We want to get the video-gaming capabilities of any modern console with the multimedia programs available on Windows "> Which Mini PC to have to record TV programs PC components for the living room
1) Houses
The best case for a living room PC should not be too large, but it should still have the space needed for all components.
The choice fell on the Thermaltake Core V1, available here -> Thermaltake Core V1 (€ 43)
This case is compact enough to be placed in the living room without disfiguring, but with the internal space optimized to the maximum to be able to create a real monster! There is enough space to accommodate a Mini-ITX motherboard, a video card up to 260mm in length, a dedicated cooling system up to 140mm in height and a power supply with a maximum length of 180mm. There are convenient USB sockets and audio jacks on the left side and the grid system that covers most of the case will promote air circulation.
2) Motherboard
Since the PC we are creating is also designed to play, we decided to focus on one of the best Mini-ITX motherboards in circulation, namely the Gigabyte B450 that can be purchased on Amazon (€ 120).
The motherboard supports all the latest Intel processors thanks to the AMD socket, offers two DDR4 type RAM slots, 4 SATA ports, one PCI-E X16 slot, 4 new generation USB 3.1 ports and integrates a Dual WiFi card Band with lots of antennas, so you can connect to the network faster without using the cable (support at 5 GHz frequency and ac standard).
3) Processor
To get all the power needed to run games and movies in high definition we decided to focus on the AMD Ryzen 5 CPU, available at the following link -> Ryzen 5 processor (€ 130).
With a frequency of 4.25 GHz, 4 physical cores, 6 MB of cache memory, the integrated video card and the support for DD4 RAM memories, this is without a doubt the best solution for the living room PC that we are creating. This CPU is equipped with a standard cooling fan, more than valid for the purposes and perfectly compatible with the chosen case.
4) RAM
RAM is essential to be able to open games and to open the programs necessary to manage video streaming in Full HD or 4K.
For this reason, we spared no expense and decided to focus on Corsair Vengeance LPX, available here -> Corsair Vengeance LPX (€ 90).
These two banks of 8 GB DDR4 RAM each will allow you to take advantage of a quantity of memory equal to 16GB, more than enough for the vast majority of games and to start any multimedia program. The clock speed is 2400 MHz with C16 timing and XMP 2.0 support.
5) SSD
For our living room PC you definitely need space to save games or videos, as well as space for programs.
To combine great speed and excellent capacity, we decided to focus on a latest generation Samsung SSD, available here -> Samsung Memorie MZ-76E500 860 EVO SSD (128 €).
500 GB of usable space combined with extraordinary read and write speeds thanks to SATA 3 and Turbo technologies produced by Samsung, which cannot be reached with any mechanical disk. We install this SSD to have a system ready for use in seconds.
6) Dedicated video card
If we have to play we cannot be satisfied with the video card integrated in the CPU, but we will have to use a dedicated video card like the MSI GeForce GTX 1050, available here -> MSI GeForce GTX 1050 (130 €).
This video card is extremely compact in size, ideal for the chosen case. Despite everything, it offers adequate power to run games in FullHD and to play all types of videos, thanks to the Nvidia GTX 1050 GPU, 2 GB of GDDR5 video memory and the low-noise fan, which will make the living room PC really silent.
7) Power supply
In order to power all the components that we have chosen, I recommend focusing on a modular power supply (i.e. with detachable cables), such as the Thermaltake Smart SE available here -> Thermaltake Smart SE (52 €).
We can only place the cables needed for the SSD and therefore leave the case free of unnecessary cables.
This power supply offers 530W of power, an 87% efficiency and an ultra-quiet 14cm fan.
8) Game controller + Bluetooth
When we have to play the only logical choice is the Xbox One controller, available here -> Xbox One: Bluetooth Controller (€ 49).
With this controller it will be possible to play all PC games in a simple and comfortable way, also thanks to the maximum compatibility with all the controls (there is nothing to configure in the vast majority of video game titles).
To be able to connect it to the living room PC we will have to use a Bluetooth 4.0 adapter such as the one available here -> UGREEN USB Bluetooth adapter (€ 9).
9) Wireless remote control
How best to manage all multimedia programs of the living room PC?
Using a wireless remote control such as the GHB Mini Keyboard Air Keyboard Mouse Remote Control, available here -> GHB Mini Keyboard Air Keyboard Mouse Remote Control (15 €).
This remote control offers all the main keys to manage any multimedia program but also a QWERTY keyboard, so you can quickly type any command or name to insert in a text field. It works via a special wireless receiver, to be installed in one of the PC's free USB ports.
READ ALSO: Best wireless remote controls for PC
Programs to be installed on the living room PC
What programs can we install to make the most of this new living room PC "> Netflix
- Kodi
- Plex Media Server
- VLC
- Spotify Music
- Steam
These are the programs that should never be missing in a good living room PC, so you can play and enjoy streaming content.
READ ALSO: Connect your laptop to the TV to watch videos and movies
