Mini PC recommendation

[supenumm]

I understand this question has been brought up many times. Most recommended raspberry pi which I think is a great option.

My requirements are:
Channels DVR server
Plex Server
Google Drive - mounted as letter drive
VPN - 24/7 - Currently using Nord

I live abroad for 10 months per year. Currently running everything on my Legion laptop and with VPN on, the response time is lagging. This is why I'm looking to have a separate machine entirely. Had set up something like this on a 4th gen i5 HP mini computer with 16gb and everything was working great.

Would something like this be able to handle these requirements?

https://www.amazon.com/Shuttle-Zignbox-Fanless-Windows-GL014G128W10/dp/B0BHV3MF4Q/ref=sr_1_21?crid=K92YED3QZFMI&keywords=mini+pc&qid=1681014407&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011%2Cp_36%3A-10000&rnid=386442011&rps=1&s=electronics&sprefix=mini+pc%2Celectronics%2C563&sr=1-21&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18630bbb-fcbb-42f8-9767-857e17e03685

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.

[Rice]

That has an extremely weak cpu that I doubt could handle even one transcoding session. This has much better hardware at at similar price.

Choosing a decent hardware for DVR

I think it's hard to beat something like this for 100$

[Kryptonyte]

There was another thread on something somewhat similar last year:

Smallest Footprint for DVR Server?

I have been running my DVR on a DS218+ for 2-3 years with no issues, but we are selling our house and going full time in our motorhome, and I just don't have room for the DS218+ (at least not so far. ). What is the smallest footprint that can be used? Having one box instead of a separate HD would be preferred. Use will be to access our current library from ATV, and recording TVE content. We will have an always on internet connection where we have service. Thanks!

It seems like your laptop solution was a good one. Have you investigated the issue you refer to as lagging?

[supenumm]

Yes, I have investigated and it seems that high ping while connecting to NordVPN is the issue. Everything delays a bit. Not that bad but somewhat noticeable. I do need VPN to connect to my Spectrum though for Channels DVR to run properly unfortunately.

Just curious if something as slow as the link I provided could handle transcoding Channels DVR.

[supenumm]

I know and agreed completely. I could go pick up a HP i3-7100T micro pc for 80 bucks on ebay easily. It worked well me for in the past. Thanks!

[SomeOldGuy]

4GB RAM is limiting, I would not use the linked PC.

[djw]

I have so far had good luck with using the "Beelink New 11th Gen Intel 4-Cores N5095, Mini PC 8GB DDR4 RAM 256GB SSD, Mini Computer Dual HDMI 4K UHD/Gigabit Ethernet/Dual WiFi/BT" on Amazon. This is covered with one or the other threads. I did not want to get a ~~10yo system for a number of reasons already covered. I have seen this as low as $127 recently. Easy to open and upgrade, but only supports a max of 16G and one SODIMM, but for minimal linux, this is more than enough. Good return policy if it doesn't work out. The only box it didn't tick for me was the 'no moving parts' since it has a fan.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BP668VC5

I also have an RPI4 doing essentially the same work and for a limited use, it works fine, but I think this Beelink does the job better. Hardware transcoding works too. I currently have a couple of old USB SATA mechanicals plugged in and a 2TB SATA mechanical drive inside, but will probably migrate it all to SSD at some point to remove some moving/spinning parts. the RPI4 has some difficulty powering multiple USB drives and requires a self-powered USB hub.

[sdust]

Beelink FTW.

Buy Beelink and put Debian on it. RPi 4 and Channels is an unnecessary struggle.

[Edwin_Perez]

Amazon.com: HP EliteDesk 800 G2 Desktop Mini Business PC, Intel Quad-Core i5-6500T up to 3.1G,16G DDR4,240G SSD,VGA,DP,Win 10 Pro 64 bit-Multi-Language Support English/Spanish (Renewed) : Electronics

[sdust]

HP EliteDesk 800 G2 Small Form Factor Product Specifications | HP® Customer...

Physical specifications

Specification	Description
Dimensions (W x H x D)	338 x 100 x 379 mm (13.3 x 3.95 x 14.9 in)
Weight	7.6 kg (16.7 lb)

LOL

[Kryptonyte]

@sdust

Physical specifications

Specification	Description
Dimensions (W x H x D)	338 x 100 x 379 mm (13.3 x 3.95 x 14.9 in)
Weight	7.6 kg (16.7 lb)

LOL

Yeah, I don't think anyone would suggest that PC. The G2 mini that Edwin linked to is somewhat interesting in that price range, though.

[Edwin_Perez]

I like that it has a total of 6 USB 3.0 Ports great for adding Storage. It can also Support DisplayPort to HDMi adapter.

Amazon.com: HP EliteDesk 800 G2 Desktop Mini Business PC, Intel Quad-Core i5-6500T up to 3.1G,16G DDR4,240G SSD,VGA,DP,Win 10 Pro 64 bit-Multi-Language Support English/Spanish (Renewed) : Electronics

[scooter_scott]

I too use a Beelink. Mine is the Beelink U59 and its working like a dream. No issues in the 1 year its been running.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09PBPXVTP/