PC build/upgrade thread
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I have an HTPC. Here's my build, it's a few years old now. I used a Fractal Design case.
I connect to the tv via hdmi and to my Sonos playbar via spdif, which then connects wirelessly to the other speakers. My remote interacts with the tv via FLIRC usb dongle. The pc boots straight to PLEX so it's relatively wife-proof.
I don't have cable/sky so I use the pc for watching movies and streaming rugbypass. You're supposed to be able to use Plex for free tv as well, via your antenna, but I didn't have any luck with that.
It's not great for streaming Netflix or Amazon Prime. A device like apple tv, xbox, chromecast would be far better if that's what you're going to be watching, in my opinion (at least that's my experience using Windows 7).
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Figured I'd sort the gaming rig first, then follow up options for a media pc later.
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Well it only took 8 or 9 months but I finally ordered my new rig yesterday. Happy birthday to me lol
Added in an extra 2TB HDD and I have an existing 3TB HDD that I'll also install when the pc arrives. That should let us use the pc for a lot of vid/photo storage. At least until I sort the home media centre pc - but that's not a priority at this stage.
Not looking forward to transferring data/games over, but at least with Steam you can do things bit more easily. Will be loading my main/favourite games on the SSD and am super excited about how well they'll run on the new pc.
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I have a couple of mates that have set up Plex servers for streaming their media. They have given me access to those, so I can stream anything that they have using the plex player on laptop/smart tv/tablet etc.
Providing my current work contract extends for at least another 3 months past the current end date of March, I plan to set up my own node connected to them. It will hammer my (and their) internet connections for a bit when I initially set up and sync (currently I think there are 3K movies and 2.5K tv series of content), but that is what GB unlimited fibre plans are for. Also, I can start ripping any movies/tv series that I have not currently on their servers, and they will get access to them.
I'm aiming to go hi spec, with something with enough grunt and storage to take me through the next 5-7 years, so looking at this NAS
Does anyone else use Plex and/or have a setup they can recommend?
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@Stockcar86 I've had it running full time for the last 3-4 years on this, so not sure I'm in your league but it's suited me perfectly fine! Have been able to stream all around the world and used by family all over. Pretty sure what you're getting set up will cope...
Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 Ultra Small Form Factor Desktop PC - (Silver/Black) (Intel Celeron 1017U 1.6GHz Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, LAN, WLAN, Integrated Graphics, Windows
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00DPJZQBG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_p3ypCbAB3Z2M4 -
and the new PC runs like a rocket ship. Stoked with it. Got a couple of my fav games on the ssd and the rest will go on the hdd. Need a different dvi plug for one monitor but loving it so far. Still gotta transfer over a bunch of content but it's good to review your digital hoarding and cull some shit!
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No idea where I'll get my decent reviews from now, for new PC parts - gutted
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aw hells yeah!! 20sec in and I was invested and hooked!
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@JC To be honest I've found Avast superior to most paid alternatives over the years. I used to manage IT for a couple of engineering firms that were doing it tough budget wise, moved all there devices across from Trend to the free Avast Business with pretty significant performance improvements on ageing computers and they also seemed better at detections. Haven't tried it in a virtual environment but for free its worth a crack.
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@antipodean said in PC build/upgrade thread:
@paekakboyz said in PC build/upgrade thread:
For #1 has anyone run into any must-have tech for a mid-range gaming rig? I'll def be going SSD for OS, maybe even having a second SSD for high use games too. Will be sinking most of the $ into a solid graphics card - yet to do an exhaustive search but know a few sites to check out benchmarks etc. Don't need screens etc so that'll be a tricky way to spend more on the pc he he
It's almost always cheaper to buy a larger capacity SSD than to get two of half the size. E.g. a 500GB Samsung is cheaper than 2 x 250GB
For graphics cards, it's hard to go past a 1080ti at the moment.
For #2 does anyone run a pc as their main entertainment hub?
Yes. I used to have a dedicated HTPC, but there's no need for that these days. I simply run a HDMI 2.1 cable into my smart TV and run Kodi from my main PC. Can control it from my phone or tablet.
Made it easier on myself and built a Raspberry Pi to run Kodi. And by built I mean bought one and installed libreelec (https://libreelec.tv). Something I've been meaning to do for a few years which means it's always on if the wife wants to watch something and freed up a display port on my PC.
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I don't even bother with cases, just screw the motherboard to a wall, awesome airflow and reduction in dust to clog fins/fans
HardOCP is getting 'mothballed' as Kyle Bennett leaves to join Intel
