TEST: Sample Pre-Built / DiY Builds

HTPC Pre-builts/Mini-PCs

Options below will be based first on size and in turn power consumption, and then on new/used, price and extra features like 4k netflix and AV1 decoding.
We have assigned cpu/gpu performance (P) ratings for each option, where P1 is the lowest and P5 is the highest. Note the correlation between performance, price and new options.

4K HDR PLAYERS

TL;DR If you’re on a budget, then an Intel N200 based mini pc for $200 with mem/storage is fine. If you can afford it, look at a Beelink EQR6 or better ($270+) for future-proofing

• SMALLEST (0.1-0.5L)
  • $60-$75
  • Kodi-based interface, ext. storage, local content. Lowest power
    • Odroid C4 ($60) (P1)
    • Odroid N2+ ($75) (P1)
• SMALLER (0.5-2.5L)
  • $120-$600
  • No HDD or only int 2.5”/ext storage. Lower power
    • USED
      • Dell Optiplex xx60-xx90 Micro/Tiny + HDMI 2.0 card ($120-$300) (P3-P5) (+4K Netflix)
      • Dell Optiplex 3000-7000 MFF + HDMI 2.0 card ($250+) (P4-P5) (+4K Netflix/AV1)
    • NEW
      • Beelink S12/S12 Pro (N95/N100) ($150+) (P2) (+AV1)
      • Beelink EQR6 ($270) (P5) (+4K Netflix?/AV1)
      • MSI Cubi NUC N ($200) (P2), MSI Cubi NUC 1M (P4), MSI PRO DP20/DP21 (P4-P5), Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini (P5) ($450-600) - (+4K Netflix/AV1)
• SMALL (7.5-13L)
  • $120-$600
  • Int 3.5” HDD storage, 4K Netflix for all. Low power.
    • USED
      • Dell Optiplex xx60-xx90 SFF + HDMI 2.0 card ($120-$300) (P3-P5)
      • Dell Optiplex 3000-7000 SFF + HDMI 2.0 card ($350+) (P4-P5) (+AV1)
    • NEW
      • Lenovo Neo 50s Gen 4 SFF (7.5L) ($450) (P4-P5) (+AV1)
      • MSI PRO DP130 (13L) ($600) (P4-P5) (+AV1)

Specialized: Emulation/Light Gaming/Game Streaming

• Game Streaming:
  • <= 4K@60Hz: Beelink S12/S12 Pro (N95/N100)
  • 4K@120Hz: See “Specialized: 4K@120Hz” section
• Emulation/Light Gaming:
  • $85-100: Low (<= Gamecube/PS1)
    • Odroid N2+ (S922X) (Fanless)
    • Intel NUC 8i3/8i5 (USED)
  • $150-200: Med (<= Wii/PS2)
    • Odroid H4 (N97) (Fanless)
    • HP EliteDesk 705 G5 (AMD 3400G)
    • Minisforum UN300 (N300)
  • $300: Med+ (<= Switch)
    • Beelink SER5 Max (AMD 5800H)
  • $350-400: High (<= PS3)
    • Beelink SER6/Minisforum UM690S
    • Lenovo M75q/M75s Gen 2 + CableCreation Active DP 1.4->HDMI Cable
  • $500+: Ultra (<= Xbox 360)
    • Beelink SER7/Minisforum UM790 Pro
    • Lenovo M75q/M75s Gen 5

See ETA PRIME YT channel for Emulation device reviews