The cheapest computer for a TV game
Short answer: a used business mini PC from about 2016 or later (a Dell OptiPlex Micro, an HP EliteDesk or ProDesk Mini, a Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny) with an Intel Core i3 or i5. They often sell used for well under a hundred dollars. An old Chromebook can be even cheaper, but it's slower. Either one runs Brudvig Hockey 2027; the game picks lighter graphics on slower computers by itself.
The options
| Computer | Used price, roughly | Good | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business mini PC (Core i3 or i5, 2016 or later) | Often $40 to $90 | Fast enough, small, quiet, mounts behind a TV, HDMI or DisplayPort | Some need a DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable; it may come without Windows (see ChromeOS Flex) |
| Old Chromebook | Often $30 to $60 | The cheapest, has a screen if you need one | Celeron models are slow; school Chromebooks can be locked to the school |
| A laptop you already own | $0 | Free | Plug in the charger; laptops slow down on battery |
| Raspberry Pi | $60 or more with power and a case | Tiny | Not recommended: 3D in its browser is slow |
| Fire TV, Roku, a smart TV | Already there | No extra box | Their browsers usually can't use USB controllers, and many are slow at 3D. Phones as controllers still work. |
Under $40
That's old-Chromebook territory, or a lucky deal on a mini PC. A Chromebook with an Intel Core processor or a newer Celeron (N4000 or later) is the one to look for. Make sure it isn't enrolled to a school or company: if it shows a "managed by" message at sign-in, pass. It'll run the game, with lighter graphics; smooth enough for a lobby is what you're after, so try it before you rely on it.
ChromeOS Flex: a free operating system for old computers
Google's ChromeOS Flex turns an old PC or Mac into something that works like a Chromebook. It's free, it boots fast and it does little besides run Chrome, which is exactly what a game screen needs. It's a good match for a mini PC that came without Windows.
What to check before you buy
- A 64-bit Intel or AMD processor, ideally a Core i3 or better.
- At least 4 GB of memory; 8 GB is better.
- A video output to your TV: HDMI, or DisplayPort with an adapter cable.
- USB-A ports for the hub and controllers.
- The power supply is included. Used mini PCs sometimes come without one.
Getting the most out of a cheap one
- Set the display to 1920 x 1080 even on a 4K TV. A 4K picture is four times the work.
- Close everything else. A game screen doesn't need email open.
- For the lightest graphics, open brudvighockey.com/?bar=1&hq=0.
- Plug laptops into power.
The rest of the setup, the hub, the controllers and Rink Lobby Mode, is in the setup guide.
Questions
What is the cheapest computer that can run a browser game on a TV?
A used business mini PC with an Intel Core i3 or i5 from about 2016 or later, often well under $100 used. An old Chromebook can be cheaper but is slower.
Can a Chromebook run Brudvig Hockey?
Yes. Slower Chromebooks get lighter graphics automatically. Avoid ones locked to a school or company.
Can a Raspberry Pi run it?
Not well. 3D in the Raspberry Pi browser is slow.
What is ChromeOS Flex?
A free operating system from Google that turns an old PC or Mac into something like a Chromebook. Good for a dedicated game screen.