Is this good enough for a htpc?

[Elemential]

So I was reading the 'internet' as always today when I came over the C.H.I.P. $9 mini computer that slightly looks like a raspberry pi. It's specs seem good enough but is it really? What do you think? Would the chip $9 pc be a good htpc?


http/www.pcworld.com/article/2921073/meet-chip-an-ultra-tiny-9-pc-that-makes-the-raspberry-pis-price-seem-luxurious.html

 

[Eximo]

First couple of comments put me off it it. Raspberry Pi comes with everything you need to set it up. The CHIP doesn't, so the $9 price is misleading. Connects up using an RCA to HDMI or RCA to VGA adapter that you have to buy.

Have a friend using a raspberry pi to emulate NES/SNES games. I ue another one as a wireless router hotspot/bluetooth LE hub for another project.

I use an i3 + GT750ti for a Home Theater PC running a 4K Vizio, so I may be a tad biased against the cheaper solutions.

 

[plywrlw]

It's got similar hardware to the latest Raspberry Pi 2 B+

The $9 CHIP only has composite out though, you'll probably want to spring for the HDMI add-on which brings the price to $24 I think. Also, I hear shipping is very expensive for the CHIP. It does have the advantage of WiFi and Bluetooth built in though.

If you're keen to build a HTPC now then I'd stick with the Raspberyy Pi. Just make sure you go for the latest model. Otherwise, I'd wait a bit and see how the CHIP gets on in terms of cases, accessories, software support etc.

Yeah, and to echo the above, don't expect blistering performance. For the ultimate HTPC you'd need to spend more. My HTPC is a Pentium G3258 + GTX 750Ti+ SSD and performs beautifully

 

[bananacue]

I used raspberry PI when i start my HTPC but not really satisfied the performance. I end up building my own HTPC from scratch. I use AMD A6CPU. This comes with the build in graphics. I spend around 300US$ and satisfied.

 

[Eximo]

Had to retire my old AMD e-350, the CPU wasn't powerful enough to handle modern browsing, and the HD5450 on board couldn't handle true 1920x1080 playback, which was kind of their advertising point. When I was using it I had to add a radeon 6670, which ruined the small form factor effect.

 

[Wisecracker]

... Would the chip $9 pc be a good htpc?

Good luck with that ...
(I'm thinking -- no)

Check out the Zotac ZBOX or wait for the new AMD Carrizo APU if you are interested in H.265/HEVC hardware acceleration.

 

[Elemential]

Interesting. I guess i've erased that from my things to get in the future. What would be a suitable use for it?