What should I look for? - Specific requirements

[Keljian]

Hi All,
I'm looking for a compact, low power system for running 2 virtual machines:
1. Mythbuntu install - to stream to clients which are sufficiently powerful for decode etc
2. Misc Downloader - To download to a NAS - Knowing me I will probably use Lubuntu for this.

Mythbuntu probably needs about 300-400mhz of cpu grunt (in esxi)
the downloader probably needs 100-200mhz of grunt
Wireless is not necessary, 2-4 gig of ram would be nice

The smaller and lower power the better

what do y'all think I should be looking for?

Cheers
K

 

[Evan]

Can't go past one of the Intel NUC's I would think, not the cheapest but certainly models with plenty of power for that and low low power.

 

[Keljian]

Way too much CPU grunt, and way too much cost. These are really simple applications realistically.

 

[Evan]

You may be surprised how cheap an NUC like nuc5pcyh or nuc5ppyh (if you want quad core) will work out at, they have a case and power supply already included for $130 or $170 and add 8gb for $30. Probably have a disk Ssd or spinning sitting around right ? That's the whole thing for less than $200 and draws 6 watts and 'should' be nice long term reliable.

 

[T_Minus]

The older gen NUCs I was getting last year for $99 delivered -- probably even cheaper now! Great little systems that sip power.