Smallest gaming computer possible?

[gbryant]

I'm gonna be hotel hopping for the next year and I'd like to bring along something to game on. Since I don't need it to be mobile, only portable, I'd rather just have the smallest PC I could instead of an overpriced 'gaming' laptop (I've already got a netbook for other taks). I've been looking at some shuttle mini pcs but if possible I'd like something flatter that could still fit a full size GPU. I was in frys looking at media center cases but most don't look like they could fit the necessary power + gpu. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[IlllI]

small + gaming don't go well together. the smallest one with decent gaming is 15in models like this http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...oduct&id=1218092150636

 

[gbryant]

ah, I'm not looking for a laptop. I'm looking for a small form factor pc that can be used for gaming (fit a full size gpu).

 

[Zap]

How "full sized" of a graphics card do you want? That would determine space and power requirements.

Typically you can do a micro ATX setup. Normal small tower cases actually occupy less volume than cubes like the Thermaltake Lanbox. My current favorite for cheap and functional is the Cooler Master 341 micro ATX case. It has a mesh front and supports front/rear 120mm fans (comes with rear only) plus two 120mm fans on side panel. It is around 14" tall by around 15" deep and is slightly slimmer than most tower cases. I just got one, and I'm planning to put a Core i7 setup with a GTX 285 in it.

Next thing smaller would be either a Shuttle setup (but IIRC most/all of them can only support single-slot cards) or a Zotac GeForce 9300 mini ITX board with a Silverstone SG05. It can support a dual-slot card, but only 9" long meaning GeForce GTS 250 or Radeon 4850 maximum.

 

[yh125d]

Id go for the Zotac miniITX + GTS250 Zap suggested

 

[IlllI]

Originally posted by: gbryant
ah, I'm not looking for a laptop. I'm looking for a small form factor pc that can be used for gaming (fit a full size gpu).

well i guess i misread, but are you really going to be bringing along a lcd monitor too? if so why are you concerned about the size of it? might as well go with a tower if you are going to bring all that equipment.

 

[bloodugly]

I'd just get a regular tower with a good bag with a shoulder strap and call it a day if i was already having to carry a monitor. You have to also consider speakers unless you're using headphones. Scythe makes the Kama Bay speaker (Link)...its 4 small speakers, 2+2 in stereo, that fits in a 5.25 bay. You could put the tower right behind the monitor and kinda have decent stereo sound if you don't want to lug around speakers or use headphones.