Mini PCs
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Anyone use these and have recommendations?
Currently my laptop fills this kind of role being attached to a kb/m and monitor. I figure I could get a mini PC instead and free up my laptop to actually take around with me. It would also free up space on my desk that would have been used for a stationary laptop.
Is there anything in the $400 range with decent I/O, processing power, and wifi? I don't have any room for a desktop, but I need something faster than my laptop, which is an i5 x220.
>>53438893
I'm not sure what they go for now, but the Gigabyte Brix Pro (Iris Pro) was pretty decent.
Other option is something like an Alienware Alpha. The problem with the Alpha is that it only has a single HDMI out, where the Brix will run 2 monitors.
>>53438961
The Brix looks pretty nice, but I suspect their higher end models are out of my price range.
The Alienware is definitely overpriced though. They're asking $500 for a 4th gen i3.
>>53438893
The only good ones cost more than they are worth.
So basically, no. They aren't good.
Unless the space can literally translate into dollars for you, you're much better off buying something heavier.
>>53439322
Like a mini ITX desktop? I spec'd a build out a while ago, but the cases that can fit a full size video card still seem too big to fit on my desk.
>>53439361
there are tons of mini itx cases that are brief case sized or smaller. I dont have any examples because I'm not on a my main computer, but there's tiny cubes, and flat ones too, literally 5 or 6 inches thick, maybe 18 inches tall and 12 inches long. I know one of them even has a handle for maximum portability and fits upto 13 inch graphics cards.
>>53439361
Node 202
Raven RVZ02B
Silverstone Milo ML08B-H (Has a handle)
>>53439361
Check out Dancase too. Kek
>>53439555
This looks really cool holy shit.
>>53439555
Doesn't look like you can use any decent CPU cooler.
>>53439607
yeah, too bad they're being released at a snails pace, check that time line. Barely anything done in almost a year.
>>53439768
>mini-ITX
>Decent cooling
Pick only one.
Don't think they're any better than thin clients.
>>53438893
Wait for this one if you want something powerful enough to game on.
http://hexus.net/tech/news/systems/91178-zotac-claims-most-powerful-mini-pc-title-magnus-en980/
>>53439808
>980
I think at that price I would build something myself.
I do want something low cost though. This is supposed to replaced my cheapo depot Thinkpad, or at least be cheap enough with a couple of gift cards.
>>53438893
Buy a FT03 Mini, OP.
>>53439786
I'm not sure what having a small motherboard has to do with having poor cooling. The Ncase can hold quite a bit of fans/coolers from what I've seen.
>>53438893
There's just no fucking reason to get these.
>>53439925
the m1 isn't a true mini itx. the fucking thing is huge. it's like half an mATX
>>53439947
But I want something smaller than my laptop.
>>53439965
The only ones that don't cost a small fortune for no reason are cheap chinkshits running cherry trail atoms. Not really worth it.
>>53439361
why compare a machine with a graphics card to mini PC? The graphics card will smoke whatever is in the mini
>>53440019
Something that can't even fit in your pocket? For what?
>>53440107
oops meant for>>53439965
>>53440094
Yeah it wasn't really a fair comparison. I was toying around with the idea of an A10 in a Milo ML05 case since I built a couple of those at work, but even that's too big for what I want.
>>53440107
You can plug that into a 1080p display and get terrible performance anywhere you go. I've got similarly specced low end netbook, and plugging it into my monitor is just a painful experience.
>>53440107
>>53440120
What's inside that? It doesn't look like it would handle my workloads very well, if at all.
How about a skylake i3 nuc? They are pretty decent
>>53440176
Massively overpriced, they don't even give you RAM or storage with it, let alone an OS. And it still costs more than a laptop with the same specs, that comes with RAM and storage.
>>53440176
I was looking at the i5 one, but it seems like there are some software issues with it.
>>53440191
I don't quite mind, I'd rather put my own RAM and SSD in there. The cost of the unit will be subsidized by gift cards that I have to use.
