Been forever since I've been here...Looking to build again!

[KDOG]

Hi guys, long time member but been out of it for what seems like forever. I'd like to build a new rig again, this time something along the lines of a HTPC. Blue-ray, 4k video output to tv (maybe to use as primary monitor). Doesn't have to be top of the line, but I don't want it to be a wimp either, basically a good mid range system.
Unfortunatley, I've been out of it so long I don't know whats good LOL. I"m of course, reading up on what I can, but whats new? If you have suggestions, I'd love the hear 'em!

 

[VirtualLarry]

I remember you.

Here's an example rig:

ASRock DeskMini chassis, mobo, wireless M.2 short card, antennas, and PSU: $144 shipped from Newegg
Intel G4600 7-gen Pentium CPU w/HT: $90 shipped from Newegg
2x8GB GSkill DDR4-2400 SO-DIMM laptop RAM: Now roughly $110-$120 from Newegg
An M.2 PCI-E SSD, or a 2.5" SATA SSD, or both, to suit taste.
Windows 10: $100
Club3D active DisplayPort to HDMI2.0 adapter: $35

Total: $490 + SSD

The result is a very physically small PC, that is 4K60 capable, using the Intel HD630 iGPU, which is capable of hardware-decoding HEVC and VP9 at 4K60, and possibly beyond.

I own two of these, hooked up to 40" 4K UHD TVs. Works for me. Don't do a lot of video watching, but 4K YouTube works great (internet connection permitting).

Edit: The advantage of the ASRock DeskMini is it is a mini-STX form-factor (basically, maybe a tiny bit bigger than a NUC), but it utilizes a full-fat desktop Intel CPU (6th- or 7th-gen, socket 1151), so performance is not disadvantaged like the NUC is, and it can use a stock Intel heatsink too.

The disadvantage is that expansion possibilities, other than the SATA SSD and the M.2 SSD, are pretty-much nil.

Also, the DeskMini does have a native HDMI output, but like the CPU specs, it is only HDMI 1.4, so it can only push 4K30. If you want 4K60, then you'll have to use an active adapter, plugged into the DP output.

 

[whm1974]

First of all, what is your budget? And what are you wanting to do with this new system? Blu-Ray can be expensive as the software isn't cheap. Are you wanting to play games?

 

[KDOG]

Not really a gamer....Id say my budget is 600 or less just for the PC itself, with Windows.

(Spam removed)

 

[whm1974]

If you are wanting to use this as a HTPC then get as much storage space as you can afford as video will take up a lot of it.

 

[KDOG]

Thanks for the replies guys. Does AMD have anything worthwhile?

 

[whm1974]

Thanks for the replies guys. Does AMD have anything worthwhile?

They have Ryzen, but the APUs are not out yet. Plus the selection of AM4 mITX motherboards is slim right now.