recommend HTPC

[yujing]

Hi.

i just need to surf the net and watch my hd movies but i don't have a big space to put a big computer.

i don't really know what keywords to input into google to search for those small systems. the only thing i found is lenovo q190.

is it good? are there others that you guys can suggest? perhaps something more recent? or is the q190 still a good choice?

i prefer a prebuilt system.

please help

 

[Alternative X]

Gigabyte Brix BXBT – 2807 (199)
Crucial DDR3 1333 SODIMM 4GB (52)
Hitachi 1TB 7200 RPM (90)
Windows 7 Home Premium (120)

Total Cost: $461

Buy at Laser Distributer, #05-58, and try to ask for discounts (Not sure if they give discounts). DIY yourself. If you can't into DIY, go to PC Care & Solution at #02-32 and ask Nigel to help you assemble for a fee.

Notes:

1) The Lenovo Q190 is currently being sold at Courts for $599. With this build, you get a faster HDD than the Lenovo's 5400 RPM HDD. If you only stream movies, consider substituting the HDD for a Crucial MX100 128GB SSD (115) for even faster performance.

2) The Lenovo Q190 is about the size of a modem/router while the Gigabyte Brix is only about the size of a jewellery box and thus should fit your needs for a tiny form factor system better.

3) The Lenovo Q190 comes with a 1 year warranty while the Brix comes with a 3 year warrenty, the HDD comes with a 3 year warrenty and the RAM comes with lifetime warranty.

 

[yujing]

the storage drive must only be 2.5" right?

 

[Ark Law]

BRIX
MiniPC: Gigabyte Brix BXBT (Celeron N2807) - $199 (wifi incl)
RAM + SSD/HDD + OS - $270/$254
Total: $469/$453


Ultra Slim SSD-only NUC
MiniPC: Intel D34010WYK (i3 4010U) - $398
RAM + mSSD + OS - $271
Wifi: Intel 7260AC - $50
Total: $719

SSD & HDD combo NUC
MiniPC: Intel D34010WYKH (i3 4010U) bundle w/ Intel 3160 Wifi - $468
RAM + mSSD + HDD + OS - $375
Total: $827


reference:
RAM: Crucial 4GB 1600MHz 1.35V SODIMM - $51
OS: Win7 HP x64 OEM - $115
SSD: Plextor M6S SATA 128GB - $104
mSSD: Plextor M5M mSATA 128GB - $105
HDD: WD 1TB Blue 2.5" - $88
*note costs exclude other items that may be needed e.g. keyboard, mouse, HDMI adapter, etc.

My own D34010WYK for size comparison;

 

[a562140]

would this be suitable?

Zotac ZBOX CI320 nano mini-PC available later this month for just S$360 - HardwareZone.com.sg

 

[Ark Law]

would this be suitable?

Zotac ZBOX CI320 nano mini-PC available later this month for just S$360 - HardwareZone.com.sg

Imo, it has the same problem as the ECS Liva -> only 2GB RAM. I understand that it's meant as a lightweight Win machine, but I feel 2GB is just not enough to have seamless-enough experience even though it has an SSD.

 

[yujing]

the gigabyte brix 2807 has no fan.

are there any problems with heat?

 

[Alternative X]

the gigabyte brix 2807 has no fan.

are there any problems with heat?

There should be no problems with heat, Intel Celerons do not produce much heat anyway.

 

[BryanWu]

BayTrail Celerons are quite a bit slower than Haswell / Ivy bridge based Celerons.
About half the performance even though clockspeeds are similar.

Here's N2807(BayTrailM) vs 1037U (IvyBridge)

Intel Celeron N2807 Notebook Processor - NotebookCheck.net Tech
Intel Celeron 1037U Notebook Processor - NotebookCheck.net Tech