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Monitor Mounted Mini-PC

Posted on 3/30/24 at 7:00 am
Posted by 385 Tiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2009
244 posts
Posted on 3/30/24 at 7:00 am
I have a small desk in my kitchen where I want to setup a desktop computer. I have a Dell U2720Q, which I would like to use. ( Link to Monitor Manual) My plan was to use a tandem VESA mount and attach a mini PC; probably something by BeeLink ( Link) I planned on simply zip-tying up the various cords and cables to make a relatively clean presentation.

Here's the problem: I can't find a tandem VESA mount that will work with Dell's recessed, tool-less mounts. Any thoughts or recommendations are appreciated. I'm also open to recommendations on computers. I don't want to go the Mac route, I already have the monitor, and I'd like to keep the cost on this contained. The computer will be used for web-browsing, music streaming, homework, wireless printing, and perhaps basic Office/productivity software such as Word, Excel, or Acrobat. Thanks and Happy Easter


This post was edited on 3/30/24 at 7:09 am
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
14275 posts
Posted on 3/30/24 at 7:31 am to
Maybe I'm misunderstanding but why do you need a mount for the PC? Velcro it to the back of the monitor or something. I have a beelink. It weighs nothing.
Posted by Lonnie Utah
Utah!
Member since Jul 2012
23892 posts
Posted on 3/30/24 at 8:06 am to
quote:

Velcro it to the back of the monitor


Done. I have had an Ac1750 class router attached with vekcro to the back of my security monitor for 3 years with no problems. Before that I had a raspberry-pi in the same spot. Don't overthink it.
This post was edited on 3/30/24 at 8:08 am
Posted by 385 Tiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2009
244 posts
Posted on 3/30/24 at 9:21 am to
I never thought about velcro. I guess I assumed the Beelink would have a bit too much weight. Given y'all's comments, I guess you have no issues with heat or airflow.

Any thoughts generally on the Beelink?
This post was edited on 3/30/24 at 9:37 am
Posted by Hopeful Doc
Member since Sep 2010
14947 posts
Posted on 3/30/24 at 11:27 am to
quote:

planned on simply zip-tying up the various cords and cables


If you search “Velcro cable ties” on Amazon, you’ll find lots of products that are as good at managing cables but reusable/adjustable and don’t require scissors or damage the cables when pulled too tight


But would This Not work if you bought spacers/washers for the monitor?
Posted by Hopeful Doc
Member since Sep 2010
14947 posts
Posted on 3/30/24 at 11:46 am to
quote:

Any thoughts generally on the Beelink?



Know nothing about them specifically, but I like the mITX form factor refurbished computers found by the dozens on Amazon and eBay.

HP, Dell, and Lenovo have the most of them.

There’s a bit of art in finding them. The real trick I’ve found is start by searching with the processor. Generally start with about 2 generations old, but start with “10700t” sort by low to high. Too much? Either bump down to 10500t for the i5 version or back up a generation to “9700t”

Once you find around the horsepower you want, the. You can add ram or ssd specs to the search string to filter out. Generally just search for (x700t, x500t, x300t). There are other processors in the machines. And you can search by the devices themselves (prodesk 600 g3 etc), but I find the former to be the easiest way to narrow it down.


THEN just be aware:
1) sometimes you will see HDMI ports. Sometimes DisplayPort. Some people report getting inaccurate machines based on pictures or descriptions- this has not happened to me (I have bought about ten of these).




I usually refresh the install of windows and throw away the “free wireless dongle” that has Chinese instructions and requires software with Chinese characters in it.



But it’s the best way to buy a $150-250 computer that will satisfy typical home/small office use.


So far, I’m 5 years in on the oldest ones. I replaced one failed SSD. I had another SSD that would not backup to my synology because of bad sectors, but check disk couldn’t find them. I did replace that one, too. But the others hum along fine. I believe those machines have 3 or 4 series intel cpu.



There are ryzen ones as well. I’m too lazy to learn the nomenclature to buy them and search for them.




But I see no reason why you couldn’t/shouldn’t buy a Beelink.
Posted by SaltyMcKracker
Member since Sep 2011
2759 posts
Posted on 3/30/24 at 11:52 am to
I've used velco with raspberry pis and intec NUCs with success, but you could also use this issue as a flimsy excuse to buy a 3d printer and make your own mount
Posted by 385 Tiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2009
244 posts
Posted on 3/31/24 at 10:21 am to
Thanks to all. Very helpful comments. Happy Easter
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
14275 posts
Posted on 3/31/24 at 10:59 am to
I run my plex server with the beelink. The Celeron chip is very good at encoding. It's also hooked to my 4k projector for basic surfing etc. it's been flawless. Here's the ones I have. There is a $40 coupon now.

LINK
Posted by TAMU-93
Sachse, TX
Member since Oct 2012
897 posts
Posted on 3/31/24 at 7:37 pm to
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