Need help finding a console like pc or mini pc or whatever they are called?

DoomMarine

New Member
Hi there, i am hoping you can help me finding a console like pc that is similar to the xbox one or playstation.

i know there is alienware, msi tridents & asus rogs.

are there any other options under 550 dollars that has a 1tb or 2tb with a solid state drive of 130 or 250 if possible?

what abouit console prebuilt pcs? the ones that you can customize with the system?

i hope im asking on the right site, if not can you send me to a correct one if possible?

thank you.
 
Last edited:

UnholyVision

Active Member
There aren't to many & there are some handheld size ones. Though most are kickstaters.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/smachteam/smach-z-the-handheld-gaming-pc

Honestly, I would just say if you're wanting a home console sized PC your best bet is to build one. Building it leaves you with the ability to upgrade. For example, the Alienware's console sized PC has components soldered onto the board making it impossible to upgrade. After a few years you're left with a dusty console sized PC with not much left to push games. Anyway, there are some pretty decent HTPC style cases that are console sized that can fit full sized GPU's in them. All you would need is one of those. Then if you wanted to go the full course of console interface then pop a Linux Distro on there. Something like SteamOS, Lakka, or grab something like Arch, install a basic install with only a WM (Window Manager) such as OpenBox, install steam, maybe a compositor such as Compton, and setup the autostart of Openbox, to launch Steam in Big Picture Mode by default. (If your not familiar with Linux and lost but like the idea I'm happy to assist in such a setup). Then you have a console like system which launches right into the console like login screen on Steam.
 

_Kyle_

Well-Known Member
If you are willing to build a PC, like @UnholyVision said, their are good HTPC cases that are relatively console sized. I own a Node 202 and it is slightly larger than the original Xbox One design. Personally I would get Windows though, because of DX12 and full game support.

EDIT: Unfortunately I am finding it quite difficult to make a list with a dedicated GPU fit your budget. :(
 
Last edited:

DoomMarine

New Member
There aren't to many & there are some handheld size ones. Though most are kickstaters.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/smachteam/smach-z-the-handheld-gaming-pc

Honestly, I would just say if you're wanting a home console sized PC your best bet is to build one. Building it leaves you with the ability to upgrade. For example, the Alienware's console sized PC has components soldered onto the board making it impossible to upgrade. After a few years you're left with a dusty console sized PC with not much left to push games. Anyway, there are some pretty decent HTPC style cases that are console sized that can fit full sized GPU's in them. All you would need is one of those. Then if you wanted to go the full course of console interface then pop a Linux Distro on there. Something like SteamOS, Lakka, or grab something like Arch, install a basic install with only a WM (Window Manager) such as OpenBox, install steam, maybe a compositor such as Compton, and setup the autostart of Openbox, to launch Steam in Big Picture Mode by default. (If your not familiar with Linux and lost but like the idea I'm happy to assist in such a setup). Then you have a console like system which launches right into the console like login screen on Steam.

sorry for the late response, forgot to check on here.

sounds like the only option is to build one understandable.

What are the options for console pc cases? Do they come with accessorizes to start off with?
 

DoomMarine

New Member
If you are willing to build a PC, like @UnholyVision said, their are good HTPC cases that are relatively console sized. I own a Node 202 and it is slightly larger than the original Xbox One design. Personally I would get Windows though, because of DX12 and full game support.

EDIT: Unfortunately I am finding it quite difficult to make a list with a dedicated GPU fit your budget. :(

how is the node 202? i been hearing quite alot of good reports from it.

does it come with certain accessories?

does it run well with current gen games?

sorry for the late response, forgot to check.
 

UnholyVision

Active Member
What are the options for console pc cases? Do they come with accessorizes to start off with?
This really depends on what your end goal is in performance. If your fine with an APU you can get almost any case. Want a full size GPU and you're looking for very specific cases. Anyway, here are a few cases as examples.

https://www.silverstonetek.com/raven/products/index.php?model=RVZ01
https://silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=533
https://www.thermaltakeusa.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00002373
https://www.dan-cases.com/dana4.php
https://www.sfflab.com/products/ncase_m1
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119286

i am planning mostly gaming on it with my 47 inch tv.

do they ever come down in price like the ones i mention or no?
That's fine, all you need is a GPU with an hdmi output & an hdmi cable..

Prices always flux back and forth, but you never know when exactly something will drop or raise. It's best to buy in the moment you need it. Use something like PCPartPicker to grab the lowest prices at the time and start gaming. Because for all you know the mining craze on cards could ramp up again to have a hard time getting a GPU you want.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/6B76yX
 
Last edited:

Cisco001

Well-Known Member
There is no way go under $550.
You will looking at at $900 without OS for a decent gaming PC.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8400 2.8GHz 6-Core Processor ($184.85 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock - Z370M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Aegis 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($63.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: ADATA - XPG SX8200 240GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate - BarraCuda 1TB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($43.19 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB SC GAMING Video Card ($254.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design - Node 202 HTPC Case ($88.07 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - SF 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($85.43 @ OutletPC)
Total: $890.49
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-10-03 04:41 EDT-0400
 

DoomMarine

New Member
This really depends on what your end goal is in performance. If your fine with an APU you can get almost any case. Want a full size GPU and you're looking for very specific cases. Anyway, here are a few cases as examples.

https://www.silverstonetek.com/raven/products/index.php?model=RVZ01
https://silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=533
https://www.thermaltakeusa.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00002373
https://www.dan-cases.com/dana4.php
https://www.sfflab.com/products/ncase_m1
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119286


That's fine, all you need is a GPU with an hdmi output & an hdmi cable..

Prices always flux back and forth, but you never know when exactly something will drop or raise. It's best to buy in the moment you need it. Use something like PCPartPicker to grab the lowest prices at the time and start gaming. Because for all you know the mining craze on cards could ramp up again to have a hard time getting a GPU you want.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/6B76yX

on the site do they have plenty of options under a certain pricepoint your looking for?
 

UnholyVision

Active Member
Those links were just ideas for cases. You stated you wanted a console sized PC. I replied with a how small are we talking kind of reply. Because as stated in your quoted post, depending on if you're going full APU or full sized GPU will factor in a computers size. Heck you could go full on Ryzen APU and game some what reasonable at low/mid settings in some games. A little higher if you turn the more intensive games down to 720p. (Honestly if you're wanting to hit that exact price point an APU would be the solution).

Since you're saying you wanted to game, didn't specify yet on the size, and started at a lower price, I figured you didn't need as high-end hardware. That being said I put an idea of a PC build. Which I might add is quiet cheap overall, while still being a great machine. You don't have to go Intel for gaming, and in-fact Ryzen CPU's are actually pretty good now. Another thing is you could shave the 1060 down to a different card to save a few bucks. (That is if you're going a dedicated GPU). You could still play games like a console too with low to mid settings at good frame-rates.
 
Top