Cheap computer for smooth streaming on tv

H

hesaw914

New Member
Hello, I am looking to buy a cheap computer to stream videos/movies on the living room television. The living room is pretty far away from the den (maybe 100+ft?) where the router is and my dad does not want to use ethernet cables. We were using an 2008ish XPS Laptop before, which used an Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN, a NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS, and Intel Core 2 Duo CPU T7500 @ 2.20 GHz 2.20 GHz (I guess two of the processors?) and it received the internet pretty well until it finally died on us.

So my thought is that a desktop computer would work a lot better for streaming HD quality videos smoothly over the WiFi Connection.
These are the two that I've looked at:

The first is the cyberpowerpc:
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Essential_1000
I'm that the default specs should be good, except I'm thinking
1)I probably need a better graphics card than the "On-Board 16X PCIe Shared 128MB Integrated 3D Graphics Video Card." since we're looking to stream the highest quality videos.
2)I will probably get the "GIGABYTE GC-WB867D-I 802.11AC Wi-Fi up to 867 Mbps + Bluetooth 4.0 Combo w/ Dual Antenna PCI-E Adapter [+29]" for the Internal Wireless Network Card since we need a good WiFi Connection.

Afterwards, I thought since this might actually cost me up to $600 depending on the graphics card, maybe I should get the Alienware Alpha $549 version:
http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-alpha/pd?~ck=mn​
I know a lot of tech people hate on alienware, but considering what I'm looking for and the cost, I'm thinking it's not that bad.

What do you guys think? Which is better? If I get the cyberpowerpc, which graphics card option should I get (minimum pls)? Are the wireless network cards good enough to get a clear signal in the living room? I'm also open to suggestions for other computers.
 
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First of all, the Alienware Alpha runs big picture mode on Steam, and its not out yet.

The CyberPowerPC with a GTX 750TI is what I recommend, but you could save a lot of money by building the PC yourself. Super easy, like Lego's.
 
Don't go with the combos. The cases and PSUs that they throw in are really bad. I can put together a list of parts for you, but I need a budget.

On YouTube, NeweggTV has a very good guide on how to build a computer
 
Tried chromecast, but we prefer hooking up the tv directly.
I will take a look at the parts you've recommended. Feel like I need to do some more research since I'm not too familiar with building.
 
Consider powerline adaptor instead of wifi.

BTW, do you want something just enough for the task? Or do you want something can be upgrade in future?
 
Well I want something that will work well and last a while, and it doesn't necessarily have to be upgradeable for the future. We tried with some basic home computers before, but the computers were just too slow before. We actually ended up returning a dell, since it couldn't do what we wanted it to.

That's why I was heading towards getting a more gaming oriented computer since they will be able to stream hd without any hiccups.

Now considering the powerline adaptors, I thought they simply extended your wifi. Do they actually use the electrical wiring to create a network? In that case do I not have to plug the adaptors as close as possible for them to connect wirelessly? I do not have a ton of experience with them.
 
if all you need it for is streaming and watching videos then the integrated graphics on an amd kaveri cpu will be more than enough.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/CLmBxr

the integrated graphics are r7 on die. It is a pretty good performing cpu too so it should be more than enough for future usages. the integrated graphics are also good enough to play most games on medium graphics so will run/stream hd videos with no problems.

i just put a pretty good case on there but any other corsair, bitfenix, nzxt, coolermaster case will do fine depending on preferences.
 
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Random question since I'm a noob and all: Do cases come with fans preinstalled or is that something that I need to order?
 
most important part to your requirments is that you are on a wireless ac network, so you can stream the videos from the den on to the pc to the tv over wi fi seamlessly. wireless ac would be the way to go
 
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right, but um saying overall, the network is the most important part here, so going wirless ac would yield best results for him
 
I built a PC for the TV recently. It's probably a little bit over-specced for what you need, but you can read about what I did here: http://www.computerforum.com/231357-jasons-htpc-build-log.html

You could replace the following to make it cheaper:

- i5 to i3
- 850 Pro 256GB SSD to 840 EVO 128/256GB SSD
- 16GB 1866MHz RAM to 8GB 1600MHz or even 1333MHz
- If you don't need the TV tuner or the the Blu-ray drive then don't buy them

But I'd recommend that case and the board. The board is really good. Has a great Wi-Fi reception and even comes with its own little antenna. Works a great!

mITX is a nice form factor for this because it can sit underneath the TV nicely.

The onboard HD 4600 graphics on the i5 I used are perfect for streaming/watching videos/Blu-rays. The onboard HD 4400 graphics on an i3 will be just as good for what you need. No need for a video card.

I've never used the AMD chips. Always preferred Intel and their integrated graphics are really good these days and the CPUs are just stronger anyway.

Take a look and see what you think. I know you were looking at pre-builts but building your own might be better for you.
 
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