ZOTAC box for HTPC and Steam?

[jjkr]

Looking for a small form-factor PC whose sole purpose will be to run a Plex server (connected to a Roku) and play Steam games (not Steam stream. I'll install Steam on the computer). Are the ZOTAC boxes a good choice? They're not ugly, fit under the TV table and seem simple. If so, any recommendations on a particular one?

 

[Chugalug_]

They're solid, but not good value for money.
Also won't game well in the cheaper range from memory.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Pentium G4560 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($74.89 @ B&H)
Motherboard: MSI - B250I PRO Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($78.48 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Patriot - Viper 4 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate - FireCuda 1TB 2.5" 5400RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1050 2GB Video Card ($93.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design - Node 202 HTPC Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - 350W 80+ Certified SFX Power Supply ($39.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $472.31
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-06-29 20:39 EDT-0400

 

[jjkr]

Wow! Thank you for a great detailed response! The form factor looks perfect and from what I understand of hardware components I think it's great. I don't play "real" games - I do things like Pillars of Eternity or Diablo-type games and I think those wouldn't be a problem, correct?

Thanks again!

 

[Chugalug_]

That's perfectly fine, you still want at least a 1050 though, so don't go for a Zotac box! 😀

 

[jjkr]

What Zotac box? *grin* Looks like I have my solution. Thanks so much

 

[Chugalug_]

No problem at all.