workingnonstop
2[H]4U
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2003
- Messages
- 3,222
Swapping out my current HTPC, which also serves as Media/Plex server for myself and a few family members at a time. I got a couple of deals on refurb Dell machines, so trying to choose between them.
Current setup is a full-size desktop with an i5-2500 (4 core, no HT, ~6000 CPU passmark), 6gb RAM, 1TB 7200rpm HDD. New system will allow me to substitute in a SFF PC that fits the entertainment center better, but also hoping to have something that can handle ~5 1080p streams without having to worry about bogging anything down.
Option 1: Optiplex 9020 Micro - was about $420 pre-tax
- About the size of a Mac Mini (maybe a tad smaller)
- Intel Core i7-4785T (~7500 passmark)
- 128gb SSD (my media storage is all external to server)
- 8gb RAM, (currently 1 stick, likely upgrade to 16gb with matching stick for ~$50)
Option 2: Optiplex 9020 SFF - was about $460 pre-tax
- Slightly larger, still fits in entertainment center nicely
- Intel Core i7-4790 (~10000 passmark)
- 500GB 7200rpm HDD
- 8gb dual channel RAM (Potentially swap in 2x8gb sticks I have to up to 16gb)
- 1gb low-mid range discrete AMD graphics (AMD RDNHD R5 240, 1GB, HH )
Comparison (not super relevant, since both will fit where I want to put them and look OK in entertainment center):
Both have Win8, which works fine for this. Both are 4core w/ HT. Option 1 way more power efficient, but option 2 likely more noticeable upgrade in terms of performance. Leaning option 2, but looking for opinions.
Or if [H] thinks I'd be better off building, let me know. But given prices of the systems vs standalone ~$300 for just CPU, seems like these were priced pretty well. They're also both covered by 3yr NBD warranty, which is nice. Thanks.
Current setup is a full-size desktop with an i5-2500 (4 core, no HT, ~6000 CPU passmark), 6gb RAM, 1TB 7200rpm HDD. New system will allow me to substitute in a SFF PC that fits the entertainment center better, but also hoping to have something that can handle ~5 1080p streams without having to worry about bogging anything down.
Option 1: Optiplex 9020 Micro - was about $420 pre-tax
- About the size of a Mac Mini (maybe a tad smaller)
- Intel Core i7-4785T (~7500 passmark)
- 128gb SSD (my media storage is all external to server)
- 8gb RAM, (currently 1 stick, likely upgrade to 16gb with matching stick for ~$50)
Option 2: Optiplex 9020 SFF - was about $460 pre-tax
- Slightly larger, still fits in entertainment center nicely
- Intel Core i7-4790 (~10000 passmark)
- 500GB 7200rpm HDD
- 8gb dual channel RAM (Potentially swap in 2x8gb sticks I have to up to 16gb)
- 1gb low-mid range discrete AMD graphics (AMD RDNHD R5 240, 1GB, HH )
Comparison (not super relevant, since both will fit where I want to put them and look OK in entertainment center):
Both have Win8, which works fine for this. Both are 4core w/ HT. Option 1 way more power efficient, but option 2 likely more noticeable upgrade in terms of performance. Leaning option 2, but looking for opinions.
Or if [H] thinks I'd be better off building, let me know. But given prices of the systems vs standalone ~$300 for just CPU, seems like these were priced pretty well. They're also both covered by 3yr NBD warranty, which is nice. Thanks.