Well, my old desktop pc had crashed a long time ago. I had swapped
out the motherboard a couple of times before giving up on it. Every time that I
have changed the motherboard, it would get bust in a year or so. I couldn't pin
point the problem, but I was not going to change the motherboard again. The
other components, like the monitor, speaker, cpu, hdd, case are still intact.
So, in the past year I bought an android box. Its not a chrome box
or anything from a world famous company, but I thought its simplicity is what I
required. And, since I already have my notebook, I would just require the
android box to serve as a media device.
The android box worked quite nicely for a few months and then all
the problems started. First, the display would flicker, then the mouse pointer
would disappear and now the latest problem came up, no Sound.
So now I am looking at assembling a low cost desktop/media device
or a desktop/media device replacement, like the Intel compute stick. Lets see
what these two will cost and what benefits will they bring.
Please remember that in India, its still difficult to find the
latest hardware. For example, a search on Amazon India for the Intel compute
stick brings only one result (with Amazon fulfilled option): the Intel STCK1A32WFC
Compute Stick PC (Intel Atom Z3735F/2GB/32GB/Windows 8.1/Intel HD Graphics),
Black for ~ INR 7,000.
What options do I have:
Intel Compute Stick
As stated above, the Intel STCK1A32WFC Compute Stick PC (Intel Atom Z3735F/2GB/32GB/Windows 8.1/Intel HD Graphics), Black is available for ~ INR 7,000. And, the version (same configuration) with Windows 10 is available for ~ INR 12,000.
Thoughts: This seems a good option on paper. But, with a little bit research on the Internet/reading reviews and such, I have come to know that this is a little disappointing device. May be after a few generations the Intel Compute Stick would truly shine.
Raspberry Pi 3
For just media use, I could go for the Raspberry Pi 3. At the Crazy Pi
website, the kit is available for INR 3,990 + 150 = INR 4,140.
Thoughts: Hmm, no Flash support on Raspberry Pi 3. Do we need it? Well many websites do need flash. And The raspberry Pi 3 is quite slow to open heavy javascript enabled websites too. So, advantage of low cost, but inferiority of limited usage.
Android Tablet + Chromecast
Or, I could get a entry level tablet+chromecast. This would cost
me ~ INR 5,500 for the Tablet + ~ INR 3.500 for Chromecast = ~ Total INR 8,000.
Thoughts: Well, this is not a bad option. But the heavy reliance on networking/WIFI is a bit too much. Does the chromecast play the videos already on the Tablet without active WIFI? I do not know. So, I am putting this on hold until I know for sure.
Assemble a HTPC
I could assemble a low cost HTPC. A PC that is not a PC? What is HTPC? Will it perform?
Thoughts: Well, I did not know what were the components of an HTPC. So I searched on the Internet a little bit and found two articles, on two different websites, on assembling a HTPC for ~ INR 9,000. But, there was something very strange about these articles. Both articles looked very same, with the same hardwares listed to reach the cost envelope.
But, one article tries to go a little one-up on the other, by listing AirMouse! as the only input device required. And also mentioning the use of Ubuntu as the OS for the HTPC. So, I went to the Google Play Store page for AirMouse! and it is written there that a receiver software is required to work. And, this receiver software is only available for Windows. Hmm, so using Ubuntu how am I supposed to use a HTPC without any input device.
So, these articles seem very odd to me. Okay, so lets just skip this no input device required thing and look at the other hardware mentioned. The main piece of hardware mentioned is Zotac E2-1800-ITX with on-board WiFi, Bluetooth and the Mini ITX Nova Cabinet with 200W SMPS. So, I searched this on the Amazon India website. The Zotac board has a very low end AMD processor, the E2-1800 which is a 2012 released processor. So, I guess this processor is already obsolete. The cabinet looks okay with a slight mixed review score. But, I have my doubts on the quality of the smps.
Assemble a low cost Desktop PC
Well, after going through all options, I guess we can try this one out too.
Thoughts: We have to look after the upgrade ability of the system. For example, I see that AMD has not quite released a desktop CPU after 2014. The only ones that are released after 2014 are just upgraded versions of the previous series and just two processors that use the latest microarchitecture. And the latest ones are FM2+ socket CPUs. On the Intel front, the latest Skylake microarchitecture CPUs are LGA 1151 socket ones.
So, if we are to buy a new motherboard, it has to be at least FM2+ for AMD and LGA 1151 for Intel.
