Hardware Building a new PC to replace my parent's cable box, any advice?

[Wolvenreign]

I'm thinking of using the $1800 build listed here. The goal is to be able to use stream Kodi to the upstairs TV (either wirelessly or not) while simultaneously playing games in high or ultra settings. I'm hoping to replace their cable box entirely. They mostly watch old shows that I'm sure I can find and play off the hard drive, as well as Fox News. (Don't even get me started....ugh...)

Anyone have any advice? Any parts they'd recommend instead? And what would be the best solution for being able to use the computer as a Kodi streamer controlled by a tablet device while I simultaneously play games and work with it? Will the input from two separate devices be a problem? (I don't think it will...) Thanks in advance.

 

[JellyPerson]

Just use a rpi instead of streaming kodi from your pc lmao

 

[Wolvenreign]

I would, but I'm trying to use this occasion to convince my Dad to get a gaming PC anyway. Tee hee, I'm such a cheeky bastard sometimes.

 

[JellyPerson]

Better way: save up money

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Or sign up for GeForce Now PC Beta, its free rn

 

[Xzi]

$1800 PC for streaming? Nah bruh, get a Shield TV or some HDMI streaming stick instead.

Here's a whole Android mini computer for $100, would also work:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RGMI3TU/ref=psdc_13447451_t4_B01I7DCLYO

 

[Wolvenreign]

Better way: save up money

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

Or sign up for GeForce Now PC Beta, its free rn

Nah, it's on my parents' budget and they're willing to spend up to 1800 to replace their cable bill, might as well take advantage.

Edit: Hm, well, the idea is more or less to merge the costs of getting a gaming PC with the cost of the cable bill. But Xzi's suggestion makes me think I could just get away with having them build the gaming PC and then using that 100 dollar attachment and pretend it's the streaming device. Not a bad idea if I do say so myself.

But yes, regardless, if you guys were going to build a gaming PC with $1800 in a budget, what parts would you use?

 

[Oleboy555]

Better way: save up money

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

Or sign up for GeForce Now PC Beta, its free rn

geforce now isnt as good as you think it is

 

[JellyPerson]

ah i see

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In my experience GeForce now was ok, i mean the pc version is fred

 

[TotalInsanity4]

Nah, it's on my parents' budget and they're willing to spend up to 1800 to replace their cable bill, might as well take advantage.

Edit: Hm, well, the idea is more or less to merge the costs of getting a gaming PC with the cost of the cable bill. But Xzi's suggestion makes me think I could just get away with having them build the gaming PC and then using that 100 dollar attachment and pretend it's the streaming device. Not a bad idea if I do say so myself.

But yes, regardless, if you guys were going to build a gaming PC with $1800 in a budget, what parts would you use?

First off, the $1800 thing you're seeing is for upgrades, not a full PC. If I was in that ballpark, though, I would realistically use something akin to the $1600 build. The $1000 build would be fine for you, though... You could also mix/match parts between brackets a bit

 

[seany1990]

Now isnt the time to to buy computer hardware because gpus and memory is far too expensive. I'm desperate to upgrade my gtx 1070 but i cant because i refuse to pay 160% RRP on a new gpu

 

[TotalInsanity4]

Honestly @Wolvenreign if you're looking to replace a cable box and just want something to game on, I'd recommend a semi-compact APU build for around $450

 

[Wolvenreign]

Honestly @Wolvenreign if you're looking to replace a cable box and just want something to game on, I'd recommend a semi-compact APU build for around $450

Could you come up with one that would let me play Just Cause 3 and Doom 4 at a decent frame rate? My current build can't play them.

Here are my current specs...


CPU
AMD FX-6300 34 °C
Vishera 32nm Technology
RAM
8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
MSI 760GMA-P34(FX) (MS-7641) (CPU1) 43 °C
Graphics
IPS231 (1920x1080@60Hz)
2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 (Gigabyte) 31 °C
Storage
223GB TOSHIBA-TR150 ATA Device (SSD) 29 °C
Optical Drives
DiscSoft Virtual SCSI CdRom Device
DiscSoft Virtual SCSI CdRom Device
Audio
Realtek High Definition Audio

 

[Viri]

Might as well buy a prebuilt PC, because GPUs and ram is so fucking expensive.

 

[TotalInsanity4]

Could you come up with one that would let me play Just Cause 3 and Doom 4 at a decent frame rate? My current build can't play it.

Here are my current specs...


CPU
AMD FX-6300 34 °C
Vishera 32nm Technology
RAM
8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
MSI 760GMA-P34(FX) (MS-7641) (CPU1) 43 °C
Graphics
IPS231 (1920x1080@60Hz)
2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 (Gigabyte) 31 °C
Storage
223GB TOSHIBA-TR150 ATA Device (SSD) 29 °C
Optical Drives
DiscSoft Virtual SCSI CdRom Device
DiscSoft Virtual SCSI CdRom Device
Audio
Realtek High Definition Audio

For sure, gimme a second and I'll toss one up on PCPartPicker

 

[Wolvenreign]

For sure, gimme a second and I'll toss one up on PCPartPicker

Thanks, mate!

 

[gnmmarechal]

I would, but I'm trying to use this occasion to convince my Dad to get a gaming PC anyway. Tee hee, I'm such a cheeky bastard sometimes.

First I thought "1800$ for a video playing box? O.o"

But then I realised this. I approve.

 

[Wolvenreign]

By the way, and I imagine this is possible, but asking just in case...I should be able to run Kodi on this PC while also playing a game, correct? With the mouse and the keyboard/controller controlling the game and Kore on my Mom's tablet controlling Kodi. There shouldn't be any problems with conflicting input or anything, right?

 

[andzalot55]

psst... go console.

But in all seriousness, I find that build to be "overkill." You really don't need all those parts just to satisfy your needs.

 

[dAVID_]

Actually I'm planning a PC build around $750 dollars.

 

[TotalInsanity4]

By the way, and I imagine this is possible, but asking just in case...I should be able to run Kodi on this PC while also playing a game, correct? With the mouse and the keyboard/controller controlling the game and Kore on my Mom's tablet controlling Kodi. There shouldn't be any problems with conflicting input or anything, right?

That might be a bit sketch, unless you can configure the game to run in windowed mode, but even then Windows usually only accepts inputs being directed to the currently selected window