expired Posted by bxgirl • Mar 18, 2024
Mar 18, 2024 1:09 PM
Item 1 of 2
Item 1 of 2
expired Posted by bxgirl • Mar 18, 2024
Mar 18, 2024 1:09 PM
Costco Members: HP Pavilion Desktop: Ryzen 5 5600G, 12GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 1TB HDD
+ $15 S/H$370
$600
38% offCostco Wholesale
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As such, the only graphics cards which could be considered are those which operate without external power and within the PCIe 75W maximum. The most current such model would be the newest revision of the RTX 3050 [wccftech.com].
Good luck!
Jon
so yeah. but watch that low power supply when thinking of upgrades. 180w is pretty weak.
This power supply is a 12 Volt Only style model. That style distinction is significant since although OEMs have started implementing their own versions of ATX 12VO for cost-savings as well as to meet certain efficiency requirements, what is being sold in OEM systems isn't really standardized in the retail space. So if the power supply needs replacement (outside of warranty) or upgrading, this challenge alone will create some issues well beyond a simple drive to Micro Center.
On top of that, there's actually a custom 7-pin PWRCMD connector on the motherboard that comes from the power supply. The motherboard also integrates the front panel connections such as the USB sockets directly onto the motherboard. Though typical for many OEM systems such as those from HP, this also complicates replacement of the motherboard and/or case.
As such, this recommends at least three possible approaches:
Operate this system as a sealed box with limited to power-neutral upgrades for its lifetime (so only swapping in CPUs or GPUs which are supported within the existing power budget). This works for a large group of users and represents the target audience of this kind of pre-built.
Be the kind of DIY-er who cuts into power supply wires, uses custom power supply wire harnesses, or runs dual power supplies in a PC as part of their GPU upgrade (nothing unimaginable, but definitely a niche group).
Ignore this kind of highly custom OEM system in favor of a PC which utilizes standardized motherboards and power supplies.
Good luck!
Jon
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Good luck!
Jon
HTPC was kind of killed by streaming services.
If you are wanting to use a htpc for streaming services, only netflix and youtube allow 4k output from a computer. Other services only give 1080p out.
The only use for HTPC now is downloaded stuff, and if it's not 4k then yes this is way overkill.
Now a $40 chromecast or whatever smart features are on your tv gives better pq because of how the pc was crippled.
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Disk drives also have lots of moving parts and motors, so it's just easier to make solid state storage. Hell, the smallest drives are the size of a fingernail, and hold gbs/tbs of data.
Cds simply can't compete.
I still buy blu rays, though, because I like to own my media, not be dependent on streaming contracts or lesser quality digital streams.
This is more than you need for a 1080p box, but it could probably run some advanced emulators for games, or even run low impact steam games.
But if you want to stream 4k UHD, this is probably the bare minimum, and you might be better off with an 8th Gen or later Intel.
The tradeoff with an older Intel chip is you gain great htpc media compatibility, but you lose gaming GPU power, forcing you to buy a GPU for basic gaming.
So short answer, you won't be disappointed.
Long answer, depends on what you plan to do with the HTPC
I wish that Costco sold those mini pc's.
Good luck!
Jon
I wish that Costco sold those mini pc's.
The mini pc is more disposable if it breaks, much less likely you'll be able to find parts and it's not really upgradeable at all other than maybe ram and storage space. It is what it is and aside from connecting an external hard drive if you need more storage, it will never be more than it is. If it's performance doesn't meet a need you have in the future there is nothing you can do to fix that but buy a new one. Their benefit is just that they are small and unobtrusive which can be great if that's what you really need most.
Performance is no difference between the two if both are using the same CPU and integrated graphics built into the CPU, but the desktop can be much more powerful if it has a dedicated and upgradable video card. Performance will probably only matter to you if you want to play games more than solitaire and stuff, or if you need to do something demanding down the road like video editing or cad or other demanding stuff like that. Both are good for day to day email and browsing and video and audio playback.
I stay away from the mini pc's personally because I've already had to throw away a couple when they couldn't be repaired, and because I like to play demanding games occasionally and they're not at all ideal for that.
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Spinning hard drives are more enclosed, and safer to handle, and a whole lot more reusable if you want to change what data you're storing, but for write-once, and stick it in long-term, read-only storage, CD/DVD media isn't necessarily the worst option, never mind that some people may want to refer to that stuff they burned 20 years ago.
Although, given current trends, it may be as hard to find a CD/DVD reader in 20 years as it is to find a floppy drive now (It's already really rare for laptops).
All that said, I wouldn't put much stake in the conspiracy theories you were replying to. They build machines without them (optical drives) because most people don't care or want them, and it takes up extra space/power.
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