Building a portable PC Need advice

[Hyraxxx]

I'm planning on building a portable PC using a mini atx case and motherboard. A PC that can easily fit into a smallish backpack.

I am concerned with overheating. Should I just buy everything stock, put it together and order better cooling if it becomes an issue?

I've been looking for a good portable LCD screen. Something where the stand folds up nicely or comes apart.

I don't really play that many computer games anymore. I will play some on occasion. I am not looking to overclock anything.

Would this setup alone would function fine?
Any reccomendations on different products?

AMD 4850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814161244

Phenom 8750 Tolliman BE

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819103295

Asus mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131172

or

gigabyte mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128090

or

Foxconn (leaning toward)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813186141

Apevia Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811144162

Thanks guys!

 

[Zap]

Welcome to the forums, Hyraxxx.

Hey, a dual-slot rear-exhausting 4850!

The X-Qpack has decent ventilation, but I don't see it fitting easily into a "smallish" backpack because it is so... square. They do have decent ventilation, but are also rather on the short side. The X-Qpack2 model is a hair deeper, making it much easier to use normal ATX PSUs. Speaking of PSUs, the stock PSU that Apevia includes in their cases are pretty crappy. The 420W version probably won't even power up your intended setup.

Heat shouldn't be an issue, especially with your rear-exhausting video card and if you don't overclock.

I'd suggest going the Intel route. You can get an E7200 and a Gigabyte G31M motherboard for around the same price, and likely have greater gaming performance while using less power/creating less heat.

For portability, I'd suggest looking at carrying straps for your gear. ESPECIALLY the LCD straps! Doesn't have to be the CaseAce brand. I have an LCD strap and not only does it provide a handle on my monitor, it protects the screen and even provides loops for a shoulder strap. I used to go to LAN parties carrying my monitor with one hand, micro ATX PC with another hand (both having straps) and a bag (or backpack) of other gear.

 

[Hyraxxx]

Sorry for the late reply, laptop fell off my bed last night and my wifi usb stick did not stand a chance.

My only experience I had with intel is this Pentium 3 inside this laptop. I'll look into the Intel setup. By smallish back back. I mean like a standard school backpack. actually, I think a duffel bag might work for me too. It might be more forgiving with the squareness.

You'd be surprised with with the quality of those power supplys. I had a 300 watt PSU that came with a case both made by CompUSA. That PSU lasted me 5-6 years. Was able to power primarily a 9800 pro and an athlon xp.

I have a a power supply from my PC, Coolmaster I think it's called. 500 watt. I plan on using that.

Last time I made a PC, I went from a T-bird to an Athlon xp2100. Every now and then I play around with upgrading, but I never go through with it. Now that my motherboard died on my old one. It's time for something new.

I'll keep updated on what I end up going with.

 

[Hyraxxx]

Alright I am all set. Except.. I can't decide on a motherboard. I don't want to spend more than $85 including shipping. Low budget Intel boards seem to suck very much compared to AMD capable boards. Someone's been telling me to avoid the G31 because it is old. should I be worried?

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Hyraxxx
Low budget Intel boards seem to suck very much compared to AMD capable boards. Someone's been telling me to avoid the G31 because it is old. should I be worried?

No. The G31 is a decent budget chipset as long as you know what the limitations are.

GOOD:
Dual channel RAM
Can take latest 45nm chips with highest FSB
Can overclock (depending on board & BIOS)
Cheap
PCIe x16
SATA II

BAD:
No RAID
No dual GPUs
Only two RAM slots
4GB RAM limit
Some boards have layouts where dual slot video cards cover SATA ports
And of course the integrated video isn't as good as on newer chipsets

 

[Hyraxxx]

Alright, those are no problems. I doubt I'll ever use RAID and worthwhile Dual-GPUs are out of my price range. 4GB is a lot. I ill only be using integrated video for a month. You think it can run Hellgate haha? I am hoping that the 7300 drops in price by monday. I've waited a little over a week because of it. I didn't want to buy it the 10th and 10 days later, it's $20 cheaper.

I'm thinking about picking up the $60 Gigabyte board with 5 eggs and 200+ reviews.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Hyraxxx
I ill only be using integrated video for a month. You think it can run Hellgate haha?

Don't expect the IGP to run games, unless it is Starcraft.

Those Gigabyte G31 boards are decent. I have two of them. Last I checked there were three different models available. Just check the specs carefully. One has only 6 channel audio (probably not an issue). Also, one of them "officially unofficially" supports 1600MHz FSB. I say that because the G31 chipset does not support it officially, but Gigabyte is selling it as capable of overclocking to those speeds.

Comparison

 

[Hyraxxx]

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: Hyraxxx
I ill only be using integrated video for a month. You think it can run Hellgate haha?

Don't expect the IGP to run games, unless it is Starcraft.

Those Gigabyte G31 boards are decent. I have two of them. Last I checked there were three different models available. Just check the specs carefully. One has only 6 channel audio (probably not an issue). Also, one of them "officially unofficially" supports 1600MHz FSB. I say that because the G31 chipset does not support it officially, but Gigabyte is selling it as capable of overclocking to those speeds.

Comparison

Argh! there is like barely any difference. And the cheaper one has the better audio. I think I will still go with the $60 one because of the 200+ reviews.