Intel celeron NUC powerful enough for Windows and 1080P streaming?

[Sunburn74]

Hi. I'm interested in a low cost, small form factor HTPC that can run windows. Simply put there are a lot of websites that block streaming access to non-windows OSes (specifically android which prevents me from using a number of the google TV set top boxes).

I'm eyeballing the low end intel NUC. Do you guys think it'll be powerful enough to run windows and enough for 1080 P streaming? Don't forget you have to use a mSATA ssd with this box. Thanks.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...FY6k4AodKQ0Asg

If its not powerful enough I may just go with google chrome cast, but I'm not sure the beta chrome tab mirroring will flesh out so I am hesistant.

 

[DeathRayLoveMachine]

I have an AMD E-350 (dual core, 1.6GHz, supposedly ~75-80% as fast as a Celeron 947), and it needs hardware acceleration to handle 1080p30 video decoding. That said, it really can do 1080p30.

 

[frowertr]

I have this CPU at one of my work machines. I actually bought the Gigabyte GA-C847N-D but it's the same processor.

I can attest that it can handle 720P video. I have multiple Axis IP cameras around my business streaming at 720P and it can handle those feeds just fine. CPU is maxed out nearly 100% of the time however at those resolutions.

It can not, however, handle 1080P feeds from my cameras. Lots of stuttering. I have never tested it out with streaming BD rips or Amazon prime HD stuff.

Honestly, I wouldn't buy it again. It is fine for web browsing and other basic office tasks like Word documents and Excel but it is fairly underpowered for about everything else.

I'd wait for either the Haswell NUC's or build a Mini ITX and put in a Pentium G2120 in it. You could also go with a Zbox

 

[unokitty]

Just a thought.

The new Haswell based NUCs are supposed to be available in Sept or Oct.

Some interesting features. See:
Intel NUC with Haswell Close to Launching

Uno

 

[Zap]

Hi. I'm interested in a low cost, small form factor HTPC that can run windows.

How about the GIGABYTE GA-C1007UN-D? It is a 1.5GHz ULV dual core Ivy Bridge based Celeron. Put that with an ITX case and for $160+shipping you get something with a faster CPU and more flexibility (2.5" drive, slim optical drive, desktop DIMM), albeit in a larger 8.9" x 3.0" x 8.3" size.

 

[Sunburn74]

So all I'd need to do is throw in a drive, some RAM and the OS? Is that right?

 

[Zap]

Yes. Note that you will have to install off USB (optical or flash), use SODIMMs and mSATA drive.