4K Video mATX suggestions

Tatti · 28 Dec 2019 at 14:54

Hello all,
I'm looking at building a new micro PC for use in the front room to play UHD 4K video on my TV in the front room, but don't want a monster box sitting around looking out of place.
A mATX build is what I was looking at, to build from scratch, but wanted advice on what specs I might need CPU, GPU and motherboard to help me run 4K video smoothly. As with all new builds, you want the components as inexpensive as possible but don't want to compromise too much either.
All help with suggestions is gratefully recieved before I start ordering components.

With thanks,
Tatti

Bluntwrapped · 29 Dec 2019 at 12:11

Tatti said:
Hello all,
I'm looking at building a new micro PC for use in the front room to play UHD 4K video on my TV in the front room, but don't want a monster box sitting around looking out of place.
A mATX build is what I was looking at, to build from scratch, but wanted advice on what specs I might need CPU, GPU and motherboard to help me run 4K video smoothly. As with all new builds, you want the components as inexpensive as possible but don't want to compromise too much either.
All help with suggestions is gratefully recieved before I start ordering components.

With thanks,
Tatti

Unfortunately space saving SFF MATX cases still have a way to go - there aren’t many decent ones to choose from. Unless you specifically need more than one PCIe slot, look to ITX or NUC size for a living room setup. Any newer gen iGPU will be more than enough for 4K.

A Ryzen 3200G for example will be great.

Tatti · 29 Dec 2019 at 12:47

Thanks Bluntwrapped, very useful.
To update, I had been looking at my options but wasn't sure if iGPU was capable, but have come up with this as a starter; probably a bit overkill, perhaps some alternatives could be suggested. I haven't added a case yet, but have a couple in mind and will update later.

In my basket

Option #1
M/board - ASRock Z390M ITX DDR4 mITX
Processor - Intel CORE i5 9400 2.94GHz
RAM - Corsair Vengence LTX DDR4 8GB (2x4GB) BLACK
Power - be quiet! SFX Power 2 300W '80 Plus Bronze'
Total = £423 before shipping

Option #2
As above, but with added GPU MSI GeForce GTX 1650 Super AERO ITX 4GB DDR6
And upgraded Power be quiet! SFX-L 500W '80 plus Gold modular'
Total = £616 before shipping

Bluntwrapped · 29 Dec 2019 at 22:59

If you’re not fussed about desktop use, maybe a shield would do?

https://www.nvidia.com/en-gb/shield/

jrwagh333 · 30 Dec 2019 at 07:10

What about an Asrock Deskmini?

Dangerous Dave · 30 Dec 2019 at 11:05

If it's to playback 4k video and not games an i3 Intel NUC will do this with ease as it has hardware decoding for x264 & 265, should be around £350 with memory and SSD.

kidloco · 30 Dec 2019 at 19:14

Is it just for movies or games?

If movies only, just get a nvidia shield.

Ive done the media pc thing to death over the years. Ive had a shield the original launched. Hasn't missed a beat and plays anything I throw at it. 4k HDR the lot.

Its also small, silent and does lots of other stuff too.

Edit: And it's MUCH cheaper

Tatti · 30 Dec 2019 at 20:18

Thank you for all the advice folks, I have lots of options to consider now. The NUC and shield look good options.