MiniPC for occasional console emulation

Averell on 30/12/2023 - 07:24

Hi,

TLDR: an OzBargainer looking for an always-on computer for light coding and occasional console emulation.

I almost bit the RPi 5 deal today, hoped for doing some emulation/small desktop thingy, then I read that MiniPC nowadays can be better. I have a RPi3 and haven't been using it much, and I think my applications need more performance than what a RPi has to offer.

Currently I have an Intel gen 7, i5, 8GB RAM, integrated GPU laptop which serves as a home internet backdoor and a remote VSCode server. Performance-wise: it's good 95% of the time. 5% else - I felt the need for some more performance.

I also have a Wii for occasional (once every few weeksl console gaming (I installed SNES/NES emulators on that). Unfortunately I upgraded my TV recently, the new one doesn't have the component connector, thus my Wii is collecting dust now.

I also have a rather high-end MacBook Pro from work (M1 Max with 64GB RAM), which I tried to install Wii emulators, but it seemed useless.

Should I get a mini PC? If yes, could you give me some recommendations? My budget can be stretched to $500-$700. However, I'm a true OzBargainer.

Thanks a lot.

Computing Computer Mini PC

Comments

  • barge-in hunter on 30/12/2023 - 07:44
    +1

    Your current 7th gen i5 should have enough performance for emulating a lot of consoles - up to and including a ps2.

    What are you doing in the 5% when you need more?

    Personally looking forward to the new Radeon 780m igpu in the ryzen 78xx cpus as it’s on pace with a gtx1650 (ps3 level emulation should be fine) - but that’s a little higher than your budget I think

    • Averell on 30/12/2023 - 15:37

      That 5% is when I need to run IntelliJ (via a screenshare app)

    • Averell on 30/12/2023 - 15:50

      Thanks. I saw some recommendations/reviews for the Beelink SER5 MAX, which has a Ryzen 5800H. They said it can run Nintendo Switch emulators. Not sure whether that's true.

      • barge-in hunter on 30/12/2023 - 17:00

        I think they’ll be ok for switch, but common ps3 emulators need just that bit more 3d acceleration.

        Either would provide a decent bit more cpu grunt; just about what emulation limits you’re ok with

  • Binggggo on 30/12/2023 - 07:59
    +6

    Amazon has cheap wii hdmi adaptors, so you could still use your wii on your new tv.

    • AustriaBargain on 30/12/2023 - 11:46

      Or he could mod a WiiU, which lets you run modded Wii mode with HDMI. Don't know how hard it would be to transfer all his game saves tho…

      Or buy a line doubler like the Retrotink 5x or 4k, but those cost serious money, not worth it just for one console.

  • Eduardo on 30/12/2023 - 10:02

    I’m hoping this deal will come back, beelink ser 7 for https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/813421 for 818.

  • loropy9 on 30/12/2023 - 12:48
    -1

    I got this one https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0CGZW8R5L/ref=sw_img_1…
    I screwed it behind the monitor. It works well, no lag during videos or browsing. There is a $100 coupon so you can get it for $269.

    • Averell on 30/12/2023 - 15:44

      Which applications do you use it for? Any console emulators?
      Thanks

      • loropy9 on 31/12/2023 - 23:30

        It is a general workstation for hotdesking at work and I haven't used it much, only tested it for about 30 min when we first got it. For the money, the speed is surprisingly good for internet browsing and MS Office apps. It does well everything our 2 year old $1200 All In One pcs can do. No experience with emulators sorry.

    • Namesareapain on 02/01/2024 - 14:39

      That has a very low end CPU, it is unlikely to be an upgrade from what the OP already has.

  • Ema000 on 30/12/2023 - 17:01
    +1

    Hi OP, have you checked out this video for your MacBook Pro M1? https://youtu.be/Y4FqRpFi5Fo?feature=shared

    • Averell on 06/01/2024 - 16:50

      Thanks.
      In the video they were using a joycon.
      I tried to use WiiMotes, but couldn't connect. Also tried to connect to a Windows laptop - it kept asking for a PIN

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