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Mobile Desktop
iusehappymod
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I'm looking to build a new computer (for c. $1000-$1200) and as my lifestyle may be becoming slightly more mobile, I'm wondering about the feasibility and availability of building a smaller more portable desktop (like a LAN box, as we used to call them back in 2006) for A) Mid to high level Gaming and 
Music Recording/Editing. Basically I was thinking of a reasonably powerful computer that's light and fits in a smallish case (with a handle, or strap, or something).
I built a computer about seven years ago with assistance from friends, but I haven't really been keeping up on hardware and the like since. A bit of research has shown me that it CAN be done, but maybe not by total amateurs such as myself. Is this a possibility? If so, can anyone direct me to appropriate cases/motherboards to start out with? For all intents and purposes, treat me as an amateur who has no idea what he's doing. Thanks in advance for your no-doubt brilliant input!
Music Recording/Editing. Basically I was thinking of a reasonably powerful computer that's light and fits in a smallish case (with a handle, or strap, or something).I built a computer about seven years ago with assistance from friends, but I haven't really been keeping up on hardware and the like since. A bit of research has shown me that it CAN be done, but maybe not by total amateurs such as myself. Is this a possibility? If so, can anyone direct me to appropriate cases/motherboards to start out with? For all intents and purposes, treat me as an amateur who has no idea what he's doing. Thanks in advance for your no-doubt brilliant input!
Hamlet will be Hamlet
An ineffable tragedy of the human spirit that still resonates, even today.
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Knowing that let's me know precisely how small the system can be, basically.
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Hamlet will be Hamlet
An ineffable tragedy of the human spirit that still resonates, even today.
Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132032 $111
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116898 $210
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148545 $115
GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121768 $325
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151124 $75
SSD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147189 $175
$1141. I'm sure someone will point out that there's a better compact videocard available somewhere for cheaper, I just suck at finding them according to their size.
Tragically, that case is sold out on Newegg, but it made me look around a bit at other things. Have you guys heard good things about the SilverStone Sugo line? This one is comparable in price but seems a tiny bit smaller. No handle, but that's hardly a game breaker. Is this case still compatible the aforementioned hardware?
Also, is treating this as my "first build" a bit foolish? It seems like cable management is going to be a bit of a nightmare in a smaller case, but is it something only a a seasoned professional should dare attempt?
Hamlet will be Hamlet
An ineffable tragedy of the human spirit that still resonates, even today.
Battle.net
What I've since found out is that too small is a pain in the butt.
Small cases are jigsaw puzzles.
If you want to change something, like adding a new SSD, or adding more memory, you end up taking apart half the computer.
Because things fit only when assembled in a particular order.
Here's another Lian Li case, which really looks identical, except twice as wide. That extra width makes a big difference in ease of build.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112348
I'm gonna do some number crunching and see what the absolute HIGHEST I can go is... right now (with pcpartpicker) I'm sitting at $1214 (including a new copy of Windows 7) which is pretty much my top end, and I don't think this includes tax.
Another thing, after doing some reading up on that Graphics Card, it looks like some folks have had a hard time fitting it into smaller cases due to a couple of minor design flaws. Then again, some folks didn't, but it made me a bit nervous. It doesn't look like I have TOO many options in terms of Graphics Cards, but I'll keep looking.
Am I correct in assuming that I wont need to purchase any additional cooling with the Sugo S10? Does that include a CPU cooler? One other point of confusion for me: The S10 comes with a 300w Power Supply. Am I just... removing that?
ALSO: I'm sure you guys know this, but you guys are being supremely helpful. I don't have a ton of excess cash flow, so I'd like to do this right the first time (hence all the possibly stupid questions) and it's really great to be getting such help. I'd pay you all if I could.
Hamlet will be Hamlet
An ineffable tragedy of the human spirit that still resonates, even today.
For Silverstone cases, this is the one you want. It comes without the PSU, so you can get one that fits your needs. I like the 450W full modular unit, but there is a cheaper one you can grab that's non-modular at the same wattage. If you're not willing to risk the small 670 not fitting, go with essentially any standard-sized GTX 760. It'll be a bit cheaper, and it will fit. The CPU cooler that comes standard with the proc will fit fine, and so long as you don't intend to OC, you shouldn't have to worry about adding anything to the case or components to enhance cooling performance.
@hsu is right, in that Lian Li makes a bigger, but still excellent, ITX desktop case. I don't know that many of them really fit the bill for portability, and they're generally quite expensive, but they are nice cases, and they're built exceptionally well.
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