HTPC build with steam OS and XBMC

Drukk · 8 Dec 2014 at 16:28

I currently use a Raspberry Pi as a media server with Raspbmc for the main TV and it works great but I'm getting to the point where I just want to try something different.

Am thinking about running a small HTPC with Steam OS and xbmc combined. The system will use ethernet, not wireless and needs an optical out. It also has to be quick enough to be able to stream games from my main PC upstairs using steam sharing.

Does anyone fancy putting up a spec so I can compare and see if it is feasible and I'm on the right track without spending to much?

Drukk · 9 Dec 2014 at 16:23

For anyone else thinking of doing this I'm currently looking at the following setup -

Kingston 128gb SSD £50
MSI AM1I mini-ITX M/B £25
AMD 5350 CPU £44
Corsair XMS 3 8gb (2x4) £66
Sliverstone Milo HTPC case £34
Silverstone SFX 300w PSU £40

Total cost - £260.

Was hoping to get the price a little lower than that, maybe drop to 4gb ram and not use an ssd as I have spare hdd's around but would think an ssd would probably help quite a bit with streaming.

Bluecube · 9 Dec 2014 at 21:22

I reckon you'll be ok with 4Gb. My SteamBox was more than happy with that amount. I don't see how the SSD will help with streaming though. You'll be ok with just a normal hard drive.

My SteamBox is also my HTPC so slightly different usage from you but you may be interested to know that I have Steam boot into Big Picture mode. I run Plex which is started from a shortcut in the Steam menu. Very easy to do and it works very well.

Drukk · 9 Dec 2014 at 22:36

Bluecube said:
I reckon you'll be ok with 4Gb. My SteamBox was more than happy with that amount. I don't see how the SSD will help with streaming though. You'll be ok with just a normal hard drive.

My SteamBox is also my HTPC so slightly different usage from you but you may be interested to know that I have Steam boot into Big Picture mode. I run Plex which is started from a shortcut in the Steam menu. Very easy to do and it works very well.

Maybe I'll drop the ssd then for now, can always add it later if needs be. Reducing the RAM to 4gb and no ssd should bring the price down to about £200 which I think would be worth it if the streaming works to an acceptable level!

My plan was to use a steam OS and incorporate XBMC using the method below -

http://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamuniverse/discussions/1/648816742742587380/

Once thats working will add the plex addon to XBMC and access the media server that way.