HTPC Mac Mini Alternative Build

[kjackson09]

Hi All,

I am looking for an HTPC as a casual addition to my living room TV. This HTPC will be pretty basic, I intend to have XBMC, Plex, play downloaded/ripped TV/Movies and use programs like Netflix etc.

I already have an AppleTV and a Roku3, but like the idea of an HTPC as well. I was really interested in the Mac Mini due to their sleek look but realize I could probably build something or buy a prebuilt for the same money or less.

My budget is around $600, small and quiet is key. Help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I've had a couple Foxconn NanoPCs. Intel NUCs are similar, as are the Gigabyte Brix.

If you're just playing back video, and not gaming or doing anything else CPU-heavy, the Atom-derived SFF PCs will be around $200 and will meet your needs.

 

[DesiPower]

Chromebox?

NUC will pack a bigger punch, or you can build a miniITX in something like this . A "S" series i5, like i5-4570S, which has 4600 sereis IGPU iirc, will be powerful enough to do anything

 

[kjackson09]

That form factor on your link is perfect, are there any other options. Looks like the reviews on Newegg are up and down due to only taking an Intel board.

Cheers.

 

[DesiPower]

I remember Antec ISK, there were very, silverstone had some too, just google them or visit their sites

 

[guidinggod]

A chromebox would fulfil your basic needs.

If you're trying to match it up against a Mac Mini then an Intel NUC i5 configured with 8gigs Ram, 128gb ssd, 2.5 1TB HDD and wifi a.c with win 8.1 should run about $600 - $650. Will be quiet, small and powerful enough.

If you want modularity, some future proofing and desktop power in a reasonably small size/style that runs quietly you can put together something like this for $600 (without an optical drive, $645 or so with one). You can do it cheaper with less powerful components (AMD or Intel G CPU etc) but I went with what the budget allowed.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rmZgCJ

Leaves room for storage expansion in the future and/or can throw in a low profile single slot gpu/quad core i5, if you want more power/light gaming at some point.

(Personal preference, I'd go with that config, dump the dvd drive, sfx for atx psu and use a case like the CM Elite 110)