Hey everyone! I'm trying to come up with a PC build that functions like a laptop but doesn't have the downsides of typical laptops, especially those with soldered components that can be a real hassle. I'm looking to keep the budget around $700. Here's what I have in mind so far:
- Ryzen 5 5600G
- B450M Motherboard
- 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM
- 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
The main challenge I'm facing is finding a suitable case, a CPU cooler, a power supply, and a battery that fits within this setup. If anyone has recommendations for low-profile or slim options that are also affordable, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks in advance!
5 Answers
So here’s another angle: for power, I'm using a 500W DC to DC supply and building a custom battery to support it. Just remember to keep the total power draw manageable with your components. I'm aiming for a custom case too—it's all a balancing act with the budget, but it lets you plan for screen, fans, and sound without too much extra cost.
What do you mean by 'work like a laptop'? Are you looking to avoid overheating and repair issues? Because that's a tough ask on a budget. Getting a reliable battery for this kind of setup can get tricky, especially if you want it portable without DIY mods.
Okay, but let’s look at the market: if you want something compact and customizable, a business laptop like a Thinkpad or ProBook could be a better investment. You can often find used models for a couple hundred bucks, and they’re rugged and reliable. If you're committed to building, consider a mini-ITX like the Asrock DeskMini x300, but you’ll need to figure out the power supply setup.
I'm leaning towards just buying a used Thinkpad when the time comes, but I'm interested in pushing this DIY venture as far as I can while saving up!
For your case, consider the Deepcool CH160. It's pretty compact and has good airflow. As for a CPU cooler, you might want to go with the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition, but the stock cooler should work fine too if you’re looking to save some cash. For the PSU, an MSI MAG A550BN 550W 80+ Bronze will do the trick, but keep in mind that it’ll need more work for battery compatibility.
That case looks promising! But isn't there a PSU with a built-in battery option?
I didn't see any battery options for that PSU either. Might need some creativity there.
Honestly, a desktop CPU is often more powerful and can mitigate overheating better than a laptop CPU. The Wraith Stealth cooler included with the 5600G should suffice for your build. Just make sure your ITX case has enough room for cables. I built something similar for about $778, and it runs well with Oracle OS rather than Windows to save costs.
Yeah, I'm mainly concerned about repairability and heating issues. I've had a laptop not long ago that overheated. I thought about integrating a portable monitor into the case to make it easier to carry around.