The below tables give the probable systems using Linux Mint/CentOS as the operating system to cut cost:
First up is the Intel based system: (The cost is from the Amazon India website - subject to change)
| Component | Description | Price | Link |
| Processor | Intel Pentium G4400 Skylake Dual-Core 3.3GHz Desktop Processor | 5175 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B015VPX05A/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Motherboard | MSI H110M PRO - VH - 6th Generation DDR4 MotherBoard (LGA1151, DDR4 2133Mhz, HDMI + VGA Ports, MicroATX Board) | 5350 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B01649F7VW/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| RAM | Kingston Technology HyperX FURY Black 8 GB 2133 MHz CL14 DIMM DDR4 Internal Memory (HX421C14FB2/8) | 2845 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B01D8U27YU/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Graphics Card | ZOTAC NVIDIA GT 730 2GB 2 GB DDR5 Graphics Card | 5430 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00L61VGPU/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Hard Drive | WD 1TB Blue Desktop Internal Hard Drive (WD10EZEX) | 3760 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B0088PUEPK/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Cabinet + Power Supply | Many options starting from 2150 on the CircleCT website | 2150 | http://www.circlect.com/computer-accessories/cabinets.html?dir=asc&order=usb3 |
| Optical Disc Drive | Asus Internal DVD Writer DRW-24D5MT | 999 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00IWVDIXK/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Keyboard And Mouse | Logitech MK220 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo (Black) | 1199 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B008QS7JN4/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Card Reader | Amkette FDD396M Multi Format Card Reader, Black | 299 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B005YVT4KM/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| WIFI Adapter | TP-Link TL-WN725N 150Mbps Wireless N Nano USB Adapter (Black) | 468 | http://www.amazon.in/TP-Link-TL-WN725N-150Mbps-Wireless-Adapter/dp/B008IFXQFU/ref=sr_1_7 |
| Bluetooth Adapter | [Upgraded Version] GadgetsAccessories Mini USB Bluetooth CSR v4.0 Dongle Dual Mode Wireless Adapter Device (CSR8510 Chipset) | 500 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00WCXUV5M/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Total: | 28175 |
The total cost comes to INR 28,175 which is not that bad considering we are getting a full PC. You can save by not including the Graphics Card, Optical Disc Drive, Card Reader, WIFI Adapter, Bluetooth Adapter, using a wired Keyboard and Mouse combo, using 4GB of RAM. You could potentially save at least 5430 + 999 + 299 + 468 + 500 + 500 (using wired keyboard and mouse combo) + 1000 (approx. saving if using 4GB RAM) = 9,196. So the updated total cost would be 28175 - 9196 = INR 18,979.
Plus, if you can get a better deal on the components, you are looking at a good entry level PC for around 18K.
Next is the AMD system: (again the cost is from the Amazon India website - subject to change)
| Component | Description | Price | Link |
| Processor 1 | AMD FM2 A4 - 4020 3.2GHz Speed Processor | 2530 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B011XPWQH0/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| RAM 1 | Kingston 4 GB DDR3 1333 Desktop RAM | 1799 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B008ZZ8OIC/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Processor 2 | AMD A6-6400K Richland 4.1GHz Socket FM2 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor AMD Radeon HD AD640KOKHLBOX | 4270 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00CPLGFM4/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| RAM 2 | Kingston Fury Memory -4GB -DDR3 1866 MHz Desktop Ram (HX318C10F/4) | 1648 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00J8E91BI/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Processor 3 | AMD A4 7300 Dual-Core 4.0GHz Processor | 4981 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00MU00HGK/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| RAM 3 | Corsair CMV4GX3M1A1600C11 1600MHz 4GB DDR3 Memory Module | 1520 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B009CILPRI/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Motherboard | Asus A68HM-K - DDR3 FM2+ Socket AMD MotherBoard (FM2+ Socket, A68H FCH Chipset, DDR3 2400+) | 3900 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00P6P6Z9O/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Graphics Card | ZOTAC NVIDIA GT 730 2GB 2 GB DDR5 Graphics Card | 5430 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00L61VGPU/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Hard Drive | WD 1TB Blue Desktop Internal Hard Drive (WD10EZEX) | 3760 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B0088PUEPK/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Cabinet + Power Supply | Many options starting from 2150 on the CircleCT website | 2150 | http://www.circlect.com/computer-accessories/cabinets.html?dir=asc&order=usb3 |
| Optical Disc Drive | Asus Internal DVD Writer DRW-24D5MT | 999 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00IWVDIXK/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Keyboard And Mouse | Logitech MK220 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo (Black) | 1199 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B008QS7JN4/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Card Reader | Amkette FDD396M Multi Format Card Reader, Black | 299 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B005YVT4KM/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| WIFI Adapter | TP-Link TL-WN725N 150Mbps Wireless N Nano USB Adapter (Black) | 468 | http://www.amazon.in/TP-Link-TL-WN725N-150Mbps-Wireless-Adapter/dp/B008IFXQFU/ref=sr_1_7 |
| Bluetooth Adapter | [Upgraded Version] GadgetsAccessories Mini USB Bluetooth CSR v4.0 Dongle Dual Mode Wireless Adapter Device (CSR8510 Chipset) | 500 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00WCXUV5M/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Total 1: | 23034 | ||
| Total 2: | 24623 | ||
| Total 3: | 25206 |
I found three AMD processors that have similar capabilities within a similar cost envelope. But, these three support different RAM speeds. The A4 4020 supports DDR3 1333. The A6 6400K supports DDR3 1866. A4 7300 supports DDR3 1600. Therefore I have included these combinations in the above table.
