HTPC Asus VM62
#1
Hi,

I am currently using an AppleTv to run XBMC and I think it is time for an upgrade. I am looking for something that will work with 4k and DTS and run the following:
  • XBMC
  • Netflix
  • Steam Streaming
  • SABNzbd
  • Sickbeard (or something similar)

I have a NAS so I'm not worried about storage.

Think this will work?
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/vivopc-vm62-...Alau8P8HAQ

Thanks!
Reply
#2
Link broken Huh? maybe...
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/vivopc-vm62-...80077.html

I think you mean: ASUS VM62N-G039R Desktop

And yes it will.

The Intel i3-4030U Processor is a good Haswell CPU and you will get perfect 24p synced playback, do not settle for a non-Haswell unit.

If you want to save a lot of $$$ and if you don't really need the 500GB hard drive get a ASUS CHROMEBOX-M004U (Haswell micro-architecture ) Desktop and put 4GB or more in it and then maybe a larger SSD. The SSD will be much faster than a 7200 RPM Hard drive.

If you feel like getting your hands a wee bit dirty and tinkering - run Ubuntu on the Chromebox with a single boot config, and it will do all your above requirements happily.

Nice review here when running Ubuntu too:
http://liliputing.com/2014/03/asus-chrom...iputing%29

An Acer C720 Chromebook too, has pretty much identical internals to the Chromebox.

Steam on Chromebook running Ubuntu:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2691209/5...ld-do.html
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2363780/l...-home.html

Good stuff here too:
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/install-linux-chromebook/

Reply
#3
That's the one!

I'm all about tinkering. Will the Chromebox be able to handle 4k resolutions, 3D content and Steam streaming? I worry about the Celeron CPU keeping up.

Is this the Chrombox that you're referencing?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6883220572

Thanks for you reply!
Reply
#4
Yes thats the correct model:

4K - yes
3D - yes (see Wiki tho)

http://kodi.wiki/view/ASUS_Chromebox

Steam Streaming - Yes: --> read from this link onwards

http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=...pid1733068

Ask Mr Chromebox aka Matt Devo over on the massive Chromebox thread for any known limitations as he has tested all manner of Combos.

Linux is a less CPU and memory intensive OS than Windows.

Reply
#5
Thanks for the help! I just ordered one and should have it tomorrow (thanks Amazon). One other question I have for you. On the ASUS site, it says that only the i3 skus will support 4k. Has anyone reported the Celeron model working on 4k? I don't have a 4k TV yet but that is likely in the cards for next year and I want this to work for a while.
Reply
#6
4K = 3840 × 2160 resolution (2160p)
up to 4K/30p or 3D@1080p needs HDMI 1.4
4K@50/60p or 3D@4K needs HDMI 2.0 to provide the extra bandwidth needed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI#Version_1.4

The Chromebox has only HDMI 1.4a and yes it can play up to 4K/30p

Reports here: http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=202282

Mr Chromebox also has a video demonstration floating around here somewhere too....

Reply
#7
(2014-12-13, 04:15)wrxtasy Wrote: 4K = 3840 × 2160 resolution (2160p)
up to 4K/30p or 3D@1080p needs HDMI 1.4
4K@50/60p or 3D@4K needs HDMI 2.0 to provide the extra bandwidth needed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI#Version_1.4

The Chromebox has only HDMI 1.4a and yes it can play up to 4K/30p

Reports here: http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=202282

Mr Chromebox also has a video demonstration floating around here somewhere too....

even the 2955U ChromeBox can do a 2160p/60 desktop via DisplayPort, though video playback is another story. 2160p/24 h.264 video is no problem at all, up to 80Mbps or so
Reply

Logout Mark Read Team Forum Stats Members Help
HTPC Asus VM620