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[Buhaj]

I have been using my PS5 Pro less and less in recent months, and now, looking at recent exclusives, what is in the pipeline, and lack of discs (no cheap gaming) from 2028, I am considering a PC, especially that there are classics I never played and would like to. I would ideally keep the PC under the TV, so SFF builds would be best. Can you recommend any cases? I saw Lian Li H2O and Fractal Ridge are recommended, ideally I would like something with depth not higher than 33-34 cm, that might be tough. If such setup is not practical or too expensive vs mid-tower, then I will reconsider.
In terms of power, I think SFF builds are probably best with GPUs at max 250W power envelope, so I suppose max Radeon 9070? Anyway, would be good to utilize 4k 120fps at least in games like HL2 or GTA 4.

 

[Prodyhig]

I recently got a PC, and as soon as I set it up, I decided to test it out in the living room to see what that "plug and play" feeling is like when you go from being comfortably at your desk and gaming chair with your monitor to an LG TV in the living room.

The experience couldn't have been more unpleasant (Windows 11). I'm sorry, but consoles still reign supreme in the living room when it comes to comfort.

 

[Buhaj]

The experience couldn't have been more unpleasant (Windows 11)

Why?

 

[Prodyhig]

Why?

First, I have to deal with the Windows 11 desktop on a 55" OLED TV and having to keep a keyboard and mouse nearby.

Windows 11's HDR is a complete GARBAGE (configuration) to set up compared to a PlayStation 5.

My main gaming setup is a 1440p OLED monitor, but if I go to the living room, I play on a 4K OLED TV, which means I have to reconfigure ALL the graphics settings to optimize them for the new resolution.

 

[Miyazaki’s Slave]

The amount of folks struggling to use a pc in a home theater capacity is mind boggling. Do people really not understand how to use a computer if they are not sitting at a desk?

If you are deep in to the steam eco system Big Picture Mode fixes 95% of "interface" issues people complain about.
For the other 5% of issues out there get one of these wireless media keyboards.

OP, don't listen to any of the bullshit, using a PC on "the big screen" is largely the same as using it on your desk with a monitor. Yes, you have to adjust to the formfactor, but if you are going to be using a controller for playing your games in the living room anyway then the need to have a standalone mouse and keyboard practically vanish.

People not understanding how to adjust gameplay settings on a case by case basis is a clear indicator of their lack of PC gaming knowledge in general.

Yes there is a learning curve, yes everyone's hardware is different, YES you need to tweak settings to meet your particular game play experience/needs.

OP you can do this and you will be happy you did.

 

[Buggy Loop]

First, I have to deal with the Windows 11 desktop on a 55" OLED TV and having to keep a keyboard and mouse nearby.

Dude if you want console experience, you either put steam as a priority boot as soon as you enter steam and go big screen, or a partition with SteamOS even. But the former I did for years and years with the PC under the TV. Never used mouse and keyboard

Windows 11's HDR is a complete GARBAGE (configuration) to set up compared to a PlayStation 5.

That I wouldn't know, but surely there's topics on that?

My main gaming setup is a 1440p OLED monitor, but if I go to the living room, I play on a 4K OLED TV, which means I have to reconfigure ALL the graphics settings to optimize them for the new resolution.

First world problems lol

If you keep the Pc under the TV permanently like OP wants, it's a non issue

 

[Cumulus]

First, I have to deal with the Windows 11 desktop on a 55" OLED TV and having to keep a keyboard and mouse nearby.

Windows 11's HDR is a complete GARBAGE (configuration) to set up compared to a PlayStation 5.

And don't even get me started on how, since it's not my primary PC gaming setup, I have to adjust the graphics settings for every game because I'm not keen on playing at 1440p on a 4K screen.

lol....I expected as much.
HDR is a one time configuration (one profile per display ...and it`s quick and easy?) and if you don`t want to you never have to see the desktop if you just directly boot into the full screen mode of Steam or another launcher of your choice, and ofc you don´t need a m&KB then, either.....
And switching graphics settings when you are switching between vastly different resolution displays, how exactly is that a PC problem?

A fixed setup would always boot into a big picture mode and not switch resolution settings all the time.

 

[hououinkyouma00]

I have been using my PS5 Pro less and less in recent months, and now, looking at recent exclusives, what is in the pipeline, and lack of discs (no cheap gaming) from 2028, I am considering a PC, especially that there are classics I never played and would like to. I would ideally keep the PC under the TV, so SFF builds would be best. Can you recommend any cases? I saw Lian Li H2O and Fractal Ridge are recommended, ideally I would like something with depth not higher than 33-34 cm, that might be tough. If such setup is not practical or too expensive vs mid-tower, then I will reconsider.
In terms of power, I think SFF builds are probably best with GPUs at max 250W power envelope, so I suppose max Radeon 9070? Anyway, would be good to utilize 4k 120fps at least in games like HL2 or GTA 4.