The total cost comes to INR 23,034 / INR 24,623 / INR 25,206. The total cost is less than what we have seen for the Intel configuration.
Again, you can save by not including the Graphics Card, Optical Disc Drive, Card Reader, WIFI Adapter, Bluetooth Adapter, using wired Keyboard and Mouse combo. You could potentially save at least 5430 + 999 + 299 + 468 + 500 + 500 (using wired keyboard and mouse combo) = 8,196. So the updated total cost would be (23034 or 24623 or 25206) - 8196 = INR 14,838 or INR 16,427 or INR 17,010.
Again, you can save by not including the Graphics Card, Optical Disc Drive, Card Reader, WIFI Adapter, Bluetooth Adapter, using wired Keyboard and Mouse combo. You could potentially save at least 5430 + 999 + 299 + 468 + 500 + 500 (using wired keyboard and mouse combo) = 8,196. So the updated total cost would be (23034 or 24623 or 25206) - 8196 = INR 14,838 or INR 16,427 or INR 17,010.
Plus, if you can get a better deal on the components, you are looking at a good entry level PC for around 14-16K.
Buying a Intel NUCs
Intel NUCs are an option but with limited hardware update ability. You get a bare bone kit to which you are required to add at least a hard drive and RAM. And these supported hard drive and RAM are of laptop sizes.
Thoughts: The latest NUCs with Core i processors are too costly with even the Core i3 one costing more than INR 40K. I found just two NUCs that can be used a cost effective HTPC. But remember that you may not be able to upgrade these any further in regards to the processor, motherboard, etc.
Lets take a look at two of the low cost NUCs:
First is the NUC5PPYH. This is a Pentium N3700 based NUC. Its cost on the Amazon India website is around INR 12,550 (http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00XPVQHDU/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
| NUC Name | NUC5PPYH |
| Processor | Intel® Pentium® processor N3700 (1.6 GHz to 2.4 GHz burst, quad core, 6 W TDP) |
| Memory | DDR3L SODIMM 1.35V, 1333/1600 MHz, 8GB maximum |
| Graphics | Intel® HD Graphics 1x HDMI* 1.4a 1x HDB15 VGA |
| Audio | Up to 7.1 surround audio via HDMI Headphone/Microphone jack on the front panel Headphone/TOSLINK* jack on the rear panel |
| Peripheral Connectivity | 2x USB 3.0 ports on the back panel 2x USB 3.0 ports on the front panel (1x charging capable) 2x Internal USB 2.0 via header Consumer Infrared sensor on the front panel |
| Storage | Internal SATA3 support for 2.5" HDD/SSD (up to 9.5mm thickness) SDXC slot with UHS-I support on the side |
| Networking | 10/100/1000Mbps Network Connection Intel® Wireless-AC 3165 M.2 2230, wireless antennas (IEEE 802.11ac, Bluetooth* 4, Intel® Wireless Display) |
| Enclosure | Silver with Black Top Plastic shell with metal inner structure Dimensions : 115mm x 111mm x 51.6mm |
| Power Adapter | 19V, 65W wall-mount AC-DC power adapter Multi-country plugs (IEC types A/C/G/I) |
| Additional Features | Support for user-replaceable 3rd party lids NFC and AUX_PWR headers OS certs: Windows* 7 & 8.1 Logo’d OS compatibility: Ubuntu*, Linux Mint*, Android*, Fedora*, OpenSUSE* VESA* mount bracket and mounting hole support Low-acoustics active cooling design Kensington lock support with base security Integration Guide 12-19V DC Power Input 3-year limited warranty Included |
| in the box | Intel® NUC Kit NUC5PPYH integrated in enclosure VESA mount bracket, with screws 19V, 65W wall-mount AC/DC power adapter with multi-country AC plugs (IEC types A/C/G/I) Integration guide Processor badge |
