HTPCs

[schild]

I really don't care about upgrading this. I care about cost. I look at shit like this as disposable. If the Mac Mini didn't cost $400 more than it should (the mid-range model, that is), I'd just get that.

[MahrinSkel]

It's not hard to upgrade the internal drive and RAM on an Alpha. Easier than doing it on a desktop PC, even (unless your case has hot swap drive mounts).

I hadn't opened it up, but I had read that the memory was soldered into the board.  Does it use laptop memory? 2.5" HDD?

--Dave

[Trippy]

Uses laptop memory and 2.5" drive:

Drive upgrade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzwiElEfn1k

RAM upgrade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRObVP_diL4

[MahrinSkel]

Here's a review from TechSpot that pretty much hits all the high and low points, echoes what we've been saying:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=84503534&v=LoH4ba4I8UY&x-yt-ts=1421914688

Basically, unless you *really* want more CPU, buy the low end model, you can upgrade the HDD and RAM for a lot less than it costs for the upgraded versions.  If you really want to seriously game on it then the upgraded CPU's may be worth the scratch, as newer games will get CPU bound on the i3.  For what you described as your needs (video, streaming, browsing, and light gaming) the low-end model is one of the best deals out there.

--Dave

[Evil Elvis]

If you really don't care about gaming - and you have another PC acting as a media server - then you want an Intel NUC.

Fairly inexpensive, tiny, silent, low power, built-in IR with power on/off capability, and can do any 1080p vids you throw at it (including 3D I believe).

Buy the kit w/ ram + a SSD, throw OpenELEC on it or Windows + XBMC and you're good.

http://www.amazon.com/Intel-D34010WYK-DisplayPort-i3-4010U-Consumer/dp/B00F3F381A

[Trippy]

I suppose I should change the name of this thread to "Anyone have a Dell Coupon?"

The low end Alpha is already $50 off. It might be hard to find a coupon that'll work with that but you can try this one I got off a Twitch channel which is a 10% off Alienware coupon:

1MD90WDWW$93B$

[Lounge]

Look into Intel's NUC line.  They are cheap, small, and quiet.  There are a handful of models that have different cpu options.  Here is one for $260 that looks like its most of what you need:
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-D34010WYK-DisplayPort-i3-4010U-Consumer/dp/B00F3F381A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1422318090&sr=8-4&keywords=intel+nuc&pebp=1422318192260&peasin=B00F3F381A

Steam streaming works like a champ so even a system like this without a GPU should be able to play the games on your tv almost as good as your gaming pc.

[KallDrexx]

Why does that cost $17 more if you get it *without* a power cord O.o

[schild]

So, the Alienware Alpha has the mobile version of an NVidia in it. The iBuyPower SBX has an AMD Radeon R7 250X 1GB GDDR5, which I'm pretty sure is full size. Now i'm just waffling between steamboxes.

[Trippy]

The Alpha has a modified mobile 860M which is very similar to the desktop GTX 750 Ti. The R7 250X is a desktop part but it's a rebadged 7770 rather than some fancy new tech. The 750 Ti is faster than the 260X which is faster than the 250X so I would expect the Alpha's 860M to handily best the 250X too. Also the Alpha has 2 GB VRAM while the SBX only has 1 GB.

[MahrinSkel]

Yeah, I've tried to find the exact reported name of the chipset for the Alpha, but I don't have it here with me at school (it's back with my daughter) and no online source is telling me, so I can't find the exact performance stats as benchmarked.  But it should be roughly 60-80% higher for the Alpha than the Radeon R7 250X (plus having twice the RAM, which means more detailed texture options).

--Dave

EDIT: Mobile no longer automatically means weak.  High end mobile chipsets are now challenging all but the most expensive desktop cards and SLI rigs (some laptops even have them in SLI configurations).

[Trippy]

More RAM also means more/better AA options.

[Lounge]

So, the Alienware Alpha has the mobile version of an NVidia in it. The iBuyPower SBX has an AMD Radeon R7 250X 1GB GDDR5, which I'm pretty sure is full size. Now i'm just waffling between steamboxes.

Seriously try out the in-home streaming stuff built into Steam before you decide if you need the extra oomphf from an Nvidia card.  I'm super happy using it with my HTPC.