Steam Streaming Build - Need Tips

[Abe Froman]

I'm looking to build a client streaming PC for some casual couch gaming, but I don't really know what exactly I need.  As in:
   - Do i need a dedicated GPU for H264 decoding, or is an i7 processor capable enough?  For each, which CPU/GPU is sufficient?
   - Do I NEED a wireless AC router, or is my current 5GHz dual band setup good? Is the difference in lag significant?

 

I already have a mini-ITX  mobo picked out, if only for the dual channel AC built in (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132122), and for RAM itll just be a descent 8GB single stick of whatever.  It'll also have a small capacity SSD, probably 128 GB, and don't worry about the case, I'm custom building one from the ground up.

 

Thanks for all the help in advance!

[Shd0w2]

I have a ultrabook with a IGPU and an I5 at 1.6ghz. 

 

It works great with streaming.

If I was to reccomend a streaming build to receive the streaming, I would reccomend you go for a cheap laptop or i'll build a desktop for you in amin here.

[Megazero]

I think pretty much anything can do for streaming, and I have heard that even something like a first gen core i7 is ok. Since you are going with a Z97 Mobo, any gen 4/5 CPU will do, you dont need a dedicated GPU for it. In fact you dont even need a Z97 mobo, you are not going to overclock the CPU for this one, so I'd suggest buying stuff as cheap as possible with a decent 8GB Ram just so you can occasionally browse the internet on it and maybe youtube/twitch etc on the big screen.

And I dont know much about networking so sorry I cant help here, but as far as I understand Steam use the router to transfer the image/sound from your main computer to the client machine right? so I think any good router will do since within 1 network you dont have to worry about transfer speed.

[ZiggyManSaad]

I'm using leftovers for my streamer. Old h77 board with an i3 and 8GB of ram, and a 500GB HDD. Works perfectly.

[GloriousPain]

I'd get an i5 4570 and like a 750ti  (probably overkill but can also do Nvidia streaming too)
cheapo 8GB ram and 60GB ssd
Elite 110 and some cheap PSU by Corsair or Antec...

[Megazero]

I'd get an i5 4570 and like a 750ti  (probably overkill but can also do Nvidia streaming too)

cheapo 8GB ram and 60GB ssd

Elite 110 and some cheap PSU by Corsair or Antec...

Isnt Nvidia streaming is to the Shield only? also it will stream from a main computer, so there's no need for that in a client machine like this since he has his own main computer somewhere else in the house.

[GloriousPain]

Isnt Nvidia streaming is to the Shield only? also it will stream from a main computer, so there's no need for that in a client machine like this since he has his own main computer somewhere else in the house.

yeah I wasn't thinking on the Nvidia thing... I'd take out the 750ti then the i5 should be just right.

[Megazero]

Hmm... actually now that I have just build a 250$ computer for someone else's parents here, I think even this can do streaming just fine~

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A4-5300 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($43.98 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-S1 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($39.38 @ Newegg)

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($37.80 @ Newegg)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.43 @ OutletPC)

Case: Xion XON-720P_RD MicroATX Slim Case w/300W Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $235.57

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-05 18:48 EDT-0400)

Again, I thought of getting a 1TB HDD just because I think it make sense to save up movies on it so you can just open it from time to time.