PC Hardware Talk Megathread

[Shazam]

Beelinks are the best quality. I have a Geekom, SSD failed and the wifi isn't the greatest (they use really cheap antennas and put them in a bad spot to boot).

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by photon

Anyone have any experience with small PCs? I have a friend who can't really use a computer anymore so all he uses it for is iTunes for his music and his current computer is from the Windows Vista era and he doesn't even use it for music anymore since it takes like 5+ minutes to boot.

I'd like to just get him an iPad but he's stuck in his ways so I don't think he'll go for it.

Next best thing would be a minimal computer that's good enought to run iTunes. I've seen those really small desktops that I think are just a laptop chip which would probably be all he needs, but I don't know which brand is worth getting (GMTek, BOSGAME, etc).

I'd get him a Mac mini but they're probably too expensive for his needs.

Wouldn’t an AppleTV work for this? I he has music on an NAS or something it should be able to access it.

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by Wormius

Wouldn’t an AppleTV work for this? I he has music on an NAS or something it should be able to access it.

Is he downloading his itunes onto his phone? if so you can just get him a second hand sonos player and airplay the itunes onto it

[photon]

An AppleTV is an interesting idea I never thought of that, but I don't think it would work in his case. He can't use his arms or legs and lives in an assisted care facility so anytime he wants to even change the channel someone has to do it for him, and the nurses generally don't really know much about TVs and stuff.. quite a few times in the past one has hit a wrong button and left him without any TV or no audio and if you don't have anything else to entertain you, well I'm ok for a few hours but I also have full use of my limbs.. So he's very leery of letting anyone do anything other than change the channel.

So a separate device for music works better (so if someone messes up the music playback his TV is ok).

He doesn't have a phone (other than a landline), he just doesn't need one. And most of his iTunes music is really just ripped MP3s from CDs.

He's got computer speakers that he likes so a replacement computer (or an iPad if I can convince him) is probably the best, keeps it simple for the staff and he wouldn't let me touch his TV setup anyway.

I have got a Fire TV Cube to try and set up with voice activation for his stuff so that he can control things himself then maybe he'd be a little more prone to try some different things if he knows he can just say something and get his TV back, but that's a longer term project to test and convince him to try.

I'll check out Beelink thanks!

[Hemi-Cuda]

Minisforum is another good option, they make some excellent mid-range gaming mini-PCs but also have cheaper stuff in the $200-$300 range. An even cheaper option would be a used corporate mini-PC, you can find them dirt cheap on ebay and they usually last a long time since a typical office environment isn't exactly stressing them

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...852.m570.l1313

I bought one to use as my Plex server 5 years ago, is powered on 24/7 with no issues

[Meelapo]

Hardware-ish question. So I bought into the hype for Arc Raiders. I normally hate PVP but it seems like you can play the game solo as long and people may leave you be if you announce you're a friendly. Which is where my question comes....

I have the following headphones that I use for PC gaming: beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X

Is there an in-expensive microphone that I can buy or attach (and detach) somehow so I can use the headphones and have the ability to speak with others? I'd prefer to not buy a new headphone set.

[photon]

If your headset had a 3.5mm input port then you could try the V-MODA BoomPro Microphone which plugs in in between your input cable and the headset, but the DT 700 Pro X don't afaik.

The ModMic Uni 2+ is one I've been looking at, it adds another cable but that's almost a given in this case.

ModMic also makes a wireless one that's supposed to be noticeably higher quality but probably not necessary unless the additional cable is super annoying.

Audio Technica used to make a detachable boom mic but I don't think they do anymore, not last time I was looking for something like this.

The last option depends on your setup, add a boom arm and an inexpensive mic. Then it can swing out of the way when not in use and then don't have to deal with other cables. Something like https://www.amazon.ca/FIFINE-Microph.../dp/B0C74GYW3J

That's the direction I'm leaning if I ever need a mic again.

EDIT: Hm I wonder if a lavalier microphone like this would work: https://www.amazon.ca/USB-Lavalier-M.../dp/B074BLM973

[Meelapo]

Originally Posted by photon

If your headset had a 3.5mm input port then you could try the V-MODA BoomPro Microphone which plugs in in between your input cable and the headset, but the DT 700 Pro X don't afaik.

