Which Mini PC to think about

ZeusXI · June 1, 2016

Im very interested in the micro computing world along with the full pc world.

I currently own a Raspberry Pi 2 B, and Banana Pi Pro

Im wondering what would be the best for either....

A) Small games server (Like terraria 24/7 server for just a private group of friends)

B) Small media center like Plex, or a home streamer

C) OSMC server for movies so family can watch movies (1080p, blu-ray, 4k)

Rpi 1 B+

700Mhz Single Core
512MB SDRam
10/100 Ethernet

Rpi 2 B

900Mhz Suad core
1GB DDR3 RAM
10/100 Ethernet

Rpi 3

1.2Ghz Quad core
1GB DDR3
10/100 +2.4Ghz Wifi

Orange Pi Plus 2

1.2Ghz Quad Core
2GB DDR3
10/100/1000 Ethernet +2.4Ghz wifi

ODROID C2

2GHZ Quad Core
2GB DDR3 SDRam
Gigabit Ethernet

Hummingboard

4GB DDR3
1GHz Quad core
10/100/1000 Ethernet + 2.4Ghz Wifi

If there is anything like these, im really looking for

10/100/1000 Ethernet (wifi optional)

At least 2GB RAM (4 would be appreciated as well)

Quad core

Around 50-60$ USD or less

Would be good for a 24/7 terraria server

Im thinking the Odroid-C2 or Orange Pi would be a good way to go because they have good ethernet, along with

good core count, and enough ram to run the server right. Ive ran a small world on my Rpi2, but the limiting factor I think was the CPU and Ram since there wasnt much to work with. About 5-15 people would be on at most.

Movie servers are easy to work with and make, so thats not too much to worry about, And I have U3 class micro SSD so data speed isnt a problem I think, though eMMC would be interesting as well. All in all, what do you guys think? Dont let these be the only limiting factor, toss in some other boards that arnt in this list.

You_are_a_cunt · June 2, 2016

Q1: Is the Terraria server able to run under Linux?

Q2: What kind of load does a Terraria server have?

If you can stretch your budget (pretty much double it), you could look at a Latte Panda (if they're released for purchase, that is) which is far more beefier than your other options and can run Windows.

Out of your options you'd probably want to look at the Hummingboard or the Orange Pi

Lehti · June 2, 2016

From experience, I can tell you that if you want to go hipster, you should try to be as mainstream as possible.

A mini PC with a larger user base will mean that you have better chances of getting help from other community members, which is why I think you should stick with the Raspberry Pi, unless you really know what you're dealing with (hint: I'm not :D)

The RasPi 2 is a very nice media streamer if you use the wired connection. Never had good experience with going wireless: N300 adapters were just too slow to stream anything higher than 720p video, and even in that case I'd get the occasional stutter.

ZeusXI · June 2, 2016

8 hours ago, revsilverspine said:

Q1: Is the Terraria server able to run under Linux?

Q2: What kind of load does a Terraria server have?

If you can stretch your budget (pretty much double it), you could look at a Latte Panda (if they're released for purchase, that is) which is far more beefier than your other options and can run Windows.

Out of your options you'd probably want to look at the Hummingboard or the Orange Pi

A terraria Server is able to run under Linux (See video below)

It uses about 50% of the CPU (the game runs in Terminal (like command prompt) and most of the Ram since you need 256MB going to the GPU but I think you can get away with less if your just using the stripped down version of linux. But I have ran a small world for some friends (about 6 players i saw lag even on Ethernet)

https://www.reddit.com/r/Terraria/comments/3i4lnu/guide_running_terraria_server_on_raspberry_pi_2/