I have a build in a Fractal Terra (amazing case) with a 5600x and a RTX 4070S and it's great. The Terra is very adaptable since it has a middle "spine" that can move to make more room for GPU or the CPU cooler. I set up a curve with the app Fan Control, and I've never once run into heat or noise issues.

You could always install Bazzite or SteamOS if you choose AMD (Nvidia support is in beta for Bazzite and in development for SteamOS) but what I do is just set Windows to login automatically without a password, and then I have Steam set to launch at login and then boot into Big Picture Mode.

My pc isn't exclusively a tv pc but I have it set up for easy use on my tv because I rarely ever use anything outside of Steam itself.

I can't praise the Terra enough. Mine is Jade but it comes in black or silver too.

Terra

Terra is a PC case designed and engineered to reshape the small form factor gaming experience. Inspired by the homes of modern gamers, Terra incorporates boutique design features such as thick panels cut from anodized aluminum, CNC-milled details and FSC-certified solid walnut. Inside, it...

www.fractal-design.com

 

[//DEVIL//]

My SFF build under the TV that I just recently finished with X870i, 9600x, 5070 FE in the Formd T1 case. With a full boot up to windows full experience so I don't use the keyboard and mouse ( non plugged in it )

I play Forza H6, Tekken 8 online and some other games on it.

 

[Buhaj]

My SFF build under the TV that I just recently finished with X870i, 9600x, 5070 FE in the Formd T1 case.

Does it have any USB ports in front?

 

[Buggy Loop]

My SFF build under the TV that I just recently finished with X870i, 9600x, 5070 FE in the Formd T1 case. With a full boot up to windows full experience so I don't use the keyboard and mouse ( non plugged in it )

I play Forza H6, Tekken 8 online and some other games on it.

Man, when the Form D T1 first got their first batch sales as the guy behind it was figuring out all of the engineering and production side of it during COVID times, I was one of the lucky few that got in the line. Sadly, Chinese production issues and defects later, he culled down and delayed the thing to oblivion so I cancelled my order and went with another case. But the T1 was the first case I ever saw that made me go "holy shit" and really focused on scoring a custom SFF.

 

[Boo Who?]

I have a build in a Fractal Terra (amazing case) with a 5600x and a RTX 4070S and it's great. The Terra is very adaptable since it has a middle "spine" that can move to make more room for GPU or the CPU cooler. I set up a curve with the app Fan Control, and I've never once run into heat or noise issues.

You could always install Bazzite or SteamOS if you choose AMD (Nvidia support is in beta for Bazzite and in development for SteamOS) but what I do is just set Windows to login automatically without a password, and then I have Steam set to launch at login and then boot into Big Picture Mode.

My pc isn't exclusively a tv pc but I have it set up for easy use on my tv because I rarely ever use anything outside of Steam itself.

I can't praise the Terra enough. Mine is Jade but it comes in black or silver too.

Terra

Terra is a PC case designed and engineered to reshape the small form factor gaming experience. Inspired by the homes of modern gamers, Terra incorporates boutique design features such as thick panels cut from anodized aluminum, CNC-milled details and FSC-certified solid walnut. Inside, it...

www.fractal-design.com

That is a great looking case.

As far as gaming on a PC. Its super simple to do with and without a K/M setup, even with Windows. Don't listen to people who say it is a terrible experience.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

My SFF build under the TV that I just recently finished with X870i, 9600x, 5070 FE in the Formd T1 case. With a full boot up to windows full experience so I don't use the keyboard and mouse ( non plugged in it )

I play Forza H6, Tekken 8 online and some other games on it.

this kind of build would cost around 1700 Eurodollars, am I right ?

 

[applesaucejaxon]

I built a PC for my living room just 2 weeks ago. I honestly love it. I used this case. It fits pretty well in my entertainment center. It hangs out about half an inch while still leaving room in the back for air flow. I could definitely live with that. It was kind of weird that it only came with a single case fan, so I had to buy a few more. Make sure you really think about how you're going to keep it cool in the space that you plan to put it in.

... Pardon my dust. I was due to dust everything today and probably should have done that before taking the picture...


