Computer Purchasing Help

[JmK]

Ok so here is the deal. I'm looking to get a new PC in January and just starting to throw around ideas. I will be moving to Japan after graduation and am looking for a PC I could potentially take in my carry-on on the flight to/back Japan and something that won't take up a slot of space when I get there. I have narrowed it down to three options. Let me know what you guys/girls think! 😎

Option 1
Lenovo Laptop
-Intel i7 2.4GHz
-Nvidia GT755M 2GB
-8GB ram
-blah blah blah
Total = $856

Option 2
Alienware x51 Console/Desktop
-Intel i7-4770 3.9GHz
-Nvidia 760 1.5GB
-8GB ram
-1TB 7200rpm HD
-330w power supply + Alienware case
-Measures: 12.5 x 3.7 x 13.5
Total = $1093.5

Option 3
Custom Micro Desktop
-Intel i5-4430 3.0GHz
-EVGA GTX760
-G.Skill ripjaw 8GB
-500gb 7200rpm HD
-Corshair 550w modular PSU
-ASRock B85M-ITX mobo
-Silverstone Mini-ITX Case
-Measures: 10.8 x 8.7 x 6.9
Total = $813

 

[Torn Mind]

You'll need to include Windows for that last one. Also, the SG05 only fits SFX PSUs, although Silverstone does offer the case with a Silverstone PSU included.

 

[JmK]

You'll need to include Windows for that last one. Also, the SG05 only fits SFX PSUs, although Silverstone does offer the case with a Silverstone PSU included.

Good call on the PSU. I already have windows 7 and 8, so not including that in the costs. 😛

 

[Charlie98]

What is your purpose for the machine? The top 2 builds have an i7...

As a rule, portability = laptop. ...and there is the pesky problem of a monitor and keyboard with a desktop or other SFF.

 

[JmK]

What is your purpose for the machine? The top 2 builds have an i7...

As a rule, portability = laptop. ...and there is the pesky problem of a monitor and keyboard with a desktop or other SFF.

Well I'm obviously going to game on it. But also want something that is going to last and not be a bitch to carry. I'm not too worried about having to carry a keyboard and mouse. The monitor ill buy in Japan. I know the laptop would be easy to carry around, but I'm thinking the desktop would be pretty easy as well. idk

 

[code65536]

Those CPUs are overkill for gaming; a good GPU and a passable CPU is all you need. Also, if you're going to be spending something in this budget range, it's crazy that you're not getting a SSD.

 

[JmK]

Those CPUs are overkill for gaming; a good GPU and a passable CPU is all you need. Also, if you're going to be spending something in this budget range, it's crazy that you're not getting a SSD.

I'm grabbing an SSD during black friday.

 

[Torn Mind]

The SG05 is like a giant, inflexible stack of 8x11 paper, 7 inches tall. They even make their own "SUGO-PACK" for it.

 

[lehtv]

Your OP is missing quite a bit of needed information. http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=80121

- Purpose: gaming. That's it?
- Preferred budget / max. budget?
- Location?
- Overclocking?
- Monitor resolution?

 

[Charlie98]

Well I'm obviously going to game on it.

Sorry... it isn't obvious, that's why I axed. 😎 An i7 is not a typical gamer chip.

 

[mfenn]

Prices in Japan are pretty decent IIRC, so why not just buy when you get there?

 

[JmK]

Your OP is missing quite a bit of needed information. http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=80121

- Purpose: gaming. That's it?
- Preferred budget / max. budget?
- Location?
- Overclocking?
- Monitor resolution?

Good call! Very new to the forums so didn't even realize lol.

Purpose: Mostly just gaming, just a home PC that I can easily move lol.
Budget: Around $800-$850. I could do more, but would like to keep it under.
Location: I won't be moving to Japan until May/June, so I'm looking to buy all this from amazon/newegg this January.
Overclocking: Probably not.
Monitor resolution? 1920 x 1080

 

[JmK]

Sorry... it isn't obvious, that's why I axed. 😎 An i7 is not a typical gamer chip.

*Was not trying to be rude btw lol*

And yeah you are right, I honestly forget that people build PCs for other activities. 😛 The only reason I would go with the i7 in the first two builds is because they come with it at not much of an up charge from the i5.

 

[JmK]

Prices in Japan are pretty decent IIRC, so why not just buy when you get there?

I'm looking at building this in January, but that might work! My girl, who just moved there, was telling me about a place near her house that is apparently an eight story electronics store that carries tons of PC parts.

 

[JmK]

The SG05 is like a giant, inflexible stack of 8x11 paper, 7 inches tall. They even make their own "SUGO-PACK" for it.

So you mean it wouldn't work for traveling, like putting it in the box/in my carry-on? I figured its not that big, but not as small depth wise as the x51.

 

[Torn Mind]

So you mean it wouldn't work for traveling, like putting it in the box/in my carry-on? I figured its not that big, but not as small depth wise as the x51.

Quite the contrary. I think it should work fine, although it'll be a little heavy (desktop replacement laptop heavy). Just giving some perspective. I don't have one, but the footprint of the case is quite amazing once you think about it.

 

[JmK]

Quite the contrary. I think it should work fine, although it'll be a little heavy (desktop replacement laptop heavy). Just giving some perspective. I don't have one, but the footprint of the case is quite amazing once you think about it.

Yeah, I measured it out today on a box I had lying around and I really think it would be perfect for what I'm looking for.

 

[mfenn]

OK, so January is a little far off to give specific advice on most parts (we don't know what the pricing will be like), but a general sketch is:

i5 4570 $200
Mini-ITX H87 mobo $100
8GB DDR3 $60
R9 270X $200
120GB SSD $100
1TB 2.5" 7200RPM HDD $90
Silverstone SFX 450W PSU $65
SG05 $40
Total: $855