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If your purpose for this laptop really is strictly for use as a remote pc to receive streaming from your gaming rig, you don't need much in specs. You would only need integrated graphics, such as the Intel HD 4000, and a mid-range CPU such as the I3 or pentium. Windows 8 sux so I would stick with Windows 7. I suggest an inexpensive Dell Inspiron, as they still offer Windows 7, and are pretty cheap. (Available on Dell.com only).
But if you ever see yourself wanting to use this laptop for more than just steam streaming, I would seriously consider getting a much better model now, rather than being disappointed later. In this case, get an Intel I5 with at least 8GB ram, and even a dedicated GPU from nVidia if you can find such a laptop. (Such as Alienware)
Hope this helps!
The is literally only going to be for steam streaming client to TV so good to know what specs I can realistically use.
Personally I would be careful getting a laptop as a full time streaming client/media PC, laptops which are extremely close to the edge in terms of heat tolerances anyway are not generally spec'd to run with their lids down for extended periods while they're kicking up heat - you might find it doesn't last very long or worse starts performing badly before you'd expect.
If you truly are getting a TV box, I'd be looking for a small quiet PC if I were you.
Huh? Laptops always cost more than equivalent desktops. You're paying for miniaturized components, and a built-in keyboard and monitor (that you won't even be using). Compare "apples to apples" (same performance specs) and dextop = same power for less money. Or if you don't mind spending a few bucks, you can get a pretty sweet case (maybe even with fanless cooling) and have a quiet, nice-looking system. Look into HTPC hardware, mini PCs, etc.
Agreed. You would be better off getting a small desktop because they are cheaper and have a much lower failure rate than laptops. You could get a business grade desktop which is ultra cheap and has exactly the specs you want. (As long as it has the HDMI port). I don't think an SSD is really going to benefit you here. All you are doing is using it to stream media. You could save more money with a traditional drive.
Also it's important to mention that network connectivity is everything. This box must be wired, or if it's wireless it needs to be a high performance router with excellent signal, and all devices involved must be gigabit capable.
Intel Pentium 2020M (Dual Core @ 2.4Ghz, no hyperthreading)
Intel HD Graphics (doesn't even get a number) @ 1366x768
4GB of DDR3-1333 RAM
Intel 7260AC (usually at around 144Mbps, well below "proper" AC speeds)
Client set to "Beautiful" with Hardware Decoding enabled
Server is hanging off a wireless-N bridge
Very modest specs in a low end <$400 laptop, and I've been able to run most games with minimal input latency and no slow decoding with incoming bitrates of up to 30Mbps and an estimated bandwidth of ~70Mbps. Most games seem to stream incoming bitrates around 10-20Mbps, so plenty of spare bandwidth
For 1080p, you'd theoretically be doubling your encoding/bandwidth/decoding requirements - but I found the stats were about the same when streaming @ 1080p to a different machine. I'd guess it just compresses it harder and you get a slightly lesser image quality.
In any case, I think an i3 with half decent wireless N should keep you out of trouble.