The case was on sale for around $65 when I got it, but I see its up to $100 on Amazon right now. I didn't want to go crazy with it because of the cost of everything, so I went with a 5800XT paired with a RTX 5070 and 32 Gb of ram. It kind of hit the sweet spot I was hoping for with price vs performance. Everything runs great that I've thrown at it. If you're really serious about making one, definitely just watch prices. I ended up pulling the trigger on this build mostly because the processor and ram dropped enough. I felt like a fool spending $200 for 32 gigs of ram, but it could have been much worse if I went with a DDR5 system. 3 years ago, 32 gigs cost me $80. And thankfully I had a spare M.2 drive laying around...

Just make sure you think about inputs if you do go through with it. I would recommend looking for a SFF keyboard to go with it. It makes life so much easier. I bought this:

It's not the best and it has some quirks, but it works for getting me in to Steam and GOG.

And set Steam to load in Big Picture Mode on startup. That helps a lot.

I love the PC, and honestly I wish I built one sooner.

 

[Topher]

Dude if you want console experience, you either put steam as a priority boot as soon as you enter steam and go big screen, or a partition with SteamOS even. But the former I did for years and years with the PC under the TV. Never used mouse and keyboard



That I wouldn't know, but surely there's topics on that?



First world problems lol

If you keep the Pc under the TV permanently like OP wants, it's a non issue

For my "under the TV" PC, I have a small MX keys keyboard stuck in a pocket on my chair and a mouse sitting on a side table. This is just in case I need them. For the most part, I can boot directly into Steam Big Picture mode (windows) and fire up a game directly with my controller. Steam makes PC very console like. Kind of the best of both worlds in my mind as I can have the simplicity of a console interface, but not prevented from going into the OS if need be which is not an option for consoles..

 

[OLED_Gamer]

First, I have to deal with the Windows 11 desktop on a 55" OLED TV and having to keep a keyboard and mouse nearby.

Windows 11's HDR is a complete GARBAGE (configuration) to set up compared to a PlayStation 5.

My main gaming setup is a 1440p OLED monitor, but if I go to the living room, I play on a 4K OLED TV, which means I have to reconfigure ALL the graphics settings to optimize them for the new resolution.

9070xt attached to a LG C1 65" here.

Keyboard and mouse is used to just click on Steam Big picture. Then controller full time. Don't see the issue.

Windows 11 HDR isn't great but i'll take it over SDR. Also, there is an HDR app that you download and tune once then forget. 1 minute process.

You just prefer console on TV, and that is fine.

 

[Buggy Loop]

For my "under the TV" PC, I have a small MX keys keyboard stuck in a pocket on my chair and a mouse sitting on a side table. This is just in case I need them. For the most part, I can boot directly into Steam Big Picture mode (windows) and fire up a game directly with my controller. Steam makes PC very console like. Kind of the best of both worlds in my mind as I can have the simplicity of a console interface, but not prevented from going into the OS if need be which is not an option for consoles..

I basically needed the keyboard/mouse for driver updates but even then I probably neglected it for like over a year easily.

And back when I was doing this, there was big screen but nowhere near as good as steam big screen is now thanks to the arrival of Steam decks. But it worked still like a console.

There was a trick to boot Steam priority, I don't recall how it's been years, but I would not even see the desktop.

Also, honestly, if I was Buhaj , nowadays if I put the SFF PC under a TV dedicated to it, I would probably just go with Steam OS and say bye bye to windows entirely.

SteamOS + Buy this dongle, which gives back the HDMI CEC capabilities from the PC's display port. That means that you can take a Steam controller, press the middle button, the PC wakes up, you're in steam OS and the TV boots up. Like a freaking console.

 

[Topher]

I built a PC for my living room just 2 weeks ago. I honestly love it. I used this case. It fits pretty well in my entertainment center. It hangs out about half an inch while still leaving room in the back for air flow. I could definitely live with that. It was kind of weird that it only came with a single case fan, so I had to buy a few more. Make sure you really think about how you're going to keep it cool in the space that you plan to put it in.

... Pardon my dust. I was due to dust everything today and probably should have done that before taking the picture...


The case was on sale for around $65 when I got it, but I see its up to $100 on Amazon right now. I didn't want to go crazy with it because of the cost of everything, so I went with a 5800XT paired with a RTX 5070 and 32 Gb of ram. It kind of hit the sweet spot I was hoping for with price vs performance. Everything runs great that I've thrown at it. If you're really serious about making one, definitely just watch prices. I ended up pulling the trigger on this build mostly because the processor and ram dropped enough. I felt like a fool spending $200 for 32 gigs of ram, but it could have been much worse if I went with a DDR5 system. 3 years ago, 32 gigs cost me $80. And thankfully I had a spare M.2 drive laying around...

