Archive:X86 hardware

Devices

x86 hardware

Read this page and still need help? Check out the Hardware for Kodi discussion forum.

Devices with an x86 processor (a "desktop class"/"normal" computer using an Intel or AMD x86/x86-64 based CPU) are the most stable option for an Kodi powered HTPC. Using an x86 computer provides a great amount of flexibility and can be made from spare parts, old laptop/desktop computers, or new dedicated hardware, and as such are also upgradable.

Mini PCs

Some people think that using desktop-class (x86) computer harware parts means having a huge ugly, nosy box next to your television set, but today this couldn't be further from the truth. The rise of the mini-PC (miniature personal computer) over the past few years have not only given a small option, but these small options are often powerful and budget friendly as well.

Examples

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  FitPC

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  ASRock VISION

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  ASUS Eee Box

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  Lenovo Idea Centre

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  Foxconn mini PC

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  Shuttle SlimPC

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  Intel NUC

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  Acer Revo

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  Zotac Zbox

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  Zotac Zbox Nano

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  Gigabyte Brix

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  ASUS Chromebox

Recycle methods

Advice for reusing old or spare computer parts for an HTPC.

OSes

Linux

Kodi for Linux is primarily developed for Ubuntu Linux. Third-party packages for most other Linux distributions are however available, and it is also possible to compile Kodi media center software application from scratch for nearly any Linux distribution. Linux supports full hardware decoding with most graphics cards. Linux is generally the best way to get a fast, free, and "appliance" feel for an Kodi powered HTPC.

Windows

Kodi for Windows runs natively on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Windows 11. 1080p and 4K playback can be achieved on Windows based computers either via software decoding on the CPU if it's powerful enough, or by hardware accelerated video decoding. Kodi for Windows supports several MCE remotes out-of-the-box, among others.

Android

Kodi for Android is a full port of the complete Kodi application to Google's Android operating-system. With the Android NDK (Native Development Kit for Android) Kodi runs natively under Android as a Native Activity application. The main goal for the Android port is to have Kodi working on inexpensive Android set-top-boxes. And whole Android smartphones and tablets are not the main target platforms they do have limited support as well.

Random notes

Feel free to place various notes, tips, and links here. As this section of the wiki gets more organized, those notes will be properly sorted. Consider this like a dumping ground for when you're not sure where to put something.

Specific device pages

Here are a few device-specific guides/help areas that the community has provided.

These pages are maintained by the community and should not be considered an endorsement or recommendation. Device pages are made when there's a bunch of useful information for a particular device, and someone takes the time to make that page. Keep in mind, some devices simply don't need a page of specific information, but are still excellent devices. *