HTPC vs Nvidia shield and streaming boxes

[Sabertoothproton]

So I am finally cutting the cord on my cable TV and I want to know what is the most cost effective to replace that. I would need something that can handle all streaming services and if possible handle some light party games with friends.( I will give this up if it saves me money)

I have looked into a steam link or chrome cast but the fact that I couldn't use my main Pc while someone is watching TV is a deal breaker for me.

I have also thought about building a custom HTPC for about $400 and running Kodi media player on it. My question is what does this offer me over the Nvida shield and things like the Roku box as they are much cheaper and have most of the same functionality. While I don't have a 4K tv now I might upgrade in the future. Would it be worth it to get none of the above and just have a smart TV?

Please share your personal experiences and suggestions

[Mossy Snake]

The problem with Shield/Roku is that they eventually become outdated and will refuse to update after a while.

I have an older Roku that refuses to work because it's so old, and I can't update it for that reason.

An HTPC will last as long as you want it too, which is very convienient.

[Sabertoothproton]

MossyRathalos eredeti hozzászólása:

The problem with Shield/Roku is that they eventually become outdated and will refuse to update after a while.

I have an older Roku that refuses to work because it's so old, and I can't update it for that reason.

An HTPC will last as long as you want it too, which is very convienient.

Yeah but you could buy 2 shields and like 6 rokus for the cost of 1 400$ HTPC

[Dr. Fronkensteen]

Roku is cheap, Shield offers decent native gaming options as well as the Geforce Now option. An HTPC is Upgradeable.

[carl]

If OP cares about noise of cooling fans when watching TV then Shield should be near silent. Consideration would have to be given in fanless CPU cooler and GPU for an HTPC build. Unless the iGPU suffices which for streaming only it should, there are a few models of passively cooled Nvidia GT 1030 available. Not sure about what AMD offer.

Besides being the only 4k@60Hz streamer Nvidia has given Shield TV decent support. It was released in 2015 and refreshed early 2017. The 2015 models all received the same software updates as the 2017 model. Note that Android TV OS is used. Only being compatible with Nvidia GPU and host PC needs to have GeForce Experience installed may be a deal breaker though.

[retro_Ed]

Zotac has a wide range of mini sized pc-barebones. Just add enough memory, ssd and OS.

[carl]

I like the look of Zotac's Nen mini PC/console.

I have an Intel NUC another mini PC. The fan can get pretty loud quite quickly.