Just make sure you think about inputs if you do go through with it. I would recommend looking for a SFF keyboard to go with it. It makes life so much easier. I bought this:

It's not the best and it has some quirks, but it works for getting me in to Steam and GOG.

And set Steam to load in Big Picture Mode on startup. That helps a lot.

I love the PC, and honestly I wish I built one sooner.

That's a cool looking case

9070xt attached to a LG C1 65" here.

Keyboard and mouse is used to just click on Steam Big picture. Then controller full time. Don't see the issue.

Windows 11 HDR isn't great but i'll take it over SDR. Also, there is an HDR app that you download and tune once then forget. 1 minute process.

You just prefer console on TV, and that is fine.

Pretty much my scenario. Got everything I need close by but I rarely need it

 

[Hadoukens]

First, I have to deal with the Windows 11 desktop on a 55" OLED TV and having to keep a keyboard and mouse nearby.

Logitech K400+ is good for living rooms. Has a trackpad instead of mouse. Not too big or too small. 2AA batteries last practically a whole year. Can use a USB extender if necessary but for most rooms the signal is great.

 

[Topher]

This is mine. The case is a Lian Li mini-ATX A3. Gives you an idea what the size would be for that type of case

 

[Buggy Loop]

Just make sure you think about inputs if you do go through with it. I would recommend looking for a SFF keyboard to go with it. It makes life so much easier. I bought this:

The options are now much better than what I used to have 10 years ago. Your keyboard made me look into solutions and

https://www.amazon.com/Rii-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Lightweight-Compatible/dp/B0BML42L6X?crid=281RNVIR2UUUE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.s36_ryIiHaRtR7UxmdHZ4Xa3Pb5xmmve2CucrembbBu3H7SFnZLKhwiAMxlLBSxRvuPdCZdPL1C2tiAyL4Tf6DDJGSzsRHtrD-gWRUYCdIZtd7c2VgfYxYCwvRfZAikUXMOJ0RkSOqpbidfeSkmePk5JGA5zL_T-2ZIWUeVc1wtF7ggn3yrkqa6JyzXonKXnvTVfe1omzpMhr7Lcrw6rpYOoa5TzJy1wXuQgQQ_tR18.zDhxH7DYPSSeSAibv-z1p0g9L3d0idzIWm0beSKn2qE&dib_tag=se&keywords=rii&qid=1779483878&sprefix=rii,aps,202&sr=8-3&linkCode=sl2&tag=hardwarehav0c-20&linkId=dc2adf32dd0360ce470be10f591c4185&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

https://www.amazon.com/Rii-Multifunction-Portable-Wireless-Rechargeable/dp/B06XHF7DNQ?crid=281RNVIR2UUUE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.s36_ryIiHaRtR7UxmdHZ4Xa3Pb5xmmve2CucrembbBu3H7SFnZLKhwiAMxlLBSxRvuPdCZdPL1C2tiAyL4Tf6DDJGSzsRHtrD-gWRUYCdIZtd7c2VgfYxYCwvRfZAikUXMOJ0RkSOqpbidfeSkmePk5JGA5zL_T-2ZIWUeVc1wtF7ggn3yrkqa6JyzXonKXnvTVfe1omzpMhr7Lcrw6rpYOoa5TzJy1wXuQgQQ_tR18.zDhxH7DYPSSeSAibv-z1p0g9L3d0idzIWm0beSKn2qE&dib_tag=se&keywords=rii&qid=1779483878&sprefix=rii,aps,202&sr=8-4&linkCode=sl2&tag=hardwarehav0c-20&linkId=0dbbd8abe3944cbd58b44544f5c26232&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

The air mouse version is really interesting. Basically a wii remote. Good for quick setting menu toggles or the rare occasion you need use a mouse.

They also capture the IR signal of your TV remote. Could be a nice alternative in case HDMI CEC is a pain point.

 

[OLED_Gamer]

This is mine. The case is a Lian Li mini-ATX A3. Gives you an idea what the size would be for that type of case

Mine right here. Long HDMI cable from PC to TV and got my PC chair (out of the pic) that I sit in regardless of TV or monitor gaming.

We bought a new house though so i'll have a dedicated gaming room/office that i'll be organizing better.

 

[Topher]

Mine right here. Long HDMI cable from PC to TV and got my PC chair (out of the pic) that I sit in regardless of TV or monitor gaming.

We bought a new house though so i'll have a dedicated gaming room/office that i'll be organizing better.

Nice. Looking forward to seeing your gaming room pics