Second is NUC5CPYH. This NUC has the Celeron N3050 processor and identical features as the NUC above. The cost of this NUC on the Amazon India Website is around INR 9,200 (http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00XPVRR5M/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
| NUC Name | NUC5CPYH |
| Processor | Intel® Celeron® processor N3050 (1.6 GHz to 2.16 GHz burst, dual core, 6 W TDP) |
| Memory | DDR3L SODIMM 1.35V, 1333/1600 MHz, 8GB maximum |
| Graphics | Intel® HD Graphics 1x HDMI* 1.4a 1x HDB15 VGA |
| Audio | Up to 7.1 surround audio via HDMI Headphone/Microphone jack on the front panel Headphone/TOSLINK* jack on the rear panel |
| Peripheral Connectivity | 2x USB 3.0 ports on the back panel 2x USB 3.0 ports on the front panel (1x charging capable) 2x Internal USB 2.0 via header Consumer Infrared sensor on the front panel |
| Storage | Internal SATA3 support for 2.5" HDD/SSD (up to 9.5mm thickness) SDXC slot with UHS-I support on the side |
| Networking | 10/100/1000Mbps Network Connection Intel® Wireless-AC 3165 M.2 2230, wireless antennas (IEEE 802.11ac, Bluetooth* 4, Intel® Wireless Display) |
| Enclosure | Silver with Black Top Plastic shell with metal inner structure Dimensions : 115mm x 111mm x 51.6mm |
| Power Adapter | 19V, 65W wall-mount AC-DC power adapter Multi-country plugs (IEC types A/C/G/I) |
| Additional Features | NFC and AUX_PWR headers OS certs: Windows* 7 & 8.1 Logo’d OS compatibility: Ubuntu*, Linux Mint*, Android*, Fedora*, OpenSUSE* VESA* mount bracket and mounting hole support Low-acoustics active cooling design Kensington lock support with base security Integration Guide 12-19V DC Power Input 3-year limited warranty Included |
| in the box | Intel® NUC Kit NUC5CPYH integrated in enclosure VESA mount bracket, with screws 19V, 65W wall-mount AC-DC power adapter with multi-country AC plugs (IEC types A/C/G/I) Integration guide Processor badge |
While these two NUCs have different processors but the same features, even then only the processor is enough to warrant that that NUC5PPYH is vastly superior. Because the Pentium processor N3700 is a quad core processor and the Celeron N3050 is a dual core processor. Apart from the number of cores, the processor speed and the GPU speed are also greater in the Pentium processor.
We are required to add the RAM and hard disk drive to the NUC. Lets see what will be cost:
On the low end:
| Component | Description | Cost | Link |
| RAM | Transcend 4GB DDR3L 1600 LAPTOP RAM | 1521 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00B5LOOJG/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Hard Disk | Western Digital WD5000LPVX 500 GB Mobile 2.5-inch Hard Drive | 3349 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00B5LOOJG/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
For NUC5PPHY: The total cost would be 12,550 + 1,521 + 3,349 = INR 17,420.
For NUC5CPHY: The total cost would be 9,200 + 1,521 + 3,349 = INR 14,070.
On the high end:
| Component | Description | Cost | Link |
| RAM | Kingston 8 GB RAM FOR LAPTOP 1600MHZ PC3L - KVR16LS118 (LOW VOLTAGE) | 2669 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00CQ35HBQ/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| Hard Disk | WD 1TB Blue Notebook Internal Hard Drive (WD10JPVX) | 4599 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B00C9TEBJQ/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
For NUC5PPHY: The total cost would be 12,550 + 2,669 + 4,599 = INR 19,818.
