Mac mini alternative.

[notenoughtv]

I didn't really knew where to post this. Since I plan to use it as an HTPC to stream content I guess it is appropriate to post here.

 

I really like the form factor of the Mac mini but I want a PC. I would prefer if it wasn't a low end Celeron chip and I want to be able to put either an SSD or msata SSD in it.

I know of the Zotac Zbox but I'm looking for more options.

 

Do you guys think there should be a Haswell mini computer?

 

The most important feature would be silence.

[ciprian97pop]

You could get an amd apu

even a dual core one with some aftermarket cooler

http://cache.futurelooks.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Noctua-NH-C14-CPU-Cooler-1.jpg

 

Problem solved ;)

[notenoughtv]

You could get an amd apu

even a dual core one with some aftermarket cooler

http://cache.futurelooks.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Noctua-NH-C14-CPU-Cooler-1.jpg

 

Problem solved ;)

I want it to be as small as possible. Space is quite an issue

[UselessBread]

Do you know of the intel NUC?

doesn't have optical out, but audio over HDMI. So if your setup has HDMI this might be a thing.
And yes there definitely should be more small form factor PCs, I would love to see some with really good audio.

[brownninja97]

Intel NUC, Gigabyte Brix. They can have up to i7 in them so they dont mess around.

[Emperor_Piehead]

Sapphire has a low power APU small form factor computer that might be an option.

[notenoughtv]

Cool I'll check those out

[AMICLG]

Intel NUC, Gigabyte Brix. They can have up to i7 in them so they dont mess around.

Yeah but it's a dual core i7 but the thing has the same performance as a i3220 which a desktop processor.

[Jack.EXE]

silverstone MILO itx case? just a bit wider than the mac mini, but can use desktop parts, such as an i3 and a 7750 (low profile), be prepared to find a good sfx psu

[AMICLG]

silverstone MILO itx case? just a bit wider than the mac mini, but can use desktop parts, such as an i3 and a 7750 (low profile), be prepared to find a good sfx psu

SIlverstone makes one that's 450 watts and is 80 plus bronze for only $60

[Giddyguy]

The intel NUC looks pretty cool. Here is Linus' video on NCIX PC:

[AMICLG]

The intel NUC looks pretty cool. Here is Linus' video on NCIX PC:

The Gigabyte Brix is MUCH more powerful plus it's smaller.

[Giddyguy]

The Gigabyte Brix is MUCH more powerful plus it's smaller.

oh i guess, I hadn't seen it before. But both of them, really are cool. Why aren't these popular yet? They're perfect for HTPC's and also for people who don't want big pcs and don't do much more than surfing the web and word editing.

 

P.S I'm not really sure you need an i7 for this form factor (like the top Brix model). Having the option is still great tho!

[AMICLG]

oh i guess, I hadn't seen it before. But both of them, really are cool. Why aren't these popular yet? They're perfect for HTPC's and also for people who don't want big pcs and don't do much more than surfing the web and word editing.

 

P.S I'm not really sure you need an i7 for this form factor (like the top Brix model). Having the option is still great tho!

It's a embedded dual-core I-7 so it's around the same performance a I-3 3220.