The ModMic Uni 2+ is one I've been looking at, it adds another cable but that's almost a given in this case.

ModMic also makes a wireless one that's supposed to be noticeably higher quality but probably not necessary unless the additional cable is super annoying.

Audio Technica used to make a detachable boom mic but I don't think they do anymore, not last time I was looking for something like this.

The last option depends on your setup, add a boom arm and an inexpensive mic. Then it can swing out of the way when not in use and then don't have to deal with other cables. Something like https://www.amazon.ca/FIFINE-Microph.../dp/B0C74GYW3J

That's the direction I'm leaning if I ever need a mic again.

EDIT: Hm I wonder if a lavalier microphone like this would work: https://www.amazon.ca/USB-Lavalier-M.../dp/B074BLM973

I actually have the headphones plugged into an external DAC that has a 3.5mm for a separate microphone. I just realized it after you posted your helpful message.


https://ca.creative.com/p/sound-blas...und-blaster-x3


Actually now that I think about it, I guess that doesn't matter a whole lot.


That lavalier microphone might do the trick. It seems like I could use it when I need it and then stash it away. The more expensive ModMic looks cool but it seems bit more of a long-term attachment to the headphones.

[photon]

Yeah I used to have an X3 as well, lots of flexiblity then.

If you try the lavalier one let us know, I may go that same route then since I only want one for the odd Teams call and currently I have to pair my travel headset with Bluetooth which is annoying.

[calumniate]

If you're on desktop and have a 'desk', I'd suggest just getting a separate USB Mic and sit it on the table. Works fine for me for both gaming and work. It's nice not always having to wear headphones. The mics are generally smart enough not to pick up what's playing through your speakers so you can use it without headphones sometimes as well (wouldn't do it when gaming tho)

[Meelapo]

Originally Posted by photon

Yeah I used to have an X3 as well, lots of flexiblity then.

If you try the lavalier one let us know, I may go that same route then since I only want one for the odd Teams call and currently I have to pair my travel headset with Bluetooth which is annoying.

Will do. I'm still weighing my options. That stand supported mic looks good but it seems like a lot of large hardware for the one game.


When I used to have an XBox I bought a SteelSeries set of headphones specifically for the XBox. It has a microphone and it connects to bluetooth so I might try it out.

Originally Posted by calumniate

If you're on desktop and have a 'desk', I'd suggest just getting a separate USB Mic and sit it on the table. Works fine for me for both gaming and work. It's nice not always having to wear headphones. The mics are generally smart enough not to pick up what's playing through your speakers so you can use it without headphones sometimes as well (wouldn't do it when gaming tho)

My PC is currently in our bonus room/hallway so it's in close proximity to rooms where people are sleeping. That's why I'm leaning towards something that is constrained to being able to use headphones.

[calumniate]

The mic isn't a speaker though. You could still use it with headphones

[Meelapo]

Originally Posted by calumniate

The mic isn't a speaker though. You could still use it with headphones

Sorry yeah, I re-read your recommendation. I'm going to give these Arctis 9X Wireless Headphones a try using the Xbox Wireless dongle and see how it goes. So far, it's been a struggle. Pairing has been difficult but I've figured it out. Audio seems to drop in and out for some reason. If this doesn't work out maybe I'll grab that microphone combo during Black Friday.

[calumniate]

Originally Posted by Meelapo

Sorry yeah, I re-read your recommendation. I'm going to give these Arctis 9X Wireless Headphones a try using the Xbox Wireless dongle and see how it goes. So far, it's been a struggle. Pairing has been difficult but I've figured it out. Audio seems to drop in and out for some reason. If this doesn't work out maybe I'll grab that microphone combo during Black Friday.

That sounds frustrating

You already have good headphones.. just buy a $40 mic and you're free to use any headphones you want!
https://www.amazon.ca/Microphone-Rec..._hp_atf_d&th=1

[photon]

Yelling "I'm friendly!" in a pvp game seems like it would only last until people start using it to take advantage of people.

"I'm friendly!"

BLAM

"But not to you..."