So are we talking about more of a rattle can thing then actually painting it? I could put some RipCityTwo graffiti on that.
I'm looking at putting together a mini PC to double as a mobile work computer and a HTPC. I've been comparing options for over a week and am curious what you guys think of them and what you would recommend. I've never built a computer before, but I'm confident in my abilities to do so. I've just never pulled the trigger. The link below gives some examples of what I'm talking about: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...=40000309&IsNodeId=1&name=Mini-PC-Thin-Client
Streaming HD video, multiple browsers and web pages open simultaneously, MS Office, dual monitor extended desktop. That's about it. I have a decent laptop now, but i think I've damaged the gpu by using both the hdmi and VGA ports to run dual monitors for work. So I'm looking for something designed to be used as dual monitor setup, but I want it portable, so I don't have to just keep it in one place. I'm not a big gamer, but I don't want the graphics card to be so weak that I can't watch Hd content cleanly. My wife's integrated gpu has a weird issue where all online video is really choppy. Doesn't matter how much is buffered. I thought I fixed it once playing with the flash extension, but I guess not. It basically makes it impossible to watch video on her laptop.
Are you looking at one of the cases that has most but not all of the components pre-installed or something like a Shuttle shoebox PC that comes with maybe a power supply and that's all? If you're going to be installing most of your components try to find a case that comes with either a slide-out or removable mobo tray. Micro PC's can be difficult to work with due to lack of space. Also try to look up forums and web answers for how to route wires and maximize airflow for the specific case. A modular power supply that allows you to only use the number of power cables you require will definitely help if the case doesn't come with a PSU. If you want to run multiple displays and have good streaming video a dedicated graphics card (not an on-board GPU on the mobo) is the way to go. You should be able to pick a last-gen card up for $50 or less if you're not looking to game with it.
Awesome thanks. I was thinking of going with one of Intel's NUC's, but if you think I need to get a dedicated GPU instead of relying on an on-board GPU to ensure good quality streaming and dual monitor use, then I should probably look at either the Shuttle boxes, or one called ASRockvisionX 420D. Those are the only mini PC's I've seen that offer a dedicated GPU option. They're spendy suckers though...
Yeah, dual monitor is important. That's primarily why I'm looking. I use two monitors at work and it's burning up my laptop using the HDMI and VGA ports at the same time. My video display driver crashes often and it's not uncommon for the screen just to shut off entirely and cause me to have to reset my laptop. It's essentially overheating because it's not designed to be used as dual monitor output and probably because it's an HP... I can't justify the purchase to my wife unless I can also use it at home as an HTPC. Hence the reason I'm looking at Mini PC's, so I can transport it back and forth from work and home like I do my laptop. I know I'm going to pay a premium for the small form factor and decent components, but I'm ok with that as long I get something that will last a little while.
$2k for the low end model is too much for me. Not to mention I'd have to get a thunderbolt display to run dual monitors, and those are even more overpriced than Mac's in general. I was considering a Mac Mini though...
It seems to me that the newer I-3 I-5 processors that have the embedded video on board are pretty spiffy. I have micro AtX set up in my boat using an Asrock H77M board and a Intel I-3 3240 processor in a little myrtle wood box under my chart table. It's running two monitors just fine, and can run three. It's really is nice for me not to have to power a video card for this function as well as take up the space. A big video card would not fit in the case I built. The Mobo is not the H77M, but it is the same size in the same box in the this old image
Yeah, from what I've read, people haven't had issues with the newer Intel embedded cards. The 4400 - 5000 Series all seem to do just fine for people. Adding a dedicated GPU does add a fair amount of space that I wouldn't otherwise need. Hmm...
You may not need dual monitors if you had one 4K monitor. This is $299 less than the Apple monitor: https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...73.3&ei=3m1-U7GGI5SmyATuo4A4&ved=0CM8EEKYrMAE The 13" MacBook Pro with retina display starts at $1299 and supports 4k. http://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs-retina/ Plus with retina, when you use it as a laptop (like at starbucks, etc.), you can have a super hires desktop (2560x1600). I happen to like the hi resolution, even if it's on the small side. My eyesight is good enough to appreciate it.
If I had the cash, I'd seriously consider this set up. I REALLY like the retina display i have on my ipad, and it would be even better on a larger screen, But that set up would run me $2k for the 13" macbook and the monitor. I'd love it, but it's too much right now. I'm hoping to come in around the $1000 or less area. Plus, getting a new monitor isn't a consideration since I already have two that are pretty new. Definitely something to think about when I have more funds available.
Aw heck, build yourself a quad that will do what you need, pretty cheap too A AsRock Mobo $85 Haswell 3.5Ghz Quad (i5-4690) $224 @ Newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116989 Couple hundred bucks of Corsair Memory One 30GB harddrive $60 One 750GB WD drive $80 One big WD drive $100 Case of choice with 350W PSU $90 Windows * $125 I assume you have mouse, monitor, and Keyboard Heck, it looks like less than 800 bucks A 3.5 Quad is hard to load down. That's what I am running right here now, a Xeon a couple years old but 3.5 Quad on 6MB cache. Hell, you will love it. If you want more then sell the Quad on ebay and spring for and i7 but I suspect you won't know the difference if you do it. Plenty of help here on the net, heck I have built maybe 30 of them in the past 10 years. I am going up to Portland next week and while I am there I intend to upgrade a system I built for my Niece , a 3.4 Northwood (P4). With a SSD and 4GB of memory and a RamDrive you can make those serviceable. If you want to make a really small package then forget the standard PSU. Go with a 12V PSU like I have in the boat powered off the 12v battery system. You can also power it with a 12v converter There is a 5 amp one that will do the job sold with those portable Ice boxes/heaters. WalMart sells spares for it, about 25 buck The system in my boat is on an ammeter running with a 125W PSU, fully loaded, Processor Maxed out it only draws 4 amps.
