo]

I dont have issues with HDMI only audio. How does ASUS/HP Chromebox compared to Dell Chromebox ? I have few gift cards for Dell with me.

they're 99.5% identical, hardware wise. The Dell has a Intel wifi/BT chip, the others have an Atheros IIRC. The HP is a bit louder and more of a pain to open up. No issues recommending the Dell if it ends up costing you less, otherwise I'm partial to the Asus.

[GoodOmens]

The only addition I'd recommend is either a Flirc or some other USB IR receiver.

Check out: http://kodi.wiki/view/Chromebox#Recommen...e_Upgrades for compatible models.

[shabuboy]

The other difference is Asus unit has two memory expansion slots, whereas the HP has only one. Not sure about the Dell.
If it makes any difference though...

[GoodOmens]

The other difference is Asus unit has two memory expansion slots, whereas the HP has only one. Not sure about the Dell.
If it makes any difference though...

I have the HP with only 2GB of ram. So far I've had no need to upgrade. Even still I could bump it up to >4GB with a single stick (just more costly) if the need arises down the road. For a openelec/XBMC install only the stock 2GB is more than plenty.

[wrxtasy]

Any problems with excessive fan noise or high temperatures with the HP Chromebox ?

[GoodOmens]

Any problems with excessive fan noise or high temperatures with the HP Chromebox ?

Not with Matts custom firmware. He tweaked the fans to be less aggressive. In a silent room you can hear it but honestly who watches TV with the audio off . It's certainty not noticeable while playing any video.

Although sitting next to my chromebox is my synology NAS so the noise of 4 drives seeking could be drowning out some of the fan noise.

[t2ffn]

I have the HP chromebox and unless you sit within 3ft of the box with everything on mute, windows closed, hold your breath... you won't be hearing it.

[lakhataria]

I dont have issues with HDMI only audio. How does ASUS/HP Chromebox compared to Dell Chromebox ? I have few gift cards for Dell with me.

they're 99.5% identical, hardware wise. The Dell has a Intel wifi/BT chip, the others have an Atheros IIRC. The HP is a bit louder and more of a pain to open up. No issues recommending the Dell if it ends up costing you less, otherwise I'm partial to the Asus.

Thanks. I see both are pretty much similar. ASUS selling it little cheaper than Dell anyways so I may stick with ASUS as well. Whats the difference mainly between Celeron / i3 version (M04/M075) ? which one is better for xbmc usage (not heavy user) ? Is it good to go with lower end cpu and bump up the memory ?

[nickr]

Celeron works fine and doesn't need more than 2G. Save your money for popcorn & beer.