Hardware Config Help - Suggest a config
#1
I've been reviewing the hardware forum and my head is somewhat spinning. I'm looking at running wither XBMC on W7 or live. I know there are a ton of options but I was hoping someone can point me in a direction with some common configs for hardware.

Things I'm looking for:

1) Small form factor
2) Only running xmbc on it
3) Good remote control options
4) Quiet
5) component & HDMI support with HD


Thoughts?

I'm in the USA so options that can be sourced domestically would be preferred.
Reply
#2
ironmanco Wrote:5) component & HDMI support with HD

are you absolutely sure about this? will limit your options considerably...
OpenElec Standalone --> Asus Chromebox 'Panther' --> Onkyo TX-NR709 --> Sony 55" X85C Android TV (also with Kodi!)
Asus Chromebox EZ Script
Kodi on Sony Bravia Android TVs
Reply
#3
Hannes The Hun Wrote:are you absolutely sure about this? will limit your options considerably...

Which part will limit my choices. The component?
Reply
#4
Requiring component output will mean you need to get a discrete graphics card. Probably an older one. I'm not sure current generation cards include that any more. Why is it so important?
Reply
#5
numb7rs Wrote:Requiring component output will mean you need to get a discrete graphics card. Probably an older one. I'm not sure current generation cards include that any more. Why is it so important?

Done. Drop the comp video requirement.
Reply
#6
There are many mini-ITX motherboards that have fully integrated CPU and GPU with HDMI support. Some of them are also have large passive heatsinks. Which one you go for ultimately depends on your budget.
Reply
#7
Based on your needs this is best:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6856101114

Save a little money and buy an open box version:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...856101099R

Reply
#8
Definitely an option. Something on the less expensive side? Figure after adding memory and a drive it's coming in around $400. That's a bit more I probably want to shell out. Other options?

poofyhairguy Wrote:Based on your needs this is best:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6856101114

Save a little money and buy an open box version:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...856101099R
Reply
#9
Here it is a little cheaper:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...856101114R

You really aren't going to do better than that for something that works as well and is silent. Add a $50 SSD:

http://www.microcenter.com/single_produc...S+20101210

And a $30 mem stick:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...-_-Product

For about $260 total. You won't beat that for a decent ION system without going on Ebay and buying used...

Reply
#10
Hmmm, looks like that shuttle device is all gone. So, is shuttle the only game in town for this? Or really at just that price point? Still learning about this stuff (HTPC stuff that is :-)

poofyhairguy Wrote:Here it is a little cheaper:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...856101114R

You really aren't going to do better than that for something that works as well and is silent. Add a $50 SSD:

http://www.microcenter.com/single_produc...S+20101210

And a $30 mem stick:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...-_-Product

For about $260 total. You won't beat that for a decent ION system without going on Ebay and buying used...
Reply
#11
Shuttle has the only fanless device, but it is not the only game in town. One of these would playback just as well:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6856173004

Reply

Logout Mark Read Team Forum Stats Members Help
Hardware Config Help - Suggest a config0