Seeking Advice: Quiet Mini PC for 4K Streaming & Torrenting (Budget: $200–$300 AUD)

Gary Gary Gary on 13/06/2025 - 13:40

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to set up a compact and quiet mini PC that will be permanently connected to my TV. The primary uses will be:

  • 4K streaming (Kayo mainly)
  • Torrenting (e.g., using qBittorrent)
  • General media playback

Requirements:

  • Budget: $200–$300 AUD
  • Form Factor: Small enough to sit unobtrusively near the TV
  • Noise Level: Preferably silent or very quiet operation
  • Connectivity: HDMI output, Bluetooth support for a keyboard/touchpad combo

Operating System: Windows 11 (can activate myself later)

I've noticed that there are several refurbished options from Lenovo, HP, and Dell that might fit the bill, especially with the current 22% eBay Plus discount. Some models I've come across include:

Lenovo ThinkCentre M93p Tiny with i7-4765T, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD

HP EliteDesk 800 G2 with i5-6500T, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD

Dell OptiPlex 3040 Micro with i5-6500T, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD

Questions:

  • Are these models suitable for my intended use?
  • Are there other models or brands I should consider within this price range?
  • Any potential issues I should be aware of with these refurbished units?

I appreciate any insights or recommendations you can provide!

Alternatively Should I bite the bullet and go with the M4 mac mini for $815 through the education portal?

Computing Computer Mini PC

Comments

  • bobokingdom on 13/06/2025 - 14:10
    +2

    To be officially support by Windows 11, you need a Intel Gen 8 or newer processor. (i.e. Intel 8xxx or newer) Have you considered N150 Mini PCs from Amazon? They are very power efficient, small in size and very quiet.

    • Bruceflix on 13/06/2025 - 15:28

      This is the answer.

  • PhilsComputerLab on 13/06/2025 - 15:27
    -1

    A refurbished Small Form Factor or Micro PC for sure is a good option.

    Do deep research into what codecs the onboard Intel graphics supports, to avoid disappointment. Without graphics deciding, the CPU will have to do it and usually that means high power consumption and fan noise.

    264 and 265 codecs shouldn't be an issue, but if want the latest and greatest that you'll have challenges.

  • theHMASfriendship on 13/06/2025 - 15:30
    +1

    Torrenting (e.g., using qBittorrent)

    I’m calling the cops

    • Bruceflix on 13/06/2025 - 15:41
      +2

      Obviously for sharing Linux ISOs

    • xuqi on 13/06/2025 - 15:54

      High bit-rate 3D Gational Geographic footage…

  • ScottTheFalcon on 13/06/2025 - 16:46

    BittTorrents aside I would suggest something like a Google Chromecast TV or similar (it's a pity the older ones have been replaced by a more expensive "TV Streamer"). You'll get a great media consumption interface. Shop for a gen 8 (or newer) Intel NUC for the media management, plex server, what have you. I've bought a couple recently for well under $200, nice.

    Or get an nViidia Shield TV Pro and a hard drive. Great! I haven't tried BittTorrents on mine but I can't see why not.

    Do people really use a Windows machine as a media consumption device on TV? I can't think of a more unpleasant way of doing that job…

  • Mechz on 13/06/2025 - 17:24

    Kayo won't do 4k on a PC. You need a supported device.

  • n3ck3ntry8bort0rgasm on 13/06/2025 - 17:59

    you can use Windows 10 LTSC IoT for another 6 or 7 years if you didn't know.

  • impoze on 13/06/2025 - 20:21

    These dell optiplex 7070 micro units should get restocked soon

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/909671

    Otherwise mini pc - N100/N150 like others have mentioned

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