>>53440221
You might as well look at ZOTAC, at least they come with RAM and storage. Although they are still pretty overpriced.
>>53440221
The i3 skylake is as fast as the broadwell i5 nuc, but you can also wait till they fix the software issues with the new i5nuc
>>53440149
>Milo ML05
That case looks pretty cool. They have a little space for a GPU but it doesn't look big enough for modern fat coolers.
Maybe for your use you could just take a laptop with a broken screen a ghetto it up on the back of a monitor.
>>53440472
Goodness that is small, how's the cooling/price?
>>53440630
both are ???
Because it's not released yet.
A camel to pick up newspapers
>>53440472
>PS/2
>onboard gpu
>onboard wifi
>no 10gigabit network
Outdated as fuck.
>>53439320
>The Alienware is definitely overpriced though. They're asking $500 for a 4th gen i3.
It's not. It also has a GPU far more powerful than an Iris Pro. It's surprisingly a good deal.
You can always build one yourself.
For instance:
http://www.amazon.com/Lini-PC-DIY-Mini-ITX-Aluminum/dp/B01109NJ1Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1457760882&sr=1-1&keywords=realan+w-60
I built an ITX system with a Realan case for about $450.
It's a really nice case, but be aware that there are size constraints on the heatsink. You might be better off with the W-80 because you can use the stock heatsink.
Also the barrel plug for the power adapter is not the most secure thing in the world.
However the case is incredibly sturdy. Shit's built like a tank otherwise. I'm actually kind of boggled why they made the metal so thick.
I have a 5th gen i5 NUC as a secondary PC. It has been pretty nice. Do not fall for the i7 meme, they overheat and are noisy.
>>53439320
Look at refurb, as well.
The GPU is essentially a GTX 865M. I bought mine for $400 on sale.
>>53441663
Interesting, what processor did you manage to fit in there? I want to put an A10 in there, but that power supply doesn't leave a lot of overhead.
If you plan to use Linux don't buy an Nvidia Optimus system, it's a fucking driver nightmare even if you install Bumblebee. I'm fine with the Asus EB810 with I3 processor and 8 GB RAM.
>>53443421
You can just disable Optimus and use the better GPU constantly.
>>53443567
In theory, yes, in practice, >>53443421
>>53443421
The form factor is still kinda inconvenient compared to units that you can simply mount to the back of your monitor.
You could also get a full ATX case and some long cables. I do that with my computer: it's in the hallway, and it's got cables that go to my living room. As a bonus, there's no noise.
>>53443607
it is vesa compliant, you can mount it on the back of the monitor
>>53441481
hurr durr
I thought about getting one with a dual hard rive and ssd system with a wireless function and dual gigabit Ethernet. HDMI out is a must and 12.VDC on a single Plug. I'd just use RDP or conect to my usb hub that has my K'n'B on it and just swap my hp 23xw.
but in my future I would buy one because I'm poor as fuck,
oh and having enough power to run a capture card would be fucking amazing because then that would take OBS runing on my computer off the chart. but i doubt that kind of power is there yet. unless it is.
>>53445286
RDP kinda sucks.
>>53445286
wait what's the RDP for?
>>53445360
RDP over a direct lan cable to my tower so I could remotely use the computer. Where the RDP wont be public on my lan. or am i just stupid an lazy?
I only have one screen and it seems easer to me to use RDP over a direct computer 2 computer conection with gigabit enthernet. To go on the computer to need it to do what I want it to do then pressing two buttions on a moniter and unpluging dual usb plugs.
Im only looking at this system for data storage and skype calls and like if i could get streaming with a capture card with hdmi to be able to show up as a video and auido source for skype Im happy but i doubt that exists
>>53438893
Currently using an Intel nuc as a mac mini. Nice little thing
>>53445761
Yeah I guess that'll be fine.
I just checked these NUCs again, do any of them have anything better than a U processor? If not I may have to go the mini ITX route.
