Cheapest mini PC to run PinballFX at 1080P/60FPS?

[LKM_FormulaFox]

So I'm planning to build a small(24" playfield) visual pinball table using Pinball FX. The cabinet is going to be too small to fit a full PC tower or even those small-form PCs that are always available on eBay, so I'm kind of stuck needing to use some sort of miniPC to run everything.

The good news is that I don't need 4K OMGFPS - even if I was concerned with that level of graphical fidelity, the reason for my choice of size is that I already have a 24" 1080P 60FPS IPS display ready for the project, so not much point in going higher. This means I don't need to pay a huge price for the mini PC, but I also know I can't go rock bottom. I've heard the Intel N100 can actually handle Pinball FX at these settings, but I have my doubts on that.
I don't need specific product suggestions, though such is welcome. If someone knows the bare minimum APU, I can go from there. I am not biased towards AMD or Intel so info on both would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!

[MikeFulton]

Even when the CPU isn't terrible, the integrated graphics typically found in a mini-PC are generally not vert well suited to gaming. I would strongly recommend that you try running the game on whatever hardware under consideration before you actually spend any money.

Otherwise, rather than just looking for "the cheapest" it's probably more productive to come up with a budget and then try to find something within that amount,

If you just look for "the cheapest" you may find yourself buying something that later turns out to be too under-powered.

[LKM_FormulaFox]

Originally posted by MikeFulton:

Even when the CPU isn't terrible, the integrated graphics typically found in a mini-PC are generally not vert well suited to gaming.

While true, 1080P 60FPS is also not asking much of modern hardware, and we're not talking about Cyberpunk 2077 here.

I would strongly recommend that you try running the game on whatever hardware under consideration before you actually spend any money.

The problem is I CAN'T try it on the hardware before spending any money - Its not like I have this stuff on hand to test with. The only part I have on-hand right now is the monitor I'll be using.

[Cpt. Flowerpot]

You could also stream it with Steam-Link.
Then a Raspberry Pi would suffice.

[LKM_FormulaFox]

Originally posted by Leuchmadan:

You could also stream it with Steam-Link.
Then a Raspberry Pi would suffice.
:IFRaspberry:

Steam Link has never worked reliably enough for me. Definitely don't want a pinball game going all pixelated or losing connection in the middle of a game. And that's if I can even GET Steam Link to work, which has been a REAL headache on my network.

[Conan]

Originally posted by LKM_FormulaFox:

Originally posted by Leuchmadan:

You could also stream it with Steam-Link.
Then a Raspberry Pi would suffice.
:IFRaspberry:

Steam Link has never worked reliably enough for me. Definitely don't want a pinball game going all pixelated or losing connection in the middle of a game. And that's if I can even GET Steam Link to work, which has been a REAL headache on my network.

Agreed, not just on steamlink, but anything, especially pinball through streaming.

I have very fast internet, everything connected via ethernet, changed all sorts of settings and never have found anything through Moonlight remotely playable.

There is always noticeable lag.

[lokiss88]

TBH, get yourself a quest 3 s. FX-VR is due next week, it'll be cheaper and arguably a better experience.

Once you've experienced a full sized realistic representation of a table in VR in any place you want it, there's not much left you want as a digital or real pinballer.

I have the best of it with a powerful PC and a Pimax, but if i didn't, a cheap Q3's or standard Q3 would be a no brain solution as a pinball fan.

[Mr wyrmwood]

A Steam Deck with a docking station should work, assuming the controllers for your cabinet are USB and your only running a single display. You can easily take it out and use it for other things when you want too, so might be a be a better investment in the long run.

I don't own one but believe it runs FX fine with moderate settings. I've considered doing it myself but don't have the time for DIY projects currently.

[LKM_FormulaFox]

Originally posted by lokiss88:

TBH, get yourself a quest 3 s. FX-VR is due next week, it'll be cheaper and arguably a better experience.

Once you've experienced a full sized realistic representation of a table in VR in any place you want it, there's not much left you want as a digital or real pinballer.

I have the best of it with a powerful PC and a Pimax, but if i didn't, a cheap Q3's or standard Q3 would be a no brain solution as a pinball fan.

I have zero interest in VR, nor the space for it if I did. I am going for what it is appropriate for the mini-arcade I've been setting up.

[lokiss88]

Originally posted by LKM_FormulaFox:

I have zero interest in VR, nor the space for it if I did. I am going for what it is appropriate for the mini-arcade I've been setting up.

That's ok, i understand it was a credible suggestion. I would say though that a single standalone headset using it for the purposes of playing pinball requires a chair and about 1 foot of fresh air in front of you. Of the many misconceptions surrounding VR and those that haven't experienced it, that is the first barrier people relate to.

