Looking for most powerful small form factor PC in the $200-300 range

[dinierto]

I'm looking for a small form factor PC in the $250 range that can handle some light Steam Gaming (Bro Force, Castle Crashers, anything else I can get out of it). I've been eyeballing the Beelink M1 but I'm wondering if there's anything more powerful in that price range? I'd like to stick to a smaller size so I can fit it in my TV cabinet. Thanks for your time guys.

 

[GamingEnthusiast420]

Are you bent on getting a pre-built, or would you be willing to build one yourself? If so:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - A6-6400K 3.9GHz Dual-Core Processor ($39.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($82.87 @ Amazon)
Memory: PNY - NHS 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($19.50 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GT 710 1GB Video Card ($32.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone - Sugo SG13B Mini ITX Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone - 300W 80+ Bronze Certified SFX Power Supply ($48.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $281.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-09-16 11:54 EDT-0400

 

[dinierto]

Are you bent on getting a pre-built, or would you be willing to build one yourself? If so:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - A6-6400K 3.9GHz Dual-Core Processor ($39.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($82.87 @ Amazon)
Memory: PNY - NHS 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($19.50 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GT 710 1GB Video Card ($32.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone - Sugo SG13B Mini ITX Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone - 300W 80+ Bronze Certified SFX Power Supply ($48.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $281.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-09-16 11:54 EDT-0400

Not at all, and I really appreciate you putting that list together. It looks great, although I might consider more storage. Forgive me for being out of touch with today's hardware, but how does this compare to the Beelink? Also, I don't know if this is feasible or not, but I was hoping to back up and play some of my Gamecube games if it can handle the emulation.

Also, am I right that this video card has twice the memory for just a few dollars more? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AZHOX5K/?tag=pcpapi-20&th=1

 

[tsnor]

Also look at laptops. They are low power, pre-built, come with windows which the nice buidl above lacks and are very quiet.

Example: Lenovo - 15.6" Laptop - AMD A6-Series - 4GB Memory - AMD Radeon R4 - 500GB Hard Drive - Black; $199 at best buy new including windows. Slower than the build above, but $180 cheaper when you add windows. Faster I think than the beelink becasue of better video, but I did not check performance closely. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-15-6-laptop-amd-a6-series-4gb-memory-amd-radeon-r4-500gb-hard-drive-black/5828200.p?skuId=5828200&ref=212&loc=DWA&ksid=5dff8001-7cc4-4df8-9e09-fd7183d8b190&ksprof_id=3&ksaffcode=pg252543&ksdevice=c&lsft=ref:212,loc:2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI25utt-uq1gIVVwaGCh2sLw1LEAQYAyABEgI9FPD_BwE

p.s. the build above crushes the "Beelink M1" which is celeron based with poor integrated graphics. But it is $100+ more expensive when you add windows.

 

[dinierto]

Also look at laptops. They are low power, pre-built, come with windows which the nice buidl above lacks and are very quiet.

Example: Lenovo - 15.6" Laptop - AMD A6-Series - 4GB Memory - AMD Radeon R4 - 500GB Hard Drive - Black; $199 at best buy new including windows. Slower than the build above, but $180 cheaper when you add windows. Faster I think than the beelink becasue of better video, but I did not check performance closely. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-15-6-laptop-amd-a6-series-4gb-memory-amd-radeon-r4-500gb-hard-drive-black/5828200.p?skuId=5828200&ref=212&loc=DWA&ksid=5dff8001-7cc4-4df8-9e09-fd7183d8b190&ksprof_id=3&ksaffcode=pg252543&ksdevice=c&lsft=ref:212,loc:2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI25utt-uq1gIVVwaGCh2sLw1LEAQYAyABEgI9FPD_BwE

p.s. the build above crushes the "Beelink M1" which is celeron based with poor integrated graphics. But it is $100+ more expensive when you add windows.

Thank you, you've been most helpful!

 

[GamingEnthusiast420]

Are you bent on getting a pre-built, or would you be willing to build one yourself? If so:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - A6-6400K 3.9GHz Dual-Core Processor ($39.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($82.87 @ Amazon)
Memory: PNY - NHS 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($19.50 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GT 710 1GB Video Card ($32.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone - Sugo SG13B Mini ITX Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone - 300W 80+ Bronze Certified SFX Power Supply ($48.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $281.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-09-16 11:54 EDT-0400

Not at all, and I really appreciate you putting that list together. It looks great, although I might consider more storage. Forgive me for being out of touch with today's hardware, but how does this compare to the Beelink? Also, I don't know if this is feasible or not, but I was hoping to back up and play some of my Gamecube games if it can handle the emulation.

