Looking for input on 2 PC system choices?

[badspell68]

I'm looking to attached a small/silent PC to my television in order to stream, or play directly from a file, 1080p. Input on how these two systems stack up against each other would be much appreciated (specifically processor and graphics power).

Thanks!


Lenovo
Lenovo ThinkCentre M73 Tiny Desktop Intel i3 4130T 2 90GHz 4GB RAM 500GB | eBay

Foxconn
Foxconn PRODUCT : NanoPC Barebones: Details

 

[LordShadowWing]

Honestly, a raspberry pi 2 would do exactly what you want for a fraction of the price.

 

[AddRAM]

I don`t know, an i3 for 1080p movies ? Hmmmmm.

I`d go with the i7

I wouldn`t get anything used.

 

[badspell68]

What is the Pi 2?

 

[TVeblen]

Streaming video files is not processor intensive, it is storage intensive. You basically just need a barebones, lightweight system that is quiet - no or minimal fans - that has the fastest SATA bus you can get/afford. SATA 2 is plenty BTW, But SATA 3 would add some performance overhead. Add a performance hard drive or SSD and a decent (preferably fanless) graphics card and you've got all you need.
It is the sound of the fans that bothers most people with this setup.

Alternately, you could store your video files on your regular PC or Network Attached Storage box and connect with Ethernet cable to a device like the Western Digital Live TV, or Roku. These devices allow you to stream the video from the home network with a friendly GUI. This can be a cheaper and cleaner setup then the (old fashion) dedicated video PC, or PVR.

These devices can connect wirelessly also, but performance with high def video if spotty unless you've got a perfectly running, high end wireless router and absolutely no interference. On a good day a Wireless N router will deliver about 250-300 Mb/s, while Ethernet will consistently deliver close to 1Gb/s.

 

[badspell68]

So, would the Pi 2 work in an enclosure without a fan, SSD, Win 7 and HDMI. It would be attached to a Synology NAS over CAT 5e Ethernet for network video streaming 720 or 1080, and connected directly to a FIOS(25/25) modem with CAT5e for streaming HD Netflix? Would I need to add any hardware, or would it work out of the box?

The reason I use a PC is; I like to do some PC work on the setup and stream all my music with Winamp from the Synology NAS.

What type of GPU does Pi 2 have and can I upgrade it?

 

[LordShadowWing]

Raspberry Pi 2 Model B | Raspberry Pi

This is the official link on the raspberry pi 2. It can not run win 7, but it can run win 10, maybe win 8 arm, but if all you are going to do is stream media to it, the openelec XBMC operating system (free of cost) will be absolutely perfect. I have used one in this function and have had no problems whatsoever. Do you already have a media "server"?

 

[badspell68]

Tried XBMC, but would prefer having a full OS.

 

[LordShadowWing]

Then I say, get what works for you.

 

[badspell68]

Uh, Thanks...

I was looking more for hardware input on the smallest most-silent hardware that can play 1080, great audio great graphics abilities.