I really don’t understand these mini PCs that are aimed at gamers. Just, why?
I got an alienware x51 r3 nearly ten years ago, and while I will stand by my atx full case every day, there’s something to be said about a plug n play gaming pc you can tuck under a tv or toss in your luggage and bring with you places (though now that the deck is out this is a bit irrelevant). There is absolutely a market for these devices outside the traditional pc hobby crowd
Also I upgraded that x51 and it’s still my daily driver, with a 1050ti it runs really well. Played ff7 remake at ultrawide 2560 with 60fps
Think of them as a PC console replacement. You can have highish end gaming on the couch and living room tv instead of at the desk you might work from home at all day. The size of a full tower can be a real sticking point for integration into living room setups.
Think of them as a PC console replacement.
But it’s not a console, it’s a PC.
You can have highish end gaming on the couch and living room tv instead of at the desk you might work from home at all day
Why not use a laptop at your desk and move your gaming PC into the living room? Or use a streaming service like Steam Link?
The size of a full tower can be a real sticking point for integration into living room setups.
Build an ITX. That’s what I did. And I chose a really nice case from the plethora of available options that fits into my living room nicely.
It seems like it’s not a matter of not understanding, you just hate the concept.
The NUC form factor is not something I’ve gone for myself, but it’s not that hard to imagine how it could be appealing to some. What I don’t understand is why you would take that preference so personally.
It seems like it’s not a matter of not understanding, you just hate the concept.
…where did you get that idea?
What I don’t understand is why you would take that preference so personally.
What I don’t understand is why you think I “hate” anything or why you think I’m “taking this personally”. You’re projecting emotion into my statements that I’ve not indicated.
It sounds like you may have purchased one of these things and are personally offended that someone would question that decision.
Fine, I’ll bite.
But it’s not a console, it’s a PC.
Yes, it’s a PC with the form factor advantages of a console, making it suitable for placement in an entertainment center. So I expect people to use them similarly to a console, with wireless controllers/keyboard&mouse while displaying on their TV, rather than at a desk with a monitor. Perhaps I should have use the Home Theater PC nomenclature instead. Although, HTPC doesn’t necessarily include gaming capability.
Why not use a laptop at your desk and move your gaming PC into the living room?
Physical size is a big deal for some people. Having a tower present isn’t always agreeable with other household members.
Or use a streaming service like Steam Link?
I do. However, that requires you already having a fully built out gaming rig, not to mention it comes with severe limitations on latency and max resolution/refresh rate. If someone doesn’t already have a gaming PC, then these have all the appeal of a pre-built while being as small as a console. Plus,a lot of people don’t have ethernet run everywhere and streaming over wifi is not a good experience.
Build an ITX. That’s what I did. And I chose a really nice case from the plethora of available options that fits into my living room nicely.
An ITX case is still too big to fit in my entertainment center whereas the nuc would not have that problem. I can only assume the same is true for some other people as well. It’s a little odd that someone who went through extra trouble to go for an ITX form factor wouldn’t understand why an even more compact solution has value.
…where did you get that idea?
Because you are arguing from a foregone conclusion that someone who wants one is wrong. You aren’t trying to understand, you are trying to win the argument. Your responses read a lot like a troll. If that’s not your intention, then I suggest you look at your first response from the perspective of an outside observer and see if it comes off as hostile.
It sounds like you may have purchased one of these things and are personally offended that someone would question that decision.
I have a full tower at my desk, and use a steam link/ps5 for the TV. I don’t have to use one to appreciate why others would find the option appealing.
I did pick a NUC for an HMI once. I don’t think that made me particularly biased though.
Yes, it’s a PC with the form factor advantages of a console
You can buy/build an ITX PC with a console form factor, only using desktop hardware and cooling, which is significantly more cost-effective.
An ITX case is still too big to fit in my entertainment center.
I mean I suppose if you absolutely need something that incredibly small, that makes sense, but you’re taking an absolute bath on the value proposition.
I do. However, that requires you already having a fully built out gaming rig.
Then do that. You can shove it in a closet/desk/bedroom or wherever you can fit it.
Because you are arguing from a foregone conclusion
Again, no, I’m not. I did nothing more than ask questions. It just doesn’t make sense to me from a financial perspective. You’re paying twice the cost for half the power and a very linear usage. If that’s you, good for you. Buy all of 'em you want, it won’t hurt me at all.
I don’t have to use one to appreciate why others would find the option appealing.
Then why are you trying so hard to be offended by my questions?
deleted by creator
There are already tons of them available from Minisforum, Beelink, Ayaneo, etc.
