I'm in a bit of a dilemma here. I love building PCs for their performance, upgrade potential, and cooling. I want to know if I should bring my existing PC with a Ryzen 5 APU and 16GB RAM to my current location or just build a new one. My needs include gaming, recording videos, local AI workloads, and software development. I play all modern games, but my current setup struggles with anything demanding.
I'm living away from home for about 10 months each year and will likely be moving every 2-3 years, which makes transporting a PC a hassle. Here's what I'm considering:
1. Bringing my old PC here. It would be inconvenient to pack and transport it, especially since no one can help at home. Plus, I can't keep swapping it back and forth every six months.
2. Buying a new PC here. This gives me better hardware, especially with a new GPU, but it's a more expensive option.
3. Getting a laptop. While I could do everything on a new laptop, I'm not a fan because they overheat and can't be upgraded in the future. I might go for a Windows laptop if that's the best choice, but I prefer MacBooks for their battery life, even if they can't run games.
4. A combination of a MacBook and a console or handheld for gaming. But I'm not big on consoles due to their limited ecosystems and rising game prices.
5. Going for a mini PC with an external GPU seems appealing. It should run cooler, and I can upgrade it.
6. A MacBook plus cloud gaming—this could work since I don't play competitively.
I already have accessories like a mouse, keyboard, and dual monitors, so I'm good there. I'm willing to spend up to 5 lakh INR (about $5800), but I don't want to waste money, so I'd appreciate any advice on the best, most economical solution.
3 Answers
Building a small form factor (SFF) PC is another great option. You might run into some limitations with GPU choices, but pairing it with an external GPU (eGPU) can sort that out. You'll be able to keep it compact and manageable while still having the power for gaming and your other tasks.
Honestly, if portability is a concern, I’d lean toward a mini PC with an eGPU. It’s an excellent way to get high performance without the headache of moving a full-sized rig around constantly. Plus, when you go home, you can just take the eGPU with you! Good luck with your decision!
I think a mini PC with an external GPU is a solid choice. You get the benefit of a smaller form factor that's easier to transport, plus the capability to upgrade when needed. Just keep an eye on oculink support if you go this route, so it doesn't limit your GPU options. It seems like a perfect balance for your needs!
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