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I got a retired SFF Lenovo ThinkCentre as a hand-me-down from work.
E8400 dual-core 3GHz
3GB DDR2
GMA 3100
8 usb2 ports
gigE
I also got a new 64" TV...so perfect time to try Steam's in-home game streaming with this ghetto project!
Aim:
I've an internal blu-ray drive in my main rig that I wish to transfer over so I wanna turn this dinosaur into a 3D blu-ray + steam streaming box
Budget:
$100...because let's be honest the system itself isn't even worth that much.
Graphics/Audio:
Looking for low-profile and single slot video card capable of rendering 3D blu-ray + loseless HD audio. Both my TV/soundbar supports ARC. Doesn't need any real GPU horsepower, but being able to run indie/last-gen titles at console quality would be nice (source engine, UE3 etc at low-medium 1080p 30fps). Again, if it pushes into $100+ range then it's not necessary.
HD6450 looks like a great candidate, what was its successor? Anything newer/better I should consider?
Video playback Software:
What's the least hassle free 3D blu-ray media player that will play everything I throw at it? either free or paid program.
OS:
Win 7 x64 or win 8.1 x64 for my purpose?
Networking:
this is giving me a real headache. I know I know, Valve recommends gigE ethernet but hardwiring isn't feasible in my case. I have a N300 USB adapter handy. Going internal means it has to be PCI + low-profile which is very limiting. Going for USB AC/5GHz N is also limiting because this system doesn't support USB3. My router is a capable AC1200 and main rig is 5GHz N. Will consider powerlines but only as a last resort. Any suggestion is appreciated.
Memory:
The ram should be okay, but I can up it to 4GB if need be from an old rig.
E8400 dual-core 3GHz
3GB DDR2
GMA 3100
8 usb2 ports
gigE
I also got a new 64" TV...so perfect time to try Steam's in-home game streaming with this ghetto project!
Aim:
I've an internal blu-ray drive in my main rig that I wish to transfer over so I wanna turn this dinosaur into a 3D blu-ray + steam streaming box
Budget:
$100...because let's be honest the system itself isn't even worth that much.
Graphics/Audio:
Looking for low-profile and single slot video card capable of rendering 3D blu-ray + loseless HD audio. Both my TV/soundbar supports ARC. Doesn't need any real GPU horsepower, but being able to run indie/last-gen titles at console quality would be nice (source engine, UE3 etc at low-medium 1080p 30fps). Again, if it pushes into $100+ range then it's not necessary.
HD6450 looks like a great candidate, what was its successor? Anything newer/better I should consider?
Video playback Software:
What's the least hassle free 3D blu-ray media player that will play everything I throw at it? either free or paid program.
OS:
Win 7 x64 or win 8.1 x64 for my purpose?
Networking:
this is giving me a real headache. I know I know, Valve recommends gigE ethernet but hardwiring isn't feasible in my case. I have a N300 USB adapter handy. Going internal means it has to be PCI + low-profile which is very limiting. Going for USB AC/5GHz N is also limiting because this system doesn't support USB3. My router is a capable AC1200 and main rig is 5GHz N. Will consider powerlines but only as a last resort. Any suggestion is appreciated.
Memory:
The ram should be okay, but I can up it to 4GB if need be from an old rig.