For NUC5CPHY: The total cost would be 9,200 + 2,669 + 4,599 = INR 16,468.
Buy a low cost Desktop PC
Why not buy a ready made system from your favorite brand. Well, not many options are present in the cost envelop that we looked at when assembling the system. If we consider the very basic parts we get a assembled system cost from around INR 14K to around INR 18K. And, I have not seen many branded systems in this price range. You could also get a Pentium based NUC for INR 17K to INR 19K.
Well, I could only find HP branded Desktop PCs in the price range of 14K to 21K (Cost price from Amazon India - subject to change). These are:
| Version | Brief Details | Price | Link |
| HP Slimline 450-a14IL Desktop PC | 1.6GHz Intel Celeron N3050 processor 2GB DDR3 RAM and 500GB Hard disk DOS Intel HD Graphics VGA port not available. HDMI to VGA cable needed for connecting with VGA port only Monitors. | 12500 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B0122WYVNA/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| HP Slimline 260-A062IL (W2T64AA) Desktop PC ( INTEL J3060/4GB/1TB/DOS/Wi-Fi/Integrated Graphics) Black | CPU speed: 1.6 GHz (2.48 GHz) - max turbo boost)(2core,2mb cache) 4GB PC3L-12800 MB/s,DDR3L-1600,1TB SATA 7200RPM,DOS Headphone/Microphone: 1,USB 2.0: 2 ,VGA,HDMI ,USB 3.0: 2 ,LAN (Ethernet) ,Audio: Line in, Audio: Line out , Audio: Microphone ,Secure Digital (SD),Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC),SDXC Integrated Intel HD Graphics,Audio Codec: ALC3863-CG,High Definition (Azalia) 5.1 channel audio support,Audio jack presence detection,Technology: Realtek RTL8161, USB keyboard(cable length 1.33 m (4 ft, 4 in), USB Mouse(cable length 1.8 m (6 ft), | 14000 | http://www.amazon.in/HP-Slimline-260-A062IL-W2T64AA-Integrated/dp/B01HT9DPJ2/ref=sr_1_1 |
| HP Slimline 450-113IL Desktop (Celeron J1800/2GB/1TB/DOS/Integrated Graphics), Black | 2.41GHz Intel Celeron J1800 processor 2GB DDR3 RAM 1TB 7200rpm Serial ATA hard drive Intel HD Graphics DOS | 14500 | http://www.amazon.in/HP-Slimline-450-113IL-Integrated-Graphics/dp/B01E3GGJ42/ref=sr_1_4 |
| HP Slimline 450-a12IL Desktop PC | 2.41GHz Intel Pentium J2900 processor 2GB DDR3 RAM 500GB Hard disk DOS Intel HD Graphics | 19199 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B0122WY3GA/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| HP Slimline 450-114il Desktop PC (PQC J2900-4GB-500GB-DOS) | Intel® Pentium® J2900 with Intel HD Graphics Free DOS 2.0 4GB RAM / 500GB HDD | 19990 | http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/B01F1Z0MF6/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new |
| HP Slimline 450-a15il (PQC J2900 -2 GB RAM-500 GB HDD-DOS) | Intel® Core PQC J2900 Processor, DOS, 2GB DDR3 RAM / 500GB HDD | 21468 | http://www.amazon.in/HP-Slimline-450-a15il-RAM-500-HDD-DOS/dp/B01GFLCXL6/ref=sr_1_12 |
In the above options, I am leaning more towards HP Slimline 260-A062IL (W2T64AA) Desktop PC ( INTEL J3060/4GB/1TB/DOS/Wi-Fi/Integrated Graphics) Black. Mostly because this has the latest processor, more RAM and hard disk space.
Also, it will be more easier to compare this with the Intel NUC5CPHY. Because these both are Celeron based and of similar processing power.
Consider the NUC5CPHY with 4GB RAM and 1TB HDD: The cost would be: 9,200 + 1,521 + 4,599 = INR 15,320. And, this HP Slimline 260-A062IL (W2T64AA) system costs INR 14,000.
<< Conclusion >>:
For an HTPC, apart from the Android Tablet + Chromecast combination (which I require more information on to comment), the NUC or the HP Slimline Desktop PC are the best systems. The cost for both system starts from 14K. You can go a little higher on the NUC though, but you also get a very compact system. The HP Slimline Desktop PC is also a good small system.
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