Fairly inexpensive PC for Handbrake use?

[Bsmooth]

I'm spending a lot of time encoding with Handbrake. What fairly inexpensive store PC could I get for doing it. I'd like to just put it upstairs and let it do its thing. That way it would free my regular PC that I'm using for it now for better things. I can find a keyboard and have a monitor and mouse so I was hoping it wouldn't cost too much. Yes I realize storage is cheap, but would like to try this route for now.
What would be my options?

[Bsmooth]

What about a Mac mini, anyone use it with Handbrake or MKV ?

[Subtitles]

I'm spending a lot of time encoding with Handbrake. What fairly inexpensive store PC could I get for doing it. I'd like to just put it upstairs and let it do its thing. That way it would free my regular PC that I'm using for it now for better things. I can find a keyboard and have a monitor and mouse so I was hoping it wouldn't cost too much. Yes I realize storage is cheap, but would like to try this route for now.
What would be my options?

Look for second hand PC they should be quite cheap.

[jagabo]

Try this first: run Handbrake at low/idle priority and minimize its window. You'll hardly be able to tell Handbrake is running in the background. Foreground tasks should run normally unless you run out of memory.

[JoeS99]

If it's just for encoding try to find a used PC at local shop. There are several in my area.
Perhaps a relative has one they aren't using anymore.
Those mini-PCs look pretty good too.

[jagabo]

I just took a look at your computer specs. It shows an RTX 4070 Super. Are you using that to encode?

[Bsmooth]

Just using X264 H264. I tried NVENC I think it is, and it was much faster. I just want to get a separate PC so I can use it and not have to use my gaming PC. Yes I just got the 4070 awhile ago to replace my aging GTX 1050Ti which I still have.

[johns0]

Don't get a mini pc,they have very low cpu power and usually come with 4gb of ram.

[Bsmooth]

How about an older refurbished PC, an older Optiplex or Lenovo? But what CPU's are better If I go that route ?
This thing will just run and run with handbrake and little else.

[Bsmooth]

How about something like this: Lenovo ThinkCentre M920s 10SJ003WUS Desktop Computer - Core i5 i5-8500 - 16 GB RAM - 256 GB SSD

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkCentre-10SJ003WUS-Desktop-Computer/dp/B08YKBKDKK/re...s%2C127&sr=1-3

[Subtitles]

Is the price correct $699 for a refurbished PC?
You should find better deals from private people they usually buy their children new PC and don't know what to do with the old ones. At least this is how it is here.

[Bsmooth]

No its only $175.00

[Subtitles]

OK. they wouldn't allow me to see the price in my location. It might be a good deal on condition you can return it and get a refund if you are unhappy with. Amazon gives me this choice on new items but I am not sure if they do this on refurbished items.

[Bsmooth]

I have heard the I5 8500 is pretty good with Handbrake. Anyone ever use it for that?

[cholla]

I have purchased a couple of refurbished computers from newegg & they have worked well for me.
Take a look at this one. It is a tower not SFF.
https://www.newegg.com/dell-9010-business-desktops-workstations/p/N82E16883161526?Item...9SIAKDCDSN7115

[jagabo]

I'd avoid an SFF computer for video encoding. They often don't have sufficient cooling for running the CPU at 100 percent for hours on end.

[Bsmooth]

I'd say If it would do a handbrake version of a Blu-ray in even 2 hours would be Ok. What would accomplish that ?

[Subtitles]

Have you considered or tried different (paid) software than Handbrake (Free)? This might save you buying another PC.
I don't use Handbrake because it made my computer too hot during encoding and I was afraid it might cause damage.
I use HD Video Converter Factory Pro for conversions (With GPU support) and other useful features. You can find discount coupons if you search Google.

[Bsmooth]

How about a PC with the I5 13500T like this one ?
https://www.amazon.com/HP-ProDesk-400-G9-i5-13500T/dp/B0D82LTGQV/ref=sr_1_26?dib=eyJ2I...wQHuWHUMC&th=1

[cholla]

How about a PC with the I5 13500T like this one ?
https://www.amazon.com/HP-ProDesk-400-G9-i5-13500T/dp/B0D82LTGQV/ref=sr_1_26?dib=eyJ2I...wQHuWHUMC&th=1

That one is still a sff or small form factor.
They do not cool as well & hard to fit an aftermarket cooler inside.

See if you like this one:
https://www.newegg.com/p/1VK-0001-534S3?Item=9SIAK3JK8H3132

[Bsmooth]

Its OK but I heard the later 12th and 13th gen CPU's are better which is why I chose the last one, but If I can find a larger case one like the one you chose with a 12th or 13th gen CPU that would be great.

[cholla]

newegg doesn't have any tower refurbs above 10th gen.
Even those are more than the last Amazon one you posted.

[Bsmooth]

I found this, looks really good for the price.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNNYWRVT/?coliid=IENC7L0CEGFZF&colid=8INAD9ZLRSAL&psc=1&re...v_ov_lig_dp_it