Entertainment PC Rig - please advice

[t2xray]

Hi all gurus,

I'm planning to set up a PC for playback of video files, streaming and net surfing with it connected to my NAS and TV.

Hope to get a small casing so can tuck away neatly.

Please advice the setup with cost (appreciate with thanks).

Thanks

 

[Ark Law]

If got good budget, can get an i3 NUC. Use the included vesa bracket and mount to the back of your TV

 

[t2xray]

thanks, but not familiar with this, i still prefer the normal PC setup... can help to configure one?

sorry, me not so updated with these tech stuffs... a shop quoted me for intel i5 processor and other stuff all in abt 800bucks...

i'm hoping to get some advice for a value for money setup...

thanks

 

[Ark Law]

iPhone 3GS & stock intel cooler size comparison

It's basically an Ultrabook processor, packed as a full-fledged desktop board. 4-inch square, above are picture of my own NUC. Pricey, but you get an incredible form factor PC for general use

Parts:

• Main Unit Choice A (no wifi card included): Intel i3 D34010WYK NUC - $420 (Laser) / $425 (Best Bargain)
  
• Main Unit Choice B: Intel i3 D34010WYK NUC bundled w/ Intel 7260 802.11n + BT wifi card - $459 (Cybermind/Video-Pro)
  
• Main Unit Choice C (no wifi card included): Intel i5 D54250WYK NUC - $539 (Best Bargain)
  
• Main Unit Choice D: Intel i5 D54250WYK NUC bundled w/ Intel 7260 802.11ac + BT wifi card - $619 (Cybermind/Video-Pro)

RAM: Crucial/Kingston DDR3-1600 laptop sodimm 4GB x2 [8GB total] - $106 ($53/ea)
SSD: Crucial M500 120GB mSATA - $129
Other if needed: mini HDMI to HDMI cable - $10 (from UF Technology 3rd floor)
Other if needed: Cat6a 1m ethernet cable - $5++ (from UF Technology 3rd floor)

Total: from $670 for i3 4010 build
from $790 for i5 4250 build

Alternative parts source instead of SLS: Amazon.com: Intel NUC D34010WYK, Mini HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0, 4th Gen Intel Core i3-4010U, Consumer Infrared sensor: Computers & Accessories (Without power cord, USD290 ~SGD370. International Intel Warranty)

Amazon.com: Crucial M500 240GB mSATA Internal Solid State Drive CT240M500SSD3: Computers & Accessories (120GB = USD80 ~SGD105, 240GB = USD130 ~SGD170. Non-local warranty)

Amazon.com : BlueRigger High Speed Mini HDMI to HDMI cable with Ethernet (6 Feet) : Electronics (USD7 ~SGD10)

You'll need to get a UK to C5 power cord (aka mickey mouse/cloverleaf) connector if you decide to buy the NUC from Amazon without the power cord. It's the cord type which most laptop chargers use. Picture below

 

[MoneyFace =p]

thanks, but not familiar with this, i still prefer the normal PC setup... can help to configure one?

sorry, me not so updated with these tech stuffs... a shop quoted me for intel i5 processor and other stuff all in abt 800bucks...

i'm hoping to get some advice for a value for money setup...

thanks

If you want it to be neat and small, NUC is certainly the best way to go... Normal PC setup will be big and bulky.
NUC is basically a miniature barebone. You just require laptop RAMs, mSATA SSD and WiFi card (optional) and you are very good to go.

To simplify your choices, the following is just right for you:

NUC+WIFI: Intel D34010WYK + Intel Dual Band Wireless-N 7260 Plus Bluetooth @ $459
RAM: Silicon Power DDR3-1600 CL11 4GB [SO-DIMM] X2 @ $90 (Tradepac)
SSD: Crucial M500 120GB [mSATA] @ $129

Total: $678

Buy others from Cybermind, #04-24.

 

[t2xray]

Thanks guys. Really insightful.

Can I chk if it's ok to leave the NUC on 24/7??

 

[localITguy]

Thanks guys. Really insightful.

Can I chk if it's ok to leave the NUC on 24/7??

best is don't, cuz NUC is very small and does not have much holes for the heat to go out.

 

[fockyerdod3r]

Thanks guys. Really insightful.

Can I chk if it's ok to leave the NUC on 24/7??

No problem. Even at full load also 70+C. If you leave it on 24/7, its idling, i dont think there will be much heat to worry about.

 

[Ark Law]

Thanks guys. Really insightful.

Can I chk if it's ok to leave the NUC on 24/7??

Totally fine to leave it on 24/7 with normal PC usage. Unless you're making it play 4K video endlessly or Prime95 stress test non-stop, you wont run into any problems leaving it on there for 24/7.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

best is don't, cuz NUC is very small and does not have much holes for the heat to go out.

Intel won't tarnish their own reputation with their own innovation:

The vents are there....

 

[Ark Law]

Intel won't tarnish their own reputation with their own innovation:

The vents are there....

Actually, the one with the red cover top (aka the NUC with Thunderbolt) has overheating issues. But other than that, it's all good. It has more room to breathe than any Ultrabook out there