Build a cheap htpc or chromebox????

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Gjohnson7771

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Nov 24, 2012
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Ok, I feel like I'm always asking these questions, but I think my wife and I are ready to pull the trigger on ditching cable. I am planning on picking up a few HDTV antennas and running with it but I have some quesitons. First of all I am mainly looking for a device to run Kodi Openelec on. The device with be in my living room, but all gaming will be done on the Plastaion 4 or Wii U. It would be nice to run netflix from the device but I heard that can be and issue with Openelec. It is not a requirement, since the PS4 and Wii can handle it.
I have been looking at some of the cheaper boxes like the Nexus player or Firetv, but think the Chromebox or htpc may be better. Any ideas on suggestions on the best route?

Oh, I don't download any media so big storage is not a concern. Although,I do have a small 1tb harddrive connected with my other pc's that have some videos I would like access to. I also have a samaung i5 laptop in my bedroom that I have been using for XBMC in that room.

Thanks,

Grant
 
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Gjohnson7771

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Wisecracker,

What would be the advantage of going with something like the Zotac Zbox over the Chromebox or Htpc. It looks like the Zotac is similar to the Chromebox in price, but it doesn't include RAM or any other storage.

 
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Aristotelian

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Chromebox is going to be more difficult to install Linux. You have to go through a bunch of extra steps. (I am not sure, but the extra steps could void your warranty).

I have a true HTPC. I like to be able to rip my DVD's so I don't worry about scratching the physical disk, and also playback DVD's through Kodi/XBMC instead of a separate DVD player. I have a full Ubuntu install with Kodi/XBMC as an app. That way I can more easily use a file manager and web browser when needed. If you don't need any of these things, then a Zotac or Chromebox set up will be just fine.



I don't do Netflix, but my understanding is that Netflix now fully supports Linux, so there is no need for any workarounds as long as you have the Chrome browser. Not sure about Kodi/XBMC plugins.

If you are interested in a full HTPC, we can put together a build for you.
 
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Wisecracker

Wisecracker

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My understanding is codec support under Chrome OS can be iffy -- even for simple things like Dolby Digital (AC3). Also -- unless things have changed there is no support for network share access under the Chrome OS.

Low-end Chrome boxes also tend toward dual-core Bay Trail Atoms which do not save any power versus mini's like the ZBOX CA320 with the Temash A6-1450 quad.

Then ... there is the matter of TV tuner support. I'm running Windows on my ZBOX CA320 but my understanding is something like the Hauppauge 850 USB TV Tuner is supported under OpenELEC/Kodi with minor gyrations.

That's one of a million things I need to check out :)

 
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Gjohnson7771

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Nov 24, 2012
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Ok, what would be a good htcp build alternative? I don't mind upgrading as I go, but what is a low cost option that will get me running? Would the Zbox be more benefial than a cheap htpc?

Thanks,

Grant
 
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Aristotelian

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Here is a quick build to get you started. THis would get you a highly rated reliable and efficient power supply, DVD drive,
built in HDD. A little more and you can add a SSD to be able to boot your system almost instantaneously.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/TZK8vK
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/TZK8vK/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD 5350 2.05Ghz Quad-Core Processor ($44.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock AM1B-ITX Mini ITX AM1 Motherboard ($40.38 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill NS Series 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($28.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 380W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($16.15 @ Directron)
Total: $235.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-20 14:27 EDT-0400
 
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Wisecracker

Wisecracker

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The ZBOX with OpenELEC will work just dandy ... and I was mistaken.

The model has the A4-5000 Kabini rather than the Temash A6-1450. They are both quad cores but the Kabini has a higher clock speed and a bit better graphics.

Good enough for a little light gaming at 720p on older titles.

 
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Gjohnson7771

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Nov 24, 2012
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So, with the build abov, I bit high clock speed, with hdd and ram for approximately the same cost. Seems like the build would make more sense because I could swap out parts and possibly upgrade down the road, right?

What would be a good Intel option? My buddy swares by Intel over AMD.

Thanks
 
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SSoonr

SSoonr

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Jun 1, 2013
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Build a solid PC, go from there.

Depending on how often you buy new hardware (not often) and then how long you will use the hardware (way beyond what it was intended for), build a solid PC. Do a solid Matilda build for your wife and do little builds for the main room and the kids room. You do not have to do this all at once but on the low side of the computer hardware, a $20 upgrade can pay dividends later. Where as on the higher end you pay quite a bit more for the next upgrade.

You dont even need a i7 build for her that's overclocked, just a solid i5 "k" series will provide years of good use. Do an SSD for her so its zippy, but conventional hard drives for the other builds as start up time matters less. Do 8GB of ram on each, 16 for your wife's build. Set it forget it. You will make it 3-5 years without needing the upgrade/revisit. That is an important part if your going to school while working full time. Do not mistake me for just *trying* to spend more money, simply saying that you get what you pay for. Do it right and spend money on a go fast. Do up a 240 build to keep yourself happy while your in school. I vote doing a couple of solid builds as you do not make computer purchases often, so the next one is a ways down the line.
 
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