How can you get a cheap TVP without missing out on features?
How can you get a cheap TVP without missing out on features?
Use Case: Media server Gaming on the big flat screen Controlling the 30 TB NAS Background: I have been using HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini’s for a (crippled) TVPC, for my personal desktop computer, and for my wife’s personal desktop for many years. Acquired as off-lease business computers from EBay, they have proven compact, reliable, nearly silent, expandable (to a limited extent but including dual NVME slots), frequently come with HP factory warranty, are serviceable at the local Microcenter (an HP authorized service center), and quite capable for MS Office applications and even for CAD (although fairly slow). On the other hand, they are also relatively slow (I5-6500t processors), have no direct provision for video other than on processor graphics, are restricted to 1151 socket processors, and are cooling challenged. Now that I am truly retired and all my consulting gigs complete, it was time to satisfy all the use cases above. Since I am a 100% disabled Vietnam vet, living to large extent on disability, cost was extremely important to me. I am thoroughly gratified at how well I satisfied or exceeded my use cases! By using the parts listed below and sourcing them with a lot of patience and luck from EBay and Amazon, it cost less than $550 for the whole thing! The Parts List: CPU: HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini (Refurbished with 1 year warranty) – EBay, $324.79 Processor: I7-9700t Ram: 32 GB Storage: 1TB NVME OS: Windows 11 Pro (activated) GPU: ASUS Phoenix RTX 3050 (8GB vram, single fan) – Ebay $149.97 M.2 to PCIE adapter: ADTLINK – Amazon – $34.98 GPU Power Supply: Dell ZVC220HD12S1 12V 18A 220W Power Supply D3860 8 Pin ADP-220AB – EBay -$22.81 The only assembly ‘trick’ is fold the GPU on top of the CPU and maintain the 7” x 7” profile. This works! (Pics to follow once I figure out how to post them). Please let me know if you try this or if you see a better way. Next project: Upgrading the old TVPC, but with an I9-9900KS and an RTX 3070! Larry
Does that make sense? There are lots of little computers between $200 and $300 that are perfect to turn into an HTPC. I own a Beelink for this exact job. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDG8TM4R
Do you want to play games on the TVPC? I am still running an LGA 1150 motherboard with an i5-4160 (quad core at 3.6GHz) and a half-height, low-profile GTX 1650 card. This setup is enough for playing back 4K UHD 2160p at 30Hz, which matches what my 2017 OLED TV can handle. The problem with buying expensive old CPUs is the "silly" prices on eBay. I just looked at a few i9-9900KS models and they cost between $250 and $450. That's why I don't upgrade all my other LGA 1150 rigs past an i7-4770K. If you need a more powerful CPU to play recent games on the TV, you could probably buy a new mATX motherboard and CPU combination and just transfer any working DDR4 RAM. I'm not sure if that would be cheaper than buying a complete mini PC instead. There is also the chance of forcing a standard mobo into a proprietary chassis. Some of my Dell and HP systems use non-standard board sizes or PSU connections. Another issue with upgrading the motherboard or CPU is that your current Windows license might expire after changing major hardware. OEM licenses from manufacturers like HP, Dell, or Lenovo are tied to the original equipment, while retail licenses can usually be moved around more easily.
USAFret, one thing they listed as a test was being able to play games. That's why I'm using an RTX 3050 on my M.2 slot. Intel's built-in graphics handle most resolutions fine for simple screens. Since the original box is still there, there are no worries about a different motherboard because this processor came from the factory. Which CPU did you get? It seems like unless you buy one of the top three Beelink computers, you only get Intel on-board graphics and can't play games well. Just the top three models have Intel Arc Graphics and even limited gaming ability. Those three cost between $600 and $1200, which is a bit against my goal to save money. Larry
I frequently retain old computer chassis, but when it becomes uneconomical to upgrade the CPU, I find a "better" motherboard second-hand on eBay and switch cards. I've learned to be careful when upgrading Dell office computers (I know yours is HP). The BIOS doesn't always accept the complete range of available processors. If you fit a CPU that isn't on the Dell support list, the PC might not power up. If you do find an i9-9900KS (or similar) make sure it's supported. The TDP for the i9-9900KS is quoted as 127W by Intel: https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...-1...tions.html The TDP for the existing i7-9700T is only 35W: https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...o-...w=i7-9700t I have doubts as to the ability of an HP desktop fitted with a 35W T-series CPU to cope with a 127W beast like the i9-9900KS. There might not be enough capacity in the VRM stages on the mobo and you'd probably need a bigger CPU cooler. I might be wrong in my assumption if this article is correct, but please check BIOS compatibiilty carefully to avoid disappointment. You might need a BIOS update to cope with an i9: https://www.hardware-corner.net/desktop-...0-G5-Mini/ Processor The HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini supports Gen9 Intel Core technology. The 9th generation of Intel Core processors were released in 2018. They features [sic] the new i9-9900K flagship CPU. This is the first Intel Core i9 desktop processor targeted toward the mainstream user. The i9 has 8 cores and 16 threads. Additionally, this is the first time that Intel supports up to 128 GB of RAM for consumer CPU. Best CPUs for HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini upgrade: Model Cores (Threads) Base frequency Turbo Core i5 9500 6(6) 3.0 GHz 4.4 GHz Core i5 9600 6(6) 3.1 GHz 4.6 GHz Core i7 9700 6(8) 3.0 GHz 4.7 GHz Core i9 9900 8(9) 3.1 GHz 5.0 GHz It's vaguely possible that HP fitted higher capacity PSUs in machines they supplied with an i9. Check the rating of your PSU and if it's down in the 200 to 250W range, it might not be enough for an i9, let alone a GPU requiring a separate PCIe +12V power lead. I remember listening to stories from a Vietnam vet back in the early eighties, when we were camping in the Rockies. He took us to the top of Pike's Peak in an old big-blocky Chevvy.
Good Morning Misgar, thanks for asking about my plan. Here is what I know right now: The BIOS matches the computer. HP sold an I9 (the 35 wt model) from the factory, and I talked to Tech Support! I will use two separate power supplies: a 270-watt one from HP for the CPU and a 220-watt one from Dell for the GPU. The HP heatsink says it is 125 watts. Since the I9-9900KS is normally around 127 watts, it should work fine until turbo mode starts... honestly, I don't think I will be doing much that needs more than a base 4GHz clock. Also, thermal throttling? But in my specific case, I already own this exact model (the I9-9900KS), so there is no other place to put it! There is no doubt that this setup is riskier than my TVPC, but the fun part will be even if it breaks. You know, very few Vietnam vets are comfortable talking about their service history. And I certainly don't fall into that category. But you were lucky enough to meet someone who did. Warm Regards, Larry