So I caught myself daydreaming about PC parts again...
I was thinking, I want to build a super compact HTPC that could play games and play videos off my NAS. As far as playing videos from the network, an Atom would be plenty. But, if I did an Atom processor and added a graphics card (let's say I add a 1070 just for S's & G's), would that be enough to play something like GTAV on Medium to High settings (probably not Ultra or anything)? Or would the Atom bottleneck it too much to bother?
it'd be better to go with one of cheaper i3's then a atom. even a pentium g3258 over an atom.
Probably not. If we could get a 2.5ghz base/3.2ghz boost atom, you'd probably be able to do it. The problem with the atom is the clock speed. It's too low.
No, there is plenty more wrong with Atom, the IPC is very low, the CPU is designed for low power, but considering that ARM kicks Intel Atoms to the curb, yeah, better off with at least an i3-U CPU at least.
Yeah, that makes sense. I guess I didn't think about that. I feel like a twit.
He was asking if it was possible to play at medium/high settings. If the clock was quicker, it would be fine. People imply that IPC is so important. It is, but if you have 100% more IPC at 2ghz, it will be not quite the same performance as something at 4ghz. Yes, the IPC on the atom is low, but that's not the major issue when I see lots of people with quad core Intel running close to 5ghz.
It's a valid question because atoms do have their place. Don't feel so bad. I had to look up atoms offerings before I responded.
I'd have to agree with everyone else that the Atom would be a bottleneck. I finished a similar project, but I used one of the Gigabyte Brix because they were running at $200 with a 240GB SSD and 8GB of RAM. I just use Steam's streaming function to run the games on my main PC but stream it over WiFi to my living room TV. Not exactly playing directly from the box, but definitely an idea if you don't plan on playing in two places at once. I haven't tested just the Brix by itself though.
Good solutions. How does the WiFi streaming work?
It definitely works a lot better through ethernet, but if you've got decent WiFi it's smooth. Steam's page will be able to explain it better than I can. The quick and dirty explanation is you login on steam on your main PC, then login on your HTPC, and all the games will have a "Stream" option on your HTPC.
I also use the Brix to run Spotify, YouTube, NetFlix, etc without any major issues. Mine has a quirk where you have to have any wireless dongle (for keyboard, controller, etc) on an extension cable away from the PC, as the WiFi seems to interfere with it a bit. It could just be me though.
Edit: It may just be me... but my link isn't appearing? (http://store.steampowered.com/streaming/)
Sorry, I should have elaborated. I was wondering how well it works over WiFi. I'm familiar with how it works from a functionality perspective. (curse you, English language)
No problem, English is confusing at times. I'm running a cheap 802.11n router that I picked up at a yard sale for $5. That paired with the built in WiFi on the Brix, I'm able to play games as if I'm sitting in front of my main PC. I've played GTA V, Civ V, and Payday 2 without any noticeable delay. I would recommend 802.11ac or ethernet, but 802.11n is sufficient from what I can tell.
This is TekSyndicate! If you're going to be here, learn the language! Gah!!! hahahaha
I like that streaming it is an option, however, I don't think its for me. I worry (like I assume sgtawesomesauce does) that the lag would be higher than I would be willing to deal with. I could probably manage to get it to use ethernet, but Wi-Fi is more likely in my situation. But I am curious how well it works on your setup?
Of course I finish my reply after you submit yours... haha
It happens to the best of us....
I've considering making a product review in a Tek Syndicate-esque way of the Brix just for fun. If you'd like, I can compile a review. Obviously, it'd take until the weekend as I work some odd hours, but if anyone is interested, I'll do it.
Out of curiosity, if you don't mind me asking, what kind of monitor on your using on the HTPC?
Also, I would be interested in seeing that! There's absolutely no way that anyone could cover every device, so I am all about people doing reviews on products that no one else has. Or putting a new perspective on reviews everyone else has done.
It's a 42in 1080p 60Hz Vizio TV. Bought it back in 2011-2012 if I recall correctly. I'm also passing through a Samsung Sound Bar/Sub that I bought in 2015. The soundbar has HDMI pass through.
Ok. I was curious because I'm thinking my current living room TV might be a bit heavy on the lag. Before I build a new PC for it, I will test it to be sure, but it does feel a bit slow when using the Smart menu. Its a Samsung smart tv. And in all honesty, it's kind of crap. But it works (most of the time) so we put up with it.
My parents have two Smart TV's. The newer one is great, but the older one's "Smart" menus are so terribly slow. I re-purposed an old HTPC just to save them the hassle of trying to use the "Smart" menu. There's no problem using the HDMI though.
That's one of the reasons I was thinking of doing the HTPC. Any suggestions on a remote? I have Plex, so i could use the Plex app on my phone for that, but I would love to be able to use a remote to switch apps and make it as simple as possible. I love my wife, but she is kind of a technology dunce. It has to be SUPER simple for her.