![]() though the current gen will likely continue to work just fine for years after the new model comes out, I do like the idea of support in perpetuity. If anyone has any thoughts or experience here, I’d love to My thoughts exactly. This is an extra ask since I’m more than willing to flip between inputs to play games and watch my shows, though it would be pretty slick to combine everything into one! I know I can technically run all the software on Debian or something similar, but that seems like it’s likely to be too fiddly for couch operation. That said, I don’t want to have to fiddle with a computer to watch shows, so I’d want this to be fairly straightforward and easy to navigate/switch back and forth between. ![]() This would be great, as I’d love to be able to bake everything into one device and have streaming, movies, music, and games all in one device. I’ve looked into this a bit and it seems doable, but I wanted to ask and see if anyone had experience launching Steam link or Parsec through Kodi on any of the various HTPC distros. Is an SBC the correct path to take on this, or is that just flirting with failure? Would it be better to look around for a compact SFF system from an OEM, or a NUC system? Any thoughts on this? Right now, the short list is:Īs hinted at before, I think it would be great if I could combine two devices in one. I guess what I’m fetching for here is some recommendations on mini-pc’s or SBCs that can stream games at 4k60 without breaking the bank or looking like a study in improvised explosives. The trouble there becomes passing the presentability measure, and after we consider the additional costs with that it works out to be a much larger NUC in practice. The last option I’ve considered is arguably the best technically - buy some used gear off craigslist or marketplace, then piece something together. The price is definitely preferable to the NUCs, but the size is admittedly larger, though well within reason. I’ve considered going with some of the “ultra SFF” options from Lenovo, Dell, HP, etc., since those seem to be a bit more affordable, but again that seems to be a bit hit and miss. ![]() Those should be able to handle everything just fine, but the price is a bit steep for my liking, even used. Same goes for other micro-pc’s, like any of the various NUCs. The potential issues with these got me thinking about doing a more powerful embedded system, something X86, but the price rises dramatically. I’m not opposed to either of those, there are a few Ham radio projects I could cannibalize them for if they didn’t work for this, or alternatively I could use them to make an actual HTPC to replace my Roku (more on that later). It looks like the Odroid N2+ or the RockPro64 might be able to muster up the horsepower needed, but it’s hard to find good documentation on anyone having done that. After that, I decided to look at some other SBCs. When I originally approached this, my first thought was to run everything on a Raspi 4, though it seems that it would just barely sneak by for the 4k decode, and unfortunately 4k decode isn’t supported by steam link yet, nor parsec, iirc (Raspberry Pi 4 is currently broken on Parsec). None of these are particularly difficult on their own, but when you add them together things get a bit rough. Must pass the girlfriend test - that is, it cant look like “one of those god forsaken computer projects”.As inexpensive as can be managed without giving up the other requirements.Fairly straightforward setup, I’d rather this not turn into a Frankenstein mess.Capable of 4k60 decode, though faster would be great (tv is a 4k 120hz, and PC can definitely drive a good number of games at that res/framerate).My requirements are a bit stiff for this project, admittedly. However, I have some requirements that are making the selection process a bit more difficult. Typically, this would be pretty straightforward, just grab a Raspberry Pi or the like and go nuts. I plan to use Steam link, as well as/or alternatively Parsec for the software, probably on Linux. Beyond the cost aspect, it just seems like a waste when I already have a plenty powerful enough computer sitting just upstairs in the office. I’d like to be able to play games in the living room on the TV, but I don’t want to have to dork with moving my PC down, and I don’t have the money for a full on secondary gaming rig. Hello everyone! I’ve come for some advice on putting together a small HTPC, primarily for in home streaming for games.
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