Console Style PCs

Since the most recent update, My XBox One has become unusable (I think the XBox people are too busy with the preview programme to notice the cruddy build they released to everyone who isn’t in the preview programme). It has gotten to the point where I’m pretty much ready to give up on the thing.

As I’m really enjoying Forza Horizon 3 and looking forward to Gears of War 4, I’m thinking about buying (I have no interest in building) one of those console style PCs (like the Alienware Alpha Console that Curry’s in the UK have on sale for 550 quid). I basically want something that will run the next few years worth of new games at least as well as an XBox One would, but I have no idea what I should be looking for. Any recommendations, either for which device to get or at least processor/graphics card combinations?

Or would I be better off buying a gaming “server” and streaming to a PC stick connected to the TV (or as it’s an AndroidTV tv, to an app running on the TV)?I’m just wondering if electronics that have been designed to fit in a little box under the TV cost noticibly more than electronics that are expecting things like airflow.

Conversation 1 comments

  • 248

    Premium Member
    05 October, 2016 - 7:34 am

    <p>If I was buying a new gaming PC now here is what would guide my search for value vs performance:</p>
    <ol>
    <li>Nvidia 10 series (1060, 1070, 1080) (they are worth it)</li>
    <li>Intel i5 processor</li>
    <li>250GB Minimum SSD</li>
    <li>8GB Ram</li>
    <li>Decent looking case</li>
    </ol>
    <p>I would avoid any ‘streaming stick’ for gaming if possible because they introduce another layer of lag, complexity, and up keep.</p>
    <p>I wouldn’t worry too much about air flow assuming these things are true:</p>
    <ul>
    <li>No overclocking</li>
    <li>Your ambient room temperature is not too hot</li>
    <li>The PC is not next to a heater or heating vent</li>
    <li>There is a small gap around the computer (3cm minimum)</li>
    <li>Don’t store things directly around the computer</li>
    </ul>

Windows Intelligence In Your Inbox

Sign up for our new free newsletter to get three time-saving tips each Friday

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Thurrott © 2024 Thurrott LLC