Also, am I right that this video card has twice the memory for just a few dollars more? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AZHOX5K/?tag=pcpapi-20&th=1

1) I've looked at the specifications for the beelink and I can say that this is a much, MUCH better alternative. The processor is faster, it has faster frequency RAM, and the dedicated GPU beats the integrated chip on the beelink, not to mention the fact that you can upgrade this machine as your needs adapt over time.
2) Although you may have heard that emulation butchers frame-rates and performance overall, that is only the case on modern console-exclusives that are emulated for PC's. Older Nintendo classics and even newer titles like those availabe on the Wii U will run great on this machine, and it will run legacy titles like those available on the NES, SNES, Gamecube and Wii without breaking a sweat.
3) Yes that video card has double the memory for just a few more bucks. Not sure why I didn't pick it up when I first made the list XD
Here is an updated version with that video card for future reference;

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - A6-6400K 3.9GHz Dual-Core Processor ($39.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($82.87 @ Amazon)
Memory: PNY - NHS 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($19.50 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GT 710 2GB Low Profile Video Card ($39.00 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone - Sugo SG13B Mini ITX Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone - 300W 80+ Bronze Certified SFX Power Supply ($48.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $287.23
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-09-16 19:37 EDT-0400

As for the storage, I was trying my hardest to keep it within budget. You can swap it out with any standard 3.5 inch Hard Drive with any capacity that you see fit.

 

[blankcr8]

Here's another version with a quad core, 8gb ram and an RX 550 which is 3x more powerful than the 710.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Athlon X4 845 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($54.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI - A68HM-GRENADE Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($46.49 @ Amazon)
Memory: PNY - NHS 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($19.50 @ Amazon)
Memory: PNY - NHS 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($19.50 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi - Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($39.65 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor - Radeon RX 550 2GB Red Dragon Video Card ($73.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill - FBM-01 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($20.29 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - BV 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $296.27
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-09-16 20:01 EDT-0400

 

[dinierto]

Here's another version with a quad core, 8gb ram and an RX 550 which is 3x more powerful than the 710.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Athlon X4 845 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($54.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI - A68HM-GRENADE Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($46.49 @ Amazon)
Memory: PNY - NHS 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($19.50 @ Amazon)
Memory: PNY - NHS 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($19.50 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi - Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($39.65 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor - Radeon RX 550 2GB Red Dragon Video Card ($73.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill - FBM-01 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($20.29 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - BV 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $296.27
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-09-16 20:01 EDT-0400

Wow that looks very impressive! I like everything but the case which is giant. I'm trying to get something more the size of a video game console. Otherwise I love the specs. If I upped the price range to $350 could we fix that problem?

 

[blankcr8]

Yep!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Athlon X4 845 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($53.07 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI - A68HI AC Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($76.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Kingston - 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($45.93 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi - Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($39.65 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor - Radeon RX 550 2GB Red Dragon Video Card ($73.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone - Sugo SG13B Mini ITX Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - BV 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $351.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-09-16 23:26 EDT-0400

 

[GamingEnthusiast420]

Yep!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Athlon X4 845 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($53.07 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI - A68HI AC Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($76.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Kingston - 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($45.93 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi - Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($39.65 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor - Radeon RX 550 2GB Red Dragon Video Card ($73.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone - Sugo SG13B Mini ITX Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - BV 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $351.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-09-16 23:26 EDT-0400

This is probably the best build you will get for $350. Not so sure about the power supply, I would probably switch it to a CX450M to be safe.

 

[ohiou_grad_2006]

Could also consider refurbished.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01HTVADHW/ref=mp_s_a_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1505625234&sr=8-18&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=refurbished+desktop+computers&dpPl=1&dpID=51JCwc0fBfL&ref=plSrch

Add a GPU and more ram if needed. And already has Windows.

 

[GamingEnthusiast420]

This build is a much better alternative to my previous build and the one listed by @blankcr8.
It has a GPU that blows the RX 550 out of the water, dual channel RAM, and a reliable power supply.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Athlon X4 845 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($54.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock - A68M-ITX Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($54.00)
Memory: Mushkin - Essentials 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi - Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($39.95 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX - Radeon R7 360 2GB Core Edition Video Card ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone - Sugo SG13B Mini ITX Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair - CXM (2015) 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($26.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $348.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-09-17 14:30 EDT-0400

Note: This is the link to the mothreboard: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157721&ignorebbr=1&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-PC-_-pla-_-Motherboards+-+AMD-_-N82E16813157721&gclid=CjwKCAjwuvjNBRBPEiwApYq0zvfoVmq0JUCOCxgvlCEyeUwX9UoO9oHt2gF0qISozeLake4ILHWIgRoCoVIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds