Mini PC Build - 4K @120Hz without a GPU

[Omga4000]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to build a Mini PC that will be used mainly as an HTPC in my living room, connecting to an OLED 4K TV.

Requirements:

1. Support for 10-bit 4K @120Hz (no DSC) + HDR without a GPU
   1. No DSC - so DisplayPort 1.4 is of no use, unfortunately..
2. Fairly small form factor
3. WiFi & BT built-in
4. Possibility to add a GPU at a later time (might turn this into a small gaming PC for casual co-op games)
   1. This means that I'll get a CPU that is definitely an overkill, but I want to avoid bottlenecks when I add a GPU later
5. High efficiency PSU (will be running 24/7)
   1. Have checked the data in cybenetics - choice is based mostly on their results in combination of the cost
      1. PCIE 5.0 support
      2. 850W-1,000W (no need for any higher than that, unless the price is really worth it due to a sale)
      3. Platinum / Titanium efficiency as confirmed by cybenetics
      4. A+ and above noise level
6. Budget: ~$1,000

Intel option:

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/HChJvj

Could not find ANY HDMI 2.1 motherboards that support 4k @120Hz natively.
This motherboard has Thunderbolt 4 - could not figure out if I can get 4K @120Hz without DSC + HDR.
If I can, this is an option. Otherwise, it's not.

AMD option:

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Gg9Q89

This has HDMI 2.1 which supports 4K @120Hz, but it does not mention if it's FRL5 (40G) or FRL6 (48G).
I think only FRL6 provides me with what I need, though I am not certain.

Thoughts? Ideas for improvements?

 

[Lost_Troll]

If you are just using it for a HTPC and only play some of free MMO's out there, I would look a NUC type of system, it will save you few dollars over the full system build and it would be a lot smaller as well.

Now for your two builds listed, I would do the AMD system, but I would change out the motherboard for the ASRock B650M Pro WiFi for 149$, it has 3 NVME slots and has the HDMI 2.1 TMDS/FRL 8G Compatible, supports HDR, HDCP 2.3 and max. resolution up to 4K 120Hz port you are looking for.

I would also look at the MSI Spatium 2Tb NVME drive for 99.99$.

 

[Omga4000]

I would look a NUC type of system

That's where I started. They mostly lack the ability to properly upgrade later, so I'm not a huge fan of them.
I don't mind the larger form factor - a Micro case is fine for my needs.

I would change out the motherboard for the ASRock B650M Pro WiFi

Only checked Gigabyte, ASUS & MSI. Completely forgot about ASRock!
Good thinking.

I would also look at the MSI Spatium 2Tb NVME drive for 99.99$.

Done.
I don't actually need a 2TB drive, but can't argue with that price.

Update:
Finalized build: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/XWJDpB
I've opted for the ASRock B650M PG RIPTIDE WIFI Micro ATX Motherboard.
It was only $20 more and has more VRMs + keeps a cleaner black-themed build.

Now to wait for some sales. Hopefully I'll get a good deal on some of these parts during Prime Day in ~10 days

 

[ajcardiac]

PartPicker list is private.

 

[Omga4000]

PartPicker list is private.

Thank you, corrected the link!

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/XWJDpB