Personally i only have room for the two tables i currently own, so i get the space issue. Thankfully VR rivals the real thing, why i tend to advocate for it, even to an often hostile crowd.

[LKM_FormulaFox]

Originally posted by lokiss88:

Originally posted by LKM_FormulaFox:

I have zero interest in VR, nor the space for it if I did. I am going for what it is appropriate for the mini-arcade I've been setting up.

That's ok, i understand it was a credible suggestion. I would say though that a single standalone headset using it for the purposes of playing pinball requires a chair and about 1 foot of fresh air in front of you. Of the many misconceptions surrounding VR and those that haven't experienced it, that is the first barrier people relate to.

Okay, I was polite before, but since you didn't get the message, let me spell it out for you more bluntly:

VR DOES NOT SUIT MY AIM AND I. DO. NOT. F***ING. CARE. ABOUT ANYTHING BEYOND THAT.

My aim is to create a video pinball cabinet that, while smaller than a real table, replicates the feel of one. VR is not going to replicate this in its current state. I am not wasting money on things I do not care about to get an experience that does not replicate what I am seeking.

VR in its present state does not do what I am after. Period. End of story. When it does, then I'll consider it.

In short, if you don't have a suggestions that suits my request and aim, STOP WASTING OUR TIME. Yes, OUR time - yours and mine.

[lokiss88]

Originally posted by LKM_FormulaFox:

Originally posted by lokiss88:

That's ok, i understand it was a credible suggestion. I would say though that a single standalone headset using it for the purposes of playing pinball requires a chair and about 1 foot of fresh air in front of you. Of the many misconceptions surrounding VR and those that haven't experienced it, that is the first barrier people relate to.

Okay, I was polite before, but since you didn't get the message, let me spell it out for you more bluntly:

VR DOES NOT SUIT MY AIM AND I. DO. NOT. F***ING. CARE. ABOUT ANYTHING BEYOND THAT.

My aim is to create a video pinball cabinet that, while smaller than a real table, replicates the feel of one. VR is not going to replicate this in its current state. I am not wasting money on things I do not care about to get an experience that does not replicate what I am seeking.

VR in its present state does not do what I am after. Period. End of story. When it does, then I'll consider it.

In short, if you don't have a suggestions that suits my request and aim, STOP WASTING OUR TIME. Yes, OUR time - yours and mine.

That's ok, i understand you're anger. My apologies for upsetting you, as i said it was merely a credible solution which often harbours a hostile response from those with an adversity toward the technology in principle.

You have a good day, and good luck with you're efforts:)

[Takise]

You might want to consider buying a used PS5 (I think around 200-250 bucks).
The game runs surprisingly well on it and adapting it to the needs of a cabinet shouldn't be a big problem. They added the ability to rotate the screen which is key.

I was also going to build a cabinet but I came to the conclusion that it's much more comfortable for me to play sitting down with my feet on the desk.
So I hung the additional monitor vertically on the wall and use the one below as a backglass.

https://imgur.com/a/4P7ipJv

[LKM_FormulaFox]

Originally posted by Takise:

You might want to consider buying a used PS5 (I think around 200-250 bucks).

Too big to fit in the cab once monitor is installed. PS5 slim MIGHT fit, but it would be tight.

For the record I plan to use this kit: https://gameroomsolutions.com/shop/24-table-top-virtual-pinball-cabinet/

[LKM_FormulaFox]

Originally posted by lokiss88:

That's ok, i understand you're anger. My apologies for upsetting you, as i said it was merely a credible solution which often harbours a hostile response from those with an adversity toward the technology in principle.

You have a good day, and good luck with you're efforts:)

Apology accepted. I do tend to jump into being very forceful fairly quickly, but sometimes I am just not in the mood to drag things out. ;)

Rest assured, it ain't the tech that is the issue - just its current capabilities. I'm after recapturing things I enjoyed in my youth in as close a measure as we can get nowadays(whilst having neither the time, space, nor money to dedicate to original hardware), and VR is a LOOOOOOONG way from that.

[Takise]

Originally posted by LKM_FormulaFox:

Originally posted by Takise:

You might want to consider buying a used PS5 (I think around 200-250 bucks).

Too big to fit in the cab once monitor is installed. PS5 slim MIGHT fit, but it would be tight.

For the record I plan to use this kit: https://gameroomsolutions.com/shop/24-table-top-virtual-pinball-cabinet/

I see, I misunderstood you, I thought you were going to build a cabinet around a potential computer. We're dealing with the opposite solution.