Building a Powerful Streaming PC Using a Mini PC

In Uncategorized by dbtech

In the ever-evolving world of content creation, streaming demands a powerful and reliable setup. But what if you could achieve high-quality streams without a bulky, traditional PC? Today, we’re diving into an exciting project: building a compact, yet formidable streaming rig using a Mini PC as its core. We’ll leverage the power of an external GPU dock and some carefully selected components to create a streaming powerhouse that fits on your desk without sacrificing performance.

Please note that some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn money from qualifying purchases.

As a disclaimer, the UM880 mini PC and the DEG1 GPU dock (both from Minisforum) were provided to me by Minisforum for this stream.

The Vision:

My goal is to demonstrate that a Mini PC can be more than just a compact office machine. By pairing it with an external GPU and high-performance components, we can build a streaming setup capable of handling all kinds of tasks.

Parts List and Specifications:

Here’s a breakdown of the components used in our build, including detailed specifications and affiliate links:

  • MINISFORUM UM880 Plus Mini PC (https://amzn.to/4hWISGf):
    • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS (8 cores/16 threads, up to 5.1 GHz) 1   1. AMD Ryzen™ 7 8840HS www.amd.com
    • Integrated Graphics: AMD Radeon 780M
    • RAM: Supports DDR5 SO-DIMM (up to 64GB)
    • Storage: Dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots
    • Connectivity: 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI, DisplayPort.
    • This Mini PC provides a very powerful cpu for encoding and the ability to use a external GPU.
  • MINISFORUM DEG1 GPU Docking Station (https://amzn.to/3RyoSPv):
    • Interface: OCuLink (PCIe 4.0 x4 equivalent)
    • PCIe Slot: Full-length PCIe 4.0 x16
    • Power Delivery: Supports high-wattage GPUs
    • Allows the use of a desktop GPU with the mini pc, and has its own power supply.
  • SilverStone SX500W SFX-L PSU (https://amzn.to/3RmLN0p):
    • Power: 500W
    • Form Factor: SFX-L
    • Certification: 80 Plus Gold
    • Modular Cables: Yes
    • Provides reliable and efficient power to the GPU.
  • Kingston FURY Impact 64GB DDR5 5600MT (https://amzn.to/43zVj7D):
    • Capacity: 64GB (2x32GB)
    • Speed: DDR5 5600MT/s
    • Form Factor: SO-DIMM
    • Ensures smooth multitasking and ample memory for streaming and gaming.
  • Kingston FURY Renegade 2TB NVMe (https://amzn.to/41YL0J9):
    • Capacity: 2TB
    • Interface: PCIe 4.0 NVMe
    • Read/Write Speeds: Up to 7300/7000 MB/s
    • Provides fast storage for the operating system, games, and recordings.
  • Elgato Cam Link 4k (https://amzn.to/4jgJffR):
    • This is going to be the capture card for the new streaming setup.
  • JSER PCI-E 1x to 16x Riser Adapter (https://amzn.to/3YhhFHn):
    • This part is uncluded as a backup solution if the Cam Link 4k doesn’t work
    • I’ll plug in the Elgato HD60 Pro1080p60 into this adapter and power it via the PSU.
  • EVGA RTX 2070 Black:
    • This GPU was re-used from a previous build.
    • Any decent GPU that meets your streaming needs can be used in this build.

Building the Beast:

The process involves connecting the Mini PC to the DEG1 GPU dock via the OCuLink cable. Then, installing the RTX 2070 (or your chosen GPU) into the PCIe slot within the dock. Connecting the power supply to the GPU and dock. Finally installing the high speed ram and NVME drive into the mini pc.

Anticipated Performance Boost:

Although I haven’t yet conducted performance tests, the transition from a Ryzen 5 2600 to the Ryzen 7 8840HS is expected to yield a significant performance boost. The 8840HS features a higher core and thread count, along with AMD’s latest Zen 4 architecture, resulting in improved IPC and clock speeds. The integrated Radeon 780M graphics also provide a solid foundation for non-GPU intensive tasks. These advancements should deliver a noticeably smoother streaming experience.

Why This Build Matters:

  • Compactness: Ideal for streamers with limited desk space.
  • Portability: The Mini PC can be easily transported.
  • Performance: Delivers high-quality streams without compromise.
  • Future-Proofing: The external GPU dock allows for easy GPU upgrades.

Conclusion:

This Mini PC streaming rig will hopefully prove that you don’t need a massive tower to achieve professional-grade streams. By combining the power of a Mini PC with an external GPU and carefully selected components, you can create a compact and powerful streaming setup that meets your needs.

Cameras:

For my setup I’ll continue using the Panasonic G7 Mirrorless as my primary and an Insta 360 Link (first generation) for top-down desktop shots.

Microphone:

My current microphone of choice is the Audio-Technica AT875R Short Shotgun Microphone. It sounds good and is easy to keep out of frame in my videos.

Audio Interface:

To connect the Audio Technica microphone to the system, I’ll be using the MAONO USB Audio Interface for PC. For its price, it’s a great option for an XLR to USB interface and also has a 1/4″ jack for plugging in an instrument if you wanted.

Call to Action:

Stay tuned for our livestream where we’ll walk you through the entire build